Page 1650 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

FIRST GENTLEMAN

At his return [45]
No doubt he will requite it. This is noted,
And generally: whoever the King favours,

The Cardinal instantly will find employment,
And far enough from court too.

SECOND GENTLEMAN
All the commons
Hate him perniciously, and, o’my conscience, [50]
Wish him ten fathom deep. This Duke as much

They love and dote on, call him bounteous Buckingham,
The mirror of all courtesy −

Enter Buckingham from his arraignment, tipstaves before him, the axe
with the edge towards him, halberds on each side, accompanied with Sir
Thomas Lovell, Sir Nicholas Vaux, Sir Walter Sands and common people, etc.

FIRST GENTLEMAN

Stay there, sir,
And see the noble ruined man you speak of.

SECOND GENTLEMAN
Let’s stand close, and behold him.

BUCKINGHAM
All good people, [55]
You that thus far have come to pity me,

Hear what I say, and then go home and lose me.
I have this day received a traitor’s judgement,
And by that name must die; yet, heaven bear witness,
And if I have a conscience let it sink me, [60]

Even as the axe falls, if I be not faithful.
The law I bear no malice for my death:
’t has done upon the premisses but justice.
But those that sought it I could wish more Christians;

Be what they will, I heartily forgive ’em; [65]
Yet let ’em look they glory not in mischief,