horrible in it. As for me, I respect neither women or men for their gender, nor own any sex in a pen. I choose just to hint to some causeless unfriends that, as far as I know, there are always two ends (and one of them heaviest, too) to a staff, and two parties also to every good laugh. LESSON CLXI. Scene from the Tragedy of King John.-SHAKSPEARE. Prince ARTHUR, HUBERT, and ATTENDANTS. Scene. A room in the castle, Northampton. Enter HUBERT and two ATTENDANTS. Hubert. HEAT me these irons hot; and, look thou stand Within the arras: when I strike my foot Upon the bosom of the ground, rush forth, And bind the boy, which you shall find with me, 1 Attendant. I hope your warrant will bear out the deed Hub. Uncleanly scruples! Fear not you: look to 't. — [Exeunt Attendants Young lad, come forth; I have to say with you. Enter ARTHUR. Arthur. Good-morrow, Hubert. Hub. Good-morrow, little prince. Arth. As little prince (having so great a title To be more prince) as may be. You are sad. Hub. Indeed, I have been merrier. Arth. Mercy on me! Methinks nobody should be sad but I: I should be merry as the day is long; And so I would be here, but that I doubt Is it my fault that I were Geoffrey's son? [Aside. Arth. Are you sick, Hubert? You look pale to-day. In sooth, I would you were a little sick; I warrant, I love you more than you do me. . Hub. His words do take possession of my bosom. Read here, young Arthur. [Showing a paper.] How now, foolish rheum! Turning dispiteous torture out the door! I must be brief; lest resolution drop Can you not read it? Is it not fair writ? Arth. Too fairly, Hubert, for so foul effect: Must you with hot irons burn out both mine eyes? Hub. Young boy, I must. Arth. And will you Hub. And I will. 2 [Aside. Arth. Have you the heart? When your head did but ache I knit my handkerchief about your brows (The best I had, a princess wrought it me), And I did never ask it you again : And with my hand at midnight held your head; And, like the watchful minutes to the hour, Still and anon cheered up the heavy time; Saying, What lack you? and, Where lies your grief? Many a poor man's son would have lain still, If Heaven be pleased that you should use me ill, - So much as frown on you ? Hub. I have sworn to do it; And with hot irons must I burn them out. Arth. Ah, none, but in this iron age would do it: Approaching near these eyes, would drink my tears, Even in the matter of mine innocence: Nay, after that, consume away in rust, Reënter Attendants, with cords, irons, &c. Do as I bid you do. [Stamps. Arth. O, save me, Hubert, save me! My eyes are out, Even with the fierce looks of the bloody men. Hub. Give me the iron, I say, and bind him here. I will not struggle, I will stand stone-still. For Heaven's sake, Hubert, let me not be bound! *The two negatives in this line do not amount to an affirmative ; they are used to strengthen the negation:—a solecism, tolerated in the age, and often found in the writings, of Shakspeare. And I will sit as quiet as a lamb; I will not stir, nor wince, nor speak a word, Thrust but these men away, and I'll forgive you, Hub. Go, stand within; let me alone with him. He hath a stern look, but a gentle heart: Let him come back, that his compassion may Give life to yours. Hub. Come, boy, prepare yourself. Arth. Is there no remedy? Hub. None, but to lose your eyes. Arth. O Heaven! that there were but a mote in yours, A grain, a dust, a gnat, a wandering hair, Any annoyance in that precious sense! Then, feeling what small things are boisterous there, Your vile intent must needs seem horrible. Hub. Is this your promise? Go to, hold your tongue. Must needs want pleading for a pair of eyes; Hub. I can heat it boy. Arth. No, in good sooth, the fire is dead with grief — Being create for comfort - to be used In undeserved extremes: See else yourself: There is no malice in this burning coal; The breath of Heaven hath blown its spirit out, And strewed repentant ashes on his head. Hub. But with my breath I can revive it, boy. you All things that should use to do me wrong, That mercy which fierce fire, and iron, extend, Hub. Well, see to live; I will not touch thine eyes With this same very iron to burn them out. Arth. O, now you look like Hubert! all this while Hub. Arth. O Heaven! I thank you, Hubert. Hub. Silence: no more. Go closely in with me: Much danger do I undergo for thee. [Exeunt. LESSON CLXII. The Contrasts of Alpine Scenery. - BYRON. ADIEU to thee, fair Rhine! how long, delighted, Set, him on. |