_Hub._ Go, stand within; let me alone with him. 85
_First Exec._ I am best pleased to be from such a deed.[409]
_Arth._ Alas, I then have chid away my friend! He hath a stern look, but a gentle heart: Let him come back, that his compassion may Give life to yours.
_Arth._ O heaven, that there were but a mote in yours,[444] A grain, a dust, a gnat, a wandering hair, Any annoyance in that precious sense! Then feeling what small things are boisterous there, 95 Your vile intent must needs seem horrible.
_Hub._ Is this your promise? go to, hold your tongue.
_Arth._ Hubert, the utterance of a brace of tongues[445] Must needs want pleading for a pair of eyes:[445] Let me not hold my tongue, let me not, Hubert; 100 Or, Hubert, if you will, cut out my tongue, So I may keep mine eyes: O, spare mine eyes, Though to no use but still to look on you! Lo, by my troth, the instrument is cold And would not harm me.
_Arth._ No, in good sooth; the fire is dead with grief, Being create for comfort, to be used In undeserved extremes: see else yourself; There is no malice in this burning coal;[446] The breath of heaven hath blown his spirit out[447] 110 And strew'd repentant ashes on his head.[447]
_Hub._ But with my breath I can revive it, boy.
_Arth._ An if you do, you will but make it blush[448][449] And glow with shame of your proceedings, Hubert:[448] Nay, it perchance will sparkle in your eyes;[448] 115 And like a dog that is compell'd to fight,[448] Snatch at his master that doth tarre him on.[448][450] All things that you should use to do me wrong Deny their office: only you do lack That mercy which fierce fire and iron extends,[451] 120 Creatures of note for mercy-lacking uses.[452]
_Hub._ Well, see to live; I will not touch thine eye[453] For all the treasure that thine uncle owes:[454] Yet am I sworn and I did purpose, boy, With this same very iron to burn them out. 125
_Arth._ O, now you look like Hubert! all this while You were disguised.[455]
_Hub._ Peace; no more. Adieu. Your uncle must not know but you are dead; I'll fill these dogged spies with false reports: And, pretty child, sleep doubtless and secure, 130 That Hubert, for the wealth of all the world, Will not offend thee.
_Hub._ Silence; no more: go closely in with me: Much danger do I undergo for thee. [_Exeunt._