Page 2893 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1
P. 2893
But basely yielded upon compromise
That which his ancestors achieved with blows.
More hath he spent in peace than they in wars. [255]
ROSS
The Earl of Wiltshire hath the realm in farm.
WILLOUGHBY
The King’s grown bankrupt like a broken man.
NORT HUMBERLAND
Reproach and dissolution hangeth over him.
ROSS
He hath not money for these Irish wars,
His burdenous taxations notwithstanding, [260]
But by the robbing of the banish’d Duke.
NORT HUMBERLAND
His noble kinsman! - most degenerate King!
But, lords, we hear this fearful tempest sing
Yet seek no shelter to avoid the storm.
We see the wind sit sore upon our sails [265]
And yet we strike not, but securely perish.
ROSS
We see the very wrack that we must suffer,
And unavoided is the danger now
For suffering so the causes of our wrack.
NORT HUMBERLAND
Not so. Even through the hollow eyes of death [270]
I spy life peering; but I dare not say
How near the tidings of our comfort is.
WILLOUGHBY
Nay, let us share thy thoughts, as thou dost ours.
ROSS
Be confident to speak, Northumberland.
