Have put my pride away. I had your love
Not a great while ago, and now you have planned
To put a voice by every cottage fire,
And in the night when no one sees who cries,
To cry against me till my throne has crumbled.
And yet if I give way I must offend
My courtiers and nobles till they, too,
Strike at the crown. What would you have of me?
seanchan. When did the poets promise safety, King?
king. Seanchan, I bring you bread in my own hands,
And bid you eat because of all these reasons,
And for this further reason, that I love you.
[seanchan pushes bread away, with fedelm's hand.
You have refused, Seanchan?
seanchan. We have refused it.
king. I have been patient, though I am a king,
And have the means to force you. But that’s ended,
And I am but a king, and you a subject.
Nobles and courtiers, bring the poets hither;
[Enter court ladies, monk, soldiers, chamberlain, and courtiers with pupils, who have halters round their necks.
