And when he fails, oh, may he leave a son, And guard that faith for which I die to-day. [Lady Jane goes up to the scaffold. The scene closes. Enter PEMBROKE. Pem. Horror on horror! Blasted be the hand That struck my Guilford! Oh, his bleeding trunk Shall live in these distracted eyes for ever! Curse on thy fatal arts, thy cruel counsels! [To Gard. The queen is deaf, and pitiless as thou art. Gar. The just reward of heresy and treason Is fallen upon 'em both, for their vain obstinacy; Untimely death, with infamy on earth, And everlasting punishment hereafter. Pem. And canst thou tell? Who gave thee to explore The secret purposes of Heaven, or taught thee To set a bound to mercy unconfin'd? But know, thou proud, perversely-judging Winchester! Howe'er you hard, imperious censures doom, [Exeunt. EPILOGUE. THE palms of virtue heroes oft have worn; As greatly with her adverse fate comply'd, Did all that Heav'n could ask, resign'd, and dy'd; And gain'd that liberty she could not give. On whom so many better angels smile! For you, kind Heav'n new blessings still supplies, With fond surmise, and false affected fear: Confirm but to yourselves the given good; |