LADY. My lord, be now as sudden as you please, sir! I am ready for your hand.
GOV. But that's not ready. 'Tis the hardest work that ever man was put to; I know not which way to begin to come to't. Believe me, I shall never kill thee well: I shall but shame myself; it were but folly, Dear soul, to boast of more than I can perform. I shall not have the power to do thee right in't: Thou deserv'st death with speed, a quick despatch, The pain but of a twinkling, and so sleep. If I do't, I shall make thee live too long, And so spoil all that way; I prythee, excuse me.
LADY. I should not be disturb'd, an' you did well, sir: I have prepar'd myself for rest and silence, And took my leave of words; I am like one Removing from her house, that locks up all; And rather than she would displace her goods, Makes shift with anything for the time she stays; Then look not for more speech, th' extremity speaks Enough to serve us both, had we no tongues. Hark! [_Knocking within._
LADY. Art thou yet ignorant! There is no way But through my bosom.
LADY. They're but thine enemies, that tell thee so. His lust may part me from thee, but death never; Thou canst not lose me then; for, dying thine, Thou dost enjoy me still. Kings cannot rob thee. [_Knocking._
LADY. Is it yet time, or no? Honour, remember thee!
LADY. Never more dearly welcome,-- [_He runs at her, and falls by the way in a swoon._ Alas, sir! My lord, my love!--O thou poor-spirited man! He's gone before me; did I trust to thee, And hast thou serv'd me so? left all the work Upon my hand, and stole away so smoothly? There was not equal suffering shown in this, And yet I cannot blame thee; every man Would seek his rest; eternal peace sleep with thee! [_She takes up the sword of_ GOVIANUS. Thou art my servant now; come! thou hast lost A fearful master, but art now preferr'd Unto the service of a resolute lady, One that knows how t' employ thee, and scorns death As much as some men fear it. Where's hell's ministers, The tyrant's watch and guard? 'tis of much worth, When with this key the prisoner can slip forth.--
GOV. How now! What noise is this? I heard doors beaten. [_A great knocking again._ Where are my servants let men knock so loud, Their master cannot sleep!