To him brought, viva voce, to his face : At which appear'd against him, his surveyor; Sir Gilbert Peck his chancellor; and John Court, Hopkins, that made this mischief. Would have flung from him, but, indeed, he could not: And so his peers, upon this evidence, Have found him guilty of high treason. Much Was either pitied in him, or forgotten. 2 Gent. After all this, how did he bear himself? 1 Gent. When he was brought again to the bar, to hear His knell rung out, his judgement,—he was stirr'd In all the rest show'd a most noble patience. Sure, he does not, He never was so womanish; the cause By all conjectures: First, Kildare's attainder, Earl Surrey was sent thither, and in haste too, Lest he should help his father. 2 Gent. Was a deep envious one. 1 Gent. That trick of state At his return, No doubt, he will requite it. This is noted, All the commons 2 Gent. Hate him perniciously, and, o' my conscience, Wish him ten fathom deep: this duke as much They love and dote on; call him, bounteous Buck ingham, The mirror of all courtesy ;— 1 Gent. Stay there, sir, And see the noble ruin'd man you speak of. Enter BUCKINGHAM from his arraignment; Tipstaves before him, the axe with the edge towards him; halberds on each side: with him, Sir THOMAS LOVELL, Sir NICHOLAS VAUX, Sir WILLIAM SANDS, and common people. 2 Gent. Let's stand close, and behold him. Buck. All good people, You that thus far have come to pity me, I have this day receiv'd a traitor's judgement, And by that name must die; Yet, heaven bear witness, And, if I have a conscience, let it sink me, Even as the axe falls, if I be not faithful! The law I bear no malice for my death, It has done, upon the premises, but justice; But those, that sought it, I could wish more christians: Yet let them look they glory not in mischief, Nor will I sue, although the king have mercies me, And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham, His noble friends, and fellows, whom to leave Is only bitter to him, only dying, Go with me, like good angels, to my end ; And, as the long divorce of steel falls on me, Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice, And lift my soul to heaven.-Lead on, o' God's name. Lov. I do beseech your grace, for charity, If ever any malice in your heart Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly. As I would be forgiven: I forgive all ; There cannot be those numberless offences You met him half in heaven: my vows and prayers Lov. To the water side I must conduct your grace; Then give my charge up to sir Nicholas Vaux, Who undertakes you to your end. Vaux. Prepare there, The duke is coming: see, the barge be ready; And fit it with such furniture, as suits The greatness of his person. Buck. Nay, sir Nicholas, Let it alone; my state now will but mock me. When I came hither, I was lord high constable, Yet I am richer than my base accusers, That never knew what truth meant: I now seal it; And with that blood will make them one day groan for't. My noble father, Henry of Buckingham, Who first rais'd head against usurping Richard, Flying for succour to his servant Banister, Restor'd me to my honours, and, out of ruins, And, must needs say, a noble one; which makes me A little happier than my wretched father: Yet thus far we are one in fortunes,-Both Fell by our servants, by those men we lov'd most; Heaven has an end in all: Yet, you that hear me, Where you are liberal of your loves, and counsels, friends, And give your hearts to, when they once perceive Like water from ye, never found again But where they mean to sink ye. All good people, Pray for me! I must now forsake ye; the last hour Of my long weary life is come upon me. Farewell: And when you would say something that is sad, Speak how I fell.—I have done; and God forgive [Exeunt Buckingham and Train. me! 1 Gent. O, this is full of pity!-Sir, it calls, I fear, too many curses on their heads, That were the authors. 2 Gent. If the duke be guiltless, "Tis full of woe: yet I can give you inkling |