Page:Henry VI Part 2 (1923) Yale.djvu/72

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Than from true evidence, of good esteem,

He be approv'd in practice culpable.

Queen. God forbid any malice should prevail

That faultless may condemn a nobleman!

Pray God, he may acquit him of suspicion!

King. I thank thee, Meg; these words content me much.

How now! why look'st thou pale? why tremblest thou?

Where is our uncle? what's the matter, Suffolk?

Suf. Dead in his bed, my lord; Gloucester is dead.

Queen. Marry, God forfend!

Car. God's secret judgment: I did dream to-night

The duke was dumb, and could not speak a word.

King swoons.

Queen. How fares my lord? Help, lords! the king is dead.

Som. Rear up his body; wring him by the nose.

Queen. Run, go, help, help! O Henry, ope thine eyes!

Suf. He doth revive again. Madam, be patient.

King. O heavenly God!

Queen.How fares my gracious lord?

Suf. Comfort, my sovereign! gracious Henry, comfort!

King. What! doth my Lord of Suffolk comfort me?

Came he right now to sing a raven's note,

Whose dismal tune bereft my vital powers,

And thinks he that the chirping of a wren,

By crying comfort from a hollow breast,

Can chase away the first-conceived sound?

Hide not thy poison with such sugar'd words:

 21 of good esteem: worthy of credence

22 approv'd: proved

26 Meg; cf. n.

30 forfend: forbid

31 to-night: last night

34 Rear up: support

40 right now: this very moment 