Page 529 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

GLOUCEST ER

Ten is the hour that was appointed me
To watch the coming of my punished duchess;
Uneath may she endure the flinty streets,
To tread them with her tender-feeling feet.
Sweet Nell, ill can thy noble mind abrook [10]
The abject people gazing on thy face,
With envious looks laughing at thy shame,
That erst did follow thy proud chariot-wheels
When thou didst ride in triumph through the streets.
But soft, I think she comes; and I’ll prepare [15]
My tear-stained eyes to see her miseries.

Enter the Duchess [Eleanor barefoot] in a white sheet, [and verses
written on her back and pinned on,] and a taper burning in her hand, with

[Sir John Stanley,] the Sheriff, and Officers [with bills and halberds].

SERVANT

So please your grace, we’ll take her from the sheriff.

GLOUCEST ER

No, stir not for your lives: let her pass by.

ELEANOR

Come you, my lord, to see my open shame?
Now thou dost penance too. Look how they gaze! [20]
See how the giddy multitude do point,
And nod their heads, and throw their eyes on thee.
Ah, Gloucester, hide thee from their hateful looks
And, in thy closet pent up, rue my shame,
And ban thine enemies, both mine and thine. [25]

GLOUCEST ER

Be patient, gentle Nell, forget this grief.

ELEANOR

Ah, Gloucester, teach me to forget myself:
For whilst I think I am thy married wife
And thou a prince, Protector of this land,
Methinks I should not thus be led along, [30]