This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
A TRAGEDY.
53


GOBUS.

What, will you not pinion him more closely?

BERTRAM.

No, beast! I would rather flea the skin off that fool's back of thine than gall a hair's breadth of his body (in a softened voice to Rayner). Speak, Sir, if the rope hurts your arms; we will not use you cruelly.

RAYNER.

What did'st thou say to me? was there kindness in thy voice?

BERTRAM.

Yes, Sir, there was kindness in it. Do the ropes hurt your arms? if they do we will loosen them a little.

RAYNER.

I wist not that my arms were bound: but if thou hast any kindness in thee, give me a drink of water when thou can'st get it, for my mouth is very parched.

BERTRAM.

Yes, Sir, that you shall not want, tho' I should pay gold for it.—Move on, comrades: the night is far advanced, and we must guard the dead body of our master and the prisoner back to the city before the morning break. (Exeunt.)


END OF THE SECOND ACT.