_Win._ Gualo brings the axe--although He knows it not--that shall behead De Burgh. Trust me, my lords, and soon you shall know more. _Alb._ Work as you will, for while he is in power We are but puppets and I dance not well. _Win._ I'll ride with Gualo, and begin our move. Then on to Canterbury. Fare you well, Till morning bring our bold designs together. [_Exit_] _Alb._ How, Pembroke? Seest the gull in this? _Pem._ It needs No second sight, my lord. The barons' arms Outnumber all the feeble prelacy. _Alb._ Thinks we'll stop with Kent when Henry stands Defenceless 'fore us? Come! We too must ride. _Pem._ Proud Poitevin! He plots to lose his head, And give this land a king indeed! _Alb._ My Pembroke! [_Exeunt. An attendant opens the large doors, rear, lady Albemarle and the princess Margaret enter_] _La. Alb._ What! no one here? We have not seen a soul But the poor fool who brought us food and wine. I'll not endure it! Are we prisoners? Mewed up these hours, when all about there's stir As Fate changed hands and rumbled destiny. Such clattering, shifting, revel, and "To horse!" And we mope here like toothless dames that long Have lost the world! _Att._ Your ladyship, the king Will see you here. _La. Alb._ That's better. He shall beg My pardon. [_Seats herself_] _Mar._ How canst think of things so slight When even now your brother may be lost? _La. Alb._ I lose no kingdom with him. That's your theme, And, lord, you don't neglect it. _Mar._ [_Walking away from her_] O, for word! Surely some word has come! _La. Alb._ Would I were home! 'Twas you, my lady, put this journey on me With prating of my duty to my brother. But I know why you came. _Mar._ O me, you know? _La. Alb._ That does not mark me wise. A fool might guess. _Mar._ O, I am lost! Dear lady, be my friend! _La. Alb._ Why such a fluttering like a lass in folly? The king was here, and 'twas mere wit in you To follow after, making me your foil. _Mar._ The king? _La. Alb._ Ay, ay, the king! I understand Your cry about my brother. _Mar._ O! _La. Alb._ Why such an "O!" As though you'd swallow all the air i' the room And kill me with vacuity. _Mar._ Ah, madam! _La. Alb._ You'll not have long to wait. He'll be here soon. _Mar._ O, then you think he's safe? _La. Alb._ I think he's safe? Why should he not be safe? _Mar._ Could I believe it! _La. Alb._ His truest lords are with him. Albemarle Himself is guard sufficient.