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Friedrich Schiller Fiesco Or, The Genoese Conspiracy AUTHOR'S PREFACE. The chief sources from which I have drawn the history of this conspiracy are Cardinal de Retz's Conjuration du Comte Jean Louis de Fiesque, the Histoire des Genes, and the third volume of Robertson's History of Charles the Fifth. The liberties which I have taken with the historical facts will be excused, if I have succeeded in my attempt; and, if not, it is better that my failure should appear in the effusions of fancy, than in the delineation of truth. Some deviation from the real catastrophe of the conspiracy (according to which the count actually perished [A] when his schemes were nearly ripe for execution) was rendered necessary by the nature of the drama, which does not allow the interposition either of chance or of a particular Providence. It would be matter of surprise to me that this subject has never been adopted by any tragic writer, did not the circumstances of its conclusion, so unfit for dramatic representation, afford a sufficient reason for such neglect. Beings of a superior nature may discriminate the finest links of that chain which connects an individual action with the system of the universe, and may, perhaps, behold them extended to the utmost limits of time, past and future; but man seldom sees more than the simple facts, divested of their various relations of cause and effect. The writer, therefore, must adapt his performance to the short-sightedness of human nature, which he would enlighten; and not to the penetration of Omniscience, from which all intelligence is derived. In my Tragedy of the Robbers it was my object to delineate the victim of an extravagant sensibility; here I endeavor to paint the reverse; a victim of art and intrigue. But, however strongly marked in the page of history the unfortunate project of Fiesco may appear, on the stage it may prove less interesting. If it be true that sensibility alone awakens sensibility, we may conclude that the political hero is the less calculated for dramatic representation, in proportion as it becomes necessary to lay aside the feelings of a man in order to become a political hero. It was, therefore, impossible for me to breathe into my fable that glowing life which animates the pure productions of poetical inspiration; but, in order to render the cold and sterile actions of the politician capable of affecting the human heart, I was obliged to seek a clue to those actions in the human heart itself. I was obliged to blend together the man and the politician, and to draw from the refined intrigues of state situations interesting to humanity. The relations which I bear to society are such as unfold to me more of the heart than of the cabinet; and, perhaps, this very political defect may have become a poetical excellence. [A] Fiesco, after having succeeded in the chief objects of his undertaking, happened to fall into the sea whilst hastening to quell some disturbances on board of a vessel in the harbor; the weight of his armor rendered his struggles ineffectual, and he perished. The deviation from history in the tragedy might have been carried farther, and would perhaps have rendered it more suitable to dramatic representation. - Translation. ANDREAS DORIA, Duke of Genoa, a venerable old man, eighty years of age, retaining the traces of a high spirit: the chief features in this character are dignity and a rigid brevity in command. GIANETTINO DORIA, nephew of the former, and pretender to the ducal power, twenty-six years of age, rough and forbidding in his address, deportment, and manners, with a vulgar pride and disgusting features. FIESCO, Count of Lavagna, chief of the conspiracy, a tall, handsome young man, twenty-three years of age; his character is that of dignified pride and majestic affability, with courtly complaisance and deceitfulness. VERRINA, a determined republican, sixty years of age; grave, austere, and inflexible: a marked character. BOURGOGNINO, a conspirator, a youth of twenty; frank and high-spirited, proud, hasty, and undisguised. CALCAGNO, a conspirator, a worn-out debauchee of thirty; insinuating and enterprising. SACCO, a conspirator, forty-five years of age, with no distinguishing trait of character. LOMELLINO, in the confidence of the pretender, a haggard courtier. ZENTURIONE, | ZIBO, | Malcontents. ASSERATO, | ROMANO, a painter, frank and simple, with the pride of genius. MULEY HASSAN, a Moor of Tunis, an abandoned character, with a physiognomy displaying an original mixture of rascality and humor. A GERMAN of the ducal body-guard, of an honest simplicity, and steady bravery. THREE SEDITIOUS CITIZENS. LEONORA, the wife of Fiesco, eighteen years of age, of great sensibility; her appearance pale and slender, engaging, but not dazzling; her countenance marked with melancholy; her dress black. JULIA, Countess dowager Imperiali, sister of the younger Doria, aged twenty-five; a proud coquette, in person tall and full, her beauty spoiled by affectation, with a sarcastic maliciousness in her countenance; her dress black. BERTHA, daughter of Verrina, an innocent girl. ROSA, | Maids of Leonora. ARABELLA, | Several Nobles, Citizens, Germans, Soldiers, Thieves. (SCENE - Genoa. TIME - the year 1547.) ACT I. SCENE I. - A Saloon in FIESCO'S House. The distant sound of dancing and music is heard. LEONORA, masked, and attended by ROSA and ARABELLA, enters hastily. LEONORA (tears off her mask). No more! Not another word! 'Tis as clear as day! (Throwing herself in a chair.) This quite overcomes me - - ARABELLA. My lady! LEONORA (rising.) What, before my eyes! with a notorious coquette! In presence of the whole nobility of Genoa! (strongly affected.) - Rosa! Arabella! and before my weeping eyes! ROSA. Look upon it only as what it really was - a piece of gallantry. It was nothing more. LEONORA. Gallantry! What! Their busy interchange of glances - the anxious watching of her every motion - the long and eager kiss upon her naked arm, impressed with a fervor that left in crimson glow the very traces of his lips! Ha! and the transport that enwrapped his soul, when, with fixed eyes, he sate like painted ecstacy, as if the world around him had dissolved, and naught remained in the eternal void but he and Julia. Gallantry? Poor thing! Thou hast never loved. Think not that thou canst teach me to distinguish gallantry from love! ROSA. No matter, Signora! A husband lost is as good as ten lovers gained. LEONORA. Lost? Is then one little intermission of the heart's pulsations a proof that I have lost Fiesco? Go, malicious slanderer! Come no more into my presence! 'Twas an innocent frolic - perhaps a mere piece of gallantry. Say, my gentle Arabella, was it not so? ARABELLA. Most certainly! There can be no doubt of it! LEONORA (in a reverie). But does she then feel herself sole mistress of his heart? Does her name lurk in his every thought? - meet him in every phase of nature? Can it be? Whither will these thoughts lead me? Is this beautiful and majestic world to him but as one precious diamond, on which her image - her image alone - is engraved? That he should love her? - love Julia! Oh! Your arm - support me, Arabella! (A pause; music is again heard.) LEONORA (starting). Hark! Was not that Fiesco's voice, which from the tumult penetrated even hither? Can he laugh while his Leonora weeps in solitude? Oh, no, my child, it was the coarse, loud voice of Gianettino. ARABELLA. It was, Signora - but let us retire to another apartment. LEONORA. You change color, Arabella - you are false. In your looks, in the looks of all the inhabitants of Genoa, I read a something - a something which - (hiding her face) - oh, certainly these Genoese know more than should reach a wife's ear. ROSA. Oh, jealousy! thou magnifier of trifles! LEONORA (with melancholy enthusiasm). When he was still Fiesco; when in the orange-grove, where we damsels walked, I saw him - a blooming Apollo, blending the manly beauty of Antinous! Such was his noble and majestic deportment, as if the illustrious state of Genoa rested alone upon his youthful shoulders. Our eyes stole trembling glances at him, and shrunk back, as if with conscious guilt, whene'er they encountered the lightning of his looks. Ah, Arabella, how we devoured those looks! with what anxious envy did every one count those directed to her companions! They fell among us like the golden apple of discord - tender eyes burned fiercely - soft bosoms beat tumultuously - jealousy burst asunder all our bonds of friendship - - ARABELLA. I remember it well. All Genoa's female hearts were in rebellious ferment for so enviable a prize! LEONORA (in rapture). And now to call him mine! Giddy, wondrous fortune! - to call the pride of Genoa mine! - he who from the chisel of the exhaustless artist, Nature, sprang forth all-perfect, combining every greatness of his sex in the most perfect union. Hear me, damsels! I can no longer conceal it - hear me! I confide to you something (mysteriously) - a thought! - when I stood at the altar with Fiesco, - when his hand lay in mine, - a thought, too daring for woman, rushed across me. "This Fiesco, whose hand now lies in thine - thy Fiesco" - but hush! let no man hear us boast how far he excels all others of his sex. "This, thy Fiesco" - ah, could you but share my feelings! - "will free Genoa from its tyrants!" ARABELLA (astonished). And could this dream haunt a woman's mind even at the nuptial shrine? LEONORA. Yes, my Arabella, - well mayest thou be astonished - to the bride it came, even in the joy of the bridal hour (more animated). I am a woman, but I feel the nobleness of my blood. I cannot bear to see these proud Dorias thus overtop our family. The good old Andreas - it is a pleasure to esteem him. He may indeed, unenvied, bear the ducal dignity; but Gianettino is his nephew - his heir - and Gianettino has a proud and wicked heart. Genoa trembles before him, and Fiesco (much affected) - Fiesco - weep with me, damsels! - loves his sister. ARABELLA. Alas, my wretched mistress! LEONORA. Go now, and see this demi-god of the Genoese - amid the shameless circles of debauchery and lust! hear the vile jests and wanton ribaldry with which he entertains his base companions! That is Fiesco! Ah, damsels, not only has Genoa lost its hero, but I have lost my husband! ROSA. Speak lower! some one is coming through the gallery. LEONORA (alarmed). Ha! 'Tis Fiesco - let us hasten away - the sight of me might for a moment interrupt his happiness. (She hastens into a side apartment; the maids follow.) SCENE II GIANETTINO DORIA, masked, in a green cloak, and the MOOR, enter in conversation. GIANETTINO. Thou hast understood me! MOOR. Well - - GIANETTINO. The white mask - - MOOR. Well - - GIANETTINO. I say, the white mask - - MOOR. Well - well - well - - GIANETTINO. Dost thou mark me? Thou canst only fail here! (pointing to his heart). MOOR. Give yourself no concern. GIANETTINO. And be sure to strike home - - MOOR. He shall have enough. GIANETTINO (maliciously). That the poor count may not have long to suffer. MOOR. With your leave, sir, a word - at what weight do you estimate his head? GIANETTINO. What weight? A hundred sequins - - MOOR (blowing through his fingers). Poh! Light as a feather! GIANETTINO. What art thou muttering? MOOR. I was saying - it is light work. GIANETTINO. That is thy concern. He is the very loadstone of sedition. Mark me, sirrah! let thy blow be sure. MOOR. But, sir, - I must fly to Venice immediately after the deed. GIANETTINO. Then take my thanks beforehand. (He throws him a bank-note.) In three days at farthest he must be cold. [Exit. MOOR (picking up the note). Well, this really is what I call credit to trust - the simple word of such a rogue as I am! [Exit. SCENE III. CALCAGNO, behind him SACCO, both in black cloaks. CALCAGNO. I perceive thou watchest all my steps. SACCO. And I observe thou wouldst conceal them from me. Attend, Calcagno! For some weeks past I have remarked the workings of thy countenance. They bespeak more than concerns the interests of our country. Brother, I should think that we might mutually exchange our confidence without loss on either side. What sayest thou? Wilt thou be sincere? CALCAGNO. So truly, that thou shalt not need to dive into the recesses of my soul; my heart shall fly half-way to meet thee on my tongue - I love the Countess of Fiesco. SACCO (starts back with astonishment). That, at least, I should not have discovered had I made all possibilities pass in review before me. My wits are racked to comprehend thy choice, but I must have lost them altogether if thou succeed. CALCAGNO. They say she is a pattern of the strictest virtue. SACCO. They lie. She is the whole volume on that insipid text. Calcagno, thou must choose one or the other - either to give up thy heart or thy profession. CALCAGNO. The Count is faithless to her; and of all the arts that may seduce a woman the subtlest is jealousy. A plot against the Dorias will at the same time occupy the Count, and give me easy access to his house. Thus, while the shepherd guards against the wolf, the fox shall make havoc of the poultry. SACCO. Incomparable brother, receive my thanks! A blush is now superfluous, and I can tell thee openly what just now I was ashamed even to think. I am a beggar if the government be not soon overturned. CALCAGNO. What, are thy debts so great? SACCO. So immense that even one-tenth of them would more than swallow ten times my income. A convulsion of the state will give me breath; and if it do not cancel all my debts, at least 'twill stop the mouths of bawling creditors. CALCAGNO. I understand thee; and if then, perchance, Genoa should be freed, Sacco will be hailed his country's savior. Let no one trick out to me the threadbare tale of honesty, if the fate of empires hang on the bankruptcy of a prodigal and the lust of a debauchee. By heaven, Sacco, I admire the wise design of Providence, that in us would heal the corruptions in the heart of the state by the vile ulcers on its limbs. Is thy design unfolded to Verrina? SACCO. As far as it can be unfolded to a patriot. Thou knowest his iron integrity, which ever tends to that one point, his country. His hawk-like eye is now fixed on Fiesco, and he has half-conceived a hope of thee to join the bold conspiracy. CALCAGNO. Oh, he has an excellent nose! Come, let us seek him, and fan the flame of liberty in his breast by our accordant spirit. [Exeunt. SCENE IV. JULIA, agitated with anger, and FIESCO, in a white mask, following her. JULIA. Servants! footmen! FIESCO. Countess, whither are you going? What do you intend? JULIA. Nothing - nothing at all. (To the servants, who enter and immediately retire.) Let my carriage draw up - - FIESCO. Pardon me, it must not. You are offended. JULIA. Oh, by no means. Away - you tear my dress to pieces. Offended. Who is here that can offend me? Go, pray go. FIESCO (upon one knee). Not till you tell me what impertinent - - JULIA (stands still in a haughty attitude). Fine! Fine! Admirable! Oh, that the Countess of Lavagna might be called to view this charming scene! How, Count, is this like a husband? This posture would better suit the chamber of your wife when she turns over the journal of your caresses and finds a void in the account. Rise, sir, and seek those to whom your overtures will prove more acceptable. Rise - unless you think your gallantries will atone for your wife's impertinence. FIESCO (jumping up). Impertinence! To you? JULIA. To break up! To push away her chair! To turn her back upon the table - that table, Count, where I was sitting - - FIESCO. 'Tis inexcusable. JULIA. And is that all? Out upon the jade! Am I, then, to blame because the Count makes use of his eyes? (Smilingly admiring herself.) FIESCO. 'Tis the fault of your beauty, madam, that keeps them in such sweet slavery. JULIA. Away with compliment where honor is concerned. Count, I insist on satisfaction. Where shall I find it, in you, or in my uncle's vengeance? FIESCO. Find it in the arms of love - of love that would repair the offence of jealousy. JULIA. Jealousy! Jealousy! Poor thing! What would she wish for? (Admiring herself in the glass.) Could she desire a higher compliment than were I to declare her taste my own? (Haughtily.) Doria and Fiesco! Would not the Countess of Lavagna have reason to feel honored if Doria's niece deigned to envy her choice? (In a friendly tone, offering the Count her hand to kiss.) I merely assume the possibility of such a case, Count. FIESCO (with animation). Cruel Countess! Thus to torment me. I know, divine Julia, that respect is all I ought to feel for you. My reason bids me bend a subject's knee before the race of Doria; but my heart adores the beauteous Julia. My love is criminal, but 'tis also heroic, and dares o'erleap the boundaries of rank, and soar towards the dazzling sun of majesty. JULIA. A great and courtly falsehood, paraded upon stilts! While his tongue deifies me, his heart beats beneath the picture of another. FIESCO. Rather say it beats indignantly against it, and would shake off the odious burden. (Taking the picture of LEONORA, which is suspended by a sky-blue ribbon from his breast, and delivering it to JULIA.) Place your own image on that altar and you will instantly annihilate this idol. JULIA (pleased, puts by the picture hastily). A great sacrifice, by mine honor, and which deserves my thanks. (Hangs her own picture about his neck.) So, my slave, henceforth bear your badge of service. [Exit. FIESCO (with transport). Julia loves me! Julia! I envy not even the gods. (Exulting.) Let this night be a jubilee. Joy shall attain its summit. Ho! within there! (Servants come running in.) Let the floors swim with Cyprian nectar, soft strains of music rouse midnight from her leaden slumber, and a thousand burning lamps eclipse the morning sun. Pleasure shall reign supreme, and the Bacchanal dance so wildly beat the ground that the dark kingdom of the shades below shall tremble at the uproar! [Exit hastily. A noisy allegro, during which the back scene opens, and discovers a grand illuminated saloon, many masks - dancing. At the side, drinking and playing tables, surrounded with company. SCENE V. GIANETTINO, almost intoxicated, LOMELLINO, ZIBO, ZENTURIONE, VERRINA, CALCAGNO, all masked. Several other nobles and ladies. GIANETTINO (boisterously). Bravo! Bravo! These wines glide down charmingly. The dancers perform a merveille. Go, one of you, and publish it throughout Genoa that I am in good humor, and that every one may enjoy himself. By my ruling star this shall be marked as a red-letter day in the calendar, and underneath be written, - "This day was Prince Doria merry." (The guests lift their glasses to their mouths. A general toast of "The Republic." Sound of trumpets.) The Republic? (Throwing his glass violently on the ground.) There lie its fragments. (Three black masks suddenly rise and collect about GIANETTINO.) LOMELLINO (supporting GIANETTINO on his arm). My lord, you lately spoke of a young girl whom you saw in the church of St. Lorenzo. GIANETTINO. I did, my lad! and I must make her acquaintance. LOMELLINO. That I can manage for your grace. GIANETTINO (with vehemence). Can you? Can you? Lomellino, you were a candidate for the procuratorship. You shall have it. LOMELLINO. Gracious prince, it is the second dignity in the state; more than threescore noblemen seek it, and all of them more wealthy and honorable than your grace's humble servant. GIANETTINO (indignantly). By the name of Doria! You shall be procurator. (The three masks come forward). What talk you of nobility in Genoa? Let them all throw their ancestry and honors into the scale, one hair from the white beard of my old uncle will make it kick the beam. It is my will that you be procurator, and that is tantamount to the votes of the whole senate. LOMELLINO (in a low voice). The damsel is the only daughter of one Verrina. GIANETTINO. The girl is pretty, and, in spite of all the devils in hell, I must possess her. LOMELLINO. What, my lord! the only child of the most obstinate of our republicans? GIANETTINO. To hell with your republicans! Shall my passion be thwarted by the anger of a vassal? 