University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

A Chamber in the Castle.
The Countess, and Sir Michael Brace, the Seneschal.
COUNTESS.
The Prior in his bed, Sir Michael Brace!
We lose the chief of all our witnesses.
Is he so sick? Speechless since yesterday?

SENESCHAL.
For what we want him, worse: his wits and tongue
Run every way but straight. He has been thus—
Been partly thus, since Corpus Christi wake;
A sevennight ere the Earl.

COUNTESS.
I heard of this:
Then let it melt away midst harder thoughts.
Well, we can do without him.

SENESCHAL.
Better, perhaps.
Baldwin may think his duty nearer payment,
And serve with greater heed. I have been bold
To hint so much—he may become our Prior,
And Luke may fill his place.

COUNTESS.
May!—ay, and shall.
There may be changes, which they guess not yet,
Both higher and farther back. For all that help
There shall be recompense. Who else, didst say!—
Since Mahel cares not for his bastardy,
'Twere better let him keep the profits of it.
Who makes the fourth? Ralph from the buttery?
Luke, Baldwin, and thyself—with whom beside?

SENESCHAL.
Ralph—pantler Ralph—the foremost of the three:
His eyes do ever look which way I please;
His skill is strongly building, bit by bit,
A buttress here and there to prop belief.
No architect nor master-mason he,
But still Ralph plumbs his level workmanlike.
All these will speak as I.

COUNTESS.
So, keep apart.
As yet I cannot tell which way to lead.
Follow me when I move. A trumpet! hark!
Prithee make haste and look for Hereford.

[Exeunt.