K. John. Let it be so: I do commit his youth
To your direction. Hubert, what news with you?
[Taking him apart.[473]
Pem. This is the man should do the bloody deed;
He show'd his warrant to a friend of mine:70
The image of a wicked heinous fault
Lives in his eye; that close aspect of his
Does show the mood of a much troubled breast;[474]
And I do fearfully believe 'tis done,
What we so fear'd he had a charge to do.75
Sal. The colour of the king doth come and go
Between his purpose and his conscience,
Like heralds 'twixt two dreadful battles set:[475]
His passion is so ripe, it needs must break.
Pem. And when it breaks, I fear will issue thence80
The foul corruption of a sweet child's death.
K. John. We cannot hold mortality's strong hand:[476]
Good lords, although my will to give is living,
The suit which you demand is gone and dead:
He tells us Arthur is deceased to-night.85
Sal. Indeed we fear'd his sickness was past cure.
Pem. Indeed we heard how near his death he was
Before the child himself felt he was sick:
This must be answer'd either here or hence.
K. John. Why do you bend such solemn brows on me?90
Think you I bear the shears of destiny?
Have I commandment on the pulse of life?
Sal. It is apparent foul play; and 'tis shame[477]
That greatness should so grossly offer it:
So thrive it in your game! and so, farewell.95