'Tis as vain as to expect the tower should fall when the boys pelt it with mussel-shells. (The three black masks step nearer, with great emotion.) What! Has the Duke Andreas gained his scars in battle for their wives and children, only that his nephew should court the favor of these vagabond republicans! By the name of Doria they shall swallow this fancy of mine, or I will plant a gallows over the bones of my uncle, on which their Genoese liberty shall kick itself to death. (The three masks step back in disgust.) LOMELLINO. The damsel is at this moment alone. Her father is here, and one of those three masks. GIANETTINO. Excellent! Bring me instantly to her. LOMELLINO. But you will seek in her a mistress, and find a prude. GIANETTINO. Force is the best rhetoric. Lead me to her. Would I could see that republican dog that durst stand in the way of the bear Doria. (Going, meets FIESCO at the door.) Where is the Countess? SCENE VI. FIESCO and the former. FIESCO. I have handed her to her carriage. (Takes GIANETTINO'S hand, and presses it to his breast.) Prince, I am now doubly your slave. To you I bow, as sovereign of Genoa - to your lovely sister, as mistress of my heart. LOMELLINO. Fiesco has become a mere votary of pleasure. The great world has lost much in you. FIESCO. But Fiesco has lost nothing in giving up the world. To live is to dream, and to dream pleasantly is to be wise. Can this be done more certainly amid the thunders of a throne, where the wheels of government creak incessantly upon the tortured ear, than on the heaving bosom of an enamored woman? Let Gianettino rule over Genoa; Fiesco shall devote himself to love. GIANETTINO. Away, Lomellino! It is near midnight. The time draws near - Lavagna, we thank thee for thy entertainment - I have been satisfied. FIESCO. That, prince, is all that I can wish. GIANETTINO. Then good-night! To-morrow we have a party at the palace, and Fiesco is invited. Come, procurator! FIESCO. Ho! Lights there! Music! GIANETTINO (haughtily, rushing through the three masks). Make way there for Doria! ONE OF THE THREE MASKS (murmuring indignantly). Make way? In hell! Never in Genoa! THE GUESTS (in motion). The prince is going. Good night, Lavagna! (They depart.) SCENE VII. The THREE BLACK MASKS and FIESCO. (A pause.) FIESCO. I perceive some guests here who do not share the pleasure of the feast. MASKS (murmuring to each other with indignation). No! Not one of us. FIESCO (courteously). Is it possible that my attention should have been wanting to any one of my guests? Quick, servants! Let the music be renewed, and fill the goblets to the brim. I would not that my friends should find the time hang heavy. Will you permit me to amuse you with fireworks. Would you choose to see the frolics of my harlequin? Perhaps you would be pleased to join the ladies. Or shall we sit down to faro, and pass the time in play? A MASK. We are accustomed to spend it in action. FIESCO. A manly answer - such as bespeaks Verrina. VERRINA (unmasking). Fiesco is quicker to discover his friends beneath their masks than they to discover him beneath his. FIESCO. I understand you not. But what means that crape of mourning around your arm? Can death have robbed Verrina of a friend, and Fiesco not know the loss? VERRINA. Mournful tales ill suit Fiesco's joyful feasts. FIESCO. But if a friend - (pressing his hand warmly.) Friend of my soul! For whom must we both mourn? VRRRINA. Both! both! Oh, 'tis but too true we both should mourn - yet not all sons lament their mother. FIESCO. 'Tis long since your mother was mingled with the dust. VERRINA (with an earnest look). I do remember me that Fiesco once called me brother, because we both were sons of the same country! FIESCO (jocosely). Oh, is it only that? You meant then but to jest? The mourning dress is worn for Genoa! True, she lies indeed in her last agonies. The thought is new and singular. Our cousin begins to be a wit. VERRINA. Fiesco! I spoke most seriously. FIESCO. Certainly - certainly. A jest loses its point when he who makes it is the first to laugh. But you! You looked like a mute at a funeral. Who could have thought that the austere Verrina should in his old age become such a wag! SACCO. Come, Verrina. He never will be ours. FIESCO. Be merry, brother. Let us act the part of the cunning heir, who walks in the funeral procession with loud lamentations, laughing to himself the while, under the cover of his handkerchief. 'Tis true we may be troubled with a harsh step-mother. Be it so - we will let her scold, and follow our own pleasures. VERRINA (with great emotion). Heaven and earth! Shall we then do nothing? What is to become of you, Fiesco? Where am I to seek that determined enemy of tyrants? There was a time when but to see a crown would have been torture to you. Oh, fallen son of the republic! By heaven, if time could so debase my soul I would spurn immortality. FIESCO. O rigid censor! Let Doria put Genoa in his pocket, or barter it with the robbers of Tunis. Why should it trouble us? We will drown ourselves in floods of Cyprian wine, and revel it in the sweet caresses of our fair ones. VERRINA (looking at him with earnestness). Are these indeed your serious thoughts? FIESCO. Why should they not be, my friend? Think you 'tis a pleasure to be the foot of that many-legged monster, a republic? No - thanks be to him who gives it wings, and deprives the feet of their functions! Let Gianettino be the duke, affairs of state shall ne'er lie heavy on our heads. VERRINA. Fiesco! Is that truly and seriously your meaning? FIESCO. Andreas adopts his nephew as a son, and makes him heir to his estates; what madman will dispute with him the inheritance of his power? VERRINA (with the utmost indignation). Away, then, Genoese! (Leaves FIESCO hastily, the rest follow.) FIESCO. Verrina! Verrina! Oh, this republican is as hard as steel! SCENE VIII. FIESCO. A MASK entering. MASK. Have you a minute or two to spare, Lavagna? FIESCO (in an obliging manner). An hour if you request it. MASK. Then condescend to walk into the fields with me. FIESCO. It wants but ten minutes of midnight. MASK. Walk with me, Count, I pray. FIESCO. I will order my carriage. MASK. That is useless - I shall send one horse: we want no more, for only one of us, I hope, will return. FIESCO (with surprise). What say you? MASK. A bloody answer will be demanded of you, touching a certain tear. FIESCO. What tear? MASK. A tear shed by the Countess of Lavagna. I am acquainted with that lady, and demand to know how she has merited to be sacrificed to a worthless woman? FIESCO. I understand you now; but let me ask who 'tis that offers so strange a challenge? MASK. It is the same that once adored the lady Zibo, and yielded her to Fiesco. FIESCO. Scipio Bourgognino! BOURGOGNINO (unmasking). And who now stands here to vindicate his honor, that yielded to a rival base enough to tyrannize over innocence. FIESCO (embraces him with ardor). Noble youth! thanks to the sufferings of my consort, which have drawn forth the manly feelings of your soul; I admire your generous indignation - but I refuse your challenge. BOURGOGNINO (stepping back). Does Fiesco tremble to encounter the first efforts of my sword? FIESCO. No, Bourgognino! against a nation's power combined I would boldly venture, but not against you. The fire of your valor is endeared to me by a most lovely object - the will deserves a laurel, but the deed would be childish. BOURGOGNINO (with emotion). Childish, Count! women can only weep at injuries. 'Tis for men to revenge them. FIESCO. Uncommonly well said - but fight I will not. BOURGOGNINO (turning upon him contemptuously). Count, I shall despise you. FIESCO (with animation). By heaven, youth, that thou shalt never do - not even if virtue fall in value, shall I become a bankrupt. (Taking him by the hand, with a look of earnestness.) Did you ever feel for me - what shall I say - respect? BOURGOGNINO. Had I not thought you were the first of men I should not have yielded to you. FIESCO. Then, my friend, be not so forward to despise a man who once could merit your respect. It is not for the eye of the youthful artist to comprehend at once the master's vast design. Retire, Bourgognino, and take time to weigh the motives of Fiesco's conduct! [Exit BOURGOGNINO, in silence. Go! noble youth! if spirits such as thine break out in flames in thy country's cause, let the Dorias see that they stand fast! SCENE IX. FIESCO. - The MOOR entering with an appearance of timidity, and looking round cautiously. FIESCO (fixing his eye on him sharply). What wouldst thou here? Who art thou? MOOR (as above). A slave of the republic. FIESCO (keeping his eye sharply upon him). Slavery is a wretched craft. What dost thou seek? MOOR. Sir, I am an honest man. FIESCO. Wear then that label on thy visage, it will not be superfluous - but what wouldst thou have? MOOR (approaching him, FIESCO draws back). Sir, I am no villain. FIESCO. 'Tis well thou hast told me that - and yet - 'tis not well either (impatiently). What dost thou seek? MOOR (still approaching). Are you the Count Lavagna? FIESCO (haughtily). The blind in Genoa know my steps - what wouldst thou with the Count? MOOR (close to him). Be on your guard, Lavagna! FIESCO (passing hastily to the other side). That, indeed, I am. MOOR (again approaching). Evil designs are formed against you, Count. FIESCO (retreating). That I perceive. MOOR. Beware of Doria! FIESCO (approaching him with an air of confidence). Perhaps my suspicions have wronged thee, my friend - Doria is indeed the name I dread. MOOR. Avoid the man, then. Can you read? FIESCO. A curious question! Thou hast known, it seems, many of our cavaliers. What writing hast thou? MOOR. Your name is amongst other condemned sinners. (Presents a paper, and draws close to FIESCO, who is standing before a looking-glass and glancing over the paper - the MOOR steals round him, draws a dagger, and is going to stab.) FIESCO (turning round dexterously, and seizing the MOOR'S arm.) Stop, scoundrel! (Wrests the dagger from him.) MOOR (stamps in a frantic manner). Damnation! Your pardon - sire! FIESCO (seizing him, calls with a loud voice). Stephano! Drullo! Antonio! (holding the MOOR by the throat.) Stay, my friend! - what hellish villany! (Servants enter.) Stay, and answer - thou hast performed thy task like a bungler. Who pays thy wages? MOOR (after several fruitless attempts to escape). You cannot hang me higher than the gallows are - - FIESCO. No - be comforted - not on the horns of the moon, but higher than ever yet were gallows - yet hold! Thy scheme was too politic to be of thy own contrivance speak, fellow! who hired thee? MOOR. Think me a rascal, sir, but not a fool. FIESCO. What, is the scoundrel proud? Speak, sirrah! Who hired thee? MOOR (aside). Shall I alone be called a fool? Who hired me? 'Twas but a hundred miserable sequins. Who hired me, did you ask? Prince Gianettino. FIESCO (walking about in a passion). A hundred sequins? And is that all the value set upon Fiesco's head? Shame on thee, Prince of Genoa! Here, fellow (taking money from an escritoire), are a thousand for thee. Tell thy master he is a niggardly assassin. (MOOR looks at him with astonishment.) What dost thou gaze at? (MOOR takes up the money - lays it down - takes it up again, and looks at FIESCO with increased astonishment). What dost thou mean? MOOR (throwing the money resolutely upon the table). Sir, that money I have not earned - I deserve it not. FIESCO. Blockhead, thou hast deserved the gallows; but the offended elephant tramples on men not on worms. Were thy life worth but two words I would have thee hanged. MOOR (bowing with an air of pleasure at his escape). Sir, you are too good - - FIESCO. Not towards thee! God forbid! No. I am amused to think my humor can make or unmake such a villain as thou, therefore dost thou go scot-free - understand me aright - I take thy failure as an omen of my future greatness - 'tis this thought that renders me indulgent, and preserves thy life. MOOR (in a tone of confidence). Count, your hand! honor for honor. If any man in this country has a throat too much - command me, and I'll cut it - gratis. FIESCO. Obliging scoundrel! He would show his gratitude by cutting throats wholesale! MOOR. Men like me, sir, receive no favor without acknowledgment. We know what honor is. FIESCO. The honor of cut-throats? MOOR. Which is, perhaps, more to be relied on than that of your men of character. They break their oaths made in the name of God. We keep ours pledged to the devil. FIESCO. Thou art an amusing villain. MOOR. I rejoice to meet your approbation. Try me; you will find in me a man who is a thorough master of his profession. Examine me; I can show my testimonials of villany from every guild of rogues - from the lowest to the highest. FIESCO. Indeed! (seating himself.) There are laws and systems then even among thieves. What canst thou tell me of the lowest class? MOOR. Oh, sir, they are petty villains, mere pick-pockets. They are a miserable set. Their trade never produces a man of genius; 'tis confined to the whip and workhouse - and at most can lead but to the gallows. FIESCO. A charming prospect! I should like to hear something of a superior class. MOOR. The next are spies and informers - tools of importance to the great, who from their secret information derive their own supposed omniscience. These villains insinuate themselves into the souls of men like leeches; they draw poison from the heart, and spit it forth against the very source from whence it came. FIESCO. I understand thee - go on - - MOOR. Then come the conspirators, villains that deal in poison, and bravoes that rush upon their victims from some secret covert. Cowards they often are, but yet fellows that sell their souls to the devil as the fees of their apprenticeship. The hand of justice binds their limbs to the rack or plants their cunning heads on spikes - this is the third class. FIESCO. But tell me! When comes thy own? MOOR. Patience, my lord - that is the very point I'm coming to - I have already passed through all the stages that I mentioned: my genius soon soared above their limits. 'Twas but last night I performed my masterpiece in the third; this evening I attempted the fourth, and proved myself a bungler. FIESCO. And how do you describe that class? MOOR (with energy). They are men who seek their prey within four walls, cutting their way through every danger. They strike at once, and, by their first salute, save him whom they approach the trouble of returning thanks for a second. Between ourselves they are called the express couriers of hell: and when Beelzebub is hungry they want but a wink, and he gets his mutton warm. FIESCO. Thou art an hardened villain - such a tool I want. Give me thy hand - thou shalt serve me. MOOR. Jest or earnest? FIESCO. In full earnest - and I'll pay thee yearly a 'thousand sequins. MOOR. Done, Lavagna! I am yours. Away with common business - employ me in whate'er you will. I'll be your setter or your bloodhound - your fox, your viper - your pimp, or executioner. I'm prepared for all commissions - except honest ones; in those I am as stupid as a block. FIESCO. Fear not! I would not set the wolf to guard the lamb. Go thou through Genoa to-morrow and sound the temper of the people. Narrowly inquire what they think of the government, and of the house of Doria - what of me, my debaucheries, and romantic passion. Flood their brains with wine, until the sentiments of the heart flow over. Here's money - lavish it among the manufacturers - - MOOR. Sir! FIESCO. Be not afraid - no honesty is in the case. Go, collect what help thou canst. To-morrow I will hear thy report. [Exit. MOOR (following). Rely on me. It is now four o'clock in the morning, by eight to-morrow you shall hear as much news as twice seventy spies can furnish. [Exit. SCENE X. - An apartment in the house of VERRINA. BERTHA on a couch, supporting her head on her hand - VERRINA enters with a look of dejection. BERTHA (starts up frightened). Heavens! He is here! VERRINA (stops, looking at her with surprise). My daughter affrighted at her father! BERTHA. Fly! fly! or let me fly! Father, your sight is dreadful to me! VERRINA. Dreadful to my child! - my only child! BERTHA (looking at him mournfully). Oh! you must seek another. I am no more your daughter. VERRINA. What, does my tenderness distress you? BERTHA. It weighs me down to the earth. VERRINA. How, my daughter! do you receive me thus? Formerly, when I came home, my heart o'erburdened with sorrows, my Bertha came running towards me, and chased them away with her smiles. Come, embrace me, my daughter! Reclined upon thy glowing bosom, my heart, when chilled by the sufferings of my country, shall grow warm again. Oh, my child! this day I have closed my account with the joys of this world, and thou alone (sighing heavily) remainest to me. BERTHA (casting a long and earnest look at him). Wretched father! VERRINA (eagerly embracing her). Bertha! my only child! Bertha! my last remaining hope! The liberty of Genoa is lost - Fiesco is lost - and thou (pressing her more strongly, with a look of despair) mayest be dishonored! BERTHA (tearing herself from him). Great God! You know, then - - VERRINA (trembling). What? BERTHA. My virgin honor - - VERRINA (raging). What? BERTHA. Last night - - VERRINA (furiously.) Speak! What! BERTHA. Force. (Sinks down upon the side of the sofa.) VERRINA (after a long pause, with a hollow voice). One word more, my daughter - thy last! Who was it? BERTHA. Alas, what an angry deathlike paleness! Great God, support me! How his words falter! His whole frame trembles! VERRINA. I cannot comprehend it. Tell me, my daughter - who? BERTHA. Compose yourself, my best, my dearest father! VERRINA (ready to faint). For God's sake - who? BERTHA. A mask - - VERRINA (steps back, thoughtfully). No! That cannot be! - the thought is idle - (smiling to himself ). What a fool am I to think that all the poison of my life can flow but from one source! (Firmly addressing himself to BERTHA.) What was his stature, less than mine or taller? BERTHA. Taller. VERRINA (eagerly). His hair? Black, and curled? BERTHA. As black as jet and curled? VERRINA (retiring from her in great emotion). O God! my brain! my brain! His voice? BERTHA. Was deep and harsh. VERRINA (impetuously). What color was - No! I'll hear no more! 'His cloak! What color? BERTHA. I think his cloak was green. VERRINA (covering his face with his hands, falls on the couch). No more. This can be nothing but a dream! BERTHA (wringing her hands). Merciful heaven! Is this my father? VERRINA (after a pause, with a forced smile). Right! It serves thee right - coward Verrina! The villain broke into the sanctuary of the laws. This did not rouse thee. Then he violated the sanctuary of thy honor (starting up). Quick! Nicolo! Bring balls and powder - but stay - my sword were better. (To BERTHA.) Say thy prayers! Ah! what am I going to do? BERTHA. Father, you make me tremble - - VERRINA. Come, sit by me, Bertha! (in a solemn manner.) Tell me, Bertha, what did that hoary-headed Roman, when his daughter - like you - how can I speak it! fell a prey to ignominy? Tell me, Bertha, what said Virginius to his dishonored daughter? BERTHA (shuddering). I know not. VERRINA. Foolish girl! He said nothing - but (rising hastily and snatching up a sword) he seized an instrument of death - - BERTHA (terrified, rushes into his arms). Great God! What would you do, my father? VERRINA (throwing away the sword). No! There is still justice left in Genoa. SCENE XI. SACCO, CALCAGNO, the former. CALCAGNO. Verrina, quick! prepare! to-day begins the election week of the republic. Let us early to the Senate House to choose the new senators. The streets are full of people, you will undoubtedly accompany us (ironically) to behold the triumph of our liberty. SACCO (to CALCAGNO). But what do I see? A naked sword! Verrina staring wildly! Bertha in tears! CALCAGNO. By heavens, it is so. Sacco! some strange event has happened here. VERRINA (placing two chairs). Be seated. SACCO. Your looks, Verrina, fill us with apprehension. CALCAGNO. I never saw you thus before - Bertha is in tears, or your grief would have seemed to presage our country's ruin. VERRINA. Ruin! Pray sit down. (They both seat themselves.) CALCAGNO. My friend, I conjure you - - VERRINA. Listen to me. CALCAGNO (to SACCO). I have sad misgivings. VERRINA. Genoese! you both know the antiquity of my family. Your ancestors were vassals to my own. My forefathers fought the battles of the state, their wives were patterns of virtue. Honor was our sole inheritance, descending unspotted from the father to the son. Can any one deny it? SACCO. No. CALCAGNO. No one, by the God of heaven! VERRINA. I am the last of my family. My wife has long been dead. This daughter is all she left me. You are witnesses, my friends, how I have brought her up. Can anyone accuse me of neglect? CALCAGNO. No. Your daughter is a bright example to her sex. VERRINA. I am old, my friends. On this one daughter all my hopes were placed. Should I lose her, my race becomes extinct. (After a pause, with a solemn voice). I have lost her. My family is dishonored. SACCO and CALCAGNO. Forbid it, heaven! (BERTHA on the couch, appears much affected.) VERRINA. No. Despair not, daughter! These men are just and brave. If they feel thy wrongs they will expiate them with blood. Be not astonished, friends! He who tramples upon Genoa may easily overcome a helpless female. SACCO and CALCAGNO (starting up with emotion). Gianettino Doria! BERTHA (with a shriek, seeing BOURGOGNINO enter). Cover me, walls, beneath your ruins! My Scipio! SCENE XII. BOURGOGNINO - the former. BOURGOGNINO (with ardor). Rejoice, my love! I bring good tidings. Noble Verrina, my heaven now depends upon a word from you. I have long loved your daughter, but never dared to ask her hand, because my whole fortune was intrusted to the treacherous sea. My ships have just now reached the harbor laden with valuable cargoes. Now I am rich. Bestow your Bertha on me - I will make her happy. (BERTHA hides her face - a profound pause.) VERRINA. What, youth! Wouldst thou mix thy heart's pure tide with a polluted stream? BOURGOGNINO (clasps his hand to his sword, but suddenly draws it back). 