And gave your luxuries the name of virtues. The robbers, the corrupters of mankind, Proud vagabonds! - who make the world your home, And lord it where you have no right. What virtue have you taught? Val. Humanity. Van. Oh patience! Val. Can you disown a truth confessed by all? Our conquests are indulgences, and we Van. Prevaricating, false- - most courteous tyrants; Romans! Rare patterns of humanity! Came you then here, thus far through waves to conquer, To waste, to plunder out of mere compassion? Is it humanity that prompts you on To ravage the whole earth, to burn, destroy? Val. I mean not to reproach your ancestors. Lions in spirit, cruel beyond men ; Your altars reeking oft with human blood: Nor will I urge you further on your merits. I come instructed, Sir, to offer peace, The peace that Didius offers, Valens sues for; And to deserve once more the name of friend. Van. Deliver up the queen, send back my daughter: This done, we may be brought to treat of peace. Val. Therein the dignity, the faith of Claudius, Would highly suffer. Van. Is then the dignity, The faith of Claudius, founded on injustice? Fit emperor indeed to govern Romans ! Val. Yet after this you married Cartismand! Van. I was ambitious, — that I learn'd from you. That I did wed with treachery, and was a friend To Romans, is the whole reproach of Vanoc, But they and she combined have clear'd my honor, And when I stain it by forgiving either, Let my own subjects brand me for a coward. Val. Talk not of honor, prince, an empty sound, To me at least you should have spared the boast : Val. Do I calumniate? Ungrateful Vanoc, To And I, by faithful services, deserved her. Van. My daughter! — No! — Were it to save her life, she should not wed Val. Then hear me, proud Cornavian ! - She shall not wed, she shall not be a wife, As I please :- - she is my right; my property. We thank you that there needs no further courtship. I can command her, and she must comply. This roof protects thy rashness; but begone. If thou should'st dare to violate my child, Nor shall you buy my friendship with your empire. And let him pass unquestion'd. (Exit.) Val. The king is much incensed-alas! he knows not How far a lover's tongue belies his heart! Mine are fond menaces; the throes of love. T CARDINAL WOLSEY AND CROMWELL. Wolsey. Farewell, a long farewell to all my greatness! More pangs [Enter Cromwell.] Why, how now, Cromwell? Cromwell. I have no power to speak, sir. Wol. What! amazed at my misfortunes? Can thy spirit wonder A great man should decline? Nay, if you weep, I'm fallen indeed. Crom. How does your Grace? Wol. Why, well; Never so truly happy, my good Cromwell. I know myself now, and I feel within me A peace above all earthly dignities; A still and quiet conscience. The king has cured me, A load would sink a navy, too much honor. Crom. I'm glad your Grace has made that right use of it. Wol. I hope I have: I'm able now, methinks, Out of a fortitude of soul I feel, To endure more miseries, and greater far, Than my weak-hearted enemies dare offer. What news abroad? Crom. The heaviest and the worst Is your displeasure with the king. Wol. God bless him. Crom. The next is, that Sir Thomas More is chosen Lord Chancellor in your place. Wol. That's somewhat sudden · But he's a learned man. May he continue For truth's sake and his conscience; that his bones, Crom. That Cranmer is returned with welcome; Wol. That's news indeed. Crom. Last, that the Lady Anne, Whom the king hath in secrecy long married, Going to chapel; and the voice is now Only about her coronation. Wol. There was the weight that pulled me down, O Cromwell! The king has gone beyond me: all my glories |