TRESHAM. Not hurt? It cannot be! You made no effort to resist me. Where Did my sword reach you? Why not have returned My thrusts? Hurt where? MERTOUN. My lord-- TRESHAM. How young he is! MERTOUN. Lord Tresham, I am very young, and yet I have entangled other lives with mine. Do let me speak, and do believe my speech! That when I die before you presently,-- TRESHAM. Can you stay here till I return with help? MERTOUN. Oh, stay by me! When I was less than boy I did you grievous wrong and knew it not-- Upon my honour, knew it not! Once known, I could not find what seemed a better way To right you than I took: my life--you feel How less than nothing were the giving you The life you've taken! But I thought my way The better--only for your sake and hers: And as you have decided otherwise, Would I had an infinity of lives To offer you! Now say--instruct me--think! Can you, from the brief minutes I have left, Eke out my reparation? Oh think--think! For I must wring a partial--dare I say, Forgiveness from you, ere I die? TRESHAM. I do Forgive you. MERTOUN. Wait and ponder that great word! Because, if you forgive me, I shall hope To speak to you of--Mildred! TRESHAM. Mertoun, haste And anger have undone us. 'Tis not you Should tell me for a novelty you're young, Thoughtless, unable to recall the past. Be but your pardon ample as my own!