_King._ Nor I, and yet methinks I should command; But, seeing I cannot, I'll entreat for him,-- My lord, if you will let my uncle live, I will requite it when I come to age. _Y. Mor._ Tis for your highness' good, and for the realm's.-- 100 How often shall I bid you bear him hence? _Kent._ Art thou king? must I die at thy command? _Y. Mor._ At our command! once more away with him. _Kent._ Let me but stay and speak; I will not go. Either my brother or my son is king, And none of both them thirst for Edmund's blood. And therefore, soldiers, whither will you hale me? [_They hale_ KENT _away, and carry him to be beheaded_. _King._ What safety may I look for at his hands, If that my uncle shall be murdered thus? _Queen._ Fear not, sweet boy, I'll guard thee from thy foes; 110 Had Edmund lived, he would have sought thy death. Come, son, we'll ride a hunting in the park. _King._ And shall my uncle Edmund ride with us? _Queen._ He is a traitor; think not on him; come. [_Exeunt omnes._ SCENE V. _Enter_[327] MATREVIS _and_ GURNEY. _Mat._ Gurney, I wonder the king dies not, Being in a vault up to the knees in water, To which the channels of the castle run, From whence a damp continually ariseth, That were enough to poison any man, Much more a king brought up so tenderly. _Gur._ And so do I, Matrevis: yesternight I opened but the door to throw him meat, And I was almost stifled with the savour. _Mat._ He hath a body able to endure 10 More than we can inflict: and therefore now Let us assail his mind another while. _Gur._ Send for him out thence, and I will anger him. _Mat._ But stay, who's this? _Enter_ LIGHTBORN. _Light._ My Lord Protector greets you. _Gur._ What's here? I know not how to construe it. _Mat._ Gurney, it was left unpointed for the nonce; _Edwardum occidere nolite timere,_ That's his meaning. _Light._ Know ye this token? I must have the king. _Mat._ I, stay awhile, thou shalt have answer straight. 20 This villain's sent to make away the king. [_Aside._ _Gur._ I thought as much. [_Aside._ _Mat._ And when the murder's done, See how he must be handled for his labour. _Pereat iste!_ Let him have the king. [_Aside._ What else? here is the keys, this is the lake,[328] Do as you are commanded by my lord. _Light._ I know what I must do; get you away. Yet be not far off, I shall need your help; See that in the next room I have a fire, And get me a spit, and let it be red-hot. 30 _Mat._ Very well. _Gur._ Need you anything besides? _Light._ What else? A table and a feather-bed. _Gur._ That's all?