Those twins of learning, that he rais'd in you, Sad and solemn music. Grif. She is asleep: Good wench, let's sit down quiet, For fear we wake her;--Softly, gentle Patience. The Vision. Enter, solemnly tripping one after another, six Personages, clad in white robes, wearing on their heads garlands of bays, and golden vizards on their faces; branches of bays, or palm, in their hands. They first congee unto her, then dance; and at certain changes, the first two hold a spare garland over her head; at which, the other four make reverend curtsies; then the two that held the garland deliver the same to the other next two, who observe the same order in their changes, and holding the garland over her head: which done, they deliver the same garland to the last two, who likewise observe the same order: at which, (as it were by inspiration,) she makes in her sleep signs of rejoicing, and holdeth up her hands to heaven: and so in their dancing vanish, carrying the garland with them. The music continues. Kath. Spirits of peace, where are ye? Are ye all And leave me here in wretchedness behind ye? Kath. It is not you I call for: None, madam. Saw ye none enter, since I slept? Grif. Kath. No? Saw you not, even now, a blessed troop Invite me to a banquet; whose bright faces Cast thousand beams upon me, like the sun? And brought me garlands, Griffith, which I feel Assuredly. Grif. I am most joyful, madam, such good dreams Possess your fancy. Kath. They are harsh and heavy to me. Bid the music leave, [Music ceases. Do you note, Pat. Heaven comfort her! Enter a Messenger. You are a saucy fellow : Mess. An 't like your grace, Kath. Grif. You are to blame, Knowing she will not lose her wonted greatness, Mess. I humbly do entreat your highness' pardon: Kath. Admit him entrance, Griffith: But this fellow Let me ne'er see again. [Exeunt GRIFFITH and Messenger. Re-enter GRIFFITH, with CAPUCIUS. If my sight fail not, You should be lord ambassador from the emperor, O my lord, Cap. But, I pray you, Noble lady, First, mine own service to your grace; the next, Who grieves much for your weakness, and by me And heartily entreats you take good comfort. Kath. O my good lord, that comfort comes too late; T is like a pardon after execution: That gentle physic, given in time, had cur'd me; Cap. Madam, in good health. Kath. So may he ever do! and ever flourish, When I shall dwell with worms, and my poor name Banish'd the kingdom!-Patience, is that letter I caus'd you write, yet sent away? Pat. No, madam. [Giving it to KATH. Kath. Sir, I most humbly pray you to deliver This to my lord the king. Cap. Most willing, madam. Kath. In which I have commended to his goodness The model of our chaste loves, his young daughter: The dews of heaven fall thick in blessings on her!Beseeching him, to give her virtuous breeding; (She is young, and of a noble modest nature; I hope, she will deserve well;) and a little To love her for her mother's sake, that lov'd him, Heaven knows how dearly. My next poor petition Is, that his noble grace would have some pity Upon my wretched women, that so long Have follow'd both my fortunes faithfully : Of which there is not one, I dare avow, (And now I should not lie,) but will deserve, For virtue, and true beauty of the soul, For honesty, and decent carriage, A right good husband, let him be a noble; And, sure, those men are happy that shall have them. If heaven had pleas'd to have given me longer life, These are the whole contents:-And, good my lord, As you wish christian peace to souls departed, Stand these poor people's friend, and urge the king To do me this last right. Cap. By heaven, I will; Or let me lose the fashion of a man! Kath. I thank you, honest lord. Remember me In all humility unto his highness: Say, his long trouble now is passing Out of this world: tell him, in death I bless'd him, For so I will.-Mine eyes grow dim.-Farewell, [Exeunt, leading KATH. |