Strafford, a Tragedy (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1843 Excerpt: ...Worn with so many labours, cares, and griefs--Strange, is it not, my heart can swell and riot In the flushed plenitude of glorious joy, Like a boy bridegroom? Now, at last, 'tis plain That I shall reap the harvest sown so long, And be, as bounteous Nature marked me out And gifted me, the ruling vital soul Of a great kingdom, moulding all within To smoothest order under one control, And making England's name to foreign lands Envied and terrible as e'er of old, When Edwards and when Henries wore the crown. For 'tis not kings themselves by whom alone Their realms are mighty, but the trenchant will And shaping thought of some victorious subject Fills the wide sphere of empire with renown. The man whose soul is Being's liveliest form And Order s fairest model, sways the rest By the true right divine. Thus Richelieu's brain Awes France, and leaves the crown a glittering toy. But, come, 'tis time, and I must now prepare An unexpected show for these mad clowns. Exeunt. Scene--The Ante-room of the House of Lords, which itself opens out of one side, but is not seen. Persons entering the House come on at the opposite side and cross over. The Ante-room contains a number of Persons--Spectators, Guards, Attendants, and Muckle John, the King's Fool. MUCKLE JOHN. What is that buzz about? It sounds as if The hive were swarming. Would I had a kettle. FIRST ATTENDANT. Fool 'tis a number of the House of Commons Gone in to take a message to the Lords. MUCKLE JOHN. And to what end 1 SECOND ATTENDANT. Who knows? Some foolery Of grievances to turn all upside-down. MUCKLE JOHN. O brave I always knew the day would come When all wise men would have to wear the motley, And the best fool be owned as King of all. 'Tis the Fifth Monarchy, so long expected. FIRST ATTENDANT. 'Tis strange...