'Twas her father said it. VERRINA. No - every rascal in Italy will say it. Are you contented with the leavings of other men's repasts? BOURGOGNINO. Old man, do not make me desperate. CALCAGNO. Bourgognino! he speaks the truth. BOURGOGNINO (enraged, rushing towards BERTHA). The truth? Has the girl then mocked me? CALCAGNO. No! no! Bourgognino. The girl is spotless as an angel. BOURGOGNINO (astonished). By my soul's happiness, I comprehend it not! Spotless, yet dishonored! They look in silence on each other. Some horrid crime hangs on their trembling tongues. I conjure you, friends, mock not thus my reason. Is she pure? Is she truly so? Who answers for her? VERRINA. My child is guiltless. BOURGOGNINO. What! Violence! (Snatches the sword from the ground.) Be all the sins of earth upon my bead if I avenge her not! Where is the spoiler? VERRINA. Seek him in the plunderer of Genoa! (BOURGOGNINO struck with astonishment - VERRINA walks up and down the room in deep thought, then stops.) If rightly I can trace thy counsels, O eternal Providence! it is thy will to make my daughter the instrument of Genoa's deliverance. (Approaching her slowly, takes the mourning crape from his arm, and proceeds in a solemn manner.) Before the heart's blood of Doria shall wash away this foul stain from thy honor no beam of daylight shall shine upon these cheeks. Till then (throwing the crape over her) be blind! (A pause - the rest look upon him with silent astonishment; he continues solemnly, his hand upon BERTHA'S head.) Cursed be the air that shall breathe on thee! Cursed the sleep that shall refresh thee! Cursed every human step that shall come to sooth thy misery! Down, into the lowest vault beneath my house! There whine, and cry aloud! (pausing with inward horror.) Be thy life painful as the tortures of the writhing worm - agonizing as the stubborn conflict between existence and annihilation. This curse lie on thee till Gianettino shall have heaved forth his dying breath. If he escape his punishment, then mayest thou drag thy load of misery throughout the endless circle of eternity! [A deep silence - horror is marked on the countenances of all present. VERRINA casts a scrutinizing look at each of them. BOURGOGNINO. Inhuman father! What is it thou hast done? Why pour forth this horrible and monstrous curse against thy guiltless daughter? VERRINA. Youth, thou say'st true! - it is most horrible. Now who among you will stand forth and prate still of patience and delay? My daughter's fate is linked with that of Genoa. I sacrifice the affections of a father to the duties of a citizen. Who among us is so much a coward as to hesitate in the salvation of his country, when this poor guiltless being must pay for his timidity with endless sufferings? By heavens, 'twas not a madman's speech! I have sworn an oath, and till Doria lie in the agonies of death I will show no mercy to my child. No - not though, like an executioner, I should invent unheard-of torments for her, or with my own hands rend her innocent frame piecemeal on the barbarous rack. You shudder - you stare at me with ghastly faces. Once more, Scipio - I keep her as a hostage for the tyrant's death. Upon this precious thread do I suspend thy duty, my own, and yours (to SACCO and CALCAGNO). The tyrant of Genoa falls, or Bertha must despair - I retract not. BOURGOGNINO (throwing himself at BERTHA'S feet). He shall fall - shall fall a victim to Genoa. I will as surely sheathe this sword in Doria's heart as upon thy lips I will imprint the bridal kiss. (Rises.) VERRINA. Ye couple, the first that ever owed their union to the Furies, join hands! Thou wilt sheathe thy sword in Doria's heart? Take her! she is thine! CALCAGNO (kneeling). Here kneels another citizen of Genoa and lays his faithful sword before the feet of innocence. As surely may Calcagno find the way to heaven as this steel shall find its way to Gianettino's heart! (Rises.) SACCO (kneeling). Last, but not less determined, Raffaelle Sacco kneels. If this bright steel unlock not the prison doors of Bertha, mayest thou, my Saviour, shut thine ear against my dying prayers! (Rises.) VERRINA (with a calm look). Through me Genoa thanks you. Now go, my daughter; rejoice to be the mighty sacrifice for thy country! BOURGOGNINO (embracing her as she is departing). Go! confide in God - and Bourgognino. The same day shall give freedom to Bertha and to Genoa. [BERTHA retires. SCENE XIII. The former - without BERTHA. CALCAGNO. Genoese, before we take another step, one word - - VERRINA. I guess what you would say. CALCAGNO. Will four patriots alone be sufficient to destroy this mighty hydra? Shall we not stir up the people to rebellion, or draw the nobles in to join our party? VERRINA. I understand you. Now hear my advice; I have long engaged a painter who has been exerting all his skill to paint the fall of Appius Claudius. Fiesco is an adorer of the arts, and soon warmed by ennobling scenes. We will send this picture to his house, and will be present when he contemplates it. Perhaps the sight may rouse his dormant spirit. Perhaps - - BOURGOGNINO. No more of him. Increase the danger, not the sharers in it. So valor bids. Long have I felt a something within my breast that nothing would appease. What 'twas now bursts upon me (springing up with enthusiasm); 'twas a tyrant! [The scene closes. ACT II. SCENE I. - An Ante-chamber in the Palace of FIESCO. LEONORA and ARABELLA. ARABELLA. No, no, you were mistaken: your eyes were blinded by jealousy. LEONORA. It was Julia to the life. Seek not to persuade me otherwise. My picture was suspended by a sky-blue ribbon: this was flame-colored. My doom is fixed irrevocably. SCENE II. The former and JULIA. JULIA (entering in an affected manner). The Count offered me his palace to see the procession to the senate-house. The time will be tedious. You will entertain me, madam, while the chocolate is preparing. [ARABELLA goes out, and returns soon afterwards. LEONORA. Do you wish that I should invite company to meet you? JULIA. Ridiculous! As if I should come hither in search of company. You will amuse me, madam (walking up and down, and admiring herself ), if you are able, madam. At any rate I shall lose nothing. ARABELLA (sarcastically). Your splendid dress alone will be the loser. Only think how cruel it is to deprive the eager eyes of our young beaux of such a treat! Ah! and the glitter of your sparkling jewels on which it almost wounds the sight to look. Good heavens! You seem to have plundered the whole ocean of its pearls. JULIA (before a glass). You are not accustomed to such things, miss! But hark ye, miss! pray has your mistress also hired your tongue? Madam, 'tis fine, indeed, to permit your domestics thus to address your guests. LEONORA. 'Tis my misfortune, signora, that my want of spirits prevents me from enjoying the pleasure of your company. JULIA. An ugly fault that, to be dull and spiritless. Be active, sprightly, witty! Yours is not the way to attach your husband to you. LEONORA. I know but one way, Countess. Let yours ever be the sympathetic medium. JULIA (pretending not to mind her). How you dress, madam! For shame! Pay more attention to your personal appearance! Have recourse to art where nature has been unkind. Put a little paint on those cheeks, which look so pale with spleen. Poor creature! Your puny face will never find a bidder. LEONORA (in a lively manner to ARABELLA). Congratulate me, girl. It is impossible I can have lost my Fiesco; or, if I have, the loss must be but trifling. (The chocolate is brought, ARABELLA pours it out.) JULIA. Do you talk of losing Fiesco? Good God! How could you ever conceive the ambitious idea of possessing him? Why, my child, aspire to such a height? A height where you cannot but be seen, and must come into comparison with others. Indeed, my dear, he was a knave or a fool who joined you with FIESCO. (Taking her hand with a look of compassion.) Poor soul! The man who is received in the assemblies of fashionable life could never be a suitable match for you. (She takes a dish of chocolate.) LEONORA (smiling at ARABELLA). If he were, he would not wish to mix with such assemblies. JULIA. The Count is handsome, fashionable, elegant. He is so fortunate as to have formed connections with people of rank. He is lively and high-spirited. Now, when he severs himself from these circles of elegance and refinement, and returns home warm with their impressions, what does he meet? His wife receives him with a commonplace tenderness; damps his fire with an insipid, chilling kiss, and measures out her attentions to him with a niggardly economy. Poor husband! Here, a blooming beauty smiles upon him - there he is nauseated by a peevish sensibility. Signora, signora, for God's sake consider, if he have not lost his understanding, which will he choose? LEONORA (offering her a cup of chocolate). You, madam - if he have lost it. JULIA. Good! This sting shall return into your own bosom. Tremble for your mockery! But before you tremble - blush! LEONORA. Do you then know what it is to blush, signora? But why not? 'Tis a toilet trick. JULIA. Oh, see! This poor creature must be provoked if one would draw from her a spark of wit. Well - let it pass this time. Madam, you were bitter. Give me your hand in token of reconciliation. LEONORA (offering her hand with a significant look). Countess, my anger ne'er shall trouble you. JULIA (offering her hand). Generous, indeed! Yet may I not be so, too? (Maliciously.) Countess, do you not think I must love that person whose image I bear constantly about me? LEONORA (blushing and confused). What do you say? Let me hope the conclusion is too hasty. JULIA. I think so, too. The heart waits not the guidance of the senses - real sentiment needs no breastwork of outward ornament. LEONORA. Heavens! Where did you learn such a truth? JULIA. 'Twas in mere compassion that I spoke it; for observe, madam, the reverse is no less certain. Such is Fiesco's love for you. (Gives her the picture, laughing maliciously.) LEONORA (with extreme indignation). My picture! Given to you! (Throws herself into a chair, much affected.) Cruel, Fiesco! JULIA. Have I retaliated? Have I? Now, madam, have you any other sting to wound me with? (Goes to side scene.) My carriage! My object is gained. (To LEONORA, patting her cheek.) Be comforted, my dear; he gave me the picture in a fit of madness. [Exeunt JULIA and ARABELLA. SCENE III. LEONORA, CALCAGNO entering. CALCAGNO. Did not the Countess Imperiali depart in anger? You, too, so excited, madam? LEONORA (violently agitated.) No! This is unheard-of cruelty. CALCAGNO. Heaven and earth! Do I behold you in tears? LEONORA. Thou art a friend of my inhuman - Away, leave my sight! CALCAGNO. Whom do you call inhuman? You affright me - - LEONORA. My husband. Is he not so? CALCAGNO. What do I hear! LEONORA. 'Tis but a piece of villany common enough among your sex! CALCAGNO (grasping her hand with vehemence). Lady, I have a heart for weeping virtue. LEONORA. You are a man - your heart is not for me. CALCAGNO. For you alone - yours only. Would that you knew how much, how truly yours - - LEONORA. Man, thou art untrue. Thy words would be refuted by thy actions - - CALCAGNO. I swear to you - - LEONORA. A false oath. Cease! The perjuries of men are so innumerable 'twould tire the pen of the recording angel to write them down. If their violated oaths were turned into as many devils they might storm heaven itself, and lead away the angels of light as captives. CALCAGNO. Nay, madam, your anger makes you unjust. Is the whole sex to answer for the crime of one? LEONORA. I tell thee in that one was centred all my affection for the sex. In him I will detest them all. CALCAGNO. Countess, - you once bestowed your hand amiss. Would you again make trial, I know one who would deserve it better. LEONORA. The limits of creation cannot bound your falsehoods. I'll hear no more. CALCAGNO. Oh, that you would retract this cruel sentence in my arms! LEONORA (with astonishment). Speak out. In thy arms! CALCAGNO. In my arms, which open themselves to receive a forsaken woman, and to console her for the love she has lost. LEONORA (fixing her eyes on him). Love? CALCAGNO (kneeling before her with ardor). Yes, I have said it. Love, madam! Life and death hang on your tongue. If my passion be criminal then let the extremes of virtue and vice unite, and heaven and hell be joined together in one perdition. LEONORA (steps back indignantly, with a look of noble disdain). Ha! Hypocrite! Was that the object of thy false compassion? This attitude at once proclaims thee a traitor to friendship and to love. Begone forever from my eyes! Detested sex! Till now I thought the only victim of your snares was woman; nor ever suspected that to each other you were so false and faithless. CALCAGNO (rising, confounded). Countess! LEONORA. Was it not enough to break the sacred seal of confidence? but even on the unsullied mirror of virtue does this hypocrite breathe pestilence, and would seduce my innocence to perjury. CALCAGNO (hastily). Perjury, madam, you cannot be guilty of. LEONORA. I understand thee - thou thoughtest my wounded pride would plead in thy behalf. (With dignity). Thou didst not know that she who loves Fiesco feels even the pang that rends her heart ennobling. Begone! Fiesco's perfidy will not make Calcagno rise in my esteem - but - will lower humanity. [Exit hastily. CALCAGNO (stands as if thunderstruck, looks after her, then striking his forehead). Fool that I am. [Exit. SCENE IV. The MOOR and FIESCO. FIESCO. Who was it that just now departed? MOOR. The Marquis Calcagno. FIESCO. This handkerchief was left upon the sofa. My wife has been here. MOOR. I met her this moment in great agitation. FIESCO. This handkerchief is moist (puts it in his pocket). Calcagno here? And Leonora agitated? This evening thou must learn what has happened. MOOR. Miss Bella likes to hear that she is fair. She will inform me. FIESCO. Well - thirty hours are past. Hast thou executed my commission? MOOR. To the letter, my lord. FIESCO (seating himself). Then tell me how they talk of Doria, and of the government. MOOR. Oh, most vilely. The very name of Doria shakes them like an ague-fit. Gianettino is as hateful to them as death itself - there's naught but murmuring. They say the French have been the rats of Genoa, the cat Doria has devoured them, and now is going to feast upon the mice. FIESCO. That may perhaps be true. But do they not know of any dog against that cat? MOOR (with an affected carelessness). The town was murmuring much of a certain - poh - why, I have actually forgotten the name. FIESCO (rising). Blockhead! That name is as easy to be remembered as 'twas difficult to achieve. Has Genoa more such names than one? MOOR. No - it cannot have two Counts of Lavagna. FIESCO (seating himself). That is something. And what do they whisper about my gayeties? MOOR (fixing his eyes upon him). Hear me, Count of Lavagna! Genoa must think highly of you. They can not imagine why a descendant of the first family - with such talents and genius - full of spirit and popularity - master of four millions - his veins enriched with princely blood - a nobleman like Fiesco, whom, at the first call, all hearts would fly to meet - - FIESCO (turns away contemptuously). To hear such things from such a scoundrel! MOOR. Many lamented that the chief of Genoa should slumber over the ruin of his country. And many sneered. Most men condemned you. All bewailed the state which thus had lost you. A Jesuit pretended to have smelt out the fox that lay disguised in sheep's clothing. FIESCO. One fox smells out another. What say they to my passion for the Countess Imperiali? MOOR. What I would rather be excused from repeating. FIESCO. Out with it - the bolder the more welcome. What are their murmurings? MOOR. 'Tis not a murmur. At all the coffee-houses, billiard-tables, hotels, and public walks - in the market-place, at the Exchange, they proclaim aloud - - FIESCO. What? I command thee! MOOR (retreating). That you are a fool! FIESCO. Well, take this sequin for these tidings. Now have I put on a fool's cap that these Genoese may have wherewith to rack their wits. Next I will shave my head, that they may play Merry Andrew to my Clown. How did the manufacturers receive my presents? MOOR (humorously). Why, Mr. Fool, they looked like poor knaves - - FIESCO. Fool? Fellow, art thou mad? MOOR. Pardon! I had a mind for a few more sequins. FIESCO (laughing, gives him another sequin). Well. "Like poor knaves." MOOR. Who receive pardon at the very block. They are yours both soul and body. FIESCO. I'm glad of it. They turn the scale among the populace of Genoa. MOOR. What a scene it was! Zounds! I almost acquired a relish for benevolence. They caught me round the neck like madmen. The very girls seemed in love with my black visage, that's as ill-omened as the moon in an eclipse. Gold, thought I, is omnipotent: it makes even a Moor look fair. FIESCO. That thought was better than the soil which gave it birth. These words are favorable; but do they bespeak actions of equal import? MOOR. Yes - as the murmuring of the distant thunder foretells the approaching storm. The people lay their heads together - they collect in parties - break off their talk whenever a stranger passes by. Throughout Genoa reigns a gloomy silence. This discontent hangs like a threatening tempest over the republic. Come, wind, then hail and lightning will burst forth. FIESCO. Hush! - hark! What is that confused noise? MOOR (going to the window). It is the tumult of the crowd returning from the senate-house. FIESCO. To-day is the election of a procurator. Order my carriage! It is impossible that the sitting should be over. I'll go thither. It is impossible it should be over if things went right. Bring me my sword and cloak - where is my golden chain? MOOR. Sir, I have stolen and pawned it. FIESCO. That I am glad to hear. MOOR. But, how! Are there no more sequins for me? FIESCO. No. You forgot the cloak. MOOR. Ah! I was wrong in pointing out the thief. FIESCO. The tumult comes nearer. Hark! 