At which appear'd against him, his surveyor; 2 Gent. That fed him with his prophecies? 1 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: And so his peers, upon this evidence, 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 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 Surrey was sent thither, and in haste too, 2 Gent. Was a deep envious one. That trick of state, At his return, 1 Gent. 2 Gent. All the commons Hate him perniciously, and o'my conscience, Wish him ten fathom deep: this duke as much They love and dote on; call him, bounteous Buckingham, 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. And, if I have a conscience, let it sink me, Be what they will, I heartily forgive them: me, And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham, Go with me, like good angels, to my end; Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice, 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, 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, And duke of Buckingham; now, poor Edward Bohun : 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, (1) Close. Being distress'd, was by that wretch betray'd, Heaven has an end in all: Yet, you that hear me, And give your hearts to, when they once perceive But where they mean to sink ye. All good people, Farewell: me! And when you would say something that is sad, Speak how I fell.-I have done; and God forgive [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 wo: 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. Let me have it; I am confident; I do not talk much. 2 Gent. You shall, sir: Did you not of late days hear Between the king and Katharine? 1 Gent. Yes, but held not; For when the king once heard it, out of anger He sent command to the lord mayor, straight To stop the rumour, and allay those tongues That durst disperse it. 2 Gent. But that slander, sir, Fresher than e'er it was; and held for certain, 1 Gent. 'Tis the cardinal; And merely to revenge him on the emperor, For not bestowing on him, at his asking, The archbishopric of Toledo, this is purpos'd. 2 Gent. I think, you have hit the mark: But is't not cruel, That she should feel the smart of this? The cardinal Will have his will, and she must fall. 'Tis woful. [Exeunt. 1 Gent. We are too open here to argue this; Let's think in private more. SCENE II-An ante-chamber in the palace. Enter the Lord Chamberlain, reading a letter. Cham. My lord,-The horses your lordship sent for, with all the care I had, I saw well chosen, ridden, and furnished. They were young, and hand (1) Great fidelity. |