ARTHUR.
Ah, none but in this iron age would do it!
The iron of itself, though heat red-hot,
Approaching near these eyes would drink my tears
And quench his fiery indignation
Even in the matter of mine innocence;
Nay, after that, consume away in rust,
But for containing fire to harm mine eye.
Are you more stubborn-hard than hammer’d iron?
An if an angel should have come to me
And told me Hubert should put out mine eyes,
I would not have believ’d him. No tongue but Hubert’s.
HUBERT.
[Stamps.] Come forth.
Enter Executioners with cords, irons, &c.
Do as I bid you do.
ARTHUR.
O, save me, Hubert, save me! My eyes are out
Even with the fierce looks of these bloody men.
HUBERT.
Give me the iron, I say, and bind him here.
ARTHUR.
Alas, what need you be so boist’rous-rough?
I will not struggle, I will stand stone-still.
For heaven sake, Hubert, let me not be bound!
Nay, hear me, Hubert! Drive these men away,
And I will sit as quiet as a lamb;
I will not stir, nor wince, nor speak a word,
Nor look upon the iron angerly.
Thrust but these men away, and I’ll forgive you,
Whatever torment you do put me to.
HUBERT.
Go, stand within; let me alone with him.
FIRST EXECUTIONER.
I am best pleas’d to be from such a deed.
[Exeunt Executioners.]