Page 1652 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

VAUX

Prepare there
The Duke is coming: see the barge be ready,
And fit it with such furniture as suits

The greatness of his person.

BUCKINGHAM

Nay, Sir Nicholas, [100]
Let it alone; my state now will but mock me.
When I came hither, I was Lord High Constable
And Duke of Buckingham; now, poor Edward Bohun.

Yet I am richer than my base accusers
That never knew what truth meant. I now seal it, [105]
And with that blood will make ’em one day groan for’t.
My noble father, Henry of Buckingham,

Who first raised head against usurping Richard,
Flying for succour to his servant Banister,
Being distressed, was by that wretch betrayed, [110]
And without trial fell; God’s peace be with him!

Henry the Seventh succeeding, truly pitying
My father’s loss, like a most royal prince
Restored me to my honours, and out of ruins
Made my name once more noble. Now his son, [115]

Henry the Eighth, life, honour, name, and all
That made me happy, at one stroke has taken
For ever from the world. I had my trial,
And must needs say a noble one; which makes me

A little happier than my wretched father; [120]
Yet thus far we are one in fortunes: both
Fell by our servants, by those men we loved most:
A most unnatural and faithless service.

Heaven has an end in all; yet, you that hear me,
This from a dying man receive as certain: [125]
Where you are liberal of your loves and counsels
Be sure you be not loose; for those you make friends

And give your hearts to, when they once perceive
The least rub in your fortunes, fall away
Like water from ye, never found again [130]