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King Henry VI, Part 2: Act 3 Scene 3

Scene III A bedchamber.

[Enter the KING, SALISBURY, WARWICK, to the

CARDINAL in bed]

KING HENRY VI

How fares my lord? speak, Beaufort, to

thy sovereign.

CARDINAL

If thou be'st death, I'll give thee England's treasure,

Enough to purchase such another island,

So thou wilt let me live, and feel no pain.

KING HENRY VI

Ah, what a sign it is of evil life,

Where death's approach is seen so terrible!

WARWICK

Beaufort, it is thy sovereign speaks to thee.

CARDINAL

Bring me unto my trial when you will.

Died he not in his bed? where should he die?

Can I make men live, whether they will or no?

O, torture me no more! I will confess.

Alive again? then show me where he is:

I'll give a thousand pound to look upon him.

He hath no eyes, the dust hath blinded them.

Comb down his hair; look, look! it stands upright,

Like lime-twigs set to catch my winged soul.

Give me some drink; and bid the apothecary

Bring the strong poison that I bought of him.

KING HENRY VI

O thou eternal Mover of the heavens.

Look with a gentle eye upon this wretch!

O, beat away the busy meddling fiend

That lays strong siege unto this wretch's soul.

And from his bosom purge this black despair!

WARWICK

See, how the pangs of death do make him grin!

SALISBURY

Disturb him not; let him pass peaceably.

KING HENRY VI

Peace to his soul, if God's good pleasure be!

Lord cardinal, if thou think'st on heaven's bliss,

Hold up thy hand, make signal of thy hope.

He dies, and makes no sign. O God, forgive him!

WARWICK

So bad a death argues a monstrous life.

KING HENRY VI

Forbear to judge, for we are sinners all.

Close up his eyes and draw the curtain close;

And let us all to meditation.

[Exeunt]