ss, or revenge,
Would plunge his native land in civil wars!

_Glos._ You go too far, my lord.

_Lord H._ Your highness' pardon----
Have we so soon forgot those days of ruin,
When York and Lancaster drew forth their battles;
When, like a matron butcher'd by her sons,
Our groaning country bled at every vein;
When murders, rapes, and massacres, prevail'd;
When churches, palaces, and cities, blaz'd;
When insolence and barbarism triumph'd,
And swept away distinction: peasants trod
Upon the necks of nobles: low were laid
The reverend crosier and the holy mitre,
And desolation cover'd all the land?
Who can remember this, and not, like me,
Here vow to sheath a dagger in his heart,
Whose damn'd ambition would renew those horrors,
And set once more that scene of blood before us?

_Glos._ How now! so hot!

_Lord H._ So brave, and so resolv'd.

_Glos._ Is then our friendship of so little moment,
That you could arm your hand against my life?

_Lord H._ I hope your highness does not think I mean it;
No, heav'n forfend that e'er your princely person
Should come within the scope of my resentment.

_Glos._ O noble Hastings! nay, I must embrace you;
By holy Paul, you're a right honest man! [_embraces him._
The time is full of danger and distrust,
And warns us to be wary. Hold me not
Too apt for jealousy and light surmise,
If, when I meant to lodge you next my heart,
I put your truth to trial. Keep your loyalty,
And live your king and country's best support:
For me, I ask no more than honour gives,
To think me yours, and rank me with your friends. [_exit._

_Lord H._ I am not read,
Nor skill'd and practis'd, in the arts of greatness,
To kindle thus, and give a scope to passion.
The duke is surely noble; but he touch'd me
Ev'n on the tend'rest point; the master-string
That makes most harmony or discord to me.
I own the glorious subject fires my breast,
And my soul's darling passion stands confess'd;
Beyond or love's or friendship's sacred band,
Beyond myself, I prize my native land:
On this foundation would I build my fame,
And emulate the Greek and Roman name;
Think England's peace bought cheaply with my blood,
And die with pleasure for my country's good. [_exit._

ACT THE FOURTH.

SCENE I. THE SAME.

_Enter Duke of Gloster, Ratcliffe, and Catesby._

_Glos._ This was the sum of all: that he would brook
No alteration in the present state.
Marry, at last, the testy gentleman
Was almost mov'