Rev. James White. THE KING OF THE COMMONS. JAMES V. of Scotland, called "The King of the Commons," learns that several of the Nobles of his Court traitorously receive Bribes from England, to subvert his Government. The LORD SETON, the King's most trusted Friend, is included in the list of Traitors. JAMES summons SETON to his presence, to test the truth of the Accusation. SCENE-Holyrood. The King's Closet.-Enter an Attendant, conducting Bishop. Atten. His grace will not be long ere he returns. Please you, be seated. Bishop. Guard well the prisoner. [Exit Attendant.] On the eve of war To leave his foes unwatched-his very camp I thought he had been sobered. That's his step. Enter JAMES. James. Ha! my good lord—but we're unfitly geared For shrift and penance; we have rid for the life Up hill-down dale. But you look big with care. Bishop. It befits Neither my years nor my great calling, Sir, Nor the meek spirit that should harbour here, To mix in the fierce struggles in a court. James. I know you well. Excuse me, good my lord, If, with the flippant quickness of the tongue, I hide the respect and deep reverence, Which my heart bears to the right reverend virtues It Bishop. Ah, Sir! I'm old may be that my time is nearly done- James. Nay; not so, my good lord. Ill fares it with kings' swords when the sharp blade James. How mean you? You were my preceptor, Sir— Bishop. The bridle, In your wild course of dalliance and deray; The spur, in action fitting for a king. James. Not so-by Heaven! not so Show me the deed You'd have me do that's fitting for a king, And, though it tore the softest string i' my heart, Bishop. Prepare you, then! James. What is't, I say? You think I have no higher, nobler thoughts, Bishop. What would you do If treachery James. Pah! you know of treachery, too. Whew!-my mind's easy now. Why, my good lord, James. You'll see—you'll see; fear not. I tell you, a king's eye can see as clear As a good bishop's. There will be proof. Ere three hours are fled, Come to our court at nine; You'll see some action then that fits a king; And, as you go, send me Lord Seton. Bishop. Seton! No; save in keeping of the guard. James. My lord, Say that again: perhaps I heard not right. I told you to send Seton-my friend Seton- James. What say you?-proofs? Clearer than sunlight. Enter Attendant. James. [With dignity.] Take our greeting, Sir, To the Lord Seton-we would see him here. [Exit Attendant Proofs and of Seton's guilt? Can it be so? James. Firm! There's no tyrant king That flung men's hearts to feed the beasts i' the circus; That tore men's limbs with horses for their sport; That sent men to the tigers, and looked on To see them quivering in the monster's claws, You're here! Enter SETON. Seton. Welcome, kind liege, to Holyrood again! We will be just-we were in anger late. We're calm.-Though it should burst my heart in twain, I will be calm. [Aside.] Seton. My liege, what means this change? I am not used to hear so harsh a voice From my kind master-from my friend! James. Not that! By Heaven, we're friend to not a man on earth! Seton. You are unjust to me. You wrong me--oh, you wrong me, Sir! James. [Aside.] O Heaven! That I should hear a traitor borrow thus John Seton's voice, and look through Seton's eyes!- Seton. I you false-tongued-but, Forgive me my rough speech; you wear a garb That checks my tongue. James. In what does he deceive? Bishop. He and Lord Hume James. What! he, too? Where's Lord Hume? Bishop. I blame not him, my liege. James. No? Is he true? Send me Lord Hume: I'd see at least one man That keeps his faith. Seton. My liege, I know not yet What charge the good Lord Bishop brings against me: I will not say he lies-but it is false. James. Say on-say on; be sure your proof is strong; For this is such an hour, I would not live it For all the wealth of earth. Quick! Have it o'er ! Bishop. You bear command, Lord Seton, of the host? James. He does. Bishop. And yet you entertain advice Seton. I cannot deny |