_Buck._ All good people,[260] 55 You that thus far have come to pity me,[261] Hear what I say, and then go home and lose me. I have this day received a traitor's judgement, And by that name must die: yet, heaven bear witness, And if I have a conscience, let it sink me, 60 Even as the axe falls, if I be not faithful! The law I bear no malice for my death;[262] 'T has done upon the premisses but justice:[263] But those that sought it I could wish more Christians: Be what they will, I heartily forgive 'em:[264] 65 Yet let 'em look they glory not in mischief,[264] Nor build their evils on the graves of great men;[265] For then my guiltless blood must cry against 'em. For further life in this world I ne'er hope, Nor will I sue, although the king have mercies[266] 70 More than I dare make faults. You few that loved me[267] And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham, His noble friends and fellows, whom to leave Is only bitter to him, only dying, Go with me, like good angels, to my end, 75 And, as the long divorce of steel falls on me, Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice And lift my soul to heaven. Lead on, o' God's name.[268] _Lov._ I do beseech your grace, for charity, If ever any malice in your heart 80 Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly.[269] _Buck._ Sir Thomas Lovell, I as free forgive you As I would be forgiven: I forgive all; There cannot be those numberless offences 'Gainst me, that I cannot take peace with: no black envy[270][271][272][273] 85 Shall make my grave. Commend me to his grace,[270][272] And if he speak of Buckingham, pray tell him You met him half in heaven: my vows and prayers Yet are the king's, and, till my soul forsake,[274] Shall cry for blessings on him: may he live 90 Longer than I have time to tell his years! Ever beloved and loving may his rule be![275] And when old time shall lead him to his end, Goodness and he fill up one monument! _Lov._ To the water side I must conduct your grace; 95 Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux, Who undertakes you to your end. _Vaux._ Prepare there; The duke is coming: see the barge be ready, And fit it with such furniture as suits The greatness of his person.