Page:Keats - Poetical Works, DeWolfe, 1884.djvu/431
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KING STEPHEN.
415
'Tis not for worldly pomp I wish to see The rebel, but as dooming judge to give A sentence something worthy of his guilt.
Glocester. If't must be so, I'll bring him to your presence.[Exit Glocester.
Maud. A meaner summoner might do as well—My Lord of Chester, is't true what I hear Of Stephen of Boulogne, our prisoner, That he, as a fit penance for his crimes, Eats wholesome, sweet, and palatable food Off Glocester's golden dishes—drinks pure wine, Lodges s(illegible text)?
Chester.More than that, my gracious QueenHas anger'd me. The noble Earl, methinks, Full soldier as he is, and without peer In counsel, dreams too much among his books. It may read well, but sure 'tis out of date To play the Alexander with Darius.
Maud. Truth! I think so. By Heavens it shall not last!
Chester. It would amaze your Highness now to mark How Glocester overstrains his courtesy To that crime-loving rebel, that Boulogne—
Maud. That ingrate!
Chester.For whose vast ingratitudeTo our late sovereign lord, your noble sire,The generous Earl condoles in his mishaps, And with a sort of lackeying friendliness, Talks off the mighty frowning from his brow. Woos him to hold a duet in a smile, Or; if it please him, play an hour at chess