Suf. O! that I were a god, to shoot forth thunder 104
Upon these paltry, servile, abject drudges.
Small things make base men proud: this villain here,
Being captain of a pinnace, threatens more
Than Bargulus, the strong Illyrian pirate. 108
Drones suck not eagles' blood, but rob beehives.
It is impossible that I should die
By such a lowly vassal as thyself.
Thy words move rage, and not remorse in me: 112
I go of message from the queen to France;
I charge thee, waft me safely cross the Channel.
Lieu. Walter!
Whit. Come, Suffolk, I must waft thee to thy death.
Suf. Pene gelidus timor occupat artus: it is thee I fear. 117
Whit. Thou shalt have cause to fear before I leave thee.
What! are ye daunted now? now will ye stoop?
1. Gent. My gracious lord, entreat him, speak him fair. 120
Suf. Suffolk's imperial tongue is stern and rough,
Us'd to command, untaught to plead for favour.
Far be it we should honour such as these
With humble suit; no, rather let my head 124
Stoop to the block than these knees bow to any,
Save to the God of heaven and to my king;
And sooner dance upon a bloody pole
Than stand uncover'd to the vulgar groom. 128
True nobility is exempt from fear:
More can I bear than you dare execute.
Lieu. Hale him away, and let him talk no more.
Suf. Come, soldiers, show what cruelty ye can, 132
108 Bargulus; cf. n.
113 of message: as messenger
114 waft: convey by water
117 Pene . . . artus; cf. n.
127 dance . . . pole; cf. n.
