Page 459 - Shakespeare - Vol. 4

[presenting a small box]
But I beseech your grace, without offence,
(My conscience bids me ask) wherefore you have
Commanded of me these most poisonous compounds,

Which are the movers of a languishing death:
But though slow, deadly.

QUEEN
I wonder, doctor, [10]
Thou ask’st me such a question. Have I not been

Thy pupil long? Hast thou not learn’d me how
To make perfumes? Distil? Preserve? Yea so,
That our great king himself doth woo me oft
For my confections? Having thus far proceeded [15]
(Unless thou think’st me devilish) is’t not meet

That I did amplify my judgement in
Other conclusions? I will try the forces
Of these thy compounds on such creatures as

We count not worth the hanging (but none human) [20]
To try the vigour of them, and apply
Allayments to their act, and by them gather
Their several virtues, and effects.

CORNELIUS
Your highness

Shall from this practice but make hard your heart:
Besides, the seeing these effects will be [25]
Both noisome and infectious.

QUEEN
O, content thee.

Enter Pisanio.
[Aside]
Here comes a flattering rascal, upon him
Will I first work: he’s for his master,
And enemy to my son. How now, Pisanio?

Doctor, your service for this time is ended, [30]
Take your own way.