Page 564 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

ACT IV IT

Scene I IT

Alarum. Fight at sea. Ordnance goes off. Enter [a] Lieutenant [, a
Master, a Master’s Mate, Walter Whitmore, and Soldiers; with] Suffolk,

[disguised, and two Gentlemen, prisoners].

LIEUT ENANT

The gaudy, blabbing, and remorseful day
Is crept into the bosom of the sea;
And now loud-howling wolves arouse the jades
That drag the tragic melancholy night,
Who, with their drowsy, slow, and flagging wings, [5]
Clip dead men’s graves, and from their misty jaws
Breathe foul contagious darkness in the air.
Therefore bring forth the soldiers of our prize;
For, whilst our pinnace anchors in the Downs,
Here shall they make their ransom on the sand [10]
Or with their blood stain this discoloured shore.
Master, [he points to first Gentleman] this prisoner freely give I thee;
And thou that art his mate, [he points to second Gentleman] make

boot of this;
The other, [he points to Suffolk] Walter Whitmore, is thy share.

FIRST GENTLEMAN

What is my ransom, master? Let me know. [15]

MAST ER

A thousand crowns, or else lay down your head.

MAT E

And so much shall you give, or off goes yours.

LIEUT ENANT

What, think you much to pay two thousand crowns,