Page 2149 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

MESSENGER

Bless you, fair dame! I am not to you known,
Though in your state of honour I am perfect.
I doubt some danger does approach you nearly.

If you will take a homely man’s advice,
Be not found here. Hence with your little ones! [70]
To fright you thus methinks I am too savage;
To do worse to you were fell cruelty,
Which is too nigh your person. Heaven preserve you!

I dare abide no longer.
Exit.

WIFE
Whither should I fly?
I have done no harm. But I remember now

I am in this earthly world, where to do harm
Is often laudable, to do good sometime
Accounted dangerous folly. Why then, alas,
Do I put up that womanly defence

To say I have done no harm?

Enter Murderers.
What are these faces?

MURDERER
Where is your husband? [80]

WIFE
I hope in no place so unsanctified
Where such as thou mayst find him.

MURDERER

He’s a traitor.

SON

Thou liest, thou shag-haired villain!

MURDERER