Page:Works of Sir John Suckling.djvu/249

So does it at fourscore too, when the soul's mew'd up
In narrow darkness, neither sees nor hears.
Pish, 'tis mere fondness in our nature,
A certain clownish cowardice, that still15
Would stay at home, and dares not venture into
Foreign countries, though better than its own!
Ha, what countries? for we receive descriptions
Of th' other world from our divines, as blind
Men take relation of this from us.20
My thoughts lead me into the dark, and there
They'll leave me. I'll no more on't. Within![Knocks

Enter Guard

Alm. Some paper and a light! I'll write to th' king,
Defy him, and provoke a quick despatch.
I would not hold this ling'ring doubtful state25
So long again, for all that hope can give.

Enter three of the Guard with paper and ink

That sword does tempt me strangely:[Writing
Were't in my hands, 'twere worth th' other two.
But then the guard? it sleeps or drinks; maybe
To contrive it so that, if I should not pass,—30
Why, if I fall in't, 'tis better yet than pageantry,
A scaffold and spectators; more soldier-like—

[One of the Guard peeps over his shoulder

Uncivil villain, read my letter![Seizes his sword

1st Guard. Not I, not I, my lord.

Alm. Deny it too?

Guard. Murder, murder!35

Guard. Arm, arm![Guard run out

Alm. I'll follow, give the alarm with them.
'Tis least suspicious. Arm, arm, arm![Exit

Enter Soldiers, running over the stage, one throwing away his arms

All. The enemy, the enemy!

Sol. Let them come, let them come, let them come!

Re-enter Almerin

Alm. I hear fresh noise: the camp's in great disorder.40
Where am I now? 'tis strangely dark.
Goddess without eyes,
Be thou my guide, for blindness and sight
Are equal sense, of equal use, this night.[Exit