Page 1623 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Or but allay the fire of passion.

BUCKINGHAM
Sir,
I am thankful to you, and I’ll go along [150]
By your prescription; but this top-proud fellow −
Whom from the flow of gall I name not, but

From sincere motions − by intelligence,
And proofs as clear as founts in July when
We see each grain of gravel, I do know [155]

To be corrupt and treasonous.

NORFOLK

Say not treasonous.

BUCKINGHAM
To th’King I’ll say’t, and make my vouch as strong
As shore of rock. Attend: this holy fox,
Or wolf, or both (for he is equal ravenous
As he is subtle, and as prone to mischief [160]

As able to perform’t) his mind and place
Infecting one another, yea, reciprocally,
Only to show his pomp, as well in France

As here at home, suggests the King our master
To this last costly treaty, th’interview [165]
That swallowed so much treasure, and like a glass
Did break i’th’wrenching.

NORFOLK
Faith, and so it did.

BUCKINGHAM
Pray give me favour, sir: this cunning Cardinal

The articles o’th’combination drew
As himself pleased; and they were ratified [170]
As he cried “Thus let be”, to as much end

As give a crutch to th’dead. But our Count-Cardinal