Which if thou please to hide in this true breast, 176
And let the soul forth that adoreth thee,
I lay it naked to the deadly stroke,
And humbly beg the death upon my knee.
He lays his breast open: she offers at [it] with his sword.
Nay, do not pause; for I did kill King Henry; 180
But 'twas thy beauty that provoked me.
Nay, now dispatch; 'twas I that stabb'd young Edward;
[She again offers at his breast.]
But 'twas thy heavenly face that set me on.
She falls the sword.
Take up the sword again, or take up me. 184
Anne. Arise, dissembler: though I wish thy death,
I will not be thy executioner.
Rich. Then bid me kill myself, and I will do it.
Anne. I have already.
Rich. That was in thy rage: 188
Speak it again, and, even with the word,
This hand, which for thy love did kill thy love,
Shall, for thy love, kill a far truer love:
To both their deaths shalt thou be accessary. 192
Anne. I would I knew thy heart.
Rich. 'Tis figur'd in my tongue.
Anne. I fear me both are false.
Rich. Then never man was true. 196
Anne. Well, well, put up your sword.
Rich. Say, then, my peace is made.
Anne. That shalt thou know hereafter.
Rich. But shall I live in hope? 200
Anne. All men, I hope, live so.
[Rich.] Vouchsafe to wear this ring.
[Anne. To take is not to give.]
183 S.d. falls: lets fall
194 figur'd: portrayed
