Above the reach or compass of thy thought?
And wilt thou still be hammering treachery,
To tumble down thy husband and thyself 48
From top of honour to disgrace's feet?
Away from me, and let me hear no more.
Elea. What, what, my lord! are you so choleric
With Eleanor, for telling but her dream? 52
Next time I'll keep my dreams unto myself,
And not be check'd.
Hum. Nay, be not angry; I am pleas'd again.
Enter Messenger.
Mess. My Lord Protector, 'tis his highness' pleasure
You do prepare to ride unto Saint Albans, 57
Whereas the king and queen do mean to hawk.
Hum. I go. Come, Nell, thou wilt ride with us?
Elea. Yes, my good lord, I'll follow presently. 60
Follow I must; I cannot go before,
While Gloucester bears this base and humble mind.
Were I a man, a duke, and next of blood,
I would remove these tedious stumbling-blocks 64
And smooth my way upon their headless necks;
And, being a woman, I will not be slack
To play my part in Fortune's pageant.
Where are youthere? Sir John! nay, fear not, man, 68
We are alone; here's none but thee and I.
Enter Hume.
Hume. Jesus preserve your royal majesty!
Elea. What sayst thou? majesty! I am but Grace.
47 hammering: meditating
49 From highest honor to lowest disgrace
54 check'd: rebuked
61 go before: i.e. occupy the highest place
68 Sir John; cf. n.
71 but Grace; cf. n.
