_K. John._ Hadst thou but shook thy head or made a pause When I spake darkly what I purposed, Or turn'd an eye of doubt upon my face, As bid me tell my tale in express words,[506] Deep shame had struck me dumb, made me break off, 235 And those thy fears might have wrought fears in me: But thou didst understand me by my signs And didst in signs again parley with sin;[507] Yea, without stop, didst let thy heart consent, And consequently thy rude hand to act 240 The deed, which both our tongues held vile to name. Out of my sight, and never see me more! My nobles leave me; and my state is braved, Even at my gates, with ranks of foreign powers: Nay, in the body of this fleshly land,[508] 245 This kingdom, this confine of blood and breath, Hostility and civil tumult reigns[509] Between my conscience and my cousin's death. _Hub._ Arm you against your other enemies, I'll make a peace between your soul and you. 250 Young Arthur is alive: this hand of mine Is yet a maiden and an innocent hand, Not painted with the crimson spots of blood. Within this bosom never enter'd yet The dreadful motion of a murderous thought;[510] 255 And you have slander'd nature in my form, Which, howsoever rude exteriorly, Is yet the cover of a fairer mind Than to be butcher of an innocent child.[511] _K. John._ Doth Arthur live? O, haste thee to the peers, 260 Throw this report on their incensed rage, And make them tame to their obedience! Forgive the comment that my passion made Upon thy feature; for my rage was blind, And foul imaginary eyes of blood[512] 265 Presented thee more hideous than thou art. O, answer not, but to my closet bring The angry lords with all expedient haste. I conjure thee but slowly; run more fast. [_Exeunt._ SCENE III. _Before the castle._ _Enter_ ARTHUR, _on the walls_.[513] _Arth._ The wall is high, and yet will I leap down: Good ground, be pitiful and hurt me not! There's few or none do know me: if they did, This ship-boy's semblance hath disguised me quite. I am afraid; and yet I'll venture it. 5 If I get down, and do not break my limbs, I'll find a thousand shifts to get away: As good to die and go, as die and stay. [_Leaps down._[514] O me! my uncle's spirit is in these stones: Heaven take my soul, and England keep my bones! [_Dies._ 10 _Enter_ PEMBROKE, SALISBURY, _and_ BIGOT. _Sal._ Lords, I will meet him at Saint Edmundsbury:[515] It is our safety, and we must embrace This gentle offer of the perilous time. _Pem._ Who brought that letter from the cardinal?