KING. I have often noticed you in the field. You are a brave soldier—and a prudent one, too, to have saved enough from your pay to buy yourself a watch.
HAROLD (aside to CORPORAL.)
You remember what I told you about a hawk's eye.
CORPORAL.
Brave I flatter myself I am; but as to my watch, it is of little signification.
KING (Seizing and pulling out a bullet fastened to the CORPORAL's watch-riband.)
Why, this is not a watch!—It's a bullet!
CORPORAL. It's the only watch I have, Your Majesty; but I have not worn it entirely out of vanity—
KING.
What have you worn it for, then? It does not show you the time of day!
CORPORAL.
No; bit it clearly shows me the death I am to die in your Majesty's service.
KING. Well said, my brave fellow! And, that you may likewise see the hour among the twelve in which you ARE to die, I will give you my watch. Take it, and wear it for my sake corporal. (The KING gives the CORPORAL his watch.)
CORPORAL (with emotion.)
It will also teach me that at any moment Your Majesty may command my life.
HAROLD (enthusiastically.)
And the lives of us all. Long live the King!