And made whatever broken courses sound. For what he got by fortune, favour, might, It was the state that now must make his right.

Here was agreed, to make all more secure,
That Richard should remain for evermore 10
Close prisoner; lest the realm might chance
endure

Some new revolt, or any fresh uproar:
And that if any should such broil procure,
By him, or for him, he should die therefore.
So that a talk of tumult, and a breath,
Would serve him as his passing-bell to death.
Yet, reverend Carlile, thou didst there op-

pose

15

This place, soul of our state, the realm's best grace,

Doth privilege me speak what reason will: Let me but say my conscience in this case: Let sin of silence show my heart was ill: 30 And let these walls witness, if you will not, I do discharge my soul of this foul blot. 'Never shall this poor breath of mine consent,

That he that two and twenty years hath reigned

As lawful lord, and king by just descent, 35 Should here be judged, unheard and unarraigned;

And all was done let others judge how well.

Now, Muse, relate a woful accident,
And tell the bloodshed of these mighty peers,
Who (lately reconciled) rest discontent,
Grieved with disgrace, remaining in their
fears:

However seeming outwardly content,

60

Yet th' inward touch that wounded honour bears,

Rests closely wrankling, and can find no ease, Till death of one side cure this great disease. Means how to feel and learn each other's heart, 65

By th' abbot's skill of Westminster is found;
Who, secretly disliking Henry's part,
Invites these lords, and those he meant to
sound;

Feasts them with cost, and draws them on

And have his first, that their blood did conspire.

For no way else, they said, but this, could be Their wrong-detainèd honour to redeem, Which true-bred blood should more than life esteem.

'And let not this our new-made faithless lord,' 105

Saith Surrey, 'think that we are left so bare (Though bare enough) but we will find a sword

To kill him with, when he shall not be ware.' For he that is with life and will enstored, Hath (for revenge) enough, and needs not

Besides, they might under the fair pretence Of tilts and tournaments, which they intend, Provide them horse and armour for defence, And all things else convenient for their end.

Besides, they might hold sure intelligence 125 Among themselves, without suspect t' offend: The king would think, they sought but grace in court,

With all their great preparing in this sort.

A solemn oath religiously they take,
By intermutual vows protesting there, 130
This never to reveal, nor to forsake

So good a cause, for danger, hope, or fear. The sacrament, the pledge of faith, they take:

And every man upon his sword doth swear, By knighthood, honour, or what else should bind;

To assecure the more each other's mind.

135

Had taught true knowledge in the course of things;

Knew dangers as they were; and th' hum'rous fit

Of 'wareless discontent, what end it brings) Counsels their heat with calm grave words, and fit,

(Words well fore-thought, that from experience springs)

150

And warns a warier carriage in the thing, Lest blind presumption work their ruining.

But yet I speak not this, as to divide
Your thoughts from th' act, or to dismay your
cheer;

Only to add unto your forward will
A moderate fear, to cast the worst of ill.

'Danger before, and in, and after th' act, 185 You needs must grant, is great, and to be weighed.

Before; lest, while we do the deed protract,
It be by any of ourselves bewrayed;
For, many being privy to the fact,
How hard it is to keep it unbetrayed,
When the betrayer shall have life and grace,
And rid himself of danger and disgrace.

190

'For though some few continue resolute, Yet many shrink, which at the first would dare,

Cold doubt cavils with honour, scorneth fame;

And in the end, fear weighs down faith with shame. 200

'Then in the act what perils shall we find,
If either place, or time, or other course
Cause us to alter th' order now assigned,
Or that, than we expect, things happen
worse?

If either errour, or a fainting mind,
An indiscreet amazement, or remorse,

In

205

any at that instant should be found, How much it might the act, and all confound?

'After the deed, the dangers are no less; Lest that our forwardness not seconded 210 By our own followers and accomplices, Being kept back, or slow, or hindered, The hasty multitude rush on, t' oppress Confused weakness, there unsuccorèd; Or raise another head of that same race, 215 T'avenge his death, and prosecute the case. 'All this, my lords, must be considered (The best and worst of that which may succeed),

That valour mixed with fear, boldness with dread,

May march more circumspect, with better heed.

220