A still and quiet conscience. The king has cur'd me, A load would sink a navy, too much honor: Crom.-I am glad, your grace has made that right use of it. Wol.-I hope I have: I am able now, methinks, To endure more miseries, and greater far, 10 Crom.-The next is, that Sir Thomas Moore is chosen Lord Chancellor in your place. Wol.-That's somewhat sudden: But he's a learned man.- May he continue 'em! Crom.-That Cranmer is return'd with welcome, Wol.-That's news indeed. 20 Crom. Last that the lady Anne, Whom the king hath in secrecy long married, This day was view'd in open, as his queen, Going to chapel, and the voice is now Only about her coronation. Wol.-There was the weight that pull'd me down. The king has gone beyoud me; all my glories In that one woman I have lost forever: No sun shall ever usher forth mine honors, Or gild again the noble troops that waited Upon my smiles. Go, get thee from me, Cromwell,10 I am a poor fallen man, unworthy now To be thy lord and master; seek the king; That sun, I pray, may never set! I have told him What and how true thou art: he will advance thee; Some little memory of me will stir him 15 (I know his noble nature) not to let Thy hopeful service perish too: good Cromwell, Crom. O my lord, 20 Must I then leave you? must I needs forego 25 Wol.-Cromwell, I did not think to shed a tear In all my miseries; but thou hast fore'd me Out of thy honest truth to play the woman. 29 Let's dry our eyes: and thus far hear me, Cromwell And, when I am forgotten as I shall be ; And sleep in dull cold marble, where no mention Of me more must be heard of,—say, I taught thec. And sounded all the depths and shoals of honor, By that sin fell the angels, how can man then, 9 Love thyself last: cherish those hearts that hate thee; Corruption wins not more than honesty. Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace, To silence envious tongues. Be just, and fear not; Thy God's, and truth's; then if thou fall'st, O Cromwell, ' Thou fall'st a blessed martyr. Serve the king: 16 And, -pr'ythee, lead me in: There take an inventory of all I have, To the last penny: 'tis the king's: my robe, And my integrity to heaven, is all 20 I dare now call my own. O Cromwell, Cromwell, I serv'd my king, he would not in miuc age Crom. Good sir, have patience. Wol. So I have. Farewell The hopes of court! my hopes in heaven do dwell. THE DEATH OF CLEOPATRA.* Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, committed suicide by means of an *This extract is introduced as an exercise on elliptical sentences. In analyzing, the learner should supply words necessary to complete the sentences. Cleopatra addresses her attendants, Charmian and Iras. Cleo. Give me my robe; put on my crown; I have [Cleopatra kisses her attendants; Iras dies.] Have I the aspic in my lips? Dost fall? The stroke of death is as a lover's pinch, Which hurts, and is desired. Dost thou lie still? It is not worth leave-taking. 5 10 15 Charmian. Dissolve thick cloud, and rain; that I may say, The gods themselves do weep! Cleo. 21 This proves me base: He'll make demand of her; and spend that kiss 25 If she first meet the curled Antony, Which is my heaven to have. 1 Yare, nimbly.. Antony was the husband of Cleopatra. He was already dead. [She applies the asp, and says to it] Come, mortal wretch, With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate Of life, at once, untie: poor venomous fool, Dost thou not see my baby at my breast, 5 That sucks the nurse asleep? [Referring to the asp which lies upon her breast. Char. O, break! O, break! Cleo. As sweet as balm, as soft as air, as gentle, 10 O Antony!-Nay I will take thee too, [She applies another asp.] What should I stay [She falls and dies.] Char. In this wild world? So, fare thee well.— 15 Of eyes again so royal! Your crown's awry; 1st Guard. Where is the queen? Char. Too slow a messenger. [Applies the Asp, O, come apace, despatch: I partly feel thee. 1s: Guard. Approach, ho! All's not well: Cæsar's beguil'd. 2d Guard. There's Dolabella sent from Cæsar;-call him. 1st Guard. What work is here? Charmian, is this well done? |