'Tis not the sound of approbation. Quick! Unlock the gates; I guess the matter. Doria has been rash. The state balances upon a needle's point. There has assuredly been some disturbance at the senate-house. MOOR (at the window). What's here! They're coming down the street of Balbi - a crowd of many thousands - the halberds glitter - ah, swords too! Halloo! Senators! They come this way. FIESCO. Sedition is on foot. Hasten amongst them; mention my name; persuade them to come hither. (Exit Moon hastily.) What reason, laboring like a careful ant, with difficulty scrapes together, the wind of accident collects in one short moment. SCENE V. FIESCO, ZENTURIONE, ZIBO, and ASSERATO, rushing in. ZIBO. Count, impute it to our anger that we enter thus unannounced. ZENTURIONE. I have been mortally affronted by the duke's nephew in the face of the whole senate. ASSERATO. Doria has trampled on the golden book of which each noble Genoese is a leaf. ZENTURIONE. Therefore come we hither. The whole nobility are insulted in me; the whole nobility must share my vengeance. To avenge my own honor I should not need assistance. ZIBO. The whole nobility are outraged in his person; the whole nobility must rise and vent their rage in fire and flames. ASSERATO. The rights of the nation are trodden under foot; the liberty of the republic has received a deadly blow. FIESCO. You raise my expectation to the utmost. ZIBO. He was the twenty-ninth among the electing senators, and had drawn forth a golden ball to vote for the procurator. Of the eight-and-twenty votes collected, fourteen were for me, and as many for Lomellino. His and Doria's were still wanting - - ZENTURIONE. Wanting! I gave my vote for Zibo. Doria - think of the wound inflicted on my honor - Doria - - ASSERATO (interrupting him). Such a thing was never heard of since the sea washed the walls of Genoa. ZENTURIONE (continues, with great heat). Doria drew a sword, which he had concealed under a scarlet cloak - stuck it through my vote - called to the assembly - - ZIBO. "Senators, 'tis good-for-nothing - 'tis pierced through. Lomellino is procurator." ZENTURIONE. "Lomellino is procurator." And threw his sword upon the table. ASSERATO. And called out, "'Tis good-for-nothing!" and threw his sword upon the table. FIESCO (after a pause). On what are you resolved? ZENTURIONE. The republic is wounded to its very heart. On what are we resolved? FIESCO. Zenturione, rushes may yield to a breath, but the oak requires a storm. I ask, on what are you resolved? ZIBO. Methinks the question shall be, on what does Genoa resolve? FIESCO. Genoa! Genoa! name it not. 'Tis rotten, and crumbles wherever you touch it. Do you reckon on the nobles? Perhaps because they put on grave faces, look mysterious when state affairs are mentioned - talk not of them! Their heroism is stifled among the bales of their Levantine merchandise. Their souls hover anxiously over their India fleet. ZENTURIONE. Learn to esteem our nobles more justly. Scarcely was Doria's haughty action done when hundreds of them rushed into the street tearing their garments. The senate was dispersed - - FIESCO (sarcastically). Like frighted pigeons when the vulture darts upon the dovecot. ZENTURIONE. No! (fiercely) - like powder-barrels when a match falls on them. ZIBO. The people are enraged. What may we not expect from the fury of the wounded boar! FIESCO (laughing). The blind, unwieldy monster, which at first rattles its heavy bones, threatening, with gaping jaws, to devour the high and low, the near and distant, at last stumbles at a thread - Genoese, 'tis in vain! The epoch of the masters of the sea is past - Genoa is sunk beneath the splendor of its name. Its state is such as once was Rome's, when, like a tennis-ball, she leaped into the racket of young Octavius. Genoa can be free no longer; Genoa must be fostered by a monarch; therefore do homage to the mad-brained Gianettino. ZENTURIONE (vehemently). Yes, when the contending elements are reconciled, and when the north pole meets the south. Come, friends. FIESCO. Stay! stay! Upon what project are you brooding, Zibo? ZIBO. On nothing. FIESCO (leading them to a statue). Look at this figure. ZENTURIONE. It is the Florentine Venus. Why point to her? FIESCO. At least she pleases you. ZIBO. Undoubtedly, or we should be but poor Italians. But why this question now? FIESCO. Travel through all the countries of the globe, and among the most beautiful of living female models, seek one which shall unite all the charms of this ideal Venus. ZIBO. And then take for our reward? FIESCO. Then your search will have convicted fancy of deceit - - ZENTURIONE (impatiently). And what shall we have gained? FIESCO. Gained? The decision of the long-protracted contest between art and nature. ZENTURIONE (eagerly). And what then? FIESCO. Then, then? (Laughing.) Then your attention will have been diverted from observing the fall of Genoa's liberty. [Exeunt all but FIESCO. SCENE VI. FIESCO alone. (The noise without increases.) FIESCO. 'Tis well! 'tis well. The straw of the republic has caught fire - the flames have seized already on palaces and towers. Let it go on! May the blaze be general! Let the tempestuous wind spread wide the conflagration! SCENE VII. FIESCO, MOOR, entering in haste. MOOR. Crowds upon crowds! FIESCO. Throw open wide the gates. Let all that choose enter. MOOR. Republicans! Republicans, indeed! They drag their liberty along, panting, like beasts of burden, beneath the yoke of their magnificent nobility. FIESCO. Fools! who believe that Fiesco of Lavagna will carry on what Fiesco of Lavagna did not begin. The tumult comes opportunely; but the conspiracy must be my own. They are rushing hither - - MOOR (going out). Halloo! halloo! You are very obligingly battering the house down. (The people rush in; the doors broken down.) SCENE VIII. FIESCO, twelve ARTISANS. ALL ARTISANS. Vengeance on Doria! Vengeance on Gianettino! FIESCO. Gently! gently! my countrymen! Your waiting thus upon me bespeaks the warmth of your affection; but I pray you have mercy on my ears! ALL (with impetuosity). Down with the Dorias! Down with them, uncle and nephew! FIESCO (counting them with a smile). Twelve is a mighty force! SOME OF THEM. These Dorias must away! the state must be reformed! 1ST ARTISAN. To throw our magistrates down stairs! The magistrates! 2D ARTISAN. Think, Count Lavagna - down stairs! because they opposed them in the election - - ALL. It must not be endured! it shall not be endured! 3D ARTISAN. To take a sword into the senate! 1ST ARTISAN. A sword? - the sign of war - into the chamber of peace! 2D ARTISAN. To come into the senate dressed in scarlet! Not like the other senators, in black. 1ST ARTISAN. To drive through our capital with eight horses! ALL. A tyrant! A traitor to the country and the government! 2D ARTISAN. To hire two hundred Germans from the Emperor for his body-guard. 1ST ARTISAN. To bring foreigners in arms against the natives - Germans against Italians - soldiers against laws! ALL. 'Tis treason! - 'tis a plot against the liberty of Genoa! 1ST ARTISAN. To have the arms of the republic painted on his coach! 2D ARTISAN. The statue of Andreas placed in the centre of the senate-house! ALL. Dash them to pieces - both the statue and the man - - FIESCO. Citizens of Genoa, why this to me? 1ST ARTISAN. You should not suffer it. You should keep him down. 2D ARTISAN. You are a wise man, and should not suffer it. You should direct us by your counsel. 1ST ARTISAN. You are a better nobleman. You should chastise them and curb their insolence. FIESCO. Your confidence is flattering. Can I merit it by deeds? ALL (clamorously). Strike! Down with the tyrant! Make us free! FIESCO. But - will you hear me? SOME. Speak, Count! FIESCO (seating himself). Genoese, - the empire of the animals was once thrown into confusion; parties struggled with parties, till at last a bull-dog seized the throne. He, accustomed to drive the cattle to the knife of the butcher, prowled in savage manner through the state. He barked, he bit, and gnawed his subjects' bones. The nation murmured; the boldest joined together, and killed the princely monster. Now a general assembly was held to decide upon the important question, which form of government was best. There were three different opinions. Genoese, what would be your decision? 1ST ARTISAN. For the people - everything in common - - FIESCO. The people gained it. The government was democratical; each citizen had a vote, and everything was submitted to a majority. But a few weeks passed ere man declared war against the new republic. The state assembled. Horse, lion, tiger, bear, elephant, and rhinoceros, stepped forth, and roared aloud, "To arms!" The rest were called upon to vote. The lamb, the hare, the stag, the ass, the tribe of insects, with the birds and timid fishes, cried for peace. See, Genoese! The cowards were more numerous than the brave; the foolish than the wise. Numbers prevailed - the beasts laid down their arms, and man exacted contributions from them. The democratic system was abandoned. Genoese, what would you next have chosen? 1ST AND 2D ARTISANS. A select government! FIESCO. That was adopted. The business of the state was all arranged in separate departments. Wolves were the financiers, foxes their secretaries, doves presided in the criminal courts, and tigers in the courts of equity. The laws of chastity were regulated by goats; hares were the soldiers; lions and elephants had charge of the baggage. The ass was the ambassador of the empire, and the mole appointed inspector-general of the whole administration. Genoese, what think you of this wise distribution? Those whom the wolf did not devour the fox pillaged; whoever escaped from him was knocked down by the ass. The tiger murdered innocents, whilst robbers and assassins were pardoned by the doves. And at the last, when each had laid down his office, the mole declared that all were well discharged. The animals rebelled. "Let us," they cried unanimously, "choose a monarch endowed with strength and skill, and who has only one stomach to appease." And to one chief they all did homage. Genoese - to one - -but (rising and advancing majestically) - that one was - the lion! ALL (shouting, and throwing up their hats). Bravo! Bravo! Well managed, Count Lavagna! 1ST ARTISAN. And Genoa shall follow that example. Genoa, also, has its lion! FIESCO. Tell me not of that lion; but go home and think upon him. (The ARTISANS depart tumultuously.) It is as I would have it. The people and the senate are alike enraged against Doria; the people and the senate alike approve FIESCO. Hassan! Hassan! I must take advantage of this favorable gale. Hoa! Hassan! Hassan! I must augment their hatred - improve my influence. Hassan! Come hither! Whoreson of hell, come hither! SCENE IX. FIESCO, MOOR entering hastily. MOOR. My feet are quite on fire with running. What is the matter now? FIESCO. Hear my commands! MOOR (submissively). Whither shall I run first? FIESCO. I will excuse thy running this time. Thou shalt be dragged. Prepare thyself. I intend to publish thy attempted assassination, and deliver thee up in chains to the criminal tribunal. MOOR (taking several steps backward). Sir! - that's contrary to agreement. FIESCO. Be not alarmed. 'Tis but a farce. At this moment 'tis of the utmost consequence that Gianettino's attempt against my life should be made public. Thou shalt be tried before the criminal tribunal. MOOR. Must I confess it, or deny? FIESCO. Deny. They will put thee to the torture. Thou must hold out against the first degree. This, by the by, will serve to expiate thy real crime. At the second thou mayest confess. MOOR (shaking his head with a look of apprehension). The devil is a sly rogue. Their worships might perhaps desire my company a little longer than I should wish; and, for sheer farce sake, I may be broken on the wheel. FIESCO. Thou shalt escape unhurt, I give thee my honor as a nobleman. I shall request, as satisfaction, to have thy punishment left to me, and then pardon thee before the whole republic. MOOR. Well - I agree to it. They will draw out my joints a little; but that will only make them the more flexible. FIESCO. Then scratch this arm with thy dagger, till the blood flows. I will pretend that I have just now seized thee in fact. 'Tis well. (Hallooing violently). Murder! Murder! Guard the passages! Make fast the gates! (He drags the MOOR out by the throat; servants run across the stage hastily.) SCENE X. LEONORA and ROSA enter hastily, alarmed. LEONORA. Murder! they cried - murder! - The noise came this way. ROSA. Surely 'twas but a common tumult, such as happens every day in Genoa. LEONORA. They cried murder! and I distinctly heard Fiesco's name. In vain you would deceive me. My heart discovers what is concealed from my eyes. Quick! Hasten after them. See! Tell me whither they carry him. ROSA. Collect your spirits, madam. Arabella is gone. LEONORA. Arabella will catch his dying look. The happy Arabella! Wretch that I am? 'twas I that murdered him. If I could have engaged his heart he would not have plunged into the world, nor rushed upon the daggers of assassins. Ah! she comes. Away! Oh, Arabella, speak not to me! SCENE XI. The former, ARABELLA. ARABELLA. The Count is living and unhurt. I saw him gallop through the city. Never did he appear more handsome. The steed that bore him pranced haughtily along, and with its proud hoof kept the thronging multitude at a distance from its princely rider. He saw me as I passed, and with a gracious smile, pointing thither, thrice kissed his hand to me. (Archly.) What can I do with those kisses, madam? LEONORA (highly pleased). Idle prattler! Restore them to him. ROSA. See now, how soon your color has returned! LEONORA. His heart he is ready to fling at every wench, whilst I sigh in vain for a look! Oh woman! woman! [Exeunt. SCENE XII. - The Palace of ANDREAS. GIANETTINO and LOMELLINO enter hastily. GIANETTINO. Let them roar for their liberty as a lioness for her young. I am resolved. LOMELLINO. But - most gracious prince! GIANETTINO. Away to hell with thy buts, thou three-hours procurator! I will not yield a hair's breadth? Let Genoa's towers shake their heads, and the hoarse sea bellow No to it. I value not the rebellious multitude! LOMELLINO. The people are indeed the fuel; but the nobility fan the flame. The whole republic is in a ferment, people and patricians. GIANETTINO. Then will I stand upon the mount like Nero, and regale myself with looking upon the paltry flames. LOMELLINO. Till the whole mass of sedition falls into the hands of some enterprising leader, who will take advantage of the general devastation. GIANETTINO. Poh! Poh! I know but one who might be dangerous, and he is taken care of. LOMELLINO. His highness comes. Enter ANDREAS - (both bow respectfully). ANDREAS. Signor Lomellino, my niece wishes to take the air. LOMELLINO. I shall have the honor of attending her. [Exit LOMELLINO. SCENE XIII. ANDREAS and GIANETTINO. ANDREAS. Nephew, I am much displeased with you. GIANETTINO. Grant me a hearing, most gracious uncle! ANDREAS. That would I grant to the meanest beggar in Genoa if he were worthy of it. Never to a villain, though he were my nephew. It is sufficient favor that I address thee as an uncle, not as a sovereign! GIANETTINO. One word only, gracious sir! ANDREAS. Hear first what thou hast done; then answer me. Thou hast pulled down an edifice which I have labored for fifty years to raise - that which should have been thy uncle's mausoleum, his only pyramid - the affections of his countrymen. This rashness Andreas pardons thee - - GIANETTINO. My uncle and my sovereign - - ANDREAS. Interrupt me not. Thou hast injured that most glorious work of mine, the constitution, which I brought down from heaven for Genoa, which cost me so many sleepless nights, so many dangers, and so much blood. Before all Genoa thou hast cast a stain upon my honor, in violating my institutions. Who will hold them sacred if my own blood despise them? This folly thy uncle pardons thee. GIANETTINO (offended). Sir, you educated me to be the Duke of Genoa. ANDREAS. Be silent. Thou art a traitor to the state, and hast attacked its vital principle. Mark me, boy! That principle is - subordination. Because the shepherd retired in the evening from his labor, thoughtest thou the flock deserted? Because Andreas' head is white with age, thoughtest thou, like a villain, to trample on the laws? GIANETTINO (insolently). Peace, Duke! In my veins also boils the blood of that Andreas before whom France has trembled. ANDREAS. Be silent! I command thee. When I speak the sea itself is wont to pay attention. Thou hast insulted the majesty of justice in its very sanctuary. Rebel! dost thou know what punishment that crime demands? Now answer! (GIANETTINO appears struck, and fixes his eyes on the ground without speaking). Wretched Andreas! In thy own heart hast thou fostered the canker of thy renown. I built up a fabric for Genoa which should mock the lapse of ages, and am myself the first to cast a firebrand into it. Thank my gray head, which would be laid in the grave by a relation's hand - thank my unjust love that, on the scaffold, I pour not out thy rebellious blood to satisfy the violated laws. [Exit. SCENE XIV. GIANETTINO looks after the DUKE, speechless with anger, LOMELLINO entering, breathless and terrified. LOMELLINO. What have I seen! What have I heard! Fly, prince! Fly quickly! All is lost. GIANETTINO (with inward rage). What was there to lose? LOMELLINO. Genoa, prince: I come from the market-place. The people were crowding round a Moor who was dragged along bound with cords. The Count of Lavagna, with above three hundred nobles, followed to the criminal court. The Moor had been employed to assassinate Fiesco, and in the attempt was seized. GIANETTINO (stamping violently on the ground). What, are all the devils of hell let loose at once? LOMELLINO. They questioned him most strictly concerning his employer. The Moor confessed nothing. They tried the first degree of torture. Still he confessed nothing. They put him to the second. Then he spoke - he spoke. My gracious lord, how could you trust your honor to such a villain? GIANETTINO (fiercely). Ask me no question? LOMELLINO. Hear the rest! Scarcely was the word Doria uttered - I would sooner have seen my name inscribed in the infernal register than have heard yours thus mentioned - scarcely was it uttered when Fiesco showed himself to the people. You know the man - how winningly he pleads - how he is wont to play the usurer with the hearts of the multitude. The whole assembly hung upon his looks, breathless with indignation. He spoke little, but bared his bleeding arm. The crowd contended for the falling drops as if for sacred relics. The Moor was given up to his disposal - and Fiesco - a mortal blow for us! Fiesco pardoned him. Now the confined anger of the people burst forth in one tumultuous clamor. Each breath annihilated a Doria, and Fiesco was borne home amidst a thousand joyful acclamations. GIANETTINO (with a ferocious laugh). Let the flood of tumult swell up to my very throat. The emperor! That sound alone shall strike them to the earth, so that not a murmur shall be heard in Genoa. LOMELLINO. Bohemia is far from hence. If the emperor come speedily he may perhaps be present at your funeral feast. GIANETTINO (drawing forth a letter with a great seal). 'Tis fortunate that he is here already. Art thou surprised at this? And didst thou think me mad enough to brave the fury of enraged republicans had I not known they were betrayed and sold? LOMELLINO (with astonishment). I know not what to think! GIANETTINO. But I have thought of something which thou couldst not know. My plan is formed. Ere two days are past twelve senators must fall. Doria becomes sovereign, and the Emperor Charles protects him. Thou seemest astonished - - LOMELLINO. Twelve senators! My heart is too narrow to comprehend a twelvefold murder. GIANETTINO. Fool that thou art! The throne will absolve the deed. I consulted with the ministers of Charles on the strong party which France still has in Genoa, and by which she might a second time seize on it unless they should be rooted out. This worked upon the emperor - he approved my projects - and thou shalt write what I will dictate to thee. LOMELLINO. I know not yet your purpose. GIANETTINO. Sit down and write - - LOMELLINO. But what am I to write? (Seats himself.) GIANETTINO. The names of the twelve candidates for death - Francis Zenturione. LOMELLINO (writes). In gratitude for his vote he leads the funeral procession. GIANETTINO. Cornelio Calva. LOMELLINO. Calva. GIANETTINO. Michael Zibo. LOMELLINO. To cool him after his disappointment in the procuratorship. GIANETTINO. Thomas Asserato and his three brothers. (LOMELLINO stops.) GIANETTINO (forcibly). And his three brothers - - LOMELLINO (writes). Go on. GIANETTINO. Fiesco of Lavagna. LOMELLINO. Have a care! Have a care! That black stone will yet prove fatal to you. GIANETTINO. Scipio Bourgognino. LOMELLINO. He may celebrate elsewhere his wedding - - GIANETTINO. Ay, where I shall be director of the nuptials. Raphael Sacco. LOMELLINO. I should intercede for his life until he shall have paid my five thousand crowns. (Writes.) Death strikes the balance. GIANETTINO. Vincent Calcagno. LOMELLINO. Calcagno. The twelfth I write at my own risk, unless our mortal enemy be overlooked. GIANETTINO. The end crowns all - Joseph Verrina. LOMELLINO. He is the very head of the viper that threatens us. (Rises and presents the paper to GIANETTINO.) Two days hence death shall make a splendid feast, at which twelve of the chief of Genoa's nobles will be present. GIANETTINO (signs the paper). 