Shakespeare - First Folio facsimile (1910)/The Second Part of King Henry the Sixth/Act 3 Scene 3

by William Shakespeare

Enter the King, Salisbury, and Warwicke, to the
Cardinal in bed.

King.
How fare's my Lord? Speake Beauford to thy Soueraigne.

Ca.
If thou beest death, Ile giue thee Englands Treasure,
Enough to purchase such another Island,
So thou wilt let me liue, and feele no paine.

King.
Ah, what a signe it is of euill life,
Where death's approach is seene so terrible.

War.
Beauford, it is thy Soueraigne speakes to thee.

Beau.
Bring me vnto my Triall when you will.
Dy'de he not in his bed? Where should he dye?
Can I make men liue where they will or no?
Oh torture me no more, I will confesse.
Aliue againe? Then shew me where he is,
Ile giue a thousand pound to looke vpon him.
He hath no eyes, the dust hath blinded them.
Combe downe his haire; looke, looke, it stands vpright,
Like Lime-twigs set to catch my winged soule:
Giue me some drinke, and bid the Apothecarie
Bring the strong poyson that I bought of him.

King.
Oh thou eternall mouer of the heauens,
Looke with a gentle eye vpon this Wretch,
Oh beate away the busie medling Fiend,
That layes strong siege vnto this wretches soule,
And from his bosome purge this blacke dispaire.

War.
See how the pangs of death do make him grin.

Sal.
Disturbe him not, let him passe peaceably.

King.
Peace to his soule, if Gods good pleasure be.
Lord Card'nall, if thou think'st on heauens blisse,
Hold vp thy hand, make signall of thy hope.
He dies and makes no signe: Oh God forgiue him.

War.
So bad a death, argues a monstrous life.

King.
Forbeare to iudge, for we are sinners all.
Close vp his eyes, and draw the Curtaine close,
Exeunt.And let vs all to Meditation.

 

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