Of basilisks, of cannon, culverin,
Of prisoners' ransom, and of soldiers slain,
And all the currents of a heady fight. 60
Thy spirit within thee hath been so at war,
And thus hath so bestirr'd thee in thy sleep,
That beads of sweat have stood upon thy brow,
Like bubbles in a late-disturbed stream; 64
And in thy face strange motions have appear'd,
Such as we see when men restrain their breath
On some great sudden hest. O! what portents are these?
Some heavy business hath my lord in hand, 68
And I must know it, else he loves me not.
Hot. What, ho! [Enter Servant.] Is Gilliams with the packet gone?
Serv. He is, my lord, an hour ago.
Hot. Hath Butler brought those horses from the sheriff? 72
Serv. One horse, my lord, he brought even now.
Hot. What horse? a roan, a crop-ear, is it not?
Serv. It is, my lord.
Hot.That roan shall be my throne.
Well, I will back him straight: O, Esperance!
Bid Butler lead him forth into the park.
[Exit Servant.]
Lady P. But hear you, my lord.
Hot. What sayst thou, my lady?
Lady P. What is it carries you away? 80
Hot. Why, my horse, my love, my horse.
Lady P. Out, you mad-headed ape!
A weasel hath not such a deal of spleen
As you are toss'd with. In faith, 84
58 basilisks; cf. n.
60 currents: occurrences
heady: headlong
67 hest: command
76 Esperance: the motto of the Percy family
83 spleen: caprice