'Tis done. Two days hence will be the ducal election. When the senate shall be assembled for that purpose these twelve shall, on the signal of a handkerchief, be suddenly laid low. My two hundred Germans will have surrounded the senate-house. At that moment I enter and claim homage as the Duke. (Rings the bell.) LOMELLINO. And what of Andreas? GIANETTINO (contemptuously). He is an old man. (Enter a servant.) If the Duke should ask for me say I am gone to mass. (Exit servant.) I must conceal the devil that's within beneath a saintly garb. LOMELLINO. But, my lord, the paper? GIANETTINO. Take it, and let it be circulated among our party. This letter must be dispatched by express to Levanto. 'Tis to inform Spinola of our intended plan, and bid him reach the capital early in the morning. (Going.) LOMELLINO. Stop, prince. There is an error in our calculation. Fiesco does not attend the senate. GIANETTINO (looking back). Genoa will easily supply one more assassin. I'll see to that. [Exeunt different ways. SCENE XV.-An Ante-chamber in FIESCO'S Palace. FIESCO, with papers before him, and MOOR. FIESCO. Four galleys have entered the harbor, dost say? MOOR. Yes, they're at anchor in the port. FIESCO. That's well. Whence are these expresses? MOOR. From Rome, Placentia, and France. FIESCO (opens the letters and runs over them). Welcome! welcome news! (In high spirits.) Let the messengers be treated in a princely manner. MOOR. Hem! (Going.). FIESCO. Stop, stop! Here's work for thee in plenty. MOOR. Command me. I am ready to act the setter or the bloodhound. FIESCO. I only want at present the voice of the decoy-bird. To-morrow early two thousand men will enter the city in disguise to engage in my service. Distribute thy assistants at the gates, and let them keep a watchful eye upon the strangers that arrive. Some will be dressed like pilgrims on their journey to Loretto, others like mendicant friars, or Savoyards, or actors; some as peddlers and musicians; but the most as disbanded soldiers coming to seek a livelihood in Genoa. Let every one be asked where he takes up his lodging. If he answer at the Golden Snake, let him be treated as a friend and shown my habitation. But remember, sirrah, I rely upon thy prudence. MOOR. Sir, as securely as upon my knavery. If a single head escape me, pluck out my eyes and shoot at sparrows with them. (Going.) FIESCO. Stop! I've another piece of business for thee. The arrival of the galleys will excite suspicion in the city. If any one inquire of thee about them, say thou hast heard it rumored that thy master intends to cruise against the Turks. Dost thou understand me? MOOR. Yes, yes - the beards of the Mussulmen at the masthead, but the devil for a steersman. (Going.) FIESCO. Gently - one more precaution. Gianettino has new reasons to hate me and lay snares against my life. Go - sound the fellows of thy trade; see if thou canst not smell out some plot on foot against me. Visit the brothels - Doria often frequents them. The secrets of the cabinet are sometimes lodged within the folds of a petticoat. Promise these ladies golden customers. Promise them thy master. Let nothing be too sacred to be used in gaining the desired information. MOOR. Ha! luckily I am acquainted with one Diana Buononi, whom I have served above a year as procurer. The other day I saw the Signor Lomellino coming out of her house. FIESCO. That suits my purpose well. This very Lomellino is the key to all Doria's follies. To-morrow thou shalt go thither. Perhaps he is to-night the Endymion of this chaste Diana. MOOR. One more question, my lord. Suppose the people ask me - and that they will, I'll pawn my soul upon it - suppose they ask, "What does Fiesco think of Genoa?" Would you still wear the mask? - or - how shall I answer them? FIESCO. Answer? Hum! The fruit is ripe. The pains of labor announce the approaching birth. Answer that Genoa lies upon the block, and that thy master's name is - John Louis Fiesco - - MOOR (with an air of satisfaction). That, by my rogue's honor, shall be done to your heart's content. Now be wide awake, friend Hassan! First to a tavern! My feet have work enough cut out for them. I must coax my stomach to intercede with my legs. (Hastening away - returns.) Oh, apropos! My chattering made me almost forget one circumstance. You wished to know what passed between Calcagno and your wife. A refusal, sir - that's all. [Runs off. SCENE XVI. FIESCO alone. FIESCO. I pity thee, Calcagno. Didst thou think I should, upon so delicate a point, have been thus careless had I not relied in perfect security on my wife's virtue and my own deserts? Yet I welcome this passion. Thou art a good soldier. It shall procure me thy arm for the destruction of Doria. (Walking up and down.) Now, Doria, to the scene of action! All the machines are ready for the grand attempt - the instruments are tuned for the terrific concert. Naught is wanting but to throw off the mask, and show Fiesco to the patriots of Genoa. (Some persons are heard approaching.) Ha! Visitors! Who can be coming to disturb me? SCENE XVII. FIESCO, VERRINA, ROMANO, with a picture; SACCO, BOURGOGNINO, CALCAGNO. FIESCO (receiving them with great affability). Welcome, my worthy friends! What important business brings you all hither? Are you, too, come, my dear brother, Verrina? I should almost have forgotten you, had you not oftener been present to my thoughts than to my sight. I think I have not seen you since my last entertainment. VERRINA. Do not count the hours, Fiesco! Heavy burdens have in that interval weighed down my aged head. But enough of this - - FIESCO. Not enough to satisfy the anxiety of friendship. You must inform me farther when we are alone. (Addressing BOURGOGNINO.) Welcome, brave youth! Our acquaintance is yet green; but my affection for thee is already ripe. Has your esteem for me improved? BOURGOGNINO. 'Tis on the increase. FIESCO. Verrina, it is reported that this brave young man is to be your son-in-law. Receive my warmest approbation of your choice. I have conversed with him but once; and yet I should be proud to call him my relation. VERRINA. That judgment makes me of my daughter vain. FIESCO (to the others). Sacco, Calcagno - all unfrequent visitors - I should fear the absence of Genoa's noblest ornaments were a proof that I had been deficient in hospitality. And here I greet a fifth guest, unknown to me, indeed, but sufficiently recommended by this worthy circle. ROMANO. He, my lord, is simply a painter, by name Julio Romano, who lives by theft and counterfeit of Nature's charms. His pencil is his only escutcheon; and he now comes hither (bowing profoundly) to seek the manly outlines of a Brutus. FIESCO. Give me your hand, Romano! I love the mistress of your soul with a holy fire. Art is the right hand of Nature. The latter only gave us being, but 'twas the former made us men. What are the subjects of your labor? ROMANO. Scenes from the heroic ages of antiquity. At Florence is my dying Hercules, at Venice my Cleopatra, the raging Ajax at Rome, where, in the Vatican, the heroes of former times rise again to light. FIESCO. And what just now employs you? ROMANO. Alas! my lord, I've thrown away my pencil. The lamp of genius burns quicker than the lamp of life. Beyond a certain moment the flame flickers and dies. This is my last production. FIESCO (in a lively manner). It could not come more opportune. I feel to-day a more than usual cheerfulness. A sentiment of calm delight pervades my being, and fits it to receive the impression of Nature's beauties. Let us view your picture. I shall feast upon the sight. Come, friends, we will devote ourselves entirely to the artist. Place your picture. VERRINA (apart to the others). Now, Genoese, observe! ROMANO (placing the picture). The light must fall upon it thus. Draw up that curtain - let fall the other, - right. (Standing on one side). It is the story of Virginia and Appius Claudius. (A long pause; all contemplate the picture.) VERRINA (with enthusiasm). Strike, aged father! Dost thou tremble, tyrant? How pale you stand there, Romans! Imitate him, senseless Romans! The sword yet glitters! Imitate me, senseless Genoese! Down with Doria! Down with him! (Striking at the picture.) FIESCO (to the painter, smiling). Could you desire greater applause? Your art has transformed this old man into a youthful enthusiast. VERRINA (exhausted). Where am I! What has become of them! They vanished like bubbles. You here, Fiesco! and the tyrant living! FIESCO. My friend, amidst this admiration you have overlooked the parts most truly beauteous. Does this Roman's head thus strike you? Look there! Observe that damsel - what soft expression! What feminine delicacy! How sweetly touched are those pale lips! How exquisite that dying look! Inimitable! Divine, Romano! And that white, dazzling breast, that heaves with the last pulse of life. Draw more such beauties, Romano, and I will give up Nature to worship thy creative fancy. BOURGOGNINO. Is it thus, Verrina, your hopes are answered? VERRINA. Take courage, son! The Almighty has rejected the arm of FIESCO. Upon ours he must rely. FIESCO (to ROMANO). Well - 'tis your last work, Romano. Your powers are exhausted. Lay down your pencil. Yet, whilst I am admiring the artist, I forget to satiate on the work. I could stand gazing on it, regardless of an earthquake. Take away your picture - the wealth of Genoa would scarcely reach the value of this Virginia. Away with it. ROMANO. Honor is the artist's noblest reward. I present it to you. (Offers to go away.) FIESCO. Stay, Romano! (He walks majestically up and down the room, seeming to reflect on something of importance. Sometimes he casts a quick and penetrating glance at the others; at last he takes ROMANO by the hand, and leads him to the picture.) Come near, painter. (With dignified pride.) Proudly stand'st thou there because, upon the dead canvas, thou canst simulate life, and immortalize great deeds with small endeavor. Thou canst dilate with the poet's fire on the empty puppet-show of fancy, without heart and without the nerve of life-inspiring deeds; depose tyrants on canvas, and be thyself a miserable slave! Thou canst liberate Republics with a dash of the pencil, yet not break thy own chains! (In a loud and commanding tone.) Go! Thy work is a mere juggle. Let the semblance give place to reality! (With haughtiness, overturning the picture.) I have done what thou hast only painted. (All struck with astonishment; ROMANO carries away the picture in confusion.) SCENE XVIII. The former, except ROMANO. FIESCO. Did you suppose the lion slept because he ceased to roar? Did your vain thoughts persuade you that none but you could feel the chains of Genoa? That none but you durst break them? Before you knew their weight, Fiesco had already broken them. (He opens an escritoire, takes out a parcel of letters, and throws them on the table.) These bring soldiers from Parma; - these, French money;-these, four galleys from the Pope. What now is wanting to rouse the tyrant in his lair? Tell me, what think you wanting? (All stand silent with astonishment.) Republicans! you waste your time in curses when you should overthrow the tyrant. (All but VERRINA throw themselves at FIESCO'S feet.) VERRINA. Fiesco, my spirit bends to thine, but my knee cannot. Thy soul is great; but - rise, Genoese! (They rise.) FIESCO. All Genoa was indignant at the effeminate Fiesco; all Genoa cursed the profligate FIESCO. Genoese! my amours have blinded the cunning despot. My wild excesses served to guard my plans from the danger of an imprudent confidence. Concealed beneath the cloak of luxury the infant plot grew up. Enough - I'm known sufficiently to Genoa in being known to you. I have attained my utmost wish. BOURGOGNINO (throwing himself indignantly into a chair). Am I, then, nothing? FIESCO. But let us turn from thought to action. All the engines are prepared - I can storm the city by sea and land. Rome, France, and Parma cover me; the nobles are disaffected; the hearts of the populace are mine; I have lulled to sleep the tyrants; the state is ripe for revolution. We are no longer in the hands of Fortune. Nothing is wanting. Verrina is lost in thought. BOURGOGNINO. Patience! I have a word to say, which will more quickly rouse him than the trumpet of the last day. (To VERRINA - calls out to him emphatically.) Father! Awake! Thy Bertha will despair. VERRINA. Who spoke those words? Genoese, to arms! FIESCO. Think on the means of forwarding our plan. Night has advanced upon our discourse; Genoa is wrapped in sleep; the tyrant sinks exhausted beneath the sins of the day. Let us watch o'er both. BOURGOGNINO. Let us, before we part, consecrate our heroic union by an embrace! (They form a circle, with joined arms.) Here unite five of the bravest hearts in Genoa to decide their country's fate. (All embrace eagerly.) When the universe shall fall asunder, and the eternal sentence shall cut in twain the bonds of consanguinity and love, then may this fivefold band of heroes still remain entire! (They separate.) VERRINA. When shall we next assemble? FIESCO. At noon to-morrow I'll hear your sentiments. VERRINA. 'Tis well - at noon to-morrow. Goodnight, Fiesco! Come, Bourgognino, you will hear something marvellous. [Exeunt VERRINA and BOURGOGNINO. FIESCO (to the others). Depart by the back gates, that Doria's spies may not suspect us. [Exeunt SACCO and CALCAGNO. SCENE XIX. FIESCO, alone. FIESCO (walking up and down in meditation). What a tumult is in my breast! What a concourse of dark, uncertain images! Like guilty wretches stealing out in secret to do some horrid deed, with trembling steps and blushing faces bent toward the ground, these flattering phantoms glide athwart my soul. Stay! stay! - let me examine you more closely. A virtuous thought strengthens the heart of man, and boldly meets the day. Ha! I know you - robed in the livery of Satan - avaunt! (A pause; he continues with energy.) Fiesco, the patriot! the Duke Fiesco! Peace! On this steep precipice the boundaries of virtue terminate: here heaven and hell are separated. Here have heroes stumbled, here have they fallen, and left behind a name loaded with curses - here, too, have heroes paused, here checked their course, and risen to immortality. (More vehemently.) To know the hearts of Genoa mine! To govern with a master's hand this formidable state! Oh, artifice of sin, that masks each devil with an angel's face! Fatal ambition! Everlasting tempter! Won by thy charms, angels abandoned heaven, and death sprung from thy embraces. (Shuddering.) Thy syren voice drew angels from their celestial mansions - man thou ensnarest with beauty, riches, power. (After a pause, in a firm tone.) To gain a diadem is great - to reject it is divine! (Resolutely.) Perish the tyrant! Let Genoa be free - and I (much affected) will be its happiest citizen. ACT III. SCENE I. - Midnight. A dreary wilderness. VERRINA and BOURGOGNINO entering. BOURGOGNINO (stands still). Whither are you leading me, father. The heavy grief that hung upon your brow when first you bade me follow you still seems to labor in your panting breast. Break this dreadful silence! Speak. I will go no further. VERRINA. This is the place. BOURGOGNINO. You could not choose a spot more awful. Father, if the deed you purpose be like the place - father - my hair will stand on end with horror. VERRINA. And yet 'tis cheerfulness itself to the gloom that enwraps my soul. Follow me to yon churchyard, where corruption preys on the mouldering remnants of mortality, and death holds his fearful banquet - where shrieks of damned souls delight the listening fiends, and sorrow weeps her fruitless tears into the never-filling urn. Follow me, my son, to where the condition of this world is changed; and God throws off his attributes of mercy - there will I speak to thee in agony, and thou shalt hear with despair. BOURGOGNINO. Hear! what? I conjure you, father. VERRINA. Youth! I fear. Youth, thy blood is warm and crimson - thy heart is soft and tender - such natures are alive to human kindness - this warmth of feeling melts my obdurate wisdom. If the frost of age or sorrow's leaden pressure had chilled the springtide vigor of thy spirits - if black congealed blood had closed the avenues of thy heart against the approaches of humanity - then would thy mind be attuned to the language of my grief, and thou wouldst look with admiration on my project. BOURGOGNINO. I will hear it, and embrace it as my own. VERRINA. Not so, my son - Verrina will not wound thy heart with it. O Scipio, heavy burdens lie on me. A thought more dark and horrible than night, too vast to be contained within the breast of man! Mark me - my hand alone shall execute the deed; but my mind cannot alone support the weight of it. If I were proud, Scipio, I might say greatness unshared is torture. It was a burden to the Deity himself, and he created angels to partake his counsels. Hear, Scipio! BOURGOGNINO. My soul devours thy words. VERRINA. Hear! But answer nothing - nothing, young man! Observe me - not a word - Fiesco must die. BOURGOGNINO (struck with astonishment). Die! Fiesco! VERRINA. Die - I thank thee, God, 'tis out at last - Fiesco must die. My son - die by my hand. Now, go. There are deeds too high for human judgment. They appeal alone to heaven's tribunal. Such a one is this. Go! I neither ask thy blame nor approbation. I know my inward struggles, and that's enough. But hear! These thoughts might weary out thy mind even to madness. Hear! Didst thou observe yesterday with what pride he viewed his greatness reflected from our wondering countenances? The man whose smiles deceived all Italy, will he endure equals in Genoa? Go! 'Tis certain that Fiesco will overthrow the tyrant. 'Tis as certain he will become a tyrant still more dangerous. [Exit hastily. BOURGOGNINO looks after him with speechless surprise, then follows slowly. SCENE II. - An apartment in FIESCO'S house. In the middle of the back scene a glass door, through which is seen a view of the sea and Genoa. Daybreak. FIESCO at the window. FIESCO. What do I see! The moon hath hid its face. The morn is rising fiery from the sea. Wild fancies have beset my sleep, and kept my soul convulsed by one idea. Let me inhale the pure, refreshing breeze. (He opens a window; the city and ocean appear red with the tint of morning. FIESCO walking up and down the room with energy.) I the greatest man in Genoa! And should not lesser souls bow down before the greater? But is not this to trample upon virtue? (Musing.) Virtue? The elevated mind is exposed to other than ordinary temptations - shall it then be governed by the ordinary rules of virtue? Is the armor which encases the pigmy's feeble frame suited to the giant? (The sun rises over Genoa.) This majestic city mine! (Spreading out his arms as if to embrace it.) To flame above it like the god of day! To rule over it with a monarch mind! To hold in subjection all the raging passions, all the insatiable desires in this fathomless ocean! 