And though he were unsatisfied in getting, Now in his ashes honour: Peace be with him!- Sad and solemn musick. 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 tain changes, her head; at which, the other four make reverend congee unto her, then dance; and, at certhe first two hold a spare garland over court'sies; 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 they vanish, carrying the garland with them. The musick continues. Kath. Spirits of peace, where are ye? Are ye all gone? And leave me here in wretchedness behind ye? Grif. Madam, we are here. Kath. It is not you I call for: Saw ye none enter, since I slept? Grif. None, madam. 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? They promis'd me eternal happiness ; And brought me garlands, Griffith, which I feel I am not worthy yet to wear: I shall Assuredly. Grif. I am most joyful, madam, such good dreams Possess your fancy. Kath. Bid the musick leave, 1 [Musick ceases. They are harsh and heavy to me. Pat. Do you note, How much her grace is alter'd on the sudden? How long her face is drawn? How pale she looks, Grif. She is going, wench; pray, pray. Pat. Heaven comfort her! Enter a Messenger. Mess. An't like your grace, Kath. You are a saucy fellow: 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 and CAPUCIUS. If my sight fail not, You should be lord ambassador from the emperor, Cap. Madam, the same, your servant. Kath. O my lord, The times, and titles, now are alter'd strangely With me, since first you knew me. But, I pray you, What is your pleasure with me? Cap. Noble lady, First, mine The king's own service to your grace; the next, request, that I would visit you; Who grieves much for your weakness, and by me Sends you his princely commendations, And heartily entreats you take good comfort. Kath. O my good lord, that comfort comes too late ; Tis like a pardon after execution: That gentle physick, 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 KATHARINE. 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 To love her for her mother's sake, that lov'd him, For virtue, and true beauty of the soul, A right good husband, let him be a noble; And, sure, those men are happy, that shall have them. But poverty could never draw them from me;- If heaven had pleas'd to have given me longer life, These are the whole contents :-And, good my lord, 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, I can no more. [Exeunt, leading KATHARINE. |