Wol. So farewell to the little good you bear me.[609] 350
Farewell! a long farewell, to all my greatness![610]
This is the state of man: to-day he puts forth
The tender leaves of hopes; to-morrow blossoms,[611]
And bears his blushing honours thick upon him;
The third day comes a frost, a killing frost, 355
And, when he thinks, good easy man, full surely
His greatness is a-ripening, nips his root,[612]
And then he falls, as I do. I have ventured,
Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders,
This many summers in a sea of glory,[613] 360
But far beyond my depth: my high-blown pride[614]
At length broke under me and now has left me,
Weary and old with service, to the mercy
Of a rude stream that must for ever hide me.
Vain pomp and glory of this world, I hate ye:[615] 365
I feel my heart new open'd. O, how wretched
Is that poor man that hangs on princes' favours!
There is, betwixt that smile we would aspire to,[616]
That sweet aspect of princes, and their ruin,[617]
More pangs and fears than wars or women have: 370
And when he falls, he falls like Lucifer,
Never to hope again.
Enter Cromwell, and stands amazed.[618]
Why, how now, Cromwell!
Crom. I have no power to speak, sir.
Wol. What, amazed
At my misfortunes? can thy spirit wonder[619]
A great man should decline? Nay, an you weep,[620] 375
I am fall'n indeed.
Wol. Why, well;
Never so truly happy, my good Cromwell.
I know myself now; and I feel within me
A peace above all earthly dignities,
A still and quiet conscience. The king has cured me, 380
I humbly thank his grace; and from these shoulders,
These ruin'd pillars, out of pity, taken[621]
A load would sink a navy, too much honour.
O, 'tis a burden, Cromwell, 'tis a burden
Too heavy for a man that hopes for heaven! 385
Crom. I am glad your grace has made that right use of it.[595][622]
Wol. I hope I have: I am able now, methinks,[622]
Out of a fortitude of soul I feel,
To endure more miseries and greater far
Than my weak-hearted enemies dare offer. 390
What news abroad?
Crom. The heaviest and the worst
Is your displeasure with the king.