A scepter, snatch'd with an unruly hand, That John may stand, then Arthur needs must fall; So be it, for it cannot be but so. Lew. But what shall I gain by young Arthur's fall? Pand. You, in the right of lady Blanch your wife, May then make all the claim that Arthur did. Lew. And lose it, life and all, as Arthur did. Pand. How green you are, and fresh in this old world! John lays you plots; the times conspire with you: But hold himself safe in his prisonment. Pand. O, sir, when he shall hear of your approach, you, If that young Arthur be not gone already, For England go; I will whet on the king. Lew. Strong reasons make strong actions: Let us go; If you say, ay, the king will not say, no. [Exeunt. ACT IV. SCENE I. NORTHAMPTON. A ROOM IN THE CASTLE. Enter Hubert, and two Attendants. Hub. Heat me these irons hot; and, look thou stand Within the arras: when I strike my foot Upon the bosom of the ground, rush forth; deed. to't. Hub. Uncleanly scruples! Fear not you: look [Exeunt Attendants. Young lad, come forth; I have to say with you. Enter Arthur. Good morrow, little prince. Arth. Good morrow, Hubert. Hub. Arth. As little prince (having so great a title To be more prince,) as may be. You are sad. Hub. Indeed, I have been merrier. Arth. Mercy on me! Methinks, no body should be sad but I: Yet, I remember, when I was in France, Young gentlemen would be as sad as night, Only for wantonness. By my christendom, So I were out of prison, and kept sheep, I should be as merry as the day is long; And so I would be here, but that I doubt Is it my fault that I was Geffrey's son? No, indeed, is't not; And I would to heaven, day: In sooth, I would you were a little sick; Hub. His words do take possession of my bosom.— Read here, young Arthur. [Showing a paper.] How now, foolish rheum! Turning dispiteous torture out of door! [Aside. Arth. Too fairly, Hubert, for so foul effect: Must you with hot irons burn out both mine eyes? Hub. Young boy, I must. I knit my handkerchief about your brows, And with my hand at midnight held your head; And, like the watchful minutes to the hour, If heaven be pleas'd that you must use me ill, So much as frown on you? Hub. I have sworn to do it; And with hot irons must I burn them out. Arth. Ah, none, but in this iron age, would do it! The iron of itself, though heat red-hot, Approaching near these eyes, would drink my tears, And quench his fi'ry indignation, Even in the matter of mine innocence: Nay, after that, consume away in rust, Are you more stubborn-hard than hammer'd iron? And told me, Hubert should put out mine eyes, I would not have believ'd no tongue, but Hubert's. Hub. Come forth. [Stamps. Re-enter Attendants, with cord, irons, &c. Do as I bid you do. Arth. O, save me, Hubert, save me! my eyes are out, |