_Kent._ [_Crossing to her_] We'll ask no leave, my mother. Do dreams take flesh, and prayers become alive? For I have dreamed and prayed to see your face, Though but in vision, thinking you in Heaven; And all my life your voice like far off singing Has followed me. Sometimes it seemed 'twould near If I might wait in silence, wooing it, But life that waits no longing pushed me on With the old loss new in my heart. _Ade._ My son! My only son! O, twice thou'rt born to me! _Kent._ And I must double yet thy joy, for see Thy daughter too. [_Presents Margaret_] _Mar._ [_To Adelais_] If thou wilt call me so. [_Adelais embraces Margaret_] _Hen._ Those castles, Albemarle, which were your boast, Must now revert to their right lordly owner, The earl of Kent. _Alb._ Take them, my liege, take all, But leave me this good sword which I would wear As your most loyal subject. _Hen._ Nay, my lord, Your service past but illy recommends you. You are our prisoner. Guards for Albemarle! _Alb._ What does this mean? You cast your crown by this! _Hen._ It means, proud man, you are a traitor proved. You galloped hard last night, and 'twas to death. Those troops you called on pretence to avenge The death of Kent will be by Kent commanded. _Alb._ [_To Wynne_] 'Tis you who've brought this hell upon me, villain! _Hen._ By your good patience, he is not a villain! I know not all his merit, but enough To make him my chief general; asking first His guard against this plotting Poitevin-- This unfrocked bishop--should he e'er attempt To make new friends and land upon our shores. _Wynne._ Sire, in my arms he'll find a barrier High as the devil sealed to enter Heaven. _Alb._ [_To Pembroke_] Be lightning in my cause, if you would save me! _Pem._ I go at once to raise what power I can. _Hen._ Out, guards, with Albemarle, and keep him close Till he go forth to death. [_Exit Albemarle under guard. Pembroke is hurrying out_] Stay, Pembroke. You Have been too close his brother. 'Tis a pity To sever you in death, but for the sake Of your great father dead we're lenient And banish you the kingdom. _Pem._ Sire, I go. [_Exit_] _Hen._ [_To officer_] Follow him, sir, and see him straightway shipped. [_Exit officer_] Now Kent may ask and have. What gift shall speak My great affection? What thy dearest wish? _Kent._ Let him not ask for more, who has the love Of Margaret, his mother, and his king. [_Curtain_] THE SHEPHERD A PLAY IN THREE ACTS _CHARACTERS OF THE PLAY_