1 Gent. So are a number more. 2 Gent. But, pray, how passed 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 alleged Many sharp reasons to defeat the law. The king's attorney, on the contrary, Urged on the examinations, proofs, confessions Of divers witnesses; which the duke desired To have brought, viva voce, to his face : At which appeared against him, his surveyor; Sir Gilbert Peck his chancellor; and John Court, Confessor to him; with that devil-monk, Hopkins, that made this mischief. 2 Gent. That fed him with his prophecies ? 1 Gent. That was he The same. All these accused him strongly; which he fain Would have flung from him, but, indeed, he could not; He spoke, and learnedly, for life; but all Was either pitied in him, or forgotten. Much 2 Gent. After all this, how did he bear himself? His knell rung out, his judgment, he was stirred Sure, he does not; He never was so womanish; the cause 2 Gent. Certainly, 'Tis likely, The cardinal is the end of this. 1 Gent. By all conjectures. First, Kildare's attainder, Earl Surrey was sent thither, and in haste too, 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, 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 Bucking ham, The mirror of all courtesy ; 1 Gent. Stay there, sir, And see the noble, ruined 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,1 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 received a traitor's judgment, And by that name must die. Yet, Heaven bear witness, Yet let them look they glory not in mischief, 1 The old copy reads " Sir Walter." The correction is justified by Holinshed. 1 Nor build their evils on the graves of great men ; Nor will I sue, although the king have mercies More than I dare make faults. You few that loved 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, And lift my soul to heaven.-Lead on, o' God's name. If ever any malice in your heart Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly. There cannot be those numberless offences 2 'Gainst me, I can't take peace with no black envy 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; The greatness of his person. Buck. Nay, sir Nicholas, Let it alone; my state now will but mock me. And duke of Buckingham; now, poor Edward Bohun :1 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 raised head against usurping Richard, Being distressed, was by that wretch betrayed, And, must needs say, a noble one; which makes me 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, 1 The name of the duke of Buckingham most generally known was Stafford; it is said that he affected the surname of Bohun, because he was lord high constable of England by inheritance of tenure from the Bohuns. Shakspeare follows Holinshed. 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. Where may Good angels keep it from us! 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 Between the king and Katharine? 1 Gent. Yes, but it held not; 2 Gent. As all think, for this business. 'Tis the cardinal; 1 Gent. 2 Gent. I think you have hit the mark; but is't not cruel, 1 Great fidelity. |