[_Very courteously._] Yes, my lord, some time since, when first you entered. HERBERT: An hour agone, surely! RALEIGH: [_Laughing._] Not half, my lord. Time lags when we wait. HERBERT: Time! Time is for slaves: an hour for this, an hour for that. Curse time, a slut that lends herself to every basest use. [_Throws himself into a seat. Insolently._] What was the answer? RALEIGH: Answer! my lord! HERBERT: [_Insolently._] Yes, when my name went in. RALEIGH: There was no answer. [_Long pause, while Herbert beats his leg with his glove._] HERBERT: [_Rising._] Prithee send in again, Captain, to say I wait. I’ve ridden fast to be in time, and now—I’m chilled. RALEIGH: The Queen’s in Council, my lord, with Lord Burghley and the Spanish ambassador; I dare not interrupt her! HERBERT: Dare is for a servant, not for a Raleigh. RALEIGH: A Raleigh is proud to serve his Queen. HERBERT: A very proper spirit in him. But prithee, send in my name again—I like not waiting. RALEIGH: I pray you not to ask that. HERBERT: [_Rising._] But I do ask it, man, I do. I’m sick of waiting. On me be all the blame. I’ll bear you out in it. RALEIGH: I’m on duty here, my lord, and may not yield my office to another! HERBERT: [_Going to him._] Don’t lesson me, but do your office. RALEIGH: You may be sure I shall. HERBERT: [_Making as if to push past him._] Then remove, remove, or go in. RALEIGH: [_Bars the way._] I’m here to protect the Queen’s privacy, not to annoy her. HERBERT: Servants should obey, not talk. RALEIGH: To be pert is a boy’s privilege. HERBERT: Damn your privilege. [_Strikes him. Raleigh’s sword flashes out: Herbert draws too. At this moment the door opens and discovers the Queen._] QUEEN ELIZABETH: Fighting! Here! [_Raleigh bows composedly, and steps back. Herbert flings his sword on the ground and throws himself on one knee before her._] HERBERT: What better thing on earth to fight for, than a sight of you, my Queen! [_Queen lifts him, smiling as the curtain falls._] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ACT II ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SCENE I. _At the Mermaid. Ben Jonson is standing at the end of the room_, L., _Fletcher and Lord Lacy near him. Marston and Dekker are with Chapman in the middle. Chettle is seated_, R., _facing Jonson. Shakespeare enters behind Chettle, door_ R. JONSON: [_Stretching._] It’s good to be free—free to feast, and not feed like a dog—free! That prison was killing me. [_Calling out as Shakespeare enters._] Ho, Will! here’s your chair, yawning till you come. CHETTLE: Here’s one with jaws as thirsty-wide, my lad, and dry to boot. Will you fill ’em? SHAKESPEARE: