William Shakespeare: King Henry VI, Second Part

ACT II 4. SCENE IV. A Street. (continued)

GLOSTER.
And my consent ne'er ask'd herein before!
This is close dealing.--Well, I will be there.--

[Exit Herald.]

My Nell, I take my leave;--and, master sheriff,
Let not her penance exceed the king's commission.

SHERIFF.
An 't please your grace, here my commission stays,
And Sir John Stanley is appointed now
To take her with him to the Isle of Man.

GLOSTER.
Must you, Sir John, protect my lady here?

STANLEY.
So am I given in charge, may 't please your grace.

GLOSTER.
Entreat her not the worse in that I pray
You use her well.
The world may laugh again,
And I may live to do you kindness if
You do it her; and so, Sir John, farewell!

DUCHESS.
What, gone, my lord, and bid me not farewell!

GLOSTER.
Witness my tears, I cannot stay to speak.

[Exeunt Gloster and Servingmen.]

DUCHESS.
Art thou gone too? all comfort go with thee!
For none abides with me; my joy is death,
Death, at whose name I oft have been afeard,
Because I wish'd this world's eternity.--
Stanley, I prithee, go, and take me hence;
I care not whither, for I beg no favour,
Only convey me where thou art commanded.

STANLEY.
Why, madam, that is to the Isle of Man;
There to be us'd according to your state.

DUCHESS.
That's bad enough, for I am but reproach;
And shall I then be us'd reproachfully?

STANLEY.
Like to a duchess, and Duke Humphrey's lady;
According to that state you shall be us'd.

DUCHESS.
Sheriff, farewell, and better than I fare,
Although thou hast been conduct of my shame.

SHERIFF.
It is my office; and, madam, pardon me.