_Sound trumpets. Enter_ KING, BONVILLE, SALISBURY, LORDS.[296]
KING. Now I perceive this only was a dream. Divine Matilda's angel did appear, Deck'd like a vestal ready for heaven's quire, And to this earthly trunk will not come near. Well, let her go: I must, i' faith, I must, And so I will. Kings' thoughts should be divine; So are Matilda's, so henceforth shall mine.
OLD AUB. So doing, peace shall wait upon your crown, And blessing upon blessing shall befall.
KING. It's true, my lord: I know full well there shall.
SAL. Your people will wax proud of such a king, That of himself is king, lord of his thoughts; Which by assertion of philosophers Is held to be the greatest empery.
KING. And they said wisely, noble Aubery.
SAL. Then will Fitzwater, with his gallant troop[297], Again keep triumph[298] in the English court; Then will Matilda--
SAL. Like a bright star adorn the lovely train Of beauteous ladies which attend the queen, Whose only beauty equalleth them all.
KING. Like an old fool, whose dim eyes, wanting sight, Compar'st the sun to common candle light?
SAL. Pardon, my liege, I do confess her fair[299] Exceeds all these as far as day doth night.
KING. Grossly alluded: night by moon, by stars By wandering fires, exhaled meteors, By artificial lights, by eyes of beasts, And little glow-worms glimpsing in the dark, Hath somewhere brightness, lightness; and sometime Under each horizon in all parts clear: But they at no time nowhere can be said To be less dark than dungeon darkness is: Pitch-colour'd, ebon-fac'd, blacker than black, While her fair eyes give beauty to bright day.
SAL. To hear the queen thus prais'd works my content.
KING. The queen! O, had I such a thought, I would repent. [_To himself_.
KING. What, shall we further wade? I fear I shall be tired with this jade.
SAL. The commonwealth will flourish and increase.
KING. Good Salisbury,[300] of those things now hold your peace, And take the pains to fetch in Isabel. I have strange tidings sent me out of France, Which she will take, I know, in as good part, As I accept her praise. Fetch her, I say. [_Exit_ SALISBURY. What, is the old fool gone? now go thy way. What think'st thou of him, Hubert? tell me, man.
HUB. As of a good old gentleman, my lord, That speaks but what he thinks, and thinks you think As he doth; and, I warrant you, Will not conceal those praises from the queen Which, as he deems, you utter'd in her praise.