Anne. Go on!

Shakespeare. What need? All’s in a word—your ever-presence here As if you’d naught in life to do but watch me—

Anne. Go on!

Shakespeare. All this, I say, I bore, because at heart I did believe you loved me. Well—it’s gone! And I go with it—free, a free man, free! Anne! for that word I could forgive you all And go from you in peace.

ANNE [catching at his arm].   You shall not go!

Shakespeare. Shall not? This burr—how impudent it clings!

Anne. You have not heard me—

Shakespeare. Let me go, I say! My purse, my papers—

Anne. Will!

Shakespeare. Talk to the walls, For I hear nothing!