SCENE II.
Queen-Mother and Eleazar.
Ele. Madam, a word: now have you wit or spirit?
Queen-M. Both.
Ele. Set them both to a most gainful task.
Our enemies are in my castle-work.
Queen-M. Ay; but the king's there too; it's dangerous pride
To strike at those that crouch by a lion's side.
Ele. Remove them.
Queen-M. How?
Ele. How! a thousand ways:
By poison, or by this [Points to his sword]; but every groom
Has skill in such base traffic; no, our policies
Must look more strange, must fly with loftier wings;
Vengeance, the higher it falls, more honour brings;
But you are cold—you dare not do.
Queen-M. I dare.