'Tis certain, though the cunning of the thief ennoble not the theft, yet doth the prize ennoble the thief. It is base to filch a purse - daring to embezzle a million, - but it is immeasurably great to steal a diadem. As guilt extends its sphere, the infamy decreaseth. (A pause, then with energy.) To obey! or to command! A fearful dizzying gulf - that absorbs whate'er is precious in the eyes of men. The trophies of the conqueror - the immortal works of science and of art - the voluptuous pleasures of the epicure - the whole wealth encompassed by the seas. To obey! or to command! To be, or not to be! The space between is as wide as from the lowest depths of hell to the throne of the Almighty. (In an elevated tone.) From that awful height to look down securely upon the impetuous whirlpool of mankind, where blind fortune holds capricious sway! To quaff at the fountainhead unlimited draughts from the rich cup of pleasure! To hold that armed giant law beneath my feet in leading-strings, and see it struggle with fruitless efforts against the sacred power of majesty! To tame the stubborn passions of the people, and curb them with a playful rein, as a skilful horseman guides the fiery steed! With a breath - one single breath - to quell the rising pride of vassals, whilst the prince, with the motion of his sceptre, can embody even his wildest dreams of fancy! Ah! What thoughts are these which transport the astounded mind beyond its boundaries! Prince! To be for one moment prince comprises the essence of a whole existence. 'Tis not the mere stage of life - but the part we play on it that gives the value. The murmurs which compose the thunder's roar might singly lull an infant to repose - but united their crash can shake the eternal vault of heaven. I am resolved. (Walking up and down majestically.) SCENE III. FIESCO; LEONORA, entering with a look of anxiety. LEONORA. Pardon me, count. I fear I interrupt your morning rest. FIESCO (steps back with astonishment). Indeed, madam, you do surprise me not a little. LEONORA. That never happens to those who love. FIESCO. Charming countess, you expose your beauty to the rude breath of morning. LEONORA. I know not why I should preserve its small remains for grief to feed on. FIESCO. Grief, my love? I thought that to be free from cares of state was happiness. LEONORA. It may be so. Yet do I feel that my weak heart is breaking amidst this happiness. I come, sir, to trouble you with a trifling request, if you can spare a moment's time to hear me. These seven months past I have indulged the pleasing dream of being Countess of Lavagna. It now has passed away and left a painful weight upon my mind. Amid the pleasures of my innocent childhood I must seek relief to my disordered spirits. Permit me, therefore, to return to the arms of my beloved mother - - FIESCO (with astonishment). Countess! LEONORA. My heart is a poor trembling thing which you should pity. Even the least remembrance of my visionary joy might wound my sickly fancy. I therefore restore the last memorials of your kindness to their rightful owner. (She lays some trinkets on the table.) This, too, that like a dagger struck my heart (presenting a letter). This, too (going to rush out of the door in tears), and I will retain nothing but the wound. FIESCO (agitated, hastens after and detains her). Leonora! For God's sake, stay! LEONORA (falls into his arms exhausted). To be your wife was more than I deserved. But she who was your wife deserved at least respect. How bitter is the tongue of calumny. How the wives and maidens of Genoa now look down upon me! "See," they say, "how droops the haughty one whose vanity aspired to Fiesco!" Cruel punishment of my pride! I triumphed over my whole sex when Fiesco led me to the altar - - FIESCO. Really, Madonna! All this is most surprising - - LEONORA (aside). Ah! he changes color - now I revive. FIESCO. Wait only two days, countess - then judge my conduct - - LEONORA. To be sacrificed! Let me not speak it in thy chaste presence, oh, thou virgin day! To be sacrificed to a shameless wanton! Look on me, my husband! Ah, surely those eyes that make all Genoa tremble, must hide themselves before a weeping woman - - FIESCO (extremely confused). No more, signora! No more - - LEONORA (with a melancholy look of reproach). To rend the heart of a poor helpless woman! Oh, it is so worthy of the manly sex. Into his arms I threw myself, and on his strength confidingly reposed my feminine weakness. To him I trusted the heaven of my hopes. The generous man bestowed it on a - - FIESCO (interrupting her, with vehemence). No, my Leonora! No! LEONORA. My Leonora! Heaven, I thank thee! These were the angelic sounds of love once more. I ought to hate thee, faithless man! And yet I fondly grasp the shadow of thy tenderness. Hate! said I? Hate Fiesco? Oh, believe it not! Thy perfidy may bid me die, but cannot bid me hate thee. I did not know my heart - - (The MOOR is heard approaching.) FIESCO. Leonora! grant me one trifling favor. LEONORA. Everything, Fiesco - but indifference. FIESCO. Well, well (significantly). Till Genoa be two days older, inquire not! condemn me not! (Leads her politely to another apartment.) SCENE IV. FIESCO; the MOOR, entering hastily. FIESCO. Whence come you thus out of breath? MOOR. Quick, my lord! FIESCO. Has anything run into the net? MOOR. Read this letter. Am I really here? Methinks Genoa is become shorter by twelve streets, or else my legs have grown that much longer! You change color? Yes, yes - they play at cards for heads, and yours is the chief stake. How do you like it? FIESCO (throws the letter on the table with horror). Thou woolly-pated rascal! How camest thou by that letter? MOOR. Much in the same way as your grace will come by the republic. An express was sent with it towards Levanto. I smelt out the game; waylaid the fellow in a narrow pass, despatched the fox, and brought the poultry hither - - FIESCO. His blood be on thy head! As for the letter, 'tis not to be paid with gold. MOOR. Yet I will be content with silver for it - (seriously, and with a look of importance). Count of Lavagna! 'twas but the other day I sought your life. To-day (pointing to the letter) I have preserved it. Now I think his lordship and the scoundrel are even. My further service is an act of friendship - (presents another letter) number two! FIESCO (receives it with astonishment). Art thou mad? MOOR. Number two - (with an arrogant air - his arms akimbo) the lion has not acted foolishly in pardoning the mouse. Ah! 'twas a deed of policy. Who else could e'er have gnawed the net with which he was surrounded? Now, sir, how like you that? FIESCO. Fellow, how many devils hast thou in pay? MOOR. But one, sir, at your service; and he is in your grace's keeping. FIESCO. What! Doria's own signature! Whence dost thou bring this paper? MOOR. Fresh from the hands of my Diana. I went to her last night, tempted her with your charming words, and still more charming sequins. The last prevailed. She bade me call early in the morning. Lomellino had been there as you predicted, and paid the toll to his contraband heaven with this deposit. FIESCO (indignantly). Oh, these despicable woman-slaves! They would govern kingdoms, and cannot keep a secret from a harlot. By these papers I learn that Doria and his party have formed a plot to murder me, with eleven senators, and to place Gianettino on the throne. MOOR. Even so - and that upon the morning of the ducal election, the third of this month. FIESCO (vehemently). The night of our enterprise shall smother that morning in its very birth. Speed thee, Hassan. My affairs are ripe. Collect our fellows. We will take bloody lead of our adversaries. Be active, Hassan! MOOR. I have a budget full of news beside. Two thousand soldiers are safely smuggled into the city. I've lodged them with the Capuchins, where not even a prying sunbeam can espy them. They burn with eagerness to see their leader. They are fine fellows. FIESCO. Each head of them shall yield thee a ducat. Is there no talk about my galleys? MOOR. Oh, I've a pleasant story of them, my lord. Above four hundred adventurers, whom the peace 'twixt France and Spain has left without employ, besought my people to recommend them to your grace to fight against the infidels. I have appointed them to meet this evening in the palace-court. FIESCO (pleased). I could almost embrace thee, rascal. A masterly stroke! Four hundred, said'st thou? Genoa is in my power. Four hundred crowns are thine - - MOOR (with an air of confidence). Eh, Fiesco? We two will pull the state in pieces, and sweep away the laws as with a besom. You know not how many hearty fellows I have among the garrison - lads that I can reckon on as surely as on a trip to hell. Now I've so laid my plans that at each gate we have among the guard at least six of our creatures, who will be enough to overcome the others by persuasion or by wine. If you wish to risk a blow to-night, you'll find the sentinels all drenched with liquor. FIESCO. Peace, fellow! Hitherto I have moved the vast machine alone; shall I now, at the very goal, be put to shame by the greatest rascal under the sun? Here's my hand upon it, fellow - whate'er the Count remains indebted to thee, the Duke shall pay. MOOR. And here, too, is a note from the Countess Imperiali. She beckoned to me from her window, when I went up received me graciously, and asked me ironically if the Countess of Lavagna had not been lately troubled with the spleen. Does your grace, said I, inquire but for one person? FIESCO (having read the letter throws it aside). Well said. What answer made she? MOOR. She answered, that she still lamented the fate of the poor bereaved widow - that she was willing to give her satisfaction, and meant to forbid your grace's attentions. FIESCO (with a sneer). Which of themselves may possibly cease sometime before the day of judgment. Is that all thy business, Hassan? MOOR (ironically). My lord, the affairs of the ladies are next to those of state. FIESCO. Without a doubt, and these especially. But for what purpose are these papers? MOOR. To remove one plague by another. These powders the signora gave me, to mix one every day with your wife's chocolate. FIESCO (starting). Gave thee? MOOR. Donna Julia, Countess Imperiali. FIESCO (snatching them from him eagerly). If thou liest, rascal, I'll hang thee up alive in irons at the weathercock of the Lorenzo tower, where the wind shall whirl thee nine times round with every blast. The powders? MOOR (impatiently). I am to give your wife mixed with her chocolate. Such were the orders of Donna Julia Imperiali. FIESCO (enraged). Monster! monster! This lovely creature! Is there room for so much hell within a female bosom? And I forgot to thank thee, heavenly Providence, that has rendered it abortive - abortive through a greater devil. Wondrous are thy ways! (To the MOOR.) Swear to me to obey, and keep this secret. MOOR. Very well. The latter I can afford - she paid me ready money. FIESCO. This note invites me to her. I'll be with you, madam! - and find means to lure you hither, too. Now haste thee, with all thy speed, and call together the conspirators. MOOR. This order I anticipated, and therefore at my own risk appointed every one to come at ten o'clock precisely. FIESCO. I hear the sound of footsteps. They are here. Fellow, thy villany deserves a gallows of its own, on which no son of Adam was ever yet suspended. Wait in the ante-chamber till I call for thee. MOOR. The Moor has done his work - the Moor may go. [Exit. SCENE V. FIESCO, VERRINA, BOURGOGNINO, CALCAGNO, SACCO. FIESCO (meeting them). The tempest is approaching: the clouds rash together. Advance with caution. Let all the doors be locked. VERRINA. Eight chambers have I made fast behind. Suspicion cannot come within a hundred steps of us. BOURGOGNINO. Here is no traitor, unless our fear become one. FIESCO. Fear cannot pass my threshold. Welcome he whose mind remains the same as yesterday. Be seated. (They seat themselves.) BOURGOGNINO (walking up and down). I care not to sit in cold deliberation when action calls upon me. FIESCO. Genoese, this hour is eventful. VERRINA. Thou hast challenged us to consider a plan for dethroning the tyrant. Demand of us - we are here to answer thee. FIESCO. First, then, a question which, as it comes so late, you may think strange. Who is to fall? (A pause.) BOURGOGNINO (leaning over FIESCO'S chair, with an expressive look). The tyrants. FIESCO. Well spoken. The tyrants. I entreat you weigh well the importance of the word. Is he who threatens the overthrow of liberty - or he who has it in his power - the greater tyrant? VERRINA. The first I hate, I fear the latter. Let Andreas Doria fall! CALCAGNO (with emotion). Andreas? The old Andreas! who perhaps to-morrow may pay the debt of nature - - SACCO. Andreas? That mild old man! FIESCO. Formidable is that old man's mildness, O my friend - the brutality of Gianettino only deserves contempt. "Let Andreas fall!" There spoke thy wisdom, Verrina. BOURGOGNINO. The chain of iron, and the cord of silk, alike are bonds. Let Andreas perish! FIESCO (going to the table). The sentence, then is passed upon the uncle and the nephew. Sign it! (They all sign.) The question who is settled. How must be next determined. Speak first, Calcagno. CALCAGNO. We must execute it either as soldiers or assassins. The first is dangerous, because we must have many confidants. 'Tis also doubtful, because the peoples' hearts are not all with us. To act the second our five good daggers are sufficient. Two days hence high mass will be performed in the Lorenzo Church - both the Dorias will be present. In the house of God even a tyrant's cares are lulled to sleep. I have done. FIESCO (turning away). Calcagno, your plan is politic, but 'tis detestable. Raphael Sacco, yours? SACCO. Calcagno's reasons please me, but the means he chooses my mind revolts at. Better were it that Fiesco should invite both the uncle and nephew to a feast, where, pressed on all sides by the vengeance of the republic, they must swallow death at the dagger's point, or in a bumper of good Cyprian. This method is at least convenient. FIESCO (with horror). Ah, Sacco! What if the wine their dying tongues shall taste become for us torments of burning pitch in hell! Away with this advice! Speak thou, Verrina. VERRINA. An open heart shows a bold front. Assassination degrades us to banditti. The hero advances sword in hand. I propose to give aloud the signal of revolt, and boldly rouse the patriots of Genoa to vengeance. (He starts from his seat, the others do the same.) BOURGOGNINO (embracing him). And with armed hand wrest Fortune's favors from her. This is the voice of honor, and is mine. FIESCO. And mine. Shame on you, Genoese! (to SACCO and CALCAGNO). Fortune has already done too much for us, let something be our own. Therefore open revolt! And that, Genoese, this very night - - (VERRINA and BOURGOGNINO astonished - the others terrified.) CALCAGNO. What! To-night! The tyrants are yet too powerful, our force too small. SACCO. To-night! And naught prepared? The day is fast declining. FIESCO. Your doubts are reasonable, but read these papers. (He gives them GIANETTINO'S papers, and walks up and down with a look of satisfaction, whilst they read them eagerly.) Now, farewell, thou proud and haughty star of Genoa, that didst seem to fill the whole horizon with thy brightness. Knowest thou not that the majestic sun himself must quit the heavens, and yield his sceptre to the radiant moon? Farewell, Doria, beauteous star! Patroclus to the shades is gone, And he was more than thou. BOURGOGNINO (after reading the papers). This is horrible. CALCAGNO. Twelve victims at a blow! VERRINA. To-morrow in the senate-house! BOURGOGNINO. Give me these papers, and I will ride with them through Genoa, holding them up to view. The very stones will rise in mutiny, and even the dogs will howl against the tyrant. ALL. Revenge! Revenge! Revenge! This very night! FIESCO. Now you have reached the point. At sunset I will invite hither the principal malcontents - those that stand upon the bloody list of Gianettino! Besides the Sauli, the Gentili, Vivaldi, Vesodimari, all mortal enemies of the house of Doria; but whom the tyrant forgot to fear. They, doubtless, will embrace my plan with eagerness. BOURGOGNINO. I doubt it not. FIESCO. Above all things, we must render ourselves masters of the sea. Galleys and seamen I have ready. The twenty vessels of the Dorias are dismantled, and may be easily surprised. The entrance of the inner harbor must be blocked up, all hope of flight cut off. If we secure this point, all Genoa is in our power. VERRINA. Doubtless. FIESCO. Then we must seize the strongest posts in the city, especially the gate of St. Thomas, which, leading to the harbor, connects our land and naval forces. Both the Dorias must be surprised within their palaces, and killed. The bells must toll, the citizens be called upon to side with us, and vindicate the liberties of Genoa. If Fortune favor us, you shall hear the rest in the senate. VERRINA. The plan is good. Now for the distribution of our parts. FIESCO (significantly). Genoese, you chose me, of your own accord, as chief of the conspiracy. Will you obey my further orders? VERRINA. As certainly as they shall be the best. FIESCO. Verrina, dost thou know the principle of all warlike enterprise? Instruct him, Genoese. It is subordination. If your will be not subjected to mine - observe me well - if I be not the head of the conspiracy, I am no more a member. VERRINA. A life of freedom is well worth some hours of slavery. We obey. FIESCO. Then leave me now. Let one of you reconnoitre the city and inform me of the strength or weakness of the several posts. Let another find out the watchword. A third must see that the galleys are in readiness. A fourth conduct the two thousand soldiers into my palace-court. I myself will make all preparations here for the evening, and pass the interval perhaps in play. At nine precisely let all be at my palace to hear my final orders. (Rings the bell.) VERRINA. I take the harbor. BOURGOGNINO. I the soldiers. CALCAGNO. I will learn the watchword. SACCO. I will reconnoitre Genoa. [Exeunt. SCENE VI. FIESCO, MOOR. FIESCO (seated at a desk, and writing). Did they not struggle against the word subordination as the worm against the needle which transfixes it? But 'tis too late, republicans. MOOR (entering). My lord - - FIESCO (giving him a paper). Invite all those whose names are written here to see a play this evening at my palace. MOOR. Perhaps to act a part, and pay the admittance with their heads. FIESCO (in a haughty and contemptuous manner). When that is over I will no longer detain thee here in Genoa. (Going, throws him a purse.) This is thy last employment. [Exit. SCENE VII. MOOR, alone. MOOR (taking up the purse slowly, and looking after FIESCO with surprise). Are we, then, on these terms? "I will detain thee in Genoa no longer." That is to say, translated from the Christian language into my heathen tongue, "When I am duke I shall hang up my friend the Moor upon a Genoese gallows." Hum! He fears, because I know his tricks, my tongue may bring his honor into danger when he is duke. When he is duke? Hold, master count! That event remains to be considered. Ah! old Doria, thy life is in my hands. Thou art lost unless I warn thee of thy danger. Now, if I go to him and discover the plot, I save the Duke of Genoa no less than his existence and his dukedom, and gain at least this hatful of gold for my reward. (Going, stops suddenly.) But stay, friend Hassan, thou art going on a foolish errand. Suppose this scene of riot is prevented, and nothing but good is the result. Pshaw! what a cursed trick my avarice would then have played me! Come, devil, help me to make out what promises the greatest mischief; to cheat Fiesco, or to give up Doria to the dagger. If Fiesco succeed then Genoa may prosper. Away! That must not be. If this Doria escape, then all remains as it was before, and Genoa is quiet. That's still worse! Ay, but to see these rebels' heads upon the block! Hum! On the other hand 'twould be amusing to behold the illustrious Dorias in this evening's massacre the victims of a rascally Moor. No. This doubtful question a Christian might perhaps resolve, but 'tis too deep a riddle for my Moorish brains. I'll go propose it to some learned man. [Exit. SCENE VIII. An apartment in the house of the COUNTESS IMPERIALI. JULIA in dishabille. GIANETTINO enters, agitated. GIANETTINO. Good-evening, sister. JULIA (rising). It must be something extraordinary which brings the crown-prince of Genoa to his sister! GIANETTINO. Sister, you are continually surrounded by butterflies and I by wasps. How is it possible that we should meet? Let's be seated. JULIA. You almost excite my