Brutus' musical establishment is on a smaller scale than the Duke's. He keeps a 'good boy,' who can sing to his own accompaniment on the lute, and is such a willing servant as to perform when almost overcome by sleep.
Julius Cæsar IV, iii, 256. Brutus and his servant Lucius.
Bru. Bear with me, good boy, I am much forgetful.
Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes awhile,
And touch thy instrument a strain or two?
Luc. Ay, my lord, an't please you.
Bru.It does, my boy.
I trouble thee too much, but thou art willing.
* * * * *
[Boy sings to lute.]
Bru. This is a sleepy tune: [Boy drops off]—O murderous slumber!
Lay'st thou thy leaden mace upon my boy,
That plays thee music?—Gentle knave, good night;
I will not do thee so much wrong to wake thee.
If thou dost nod, thou break'st thy instrument:
I'll take it from thee; and, good boy, good night.—
[Ghost of Cæsar appears.]
L. 290.
Bru. Boy!—Lucius!—Varro! Claudius! sirs, awake!—Claudius!
Luc. [asleep]. The strings, my lord, are false.
Bru. He thinks he still is at his instrument.
In Henry VIII. III, i is a case of the same kind.
Queen Catherine. Take thy lute, wench: my soul grows sad with troubles:
Sing, and disperse them, if thou canst. Leave working.