Franc. But can there be no means to save his life?
Euph. Alas! there's none—the king has taken an oath
Never to pardon him; but since, they say,
His majesty repents, and fain would save him.
Franc. Then am I wretched: like a man long blind,
That comes at last to see the wish'd-for sun,
But finds it in eclipse: such is my case,
To meet in this dark woe my dearest friends.
Euph. Had you not heard this news before, Lysandro?
Franc. Yes, sir, and did lament
As for a worthy stranger, but ne'er knew
My sorrow stood engag'd by such a tie
As brotherhood. Where may we see him, sir?
Euph. This morning he's arraigned. Put off
That habit you are in, and go along with me;
Leave your friends here awhile.
Franc. Farewell, father; dear Luce, till soon[437] farewell:
Nought but so sad a chance could make me cloudy now.
[Exeunt.
Frank. Well, Luce, thy choice has proved better than we expected; but this cloud of grief has dimmed our mirth, but will, I hope, blow over. Heaven grant it may! And, Signior Shallow, though you have missed what my love meant you once, pray be my guest.
Shal. I thank you, sir; I'll not be strange.
[Exeunt.