Untitled

Did any dare pretend that it was I

Prompted the seer to utter a forged charge?

Such things were said; with what intent I know not.

Were not his wits and vision all astray

When upon me he fixed this monstrous charge?

I know not; to my sovereign’s acts I am blind.

But lo, he comes to answer for himself.

Sirrah, what mak’st thou here? Dost thou presume

To approach my doors, thou brazen-facèd rogue,

My murderer and the filcher of my crown?

Come, answer this, didst thou detect in me

Some touch of cowardice or witlessness,

That made thee undertake this enterprise?

I seemed forsooth too simple to perceive

The serpent stealing on me in the dark,

Or else too weak to scotch it when I saw.

This thou art witless seeking to possess

Without a following or friends the crown,

A prize that followers and wealth must win.

Attend me. Thou hast spoken, ’tis my turn

To make reply. Then having heard me, judge.