Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester A Tragedy |
 | 1. |
| 2. |
| 3. |
 | 4. |
| 1. |
| 2. |
| 3. |
| 4. |
| 5. |
| 6. |
| 7. |
| 8. |
| 9. |
| 10. |
| 11. |
| 12. |
| 13. |
| 14. | SCENE XIV. |
| 5. |
 | Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester |  |
SCENE XIV.
Beaufort.How soon—List!—Does he not stir?—No.—
The Breath of Life is mixt with common Air!—
While Gloucester liv'd, nor Henry's Death, nor Bedford's
Did avail;—Three Nephews, born to thwart me!—
Henceforth;—Anxiety, adieu!—Look forward, Beaufort!
Nor, waste One Thought, idly, to recollect
What cannot be recall'd.—And yet;—Who knows?—
Hence, childish Fears!—
The Queen and Suffolk wish him dead.—No Blood
Is spilt:—Nor, livid Stains of Poison taint his Bowels.—
63
He, sleeping, died (as Many Men have died)
And, deem'd a Mercy; or, perhaps, a Judgment;
As Prejudice inclines.—And, Who shall dare
To cast, on Us, a Blemish of Suspicion?—
Then, Beaufort;—rest, secure?—Repute thy Self,
Free from all Guilt; since Thou hast prov'd Successfull:
Nor, vainly think, there can be Reason to repent.—
The Sting of Guilt is—but the Fear of Punishment!
| Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester | |