SHAKESPEARE. Touch not these cellar thoughts, half worm, half weed: Give them no light, no air: be warned in time: Break not the seal nor roll away the stone, Lest the blind evil writhe itself heart-high And its breath stale us! ANNE. Oh, what evil? SHAKESPEARE. Know you not? Why then I’ll say “Thank God!” and never tell you-- And yet I think you know? ANNE. Am I your wife, Wiser than your own mother in your ways (For she was wise for many, I’ve but you) Ways in my heart stored, and with them the unborn I feed, that he may grow a second you-- Am I your wife, so close to you all day, So close to you all night, that oft I lie Counting your heart-beats--do I watch you stir And cry out suddenly and clench your hand Till the bone shows white, and then you sigh and turn, And sometimes smile, but never ope your eyes, Nor know me with a seeking touch of hands That bids me share the dream--am I your wife, Can I be woman and your very wife And know not you are burdened? You lock me out, Yet at the door I wait, wringing my hands To help you. SHAKESPEARE. You could help me; but--I know you! You’d help me, in your way, to go--your way! ANNE. The right way. SHAKESPEARE. Said I not, sweetheart--your way? So--leave it! _He begins to write_. ANNE _goes to the window_ _and leans against it looking out._ ANNE [_softly_]. Give me words! God, give me words. SHAKESPEARE. Sweetheart, you stay the light. ANNE. The pane is cool. _She moves to one side._ Can you see now? SHAKESPEARE. That’s better. _The twang of a lute is heard._ ANNE. The road dances. A VOICE [_singing_]. Come with me to London, Folly, come away! I’ll make your fortune On a fine day-- ANNE. A stranger with my mother at the gate! _She opens the door to_ MRS. HATHAWAY, _who enters._ THE VOICE [_nearer_]. Daisy leave and buttercup! Pick your gold and silver up, In London, in London, Oh, London Town! ANNE. What have you brought us, Mother, unawares? MRS. HATHAWAY. Why, I met the man in the lane and he asked his way here. He wants Will. ANNE. Does he, and does he?