SCENE I. Westminster. A street. Enter two Gentlemen, meeting First Gentleman Whither away so fast? Second Gentleman O, God save ye!
Even to the hall, to hear what shall become Of the great Duke of Buckingham. First Gentleman I'll save you That labour, sir. All's now done, but the ceremony Of bringing back the prisoner. Second Gentleman Were you there? First Gentleman Yes, indeed, was I. Second Gentleman Pray, speak what has happen'd. First Gentleman You may guess quickly what. Second Gentleman Is he found guilty? First Gentleman Yes, truly is he, and condemn'd upon't. Second Gentleman I am sorry for't. First Gentleman So are a number more. Second Gentleman But, pray, how pass'd it? First Gentleman I'll tell you in a little. The great duke Came to the bar; where to his accusations He pleaded still not guilty and alleged Many sharp reasons to defeat the law.
The king's attorney on the contrary Urged on the examinations, proofs, confessions Of divers witnesses; which the duke desired To have brought viva voce to his face:
At which appear'd against him his surveyor;Sir Gilbert Peck his chancellor; and John Car, Confessor to him; with that devil-monk, Hopkins, that made this mischief. Second Gentleman That was he That fed him with his prophecies? First Gentleman The same.
All these accused him strongly; which he fain Would have flung from him, but, indeed, he could not:
And so his peers, upon this evidence, Have found him guilty of high treason. Much He spoke, and learnedly, for life; but all Was either pitied in him or forgotten. Second Gentleman After all this, how did he bear himself? First Gentleman When he was brought again to the bar, to hear His knell rung out, his judgment, he was stirr'd With such an agony, he sweat extremely, And something spoke in choler, ill, and hasty:
But he fell to himself again, and sweetly In all the rest show'd a most noble patience. Second Gentleman I do not think he fears death. First Gentleman Sure, he does not:
He never was so womanish; the cause He may a little grieve at. Second Gentleman Certainly The cardinal is the end of this. First Gentleman 'Tis likely, By all conjectures: first, Kildare's attainder, Then deputy of Ireland; who removed, Earl Surrey was sent thither, and in haste too, Lest he should help his father. Second Gentleman That trick of state Was a deep envious one. First Gentleman At his return No doubt he will requite it. This is noted, And generally, whoever the king favours, The cardinal instantly will find employment, And far enough from court too. Second Gentleman All the commons Hate him perniciously, and, o' my conscience, Wish him ten fathom deep: this duke as much They love and dote on; call him bounteous Buckingham, The mirror of all courtesy;-- First Gentleman Stay there, sir, And see the noble ruin'd man you speak of.
Enter BUCKINGHAM from his arraignment; tip-staves before him; the axe with the edge towards him; halberds on each side: accompanied with LOVELL, VAUX, SANDS, and common people Second Gentleman Let's stand close, and behold him. BUCKINGHAM All good people, You that thus far have come to pity me, Hear what I say, and then go home and lose me.
I have this day received a traitor's judgment, And by that name must die: yet, heaven bear witness, And if I have a co nscience, let it sink me, Even as the axe falls, if I be not faithful!
The law I bear no malice for my death;
'T has done, upon the premises, but justice:
But those that sought it I could wish more Christians:
Be what they will, I heartily forgive 'em:
Yet let 'em look they glory not in mischief, Nor build their evils on the graves of great men;For then my guiltless blood must cry against 'em.
For further life in this world I ne'er hope, Nor will I sue, although the king have mercies More than I dare make faults. You few that loved me, And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham, His noble friends and fellows, whom to leave Is only bitter to him, only dying, Go with me, like good angels, to my end;And, as the long divorce of steel falls on me, Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice, And lift my soul to heaven. Lead on, o' God's name. LOVELL I do beseech your grace, for charity, If ever any malice in your heart Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly. BUCKINGHAM Sir Thomas Lovell, I as free forgive you As I would be forgiven: I forgive all;There cannot be those numberless offences 'Gainst me, that I cannot take peace with:
no black envy Shall mark my grave. Commend me to his grace;And if he speak of Buckingham, pray, tell him You met him half in heaven: my vows and prayers Yet are the king's; and, till my soul forsake, Shall cry for blessings on him: may he live Longer than I have time to tell his years!
Ever beloved and loving may his rule be!
And when old time shall lead him to his end, Goodness and he fill up one monument! LOVELL To the water side I must conduct your grace;Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux, Who undertakes you to your end. VAUX Prepare there, The duke is coming: see the barge be ready;And fit it with such furniture as suits The greatness of his person. BUCKINGHAM Nay, Sir Nicholas, Let it alone; my state now will but mock me.
When I came hither, I was lord high constable And Duke of Buckingham; now, poor Edward Bohun:
Yet I am richer than my base accusers, That never knew what truth meant: I now seal it;And with that blood will make 'em one day groan for't.
My noble father, Henry of Buckingham, Who first raised head against usurping Richard, Flying for succor to his servant Banister, Being distress'd, was by that wretch betray'd, And without trial fell; God's peace be with him!
Henry the Seventh succeeding, truly pitying My father's loss, like a most royal prince, Restored me to my honours, and, out of ruins, Made my name once more noble. Now his son, Henry the Eighth, life, honour, name and all That made me happy at one stroke has taken For ever from the world. I had my trial, And, must needs say, a noble one; which makes me, A little happier than my wretched father:
