Present before him arguments by scores And many enter there, but none converge; An arch without a key-stone.-Then the other In nothing else but difficulties and doubts. His apprehensions and demand, what then? And you shall find you've turned the blank leaf over. Still three are left. FATHER JOHN. ARTEVElde. Three names, and nothing more. To please the towns that gave them birth they're sent, Not for their merits. Verily, Father John, I should not willingly invade your leisure, Or mix you up with my precarious fortunes; The writs are out-I'm driven upon my friends; Say, will you stead me? FATHER JOHN. With my best of service, Such as it may be. To King Richard's court I will set forth to-morrow. ARTEVELDE. Ever kind! The faithfullest as the first of all my friends. The matter of your mission. Now, good night. Enter VAN RYK. You're sure, Van Ryk, it has not yet transpired That I am in the camp? VAN RYK. Certain, my lord. ARTEVElde. Then come with me; we'll cast a casual eye On them that keep the watch ;-though sooth to say, I wish my day's work over,-to forget This restless world, and slumber like a babe; For I am very tired-yea, tired at heart. VAN RYK. Your spirits were wont to bear you up more freshly. As you were wont to say that all men should. To put you thus in mind, I crave your pardon. ARTEVELDE. That was a loss, Van Ryk; that was a loss. The love betwixt us was not as the flush And momentary kindling in warm youth; But marriage and what term of time was given In chains and bondage ;-that it is not so, If sometimes I may seem to stray in thought, To hook it on my hours) is yielded up But now this body, exigent of rest, Will needs put in a claim. One round we'll take, And then to bed. VAN RYK. My lord, you must be tired. I am too bold to trouble you so late With my unprofitable talk. ARTEVELDE. Not so; There within Your talk is always welcome. You'll find a wardrobe, with some varlets' cloaks [Exit VAN RYK. A serviceable, faithful, thoughtful friend, Doth slacken, is a word of common use. [Exit. |