Page 494 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

And the Protector’s wife, beloved of him?
Hast thou not worldly pleasure at command [45]
Above the reach or compass of thy thought?
And wilt thou still be hammering treachery
To tumble down thy husband and thyself
From top of honour to disgrace’s feet?
Away from me, and let me hear no more! [50]

ELEANOR

What, what, my lord? Are you so choleric
With Eleanor for telling but her dream?
Next time I’ll keep my dreams unto myself
And not be checked.

GLOUCEST ER

Nay, be not angry; I am pleased again. [55]

Enter [a] Messenger.

MESSENGER

My Lord Protector, ’tis his highness’ pleasure
You do prepare to ride unto Saint Albans
Where as the king and queen do mean to hawk.

GLOUCEST ER

I go. - Come, Nell, thou wilt ride with us?

ELEANOR

Yes, my good lord, I’ll follow presently. [60]
Exit Gloucester [with Messenger].

Follow I must: I cannot go before
While Gloucester bears this base and humble mind.
Were I a man, a duke, and next of blood,
I would remove these tedious stumbling-blocks
And smooth my way upon their headless necks. [65]
And, being a woman, I will not be slack
To play my part in Fortune’s pageant. -
Where are you there? Sir John! Nay, fear not, man,
We are alone; here’s none but thee and I.

Enter Hume.