Lew. There's nothing in this world can make me joy : Life is as tedious as a twice-told tale Vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man; And bitter shame hath spoil'd the sweet world's taste, That it yields nought but shame and bitterness. Pand. Before the curing of a strong disease, Lew. All days of glory, joy, and happiness. "Tis strange to think how much King John hath lost Are not you griev'd that Arthur is his prisoner? 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 : For he that steeps his safety in true blood Shall find but bloody safety and untrue. This act, so evilly borne, shall cool the hearts Of all his people, and freeze up their zeal, That none so small advantage shall step forth To check his reign, but they will cherish it; No natural exhalation in the sky, No scape of nature, no distemper'd day, No common wind, no customed event, But they will pluck away his natural cause, And call them meteors, prodigies, and signs, Abortives, presages, and tongues of heaven, Plainly denouncing vengeance upon John. Lew. May be, he will not touch young Arthur's life, But hold himself safe in his prisonment. Pand. O, sir, when he shall hear of your approach, Anon becomes a mountain. O noble dauphin Go with me to the king: 'tis wonderful What may be wrought out of their discontent, Lew. Strong reasons make strong actions: let us go; If you say ay, the king will not say no. [Exeunt. SCENE I-Northampton. A Room in the Castle.1 Enter HUBERT and two Attendants. Hub. Heat me these irons hot; and look thou stand Upon the bosom of the ground, rush forth, First Attend. I hope your warrant will bear out the deed. [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. Mercy on me! Arth. Is it my fault that I was Geffrey's son ? [Aside. Arth. Are you sick, Hubert? you look pale to-day : In sooth, I would you were a little sick, That I might sit all night, and watch with you: I warrant I love you more than you do me. Hub. His words do take possession of my bosom. Read here, young Arthur [Shewing a paper]. How now, rheum! Turning dispiteous torture out of door! I must be brief; lest resolution drop Arth. Too fairly, Hubert, for so foul effect: Must you with hot irons burn out both mine eyes? Arth And will you? foolish |