Behold yourself so by a son disdain'd;
And then imagine me taking your part, 96
And in your power soft silencing your son:
After this cold considerance, sentence me;
And, as you are a king, speak in your state
What I have done that misbecame my place, 100
My person, or my liege's sovereignty.
Prince. You are right, justice; and you weigh this well;
Therefore still bear the balance and the sword:
And I do wish your honours may increase 104
Till you do live to see a son of mine
Offend you and obey you, as I did.
So shall I live to speak my father's words:
'Happy am I, that have a man so bold 108
That dares do justice on my proper son;
And not less happy, having such a son,
That would deliver up his greatness so
Into the hands of justice.' You did commit me: 112
For which, I do commit into your hand
The unstained sword that you have us'd to bear;
With this remembrance, that you use the same
With the like bold, just, and impartial spirit 116
As you have done 'gainst me. There is my hand:
You shall be as a father to my youth;
My voice shall sound as you do prompt mine ear,
And I will stoop and humble my intents 120
To your well-practis'd wise directions.
And, princes all, believe me, I beseech you;
My father is gone wild into his grave,
For in his tomb lie my affections; 124
And with his spirit sadly I survive,
98 considerance: consideration
103 balance and the sword: emblems of Justice
109 proper: own
115 remembrance: admonition
123, 124 Cf. n.
125 sadly: soberly
