Gur. Not so, my liege, the queen hath given this charge To keep your grace in safety; Your passions make your dolours to increase.
Edw. This usage makes my misery to increase. But can my air [320] of life continue long When all my senses are annoyed with stench? Within a dungeon England's king is kept, Where I am starved for want of sustenance.20 My daily diet is heart-breaking sobs, That almost rent the closet of my heart; Thus lives old [321] Edward not relieved by any, And so must die, though pitièd by many. O, water, gentle friends, to cool my thirst, And clear my body from foul excrements!
Mat. Here's channel water, as your charge is given; Sit down, for we'll be barbers to your grace.
Edw. Traitors, away! what, will you murder me, Or choke your sovereign with puddle water?30
Gur. No; But wash your face, and shave away your beard, Lest you be known and so be rescued.
Mat. Why strive you thus? your labour is in vain?
Edw. The wren may strive against the lion's strength, But all in vain: so vainly do I strive To seek for mercy at a tyrant's hand. [They wash him with puddle water, and shave his beard away. Immortal powers! that knows the painful cares That waits upon my poor distressèd soul! O level all your looks upon these daring men,40 That wrongs their liege and sovereign, England's king. O Gaveston, 'tis for thee that I am wronged, For me, both thou and both the Spencers died! And for your sakes a thousand wrongs I'll take. The Spencers' ghosts, wherever they remain, Wish well to mine; then tush, for them I'll die.
Mat. 'Twixt theirs and yours shall be no enmity. Come, come away; now put the torches out, We'll enter in by darkness to Killingworth.
Enter Kent.
Gur. How now, who comes there?50