Page:Plays in Prose and Verse (1922).djvu/125

Rh Have put my pride away. I had your love Not a great while ago, and now you have planned To put a voice by every cottage fire, And in the night when no one sees who cries, To cry against me till my throne has crumbled. And yet if I give way I must offend My courtiers and nobles till they, too, Strike at the crown. What would you have of me?

. When did the poets promise safety, King?

. Seanchan, I bring you bread in my own hands, And bid you eat because of all these reasons, And for this further reason, that I love you.

[ pushes bread away, with 's hand. You have refused, Seanchan?

. We have refused it.

. I have been patient, though I am a king, And have the means to force you. But that’s ended, And I am but a king, and you a subject. Nobles and courtiers, bring the poets hither;

[Enter, and with, who have halters round their necks.