Page:Plays in Prose and Verse (1922).djvu/86

70 But finding them too trifling and too light To hold his mouth from biting at the grave, I called you hither, and all my hope’s in you, And certain of his neighbours and good friends That I have sent for. While he is lying there Perishing, my good name in the world Is perishing also. I cannot give way, Because I am King; because if I gave way, My Nobles would call me a weakling, and it may be The very throne be shaken.

. I will persuade him. Your words had been enough persuasion, King; But being lost in sleep or reverie, He cannot hear them.

. Make him eat or drink. Nor is it all because of my good name I’d have him do it, for he is a man That might well hit the fancy of a king, Banished out of his country, or a woman’s Or any other’s that can judge a man For what he is. But I that sit a throne, And take my measure from the needs of the State, Call his wild thought that overruns the measure, Making words more than deeds, and his proud will That would unsettle all, most mischievous,