[60] Duch. Yes, my good lord, I’ll follow presently. [Exeunt Gloucester and Messenger.

Follow I must; I cannot go before,

While Gloucester bears this base and humble mind.

Were I a man, a duke, and next of blood,

I would remove these tedious stumbling-blocks

65 And smooth my way upon their headless necks;

And, being a woman, I will not be slack

To play my part in Fortune’s pageant.

[♦] Where are you there? Sir John! nay, fear not, man,

[♦] We are alone; here’s none but thee and I.