O, God save you! Even to the hall, to hear what shall become 1 Gent. I'll save you That labour, sir. All's now done, but the ceremony Of bringing back the prisoner. 2 Gent. 1 Gent. Yes, indeed, was I. 2 Gent. Were you there? Pray, speak, what has happened? 1 Gent. You may guess quickly what. 2 Gent. Is he found guilty? 1 Gent. Yes, truly is he, and condemn'd upon it. 2 Gent. I am sorry for't. 1 Gent. So are a number more. 2 Gent. But, pray, how pass'd it? 1 Gent. I'll tell you in a little. The great duke Came to the bar; where, to his accusations, He pleaded still, not guilty, and alleg'd Urg'd on the examinations, proofs, confessions At which appear'd against him, his surveyor; 2 Gent. That was he, The same. All these accus'd him strongly; which he fain Would have flung from him, but, indeed, he could not: Have found him guilty of high treason. Much 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 judgment, he was stirr'd With such an agony, he sweat extremely, And something spoke in choler, ill, and hasty: But he fell to himself again, and, sweetly, In all the rest show'd a most noble patience. 2 Gent. I do not think, he fears death. 1 Gent. Sure, he does not. He never was so womanish: the cause He may a little grieve at. 2 Gent. The cardinal is the end of this. 1 Gent. Certainly, "Tis likely, By all conjectures: First, Kildare's attainder, Earl Surry was sent thither, and in haste too, 2 Gent. That trick of state At his return, No doubt, he will requite it. This is noted, 2 Gent.. All the commons Hate him perniciously, and, o'my conscience, 1 Gent. 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, Hear what I say, and then go home and lose me. I have this day receiv'd a traitor's judgment, And by that name must die; Yet, heaven bear witness, 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 More than I dare make faults. You few that lov'd me, Go with me, like good angels, to my end; 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. There cannot be those numberless offences 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 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, And duke of Buckingham; now, poor Edward Bohun: Yet I am richer than my base accusers, That never knew what truth meant: 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, Made my name once more noble. Now his son, Heaven has an end in all: Yet, you that hear me, Where you are liberal of your loves, and counsels, 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 me! [Exeunt Buckingham and Train. 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 Of an ensuing evil, if it fall, Greater than this. 1 Gent. Good angels keep it from us! Where may it be? You do not doubt my faith, sir? 2 Gent. This secret is so weighty, 'twill require A strong faith to conceal it. 1 Gent. I do not talk much. 2 Gent. Let me have it ; I am confident; You shall, sir: Did you not of late days hear A buzzing, of a separation Between the king and Katharine? |