HASTINGS.
I know they do, and I have well deserved it.
Enter Stanley Earl of Derby.
Come on, come on. Where is your boar-spear, man?
Fear you the boar, and go so unprovided?
STANLEY.
My lord, good morrow; good morrow, Catesby.
You may jest on, but, by the Holy Rood,
I do not like these several councils, I.
HASTINGS.
My lord, I hold my life as dear as you do yours,
And never in my days, I do protest,
Was it so precious to me as ’tis now.
Think you, but that I know our state secure,
I would be so triumphant as I am?
STANLEY.
The lords at Pomfret, when they rode from London,
Were jocund and supposed their states were sure,
And they indeed had no cause to mistrust;
But yet you see how soon the day o’ercast.
This sudden stab of rancour I misdoubt;
Pray God, I say, I prove a needless coward.
What, shall we toward the Tower? The day is spent.
HASTINGS.
Come, come. Have with you. Wot you what, my lord?
Today the lords you talked of are beheaded.
STANLEY.
They, for their truth, might better wear their heads
Than some that have accused them wear their hats.
But come, my lord, let’s away.
Enter a Pursuivant.
HASTINGS.
Go on before; I’ll talk with this good fellow.