2355.1[Scene 25] [Video Sc.25] I feel a hell of conscience in my breast,
25.22358Tormenting me with horror for my fact,
25.32359And makes me in an agony of doubt
25.42360For fear the world should find my dealing out.
25.52361The slave whom I appointed for the act,
25.62362I ne'er set eye upon the peasant since.
25.72363Oh, could I get him for to make him sure,
25.82364My doubts would cease, and I should rest secure.
25.92365But if the old men with persuasive words
25.102366Have saved their lives and made him to relent,
25.112367Then are they fled unto the court of France,
25.122368And like a trumpet manifest my shame.
25.132369A shame on these white-livered slaves, say I,
25.142370That with fair words so soon are overcome.
25.152371Oh, God, that I had been but made a man,
25.162372Or that my strength were equal with my will!
25.172373These foolish men are nothing but mere pity,
25.182374And melt as butter doth against the sun.
25.192375Why should they have pre-eminence over us,
25.202376Since we are creatures of more brave resolve?
25.222378With all the heartless men in Christendom.
25.232379A pox upon them when they are afraid
25.242380To give a stab or slit a paltry windpipe,
25.252381Which are so easy matters to be done.
25.262382Well, had I thought the slave would serve me so,
25.282384'Tis now undone, and if that it be known,
25.292385I'll make as good shift as I can for one.
25.302386He that repines at me howe'er it stands,
25.312387'Twere best for him to keep him from my hands.
King Leir