Charles: Such things can be? A sister, yet he strikes? (Hæmon is seized.)
Helena: O let me speak with him, sir, let me speak!
Charles: Not now, girl, no, not now—lest in his breath
Be venom for thee! (To soldiers.) Shut him from our gates
Till he repent this fever.
(Hæmon goes quietly out.)
(To guests who are suspicious and undetermined.) If you stare so
Will the skies stop! Have I not arm in arm
Friended this youth and meant him honor still?
Leave me. I had a thing to tell; but it
Must wait more seasonable festivity.
(To Paula.) See to thy mistress, child. Antonio, stay.
(All go but Antonio and Charles, who leaves his chair slowly and with dejection.)
Antonio: Father——
Charles (unheeding): Did I not humble me?
Antonio: Father——?
Charles: Or ask more than a brevity of joy
To bud on my life's withering close?
Antonio: But, sir——!
Charles: If it bud not——!