Page:William Hazlitt - Characters of Shakespear's Plays (1817).djvu/217

Rh Jesu preserve thee! welcome, Bolingbroke! Whilst he, from one side to the other turning, Bare-headed, lower than his proud steed's neck, Bespake them thus—I thank you, countrymen: And thus still doing thus he pass'd along. Duchess. Alas, poor Richard! where rides he the while? York. As in a theatre, the eyes of men, After a well-grac'd actor leaves the stage, Are idly bent on him that enters next, Thinking his prattle to be tedious: Even so, or with much more contempt, men's eyes Did scowl on Richard; no man cried God save him! No joyful tongue gave him his welcome home: But dust was thrown upon his sacred head! Which with such gentle sorrow he shook off— His face still combating with tears and smiles, The badges of his grief and patience— That had not God, for some strong purpose, steel'd The hearts of men, they must perforce have melted, And barbarism itself have pitied him."