EARL. It is good poesy-marry and good prophecy too. Hark ye, master mayor; I have some whit repented me that I was wrought upon by those old Knights of Ghent to proffer terms of such easy acquittance. MAYOR. When your highness is graciously pleased to give away your advantages, it is not for such as I to say you do wrong; but every man in Bruges, that is well affected to your highness, said that three hundred heads was too little. EARL. By my faith they said true; and Gilbert Matthew told me no less; but I was persuaded by the old Knights. I was too easy with them. Where is Gilbert Matthew? Here, my lord. GILBERT. EARL. Come hither, Gilbert. I have bethought me, Gilbert, I almost sinn'd against true chivalry To let yon rabble off. GILBERT. Your highness says it. EARL. Thoud'st tell me 'twas not by thy counsel,—well. GILBERT. As many heads of each insurgent craft Would not have been denied. A hundred nail'd A warning wholesome and significant To the good towns. EARL. A salutary caution. I would the bargain were to make again. Why, so now! who comes here? the good Sir Walter. Enter SIR WALTER D'ARLON. D'Arlon, I never see thee but with joy. My lord, I come alone. D'ARLON. EARL. Why, still thou'rt welcome. D'ARLON. Yet there is something following at my heels EARL. Why, say'st thou? what is that? D'ARLON. Ill rumours, my good lord. EARL. And of what import? D'ARLON. The rebels are alive again and fresh. The messengers of peace lie stabb'd to death EARL. Not so! It cannot be,-D'Arlon, it must be false. D'ARLON. I fear, my lord, it will not so be found. EARL. Nay, nay, so stripped of every thing-so bare D'ARLON. That were an ugly breach if not repair'd. EARL. God help them! A man that as much knowledge has of war D'ARLON. My lord, I'm fearful you mistake the man. Than to show forth his nature; and, that pass'd, EARL. And hath he slain the knights? I tell thee it is false; it cannot be. Thou, Gilbert Matthew, how think'st thou o' the tale? GILBERT. My lord, it may be there's some stir at Ghent, EARL. Thou deem'st it to be nothing. GILBERT. I deem of Ghent as of a fly in winter EARL. Gilbert, thy wisdom never was at fault. Sirrah, what tidings? [To an Attendant who enters. ATTENDANT. Sir, the Lord of Occo Came with his men at arms before the walls. EARL. Bid him in at once. He comes like confirmation. Oh Ghent Ghent ! Oh ye ungracious people! Enter the LORD OF OCCO. Speak, Sir Guy. Out with the worst, for I have guess'd it all. OCCO. 'Tis the worst fortune ever yet befel me To be the bearer of this heavy news. Our friends are slain, the White-Hoods hold the town, EARL. Oh that unhappy people! hear me, God! If ever other than a soldier's bed Contain me, or if any pleasant sport Inveigle off my heart while that town stands, To dwell with beasts like him that sinned of old! D'ARLON. Leave me, my lord, The entertainment of your friends from Ghent. My house will hold them.—[Aside.] Grant me this, my lord; They need a supervisor. |