North. Wars have not wasted it, for warr'd he hath not,[1082][1083]
But basely yielded upon compromise[1082]
That which his noble ancestors achieved with blows:[1082][1084]
More hath he spent in peace than they in wars.[1082]255
Ross. The Earl of Wiltshire hath the realm in farm.
Willo. The king's grown bankrupt, like a broken man.[1085]
North. Reproach and dissolution hangeth over him.[1086]
Ross. He hath not money for these Irish wars,
His burthenous taxations notwithstanding,260
But by the robbing of the banish'd duke.
North. His noble kinsman: most degenerate king!
But, lords, we hear this fearful tempest sing,
Yet seek no shelter to avoid the storm;
We see the wind sit sore upon our sails,[1087]265
And yet we strike not, but securely perish.
Ross. We see the very wreck that we must suffer;
And unavoided is the danger now,[1088]
For suffering so the causes of our wreck.
North. Not so; even through the hollow eyes of death270
I spy life peering; but I dare not say[1089]
How near the tidings of our comfort is.
Willo. Nay, let us share thy thoughts, as thou dost ours.
Ross. Be confident to speak, Northumberland:
We three are but thyself; and, speaking so,275
Thy words are but as thoughts; therefore, be bold.[1090]