curiosity. GIANETTINO. When did Fiesco visit you last? JULIA. A strange question. As if I burdened my memory with such trifles! GIANETTINO. I must know - positively. JULIA. Well, then, he was here yesterday. GIANETTINO. And behaved without reserve? JULIA. As usual. GIANETTINO. As much a coxcomb as ever. JULIA (offended). Brother! GIANETTINO (more vehemently). I say - as much a coxcomb - - JULIA (rises, with indignation). Sir! What do you take me for? GIANETTINO (keeps his seat - sarcastically). For a mere piece of woman-flesh, wrapped up in a great - great patent of nobility. This between ourselves - there is no one by to hear us. JULIA (enraged). Between ourselves - you are an impertinent jackanapes, and presume upon the credit of your uncle. No one by to hear us, indeed! GIANETTINO. Sister! sister! don't be angry. I'm only merry because Fiesco is still as much a coxcomb as ever. That's all I wanted to know. Your servant - - (Going.) SCENE IX. The former, LOMELLINO, entering. LOMELLINO (to JULIA, respectfully). Pardon my boldness, gracious lady. (To GIANETTINO.) Certain affairs which cannot be delayed - - (GIANETTINO takes him aside; JULIA sits down angrily at the pianoforte and plays an allegro.) GIANETTINO (to LOMELLINO). Is everything prepared for to-morrow? LOMELLINO. Everything, prince - but the courier, who was despatched this morning to Levanto, is not yet returned, nor is Spinola arrived. Should he be intercepted! I'm much alarmed - - GIANETTINO. Fear nothing. You have that list at hand? LOMELLINO (embarrassed). My lord - the list? I do not know - I must have left it at home in my other pocket. GIANETTINO. It does not signify - would that Spinola were but here. Fiesco will be found dead in his bed. I have taken measures for it. LOMELLINO. But it will cause great consternation. GIANETTINO. In that lies our security. Common crimes but move the blood and stir it to revenge: atrocious deeds freeze it with terror, and annihilate the faculties of man. You know the fabled power of Medusa's head - they who but looked on it were turned to stone. What may not be done, my boy, before stories are warmed to animation? LOMELLINO. Have you given the countess any intimation of it? GIANETTINO. That would never do! We must deal more cautiously with her attachment to FIESCO. When she shares the sweets, the cost will soon be forgotten. Come, I expect troops this evening from Milan, and must give orders at the gates for their reception. (To JULIA.) Well, sister, have you almost thrummed away your anger? JULIA. Go! You're a rude unmannered creature. (GIANETTINO, going, meets FIESCO.) SCENE X. The former; FIESCO. GIANETTINO (stepping back). Ha! FIESCO (with politeness). Prince, you spare me a visit which I was just now about to pay. GIANETTINO. And I, too, count, am pleased to meet you here. FIESCO (approaching JULIA courteously). Your charms, signora, always surpass expectation. JULIA. Fie! that in another would sound ambiguous - but I'm shocked at my dishabille - excuse me, count - (going). FIESCO. Stay, my beauteous lady. Woman's beauty is ne'er so charming as when in the toilet's simplest garb (laughingly). An undress is her surest robe of conquest. Permit me to loosen these tresses - - JULIA. Oh, how ready are you men to cause confusion! FIESCO (with a smile to GIANETTINO). In dress, as in the state - is it not so? (To JULIA.) This ribbon, too, is awkwardly put on. Sit down, fair countess - your Laura's skill may strike the eye, but cannot reach the heart. Let me play the chambermaid for once. (She sits down, he arranges her dress.) GIANETTINO (aside to LOMELLINO). Poor frivolous fellow! FIESCO (engaged about her bosom). Now see - this I prudently conceal. The senses should always be blind messengers, and not know the secret compact between nature and fancy. JULIA. That is trifling. FIESCO. Not at all; for, consider, the prettiest novelty loses all its zest when once become familiar. Our senses are but the rabble of our inward republic. The noble live by them, but elevate themselves above their low, degenerate tastes. (Having adjusted her toilet, he leads her to a glass.) Now, by my honor! this must on the morrow be Genoa's fashion - (politely) - may I have the honor of leading you so abroad, countess? JULIA. The cunning flatterer! How artfully he lays his plans to ensnare me. No! I have a headache, and will stay at home. FIESCO. Pardon me, countess. You may be so cruel, but surely you will not. To-day a company of Florentine comedians arrive at my palace. Most of the Genoese ladies will be present this evening at their performance, and I am uncertain whom to place in the chief box without offending others. There is but one expedient. (Making a low bow.) If you would condescend, signora - - JULIA (blushing, retires to a side apartment). Laura! GIANETTINO (approaching FIESCO). Count, you remember an unpleasant circumstance - - FIESCO (interrupting him). 'Tis my wish, prince, we should both forget it. The actions of men are regulated by their knowledge of each other. It is my fault that you knew me so imperfectly. GIANETTINO. I shall never think of it without craving your pardon from my inmost soul - - FIESCO. Nor I without forgiving you from my heart's core. (JULIA returns, her dress a little altered.) GIANETTINO. Count, I just now recollect that you are going to cruise against the Turks - - FIESCO. This evening we weigh anchor. On that account I had some apprehensions from which my friend Doria's kindness may deliver me. GIANETTINO (obsequiously). Most willingly. Command my utmost influence! FIESCO. The circumstance might cause a concourse toward the harbor, and about my palace, which the duke your uncle might misinterpret. GIANETTINO (in a friendly manner). I'll manage that for you. Continue your preparations, and may success attend your enterprise! FIESCO (with a smile). I'm much obliged to you. SCENE XI. The former - A GERMAN of the body-guard. GIANETTINO. What now? GERMAN. Passing by the gate of St. Thomas I observed a great number of armed soldiers hastening towards the harbor. The galleys of the Count Fiesco were preparing for sea. GIANETTINO. Is that all? Report it no further. GERMAN. Very well. From the convent of the Capuchins, too, suspicious rabble are pouring, and steal toward the market-place. From their gait and appearance I should suppose them soldiers. GIANETTINO (angrily). Out upon this fool's zeal! (To LOMELLINO, aside.) These are undoubtedly my Milanese. GERMAN. Does your grace command that they should be arrested? GIANETTINO (aloud to LOMELLINO). Look to them, Lomellino. (To the GERMAN.) Begone! 'Tis all well. (Aside to LOMELLINO.) Bid that German beast be silent. [Exeunt LOMELLINO and GERMAN. FIESCO (in another part of the room with JULIA - looks toward GIANETTINO.). Our friend Doria seems displeased. May I inquire the reason? GIANETTINO. No wonder. These eternal messages. [Exit hastily. FIESCO. The play awaits us, too, signora. May I offer you my hand? JULIA. Stay, let me take my cloak. 'Tis no tragedy I hope, count? It would haunt me in my dreams. FIESCO (sarcastically). 'Twill excite immoderate laughter. [He hands her out - the curtain falls. ACT IV. SCENE I. - Night. The court of FIESCO'S palace. The lamps lighted. Persons carrying in arms. A wing of the palace illuminated. A heap of arms on one side of the stage. BOURGOGNINO, leading a band of soldiers. BOURGOGNINO. Halt! Let four sentinels be stationed at the great gate. Two at every door of the palace. (The sentinels take their posts.) Let every one that chooses enter, but none depart. If any one attempts to force his way run him through. (Goes with the rest into the palace. The sentinels walk up and down. A pause.) SCENE II. ZENTURIONE entering. SENTINELS AT THE GATE (call out). Who goes there? ZENTURIONE. A friend of Lavagna. (Goes across the court to the palace on the right.) SENTINEL THERE. Back! (ZENTURIONE starts, and goes to the door on the left.) SENTINEL ON THE LEFT. Back! ZENTURIONE (stands still with surprise. A pause. Then to the SENTINEL on the left). Friend, which is the way to the theatre? SENTINEL. Don't know. ZENTURIONE (walks up and down with increasing surprise - then to the SENTINEL on the right). Friend, when does the play begin? SENTINEL. Don't know. ZENTURIONE (astonished, walks up and down. Perceives the weapons; alarmed). Friend, what mean these? SENTINEL. Don't know. ZENTURIONE (wraps himself up in his cloak, alarmed). Strange! SENTINELS AT THE GATE (calling out). Who goes there? SCENE III. The former, ZIBO entering. ZIBO. A friend of Lavagna. ZENTURIONE. Zibo, where are we? ZIBO. What mean you? ZENTURIONE. Look around you, Zibo. ZIBO. Where? What? ZENTURIONE. All the doors are guarded! ZIBO. Here are arms - - ZENTURIONE. No one that will answer - - ZIBO. 'Tis strange! ZENTURIONE. What is it o'clock? ZIBO. Past eight. ZENTURIONE. How bitter cold it is! ZIBO. Eight was the hour appointed. ZENTURIONE (shaking his head). 'Tis not all as it should be here. ZIBO. Fiesco means to jest with us - - ZENTURIONE. To-morrow will be the ducal election. Zibo, all's not right here, depend upon it. ZIBO. Hush! hush! ZENTURIONE. The right wing of the palace is full of lights. ZIBO. Do you hear nothing? ZENTURIONE. A confused murmuring within - and - - ZIBO. The sound of clattering arms - - ZENTURIONE. Horrible! horrible! ZIBO. A carriage - it stops at the gate! SENTINELS AT THE GATE (calling out). Who goes there? SCENE IV. The former, four of the ASSERATO family. ASSERATO (entering). A friend of FIESCO. ZIBO. They are the four Asserati. ZENTURIONE. Good evening, friends! ASSERATO. We are going to the play. ZIBO. A pleasant journey to you! ASSERATO. Are you not going also? ZENTURIONE. Walk on. We'll just take a breath of air first. ASSERATO. 'Twill soon begin. Come. (Going.) SENTINEL. Back! ASSERATO. What can this mean? ZENTURIONE (laughing). To keep you from the palace. ASSERATO. Here's some mistake - - ZIBO. That's plain enough. (Music is heard in the right wing.) ASSERATO. Do you hear the symphony? The comedy is going to begin. ZENTURIONE. I think it has begun, and we are acting our parts as fools. ZIBO. I'm not over warm - I'll return home. ASSERATO. Arms here, too? ZIBO. Poh! Mere play-house articles. ZENTURIONE. Shall we stand waiting, like ghosts upon the banks of Acheron? Come, let us to a tavern! (All six go towards the gate.) SENTINELS (calling loudly). Back! Back! ZENTURIONE. Death and the devil! We are caught. ZIBO. My sword shall open a passage! ASSERATO. Put it up! The count's a man of honor. ZIBO. We are sold! betrayed! The comedy was a bait, and we're caught in a trap. ASSERATO. Heaven forbid! And yet I tremble for the event. SCENE V. The former - VERRINA, SACCO, and NOBLES. SENTINELS. Who goes there? VERRINA. Friends of the house. (Seven NOBLES enter with him.) ZIBO. These are his confidants. Now all will be explained. SACCO (in conversation with VERRINA). 'Tis as I told you; Lascaro is on guard at the St. Thomas' gate, the best officer of Doria, and blindly devoted to him. VERRINA. I'm glad of it. ZIBO (to VERRINA). Verrina, you come opportunely to clear up the mystery. VERRINA. How so? What mean you? ZENTURIONE. We are invited to a comedy. VERRINA. Then we are going the same way. ZENTURIONE (impatiently). Yes - the way of all flesh. You see - the doors are guarded. Why guard the doors? ZIBO. Why these sentinels? ZENTURIONE. We stand here like criminals beneath the gallows. VERRINA. The count will come himself. ZENTURIONE. 'Twere well if he came a little faster. My patience begins to fail. (All the NOBLES walk up and down in the background.) BOURGOGNINO (coming out of the palace, to VERRINA). How goes it in the harbor? VERRINA. They're all safe on board. BOURGOGNINO. The palace is full of soldiers. VERRINA. 'Tis almost nine. BOURGOGNINO. The count is long in coming. VERRINA. And yet too quick to gain his wishes. Bourgognino! There is a thought that freezes me. BOURGOGNINO. Father, be not too hasty. VERRINA. It is impossible to be too hasty where delay is fatal. I must commit a second murder to justify the first. BOURGOGNINO. But - when must Fiesco fall? VERRINA. When Genoa is free Fiesco dies! SENTINELS. Who goes there? SCENE VI. The former, FIESCO. FIESCO. A friend! (The NOBLES bow - the SENTINELS present their arms.) Welcome, my worthy guests! You must have been displeased at my long absence. Pardon me. (In a low voice to VERRINA.) Ready? VERRINA (in the same manner). As you wish. FIESCO (to BOURGOGNINO). And you? BOURGOGNINO. Quite prepared. FIESCO (to SACCO). And you? SACCO. All's right. FIESCO. And Calcagno? BOURGOGNINO. Is not yet arrived. FIESCO (aloud to the SENTINELS). Make fast the gates! (He takes off his hat, and steps forward with dignity towards the assembly.) My friends - I have invited you hither to a play - not as spectators, but to allot to each a part therein. Long enough have we borne the insolence of Gianettino Doria, and the usurpation of Andreas. My friends, if we would deliver Genoa, no time is to be lost. For what purpose, think you, are those twenty galleys which beset our harbor? For what purpose the alliances which the Dorias have of late concluded? For what purpose the foreign forces which they have collected even in the heart of Genoa? Murmurs and execrations avail no longer. To save all we must dare all. A desperate disease requires a desperate remedy. Is there one base enough in this assembly to own an equal for his master? (Murmurs.) Here is not one whose ancestors did not watch around the cradle of infant Genoa. What! - in Heaven's name! - what, I ask you, have these two citizens to boast of that they could urge their daring flight so far above our head? (Increasing murmurs.) Every one of you is loudly called upon to fight for the cause of Genoa against its tyrants. No one can surrender a hair's-breadth of his rights without betraying the soul of the whole state. (Interrupted by violent commotions he proceeds.) You feel your wrongs - then everything is gained. I have already paved your way to glory - Genoese, will you follow? I am prepared to lead you. Those signs of war which you just now beheld with horror should awaken your heroism. Your anxious shuddering must warm into a glorious zeal that you may unite your efforts with this patriotic band to overthrow the tyrant. Success will crown the enterprise, for all our preparations are well arranged. The cause is just, for Genoa suffers. The attempt will render us immortal, for it is vast and glorious - - ZENTURIONE (vehemently, and agitated). Enough! Genoa shall be free! Be this our shout of onset against hell itself! ZIBO. And may he who is not roused by it pant at the slavish oar till the last trumpet break his chains - - FIESCO. Spoken like men. Now you deserve to know the danger that hung over yourselves and Genoa. (Gives them the papers of the MOOR.) Lights, soldiers! (The nobles crowd about the lights, and read - FIESCO aside to VERRINA.) Friend, it went as I could wish. VERRINA. Be not too certain. Upon the left I saw countenances that grew pale, and knees that tottered. ZENTURIONE (enraged). Twelve senators! Infernal villany! Seize each a sword! (All, except two, eagerly take up the weapons that lie in readiness.) ZIBO. Thy name, too, Bourgognino, is written there. BOURGOGNINO. Ay, and if Heaven permit, it shall be written to-day upon the throat of Gianettino. ZENTURIONE. Two swords remain - - ZIBO. Ah! What sayest thou? ZENTURIONE. Two amongst us have not taken swords. ASSERATO. My brothers cannot bear the sight of blood - pray spare them! ZENTURIONE (vehemently). What! Not a tyrant's blood! Tear them to pieces - cowards! Let such bastards be driven from the republic! (Some of the assembly attack the two ASSERATI.) FIESCO (restraining them). Cease! Shall Genoa owe its liberty to slaves? Shall our pure gold be debased by this alloy? (He disengages them.) Gentlemen, you must be content to take up your abode within my palace until our business be decided. (To the sentinels.) These are your prisoners; you answer for their safety! Guard them with loaded arms. (They are led off - a knocking heard at the gate.) SENTINEL. Who is there? CALCAGNO (without, eagerly). Open the gate! A friend! for God's sake, open! BOURGOGNINO. It is Calcagno - heavens! What can this mean? FIESCO. Open the gate, soldiers. SCENE VII. The former - CALCAGNO, out of breath. CALCAGNO. All is lost! all is lost! Fly, every one that can! BOURGOGNINO. What's lost? Have they flesh of brass? Are our swords made of rushes? FIESCO. Consider, Calcagno! An error now is fatal. CALCAGNO. We are betrayed! Your Moor, Lavagna, is the rascal! I come from the senate-house. He had an audience of the duke. VERRINA (with a resolute tone, to the sentinels). Soldiers! let me rush upon your halberts! I will not perish by the hangman's hands. (The assembly show marks of confusion.) FIESCO (with firmness). What are you about? 'Sdeath, Calcagno! Friends, 'tis a false alarm. (To CALCAGNO, aside.) Woman that thou art to tell these boys this tale. Thou, too, Verrina? and thou, Bourgognino? Whither wouldst thou go? BOURGOGNINO. Home - to kill my Bertha - and then return to fall with thee. FIESCO (bursting into a loud laugh). Stay! stay! Is this the valor that should punish tyrants? Well didst thou play thy part, Calcagno. Did none of you perceive that this alarm was my contrivance? Speak, Calcagno? Was it not my order that you should put these Romans to this trial? VERRINA. Well, if you can laugh I'll believe you - or never more think you man. FIESCO. Shame on you, men! to fail in such a boyish trial! Resume your arms - you must fight like lions to atone for this disgrace. (Aside to CALCAGNO.) Were you there yourself? CALCAGNO (low). I made my way among the guards to hear, as was my business, the watchword from the duke. As I was returning the Moor was brought - - FIESCO (aloud). So the old man is gone to bed - we'll drum him out of his feathers. (Low.) Did he talk long with the duke? CALCAGNO (low). My sudden fright and your impending danger drove me away in haste - - FIESCO (aloud). See how our countrymen still tremble. CALCAGNO (aloud). You should have carried on the jest. (Low.) For God's sake, friend, what will this artifice avail us? FIESCO. 