Page 1651 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

Nor build their evils on the graves of great men,
For then my guiltless blood must cry against ’em.
For further life in this world I ne’er hope,
Nor will I sue, although the King have mercies [70]

More than I dare make faults. You few that loved me,
And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham,
His noble friends and fellows, whom to leave
Is only bitter to him, only dying,

Go with me like good angels to my end, [75]
And as the long divorce of steel falls on me
Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice,
And lift my soul to heaven. Lead on a God’s name.

LOVELL
I do beseech your grace, for charity,

If ever any malice in your heart [80]
Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly.

BUCKINGHAM
Sir Thomas Lovell, I as free forgive you
As I would be forgiven: I forgive all.

There cannot be those numberless offences
’Gainst me that I cannot take peace with. No black envy [85]
Shall mark my grave. Commend me to his grace,
And if he speak of Buckingham, pray tell him

You met him half in heaven: my vows and prayers
Yet are the King’s and till my soul forsake
Shall cry for blessings on him. May he live [90]
Longer than I have time to tell his years;

Ever beloved and loving may his rule be;
And, when old time shall lead him to his end,
Goodness and he fill up one monument.

LOVELL
To th’waterside I must conduct your grace, [95]
Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux,

Who undertakes you to your end.