We take him
at his word, and think his purposes must be odious indeed, when he
himself shrinks back from them. The scene in which King John
suggests to Hubert the design of murdering his nephew is a
masterpiece of dramatic skill, but it is still inferior, very
inferior to the scene between Hubert and Arthur, when the latter
learns the orders to put out his eyes. If anything ever was penned,
heart-piercing, mixing the extremes of terror and pity, of that
which shocks and that which soothes the mind, it is this scene. We
will give it entire, though perhaps it is tasking the reader's
sympathy too much.
Enter Hubert and Executioner
Hubert. Heat me these irons hot, and look you stand
Within the arras; when I strike my foot
Upon the bosom of the ground, rush forth
And bind the boy, which you shall find with me,
Fast to the chair: be heedful: hence, and watch.
Executioner. I hope your warrant will bear out the deed.
Hubert. Uncleanly scruples! fear not you; look to't.--
Young lad, come forth; I have to say with you.
Enter Arthur
Arthur. Good morrow, Hubert.
Hubert. Morrow, little Prince.
Arthur. As little prince (having so great a title
To be more prince) as may be. You are sad.
Hubert. Indeed I have been merrier.
Arthur. Mercy on me!
Methinks no body should be sad but I;
Yet I remember when I was in France,
Young gentlemen would be as sad as night,
Only for wantonness.
Pages:
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264