_Ateu._ I see this labour lost, my hope in vain; Yet will I try another drift again. [_Exit._ SCENE II.--_The Court at Edinburgh._ _Enter, one by one, the_ BISHOP OF ST ANDREWS, DOUGLAS, MORTON, _and others, one way_; QUEEN DOROTHEA _with_ NANO, _another way._ _Bp. of St And._ [_aside_]. O wrack of commonweal! O wretched state! _Doug._ [_aside_]. O hapless flock, whereas the guide is blind! _Mort._ [_aside_]. O heedless youth, where counsel is despis'd! [_They are all in a muse._ _Q. Dor._ Come, pretty knave, and prank it by my side; Let's see your best attendance out of hand. _Nano._ Madam, although my limbs are very small, My heart is good; I'll serve you therewithal. _Q. Dor._ How, if I were assail'd, what couldst thou do? _Nano._ Madam, call help, and boldly fight it too: Although a bee be but a little thing, You know, fair queen, it hath a bitter sting. _Q. Dor._ How couldst thou do me good, were I in grief? _Nano._ Counsel, dear princess, is a choice relief: Though Nestor wanted force, great was his wit; And though I am but weak, my words are fit. _Bp. of St And._ [_aside_]. Like to a ship upon the ocean-seas, Tost in the doubtful stream, without a helm, Such is a monarch without good advice. I am o'erheard: cast rein upon thy tongue; Andrews, beware; reproof will breed a scar. _Mort._ Good-day, my lord. _Bp. of St And._ Lord Morton, well y-met.-- Whereon deems Lord Douglas all this while? _Doug._ Of that which yours and my poor heart doth break, Although fear shuts our mouths, we dare not speak. _Q. Dor._ [_aside_]. What mean these princes sadly to consult? Somewhat, I fear, betideth them amiss, They are so pale in looks, so vex'd in mind.-- In happy hour, the noble Scottish peers, Have I encounter'd you: what makes you mourn? _Bp. of St And._ If we with patience may attention gain, Your grace shall know the cause of all our grief. _Q. Dor._ Speak on, good father: come and sit by me: I know thy care is for the common good.