Page 206 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

Discredit more in hiding of the fault
Than did the fault before it was so patch’d.

SALISBURY
To this effect, before you were new crown’d, [35]
We breath’d our counsel: but it pleas’d your highness
To overbear it, and we are all well pleas’d,

Since all and every part of what we would
Doth make a stand at what your highness will.

KING JOHN
Some reasons of this double coronation [40]
I have possess’d you with, and think them strong;

And more, more strong than lesser is my fear,
I shall indue you with: meantime but ask
What you would have reform’d that is not well,
And well shall you perceive how willingly [45]

I will both hear and grant you your requests.

PEMBROKE
Then I, as one that am the tongue of these,
To sound the purposes of all their hearts,
Both for myself and them, but, chief of all,

Your safety, for the which, myself and them, [50]
Bend their best studies, heartily request
Th’ enfranchisement of Arthur: whose restraint
Doth move the murmuring lips of discontent
To break into this dangerous argument:

If what in rest you have in right you hold, [55]
Why then your fears, which, as they say, attend
The steps of wrong, should move you to mew up

Your tender kinsman, and to choke his days
With barbarous ignorance, and deny his youth
The rich advantage of good exercise? [60]
That the time’s enemies may not have this
To grace occasions, let it be our suit

That you have bid us ask his liberty;
Which for our goods we do no further ask