*Resign to death, it is not worth the enjoying: *Faster than spring-time showers, comes thought on thought; *And not a thought, but thinks on dignity. * My brain, more busy than the labouring spider, * I fear me, you but warm the starved snake, * Who, cherish'd in your breasts, will sting your hearts. 'Twas men I lack'd, and you will give them me: 'I take it kindly; yet, be well assur'd You put sharp weapons in a madman's hands. Whiles I in Ireland nourish a mighty band, *I will stir up in England some black storm, *Shall blow ten thousand souls to heaven, or hell: * And this fell tempest shall not cease to rage * Until the golden circuit on my head, * Like to the glorious sun's transparent beams, * Do calm the fury of this mad-bred flaw." And, for a minister of my intent, I have seduc'd a head-strong Kentishman, To make commotion, as full well he can, * In Ireland have I seen this stubborn Cade * Oppose himself against a troop of kernes ;" * And fought so long, till that his thighs with darts *Shaking the bloody darts, as he his bells. * Full often, like a shag-hair'd crafty kerne, *Hath he conversed with the enemy; y STEEVENS. mad-bred flaw.] Flaw is a sudden violent gust of wind.-JOHNSON. a troop of kernes ;] Kernes were light-armed Irish foot-soldiers. a — a wild Morisco,] A Moor in a military dance, now called morris, that is, a Moorish dance.-JOHNSON. *And undiscover'd come to me again, I know, no pain, they can inflict upon him, ́ Will make him şay-I mov'd him to those arms. Say, that he thrive, (as 'tis great like he will,) Why, then from Ireland come I with my strength, SCENE II. Bury. A Room in the Palace. Enter certain Murderers, hastily. [Exit. 1 Mur. Run to my lord of Suffolk; let him know, * We have despatch'd the duke, as he commanded. *2 Mur. O, that it were to do!—What have we done? * Didst ever hear a man so penitent? Now, sirs, have you Ay, my good lord, he's dead. Suf. Why, that's well said. Go, get you to my house; I will reward you for this venturous deed. The king and all the peers are here at hand : • Have you laid fair the bed? are all things well, According as I gave directions? Enter King HENRY, Queen MARGARET, Cardinal BEAUFORT, SOMERSET, Lords, and others. K. Hen. Go, call our uncle to our presence straight: Say, we intend to try his grace to-day, If he be guilty, as 'tis published. Suf. I'll call him presently, my noble lord. [Exit. K. Hen. Lords, take your places;-And, I pray you all, • Proceed no straiter 'gainst our uncle Gloster, Than from true evidence, of good esteem, 'He be approv'd in practice culpable. *Q. Mar. God forbid any malice should prevail, * That faultless may condemn a nobleman! * Pray God, he may acquit him of suspicion! *K. Hen. I thank thee, Margaret; these words content me much. Re-enter SUFFOLK. How now? why look'st thou pale? why tremblest thou? • Where is our uncle? what is the matter, Suffolk ? Suf. Dead in his bed, my lord; Gloster is dead. * Q. Mar. Marry, God forefend! * Car. God's secret judgment:-I did dream to-night, * The duke was dumb, and could not speak a word. [The King swoons. Q. Mar. How fares my lord ?-Help, lords! the king is dead. *Som. Rear up his body; wring him by the nose. * Q. Mar. Run, go, help, help!—O, Henry, ope thine eyes! Suf. He doth revive again;-Madam, be patient. *K. Hen. O heavenly God! * Q. Mar. How fares my gracious lord? Suf. Comfort, my sovereign! gracious Henry, comfort! K. Hen. What, doth my lord of Suffolk comfort me? Came he right now to sing a raven's note, *Whose dismal tune bereft my vital powers; And thinks he, that the chirping of a wren, b right now-] Just now, even now.-JOHNSON. |