Richard, who sway'd the sceptre, was reputed Daw. Whither speeds his boldness? K. Hen. O, let him range: The player's on the stage still, 'tis his part; War. Bosworth Field; Where, at an instant, to the world's amazement, Might have befriended others, like resolv'd. K. Hen. A pretty gallant! thus, your aunt of Your dutchess aunt inform'd her nephew; so Till, learnt by heart, 'tis now received for truth. War. Truth, in her pure simplicity, wants art To put a feigned blush on: scorn wears only Such fashion as commends to gazers' eyes Sad ulcerated novelty, far beneath The sphere of majesty: in such a court Wisdom and gravity are proper robes, By which the sovereign is best distinguish'd From zanies to his greatness. K. Hen. Sirrah, shift Your antick pageantry, and now appear In your own nature, or you'll taste the danger War. I expect No less, than what severity calls justice, And politicians safety; let such beg As feed on alms: but, if there can be mercy Descend to these poor creatures, whose engagements, To th' bettering of their fortunes, have incurr'd Flow from some noble orator, in death, K. Hen. So brave! What a bold knave is this! Which of these rebels Has been the mayor of Cork? Daw. This wise formality: Kneel to the king, ye rascals! K. Hen. Canst thou hope [They kneel. A pardon, where thy guilt is so apparent? J. a-Wat. Under your good favours, as men are men, they may err; for I confess, respectively, in taking great parts, the one side prevailing, the other side must go down: herein the point is clear, if the proverb hold, that hanging goes by destiny, that it is to little purpose to say, this thing, or that, shall be thus, or thus; for, as the fates will have it, so it must be; and who can help it? Daw. O blockhead! thou a privy-counsellor ? Beg life, and cry aloud, Henry!" "Heaven save king J. a-Wat. Every man knows what is best, as it happens; for my own part, I believe it is true, if I be not deceived, that kings must be kings, and subjects subjects: but which is which, you shall pardon me for that;-whether we speak or hold our peace, all are mortal, no man knows his end. K. Hen. We trifle time with follies. All. Mercy, mercy! K. Hen. Urswick, command the dukeling and these fellows [They rise. To Digby, the lieutenant of the Tower: With safety let them be convey'd to London. It is our pleasure no uncivil outrage, Taunts, or abuse be suffer'd to their persons; They shall meet fairer law than they deserve. Time may restore their wits, whom vain ambition Hath many years distracted. War. Noble thoughts Meet freedom in captivity: the Tower? Our childhood's dreadful nursery. K. Hen. No more! Urs. Come, come, you shall have leisure to bethink you. [Exit URS. with PERKIN and his followers, guarded. K. Hen. Was ever so much impudence in forgery? The custom sure of being stiled a king, Hath fasten'd in his thought that he is such; But we shall teach the lad another language: 'Tis good we have him fast. Daw. The hangman's physic Yet we could temper mercy with extremity, Enter OXFORD, KATHERINE in her richest Attire, DALYELL, JANE, and Attendants. Orf. Great sir, be pleased, With your accustom'd grace, to entertain K. Hen. Oxford, herein We must beshrew thy knowledge of our nature. As both are now befriended, sir; however, K. Hen. Our arms Shall circle them from malice-a sweet lady! Kath. Oh, sir, I have a husband. K. Hen. We'll prove your father, husband, friend, and servant, Prove what you wish to grant us. Lords, be careful A thousand pounds from our exchequer yearly, Kath. But my husband? K. Hen. By all descriptions, you are noble Dal yell, Whose generous truth hath famed a rare obser vance. We thank you; 'tis a goodness gives addition Dal. Worthier than your praises, Right princely sir, I need not glory in. K. Hen. Embrace him, lords. Whoever calls you mistress, Is lifted in our charge:-a goodlier beauty Kath. Cruel misery Of fate! what rests to hope for? K. Hen. Forward, lords, To London. Fair, ere long, I shall present you With a glad object, peace, and Huntley's blessing. [Exeunt. |