'Twill gain us time, and dissipate the first panic. (Aloud.) Ho! bring wine here! (Low.) Did the duke turn pale? (Aloud.) Well, brothers, let us drink success to this night's entertainment. (Low.) Did the duke turn pale? CALCAGNO. The Moor's first word must have been conspiracy; for the old man started back as pale as ashes. FIESCO (confused). Hum! the devil is an artful counsellor. Calcagno - the Moor was cunning, he betrayed nothing till the knife was at his throat. Now he is indeed their savior. (Wine is brought, he drinks to the assembly.) Comrades, success! (A knocking is heard.) SENTINELS. Who is without? A VOICE. The guard of the duke's. (The NOBLES rush about the court in despair.) FIESCO (stepping forward). Oh, my friends! Be not alarmed! I am here - quick, remove these arms - be men. I entreat you - this visit makes me hope that Andreas still doubts our plot. Retire into the palace: recall your spirits. Soldiers, throw open the gate! (They retire, the gates are opened.) SCENE VIII. FIESCO (as if coming from the palace). Three GERMAN SOLDIERS bringing the MOOR, bound. FIESCO. Who calls me? GERMANS. Bring us to the count! FIESCO. The count is here, who wants me? GERMAN (presenting his arms). Greeting from the duke! - he delivers up to your grace this Moor in chains, who had basely slandered you: the rest this note will tell. FIESCO (takes it with an air of indifference). Have I not threatened thee already with the galleys? (To the GERMAN.) Very well, my friend, my respects to the duke. MOOR (hallooing after them). Mine, too - and tell the duke had he not employed an ass for his messenger he would have learned that two thousand soldiers are concealed within these palace walls. [Exeunt GERMANS, the NOBLES return. SCENE IX. FIESCO, the CONSPIRATORS, MOOR (looking at them unconcerned.) THE CONSPIRATORS (shuddering at the sight of the MOOR). Ha! what means this? FIESCO (after reading the note with suppressed anger). Genoese, the danger is past - but the conspiracy is likewise at an end - - VERRINA (astonished). What! Are the Dorias dead? FIESCO (violently agitated). By heavens! I was prepared to encounter the whole force of the republic, but not this blow. This old nerveless man, with his pen, annihilates three thousand soldiers (his hands sink down). Doria overcomes Fiesco! BOURGOGNINO. Speak, count, we are amazed! FIESCO (reading). "Lavagna, your fate resembles mine; benevolence is rewarded with ingratitude. The Moor informs me of a plot: I send him back to you in chains, and shall sleep to-night without a guard." (He drops the paper - the rest look at each other.) VERRINA. Well, Fiesco? FIESCO (with dignity). Shall Doria surpass me in magnanimity? Shall the race of Fiesco want this one virtue? No, by my honor - disperse - I'll go and own the whole - - VERRINA (stopping him). Art thou mad? Was, then, our enterprise some thievish act of villany? Was it not our country's cause? Was Andreas the object of thy hatred, and not the tyrant? Stay! I arrest thee as a traitor to thy country. CONSPIRATORS. Bind him! throw him down! FIESCO (snatching up his sword, and making way through them). Gently! Who will be the first to throw the cord around the tiger? See, Genoese, - I stand here at liberty, and might force my way with ease, had I the will - but I will stay - I have other thoughts - - BOURGOGNINO. Are they thoughts of duty? FIESCO (haughtily). Ha! boy! learn first to know thy own - and towards me restrain that tongue! Be appeased, Genoese, - our plans remain unaltered. (To the MOOR, whose cords he cuts with a sword). Thou hast the merit of causing a noble act - fly! CALCAGNO (enraged). What? Shall that scoundrel live, - he who has betrayed us all? FIESCO. Live - though he has frightened you all. Rascal, begone! See that thou turn thy back quickly on Genoa; lest some one immolate thee to the manes of his courage. MOOR. So, then, the devil does not forsake his friends. Your servant, gentlemen! I see that Italy does not produce my halter; I must seek it elsewhere. [Exit, laughing. SCENE X. FIESCO, CONSPIRATORS. Enter SERVANT. SERVANT. The Countess Imperiali has already asked three times for your grace. FIESCO. Ha! then the comedy must indeed begin! Tell her I come directly. Desire my wife to hasten to the concert-room, and there remain concealed behind the tapestry. (Exit SERVANT.) In these papers your several stations are appointed: let each but act his part, the plan is perfect. Verrina will lead the forces to the harbor, and when the ships are seized will fire a shot as a signal for the general attack. I now leave you upon important business; when you hear the bell come all together to my concert-room. Meanwhile enjoy my Cyprian wine within. (They depart into the palace.) SCENE XI. LEONORA, ARABELLA, and ROSA. LEONORA. Fiesco promised to meet me here, and comes not. 'Tis past eleven. The sound of arms and men rings frightfully through the palace, and no Fiesco comes. ROSA. You are to conceal yourself behind the tapestry - what can the count intend? LEONORA. He directs and I obey. Why should I fear? And yet I tremble, Arabella, and my heart beats fearfully with apprehension. For heaven's sake, damsels, do not leave me. ARABELLA. Fear nothing; our timidity subdues our curiosity. LEONORA. Where'er I turn my eyes strange shapes appear with hollow and distracted countenances. Whomsoever I address trembles like a criminal, and withdraws into the thickest gloom of night, that fearful refuge of a guilty conscience. Whate'er they answer falls from the trembling tongue in doubtful accents. Oh, Fiesco! what horrid business dost thou meditate? Ye heavenly powers! watch over my Fiesco! ROSA (alarmed). Oh, heavens! what noise is that without? ARABELLA. It is the soldier who stands there as sentinel. (The SENTINEL without calls, "Who goes there?") LEONORA. Some one approaches. Quick! behind the curtain. (They conceal themselves.) SCENE XII. JULIA and FIESCO, in conversation. JULIA (much agitated). Forbear, count! Your passion meets no longer an indifferent ear, but fires the raging blood - where am I? Naught but seducing night is here! Whither has your artful tongue lured my unguarded heart? FIESCO. To this spot where timid love grows bold, and where emotions mingle unrestrained. JULIA. Hold, Fiesco! For Heaven's sake no more! 'Tis the thick veil of night alone which covers the burning blushes on my cheeks, else wouldst thou pity me. FIESCO. Rather, Julia, thy blushes would inflame my passions, and urge them to their utmost height. (Kisses her hand eagerly.) JULIA. Thy countenance is glowing as thy words! Ah! and my own, too, burns with guilty fire. Hence, I entreat thee, hence - let us seek the light! The tempting darkness might lead astray the excited senses, and in the absence of the modest day might stir them to rebellion. Haste, I conjure thee, leave this solitude! FIESCO (more pressing). Why so alarmed, my love? Shall the mistress fear her slave? JULIA. O man, eternal paradox! then are you truly conquerors, when you bow as captives before our self-conceit. Shall I confess, Fiesco? It was my vice alone that could protect my virtue - my pride alone defied your artifices - thus far, my principles prevailed, and all your arts were foiled - but in despair of every other suit you made appeal to Julia's passion - and here my principles deserted me - - FIESCO (with levity). And what loss was that? JULIA (with emotion). If I betray the safeguards of my honor, that thou mayest cover me with shame at will, what have I less to lose than all? Wouldst thou know more, scoffer? Shall I confess that the whole secret wisdom of our sex is but a sorry precaution for the defence of this weak fortress, which in the end is the sole object of assault by all your vows and protestations, and which (I blush to own it) is so willingly surrendered - so often betrayed to the enemy upon the first wavering of virtue? That woman's whole art is enlisted in fortifying a defenceless position, just as in chess the pieces move and form a breastwork round the defenceless king? - surprise the latter - check-mate! and the whole board is thrown into confusion. (After a pause - with earnestness), behold the picture of our boasting weakness. Be generous, Fiesco! FIESCO. And yet, my Julia - where could'st thou bestow this treasure better than on my endless passion? JULIA. Certainly, nowhere better, and nowhere worse? Tell me, Fiesco, how long will this endless passion endure? But, alas! I've risked too much already now to hesitate at staking my last. I trusted boldly to my charms to captivate thee - to preserve thy love, I fear they'll prove too weak. Fie upon me! - what am I uttering? (Hides her face with her hands.) FIESCO. Two sins in one breath. Mistrust in my taste, and treason against the sovereignty of your charms? Which of the two is the most difficult to forgive? JULIA (in a tremulous, imploring tone). Falsehood is the armory of hell! Fiesco needs not this to gain his Julia. (She sinks exhausted on a sofa: after a pause - energetically.) Hear, Fiesco! One word more. When we know our virtue to be in safety, we are heroines; in its defence, no more than children; (fixing her eyes on him wildly) - furies, when we avenge it. Hear me! Should'st thou strike me to the heart with coldness? FIESCO (assuming an angry tone). Coldness? coldness? Heavens! What does the insatiable vanity of woman look for, if she even doubt the man who lies prostrate at her feet? Ha! my spirit is awakened; my eyes at length are opened. (With an air of coldness.) What was this mighty sacrifice? Man dearly purchases a woman's highest favors by the slightest degradation! (Bowing ceremoniously.) Take courage, madam! you are safe. JULIA (with astonishment). Count! what sudden change is this? FIESCO (with great indifference). True, madam! You judge most rightly; we both have risked our honor. (Bowing ceremoniously.) I will await the pleasure of your company among my guests. (Going.) JULIA (stops him). Stay! art thou mad? Must I, then, declare a passion which the whole race of men, upon their knees, should not extort from my inflexible pride? Alas! in vain the darkness strives to hide the blushes which betray my guilt. Fiesco - I wound the pride of all my sex - my sex will all detest me - Fiesco - I adore thee - (falls at his feet). FIESCO (steps back without raising her, laughing with exultation). That I am sorry for, signora - (rings the bell - draws the tapestry, and discovers LEONORA). Here is my wife - an angel of a woman! (Embracing her.) JULIA (with a shriek). Unheard-of treachery! SCENE XIII. The CONSPIRATORS, entering in a body - LADIES on the other side - FIESCO, JULIA, and LEONORA. LEONORA. Oh, my husband, that was too cruel! FIESCO. A wicked heart deserved no less. I owed this satisfaction to your tears. (To the company.) No, - my friends - I am not wont on every slight occasion to kindle into passion. The follies of mankind amuse me long ere they excite my anger; but this woman merits my whole resentment. Behold the poison which she had mingled for my beloved Leonora. (Shows the poison to the company - they start with horror.) JULIA (biting her lips with rage). Good! Good! Very good, Sir! (Going.) FIESCO (leads her back by the arm). You must have patience, madam; something else remains. My friends, perhaps, would gladly learn why I debased my reason with the farce of love for Genoa's silliest coquette. JULIA (starting up). It is not to be borne. But tremble! Doria rules in Genoa, and I am Doria's sister - - FIESCO. Poor, indeed, if that be your only sting! Know that Fiesco of Lavagna has changed the diadem of your illustrious brother for a halter, and means this night to hang the thief of the republic. (She is struck with terror - he continues with a sarcastic laugh.) Ha! that was unexpected. And do you see, madam, 'twas for this purpose that I tried to blind the eyes of the Dorias. For this I assumed a mock passion - (pointing to JULIA.) For this I cast away this precious jewel - (pointing to LEONORA); and by shining bait ensnared my prey. I thank you for your complaisance, signora - (to JULIA;) and resign the trappings of my assumed character. (Delivers her the miniature with a bow.) LEONORA (to FIESCO, in a supplicating tone). She weeps, my Lodovico. May your Leonora, trembling, entreat you? JULIA (enraged, to LEONORA). Silence, detested woman! FIESCO (to a SERVANT). Be polite to my friend; escort this lady. She has a mind to see my prison-chamber - take care that none approach to incommode her. The night air is blowing somewhat keenly, the storm which rives the house of Doria may, perchance, ruffle the lady's head-dress. JULIA. Curses on thee, black, detested hypocrite! (Enraged, to LEONORA.) Rejoice not at thy triumph! He will destroy thee also, and himself - and then despair! (Rushing out!) FIESCO (to the guests). You were witnesses; let your report in Genoa preserve my honor. (To the CONSPIRATORS.) Call on me as soon as the cannon gives the signal. (All the guests retire.) SCENE XIV. LEONORA and FIESCO. LEONORA (approaching with anxiety). Fiesco! Fiesco! I understand but half your meaning; yet I begin to tremble. FIESCO (significantly). Leonora! I once saw you yield the place of honor to another. I saw you, in the presence of the nobles, receive the second compliment. Leonora, that sight tormented me. I resolved it should be so no longer. Henceforth it ceases. Do you hear the warlike noise which echoes through my palace? What you suspect is true. Retire to rest, countess, to-morrow you shall awake Duchess of Genoa. LEONORA (clasping her hands together, and throwing herself into a chair). O God! My very fears! I am undone! FIESCO (seriously, and with dignity). Let me speak out, my love. Two of my ancestors wore the triple crown. The blood of the Fiescos flows not pure unless beneath the purple. Shall your husband only reflect a borrowed splendor? (In a more energetic manner.) What! shall he owe his rank alone to capricious chance, which, from the ashes of mouldering greatness, has patched together a John Louis Fiesco? No, Leonora, I am too proud to accept from others what my own powers may achieve. This night the hereditary titles of my ancestors shall return to deck their tombs - Lavagna's counts exist no longer - a race of princes shall begin. LEONORA (mournfully, and giving way to imagination). I see my husband fall, transfixed by deadly wounds. (In a hollow voice.) I see them bear my husband's mangled corpse towards me. (Starting up.) The first - the only ball has pierced Fiesco's heart. FIESCO (tenderly seizing her hand). Be calm, my love. The only ball will not strike me. LEONORA (looking steadfastly at him). Does Fiesco so confidently challenge Heaven? If, in the scope of countless possibilities, one chance alone were adverse, that one might happen, and I should lose my husband. Think that thou venturest Heaven, Fiesco; and though a million chances were in thy favor, wouldst thou dare tempt the Almighty by risking on a cast thy hopes of everlasting happiness? No, my husband! When thy whole being is at stake each throw is blasphemy. FIESCO. Be not alarmed. Fortune and I are better friends. LEONORA. Ah! say you so, Fiesco? You, who have watched the soul-convulsing game, which some call pastime? Have you not seen the sly deceiver, Fortune, how she leads on her votary with gradual favors, till, heated with success, he rushes headlong and stakes his all upon a single cast? Then in the decisive moment she forsakes him, a victim of his rashness - and stood you then unmoved? Oh, my husband, think not that thou hast but to show thyself among the people to be adored. 'Tis no slight task to rouse republicans from their slumber and turn them loose, like the unbridled steed, just conscious of his hoofs. Trust not those traitors. They among them who are most discerning, even while they instigate thy valor, fear it; the vulgar worship thou with senseless and unprofitable adoration. Whichever way I look Fiesco is undone. FIESCO (pacing the room in great emotion). To be irresolute is the most certain danger. He that aspires to greatness must be daring. LEONORA. Greatness, Fiesco! Alas! thy towering spirit ill accords with the fond wishes of my heart. Should fortune favor thy attempt - shouldst thou obtain dominion - alas! I then shall be but the more wretched. Condemned to misery shouldst thou fail - if thou succeed, to misery still greater. Here is no choice but evil. Unless he gain the ducal power, Fiesco perishes - if I embrace the duke I lose my husband. FIESCO. I understand you not. LEONORA. Ah! my Fiesco, in the stormy atmosphere that surrounds a throne the tender plant of love must perish. The heart of man, e'en were that heart Fiesco's, is not vast enough for two all-powerful idols - idols so hostile to each other. Love has tears, and can sympathize with tears. Ambition has eyes of stone, from which no drop of tenderness can e'er distil. Love has but one favored object, and is indifferent to all the world beside. Ambition, with insatiable hunger, rages amid the spoil of nature, and changes the immense world into one dark and horrid prison-house. Love paints in every desert an elysium. And when thou wouldest recline upon my bosom, the cares of empires, or rebellious vassals, would fright away repose. If I should throw myself into thy arms, thy despot fears would hear a murderer rushing forth to strike thee, and urge thy trembling flight through all the palace. Nay, black suspicion would at last o'erwhelm domestic concord. If thy Leonora's tenderness should offer thee a refreshing draught, thou wouldst with horror push away the goblet, and call it poison - - FIESCO (starting). Leonora, cease! These thoughts are dreadful. LEONORA. And yet the picture is not finished. Let love be sacrificed to greatness - and even peace of mind - if Fiesco but remained unchanged. O God! that thought is racking torture. Seldom do angels ascend the throne - still seldomer do they descend it such. Can he know pity who is raised above the common fears of man? Will he speak the accents of compassion who at every wish can launch a bolt of thunder to enforce it. (She stops, then timidly advances, and takes his hand with a look of tender reproach.) Princes, Fiesco - these abortions of ambition and weakness - who presume to sit in judgment 'twixt the godhead and mortality. Wicked servants - worse rulers. FIESCO (walking about much agitated). Leonora, cease! The bridge is raised behind me - - LEONORA (with a look of tenderness). And why, my husband? Deeds alone are irrevocable. Thou once didst swear (fondly clinging to him, and somewhat archly) that all thy projects vanished before my beauty. Thou hast foresworn thyself, dissembler - or else my charms have prematurely withered. Ask thy own heart where lies the blame? (More ardently, and throwing her arms round him.) Return, Fiesco! Conquer thyself! Renounce! Love shall indemnify thee. O Fiesco, if my heart cannot appease thy insatiate passions, the diadem will be found still poorer. Come, I'll study the inmost wishes of this soul. I will melt into one kiss of love all the charms of nature, to retain forever in these heavenly bonds the illustrious captive. As thy heart is infinite, so shall be my passion. To be a source of happiness to a being who places all its heaven in thee, Fiesco? Ought that to leave any void in thy heart. FIESCO (with great emotion). Leonora - what hast thou done? (He falls, overcome, on her neck.) I shall never more dare to meet the eyes of Genoa's citizens. LEONORA (with lively expression). Let us fly, Fiesco! let us with scorn reject these gaudy nothings, and pass our future days only in the retreats of love! (She presses him to her breast with rapture.) Our souls, serene as the unclouded sky, shall never more be blackened by the poisonous breath of sorrow; our lives shall flow harmoniously as the music of the murmuring brook. (A cannon-shot is heard - FIESCO disengages himself - all the conspirators enter.) SCENE XV. CONSPIRATORS. The hour is come! FIESCO (to LEONORA, firmly). Farewell! forever unless Genoa to-morrow be laid prostrate at thy feet. (Going to rush out.) BOURGOGNINO (cries out). The countess faints! (LEONORA in a swoon - all run to support her.) FIESCO (kneeling before her, in a tone of despair). Leonora! Save her! For heaven's sake save her! (ROSA and ARABELLA run to her assistance.) She lives - she opens her eyes (jumps up resolutely). Now to close Doria's! (Conspirators rush out.) ACT V. SCENE I.-After midnight. The great street of Genoa. A few lamps, which gradually become extinguished. In the background is seen the Gate of St. Thomas, which is shut. Men pass over the stage with lanterns. The patrol go their round. Afterwards, everything is quiet except the waves of the sea, which are heard at a distance, rather tempestuous. FIESCO (armed, before the Doria Palace), and ANDREAS. FIESCO. The old man has kept his word. The lights are all extinguished in the palace - the guards dismissed - I'll ring. (Rings at the gate.) Ho! Halloo! Awake, Doria! Thou art betrayed. Awake! Halloo! Halloo! ANDREAS (appearing at the balcony). Who rings there? FIESCO (in a feigned voice). Ask not, but follow me! Duke, thy star has set; Genoa is in arms against thee! Thy executioners are near, and canst thou sleep, Andreas? ANDREAS (with dignity). I remember when the raging sea contended with my gallant vessel - when her keel cracked and the wind split her topmast. Yet Andreas Doria then slept soundly. Who sends these executioners! FIESCO. A man more terrible than your raging sea - John Louis Fiesco. ANDREAS (laughs). You jest, my friend. Come in the daytime to play your tricks. Midnight suits them badly. FIESCO. Dost thou then despise thy monitor? ANDREAS. I thank him and retire to rest. Fiesco, wearied with his rioting, sleeps, and has no time to think of Doria. FIESCO. Wretched old man! Trust not the artful serpent! Its back is decked with beauteous colors; but when you would approach to view it you are suddenly entwined within its deadly folds. You despised the perfidious Moor. Do not despise the counsels of a friend. A horse stands ready saddled for you; fly, while you have time! ANDREAS. Fiesco has a noble mind. I never injured him, and he will not betray me. FIESCO. Fiesco has a noble mind and yet betrays thee. He gives thee proof of both. ANDREAS. There is a guard, which would defy Fiesco's power, unless he led against them legions of spirits. FIESCO (scornfully). