King.

Alas! with vast environment of ills

I’m hedged all round. Misfortune, like a sea,

Comes rushing in: the deep unfathomed flood

I fear to cross, and find no harbour nigh.

Thy prayer if I refuse, black horror rises

Before me, that no highest-pointed aim

May overshoot. If posted fore these walls

I give thy kindred battle, I shall be

Amerced with bitter loss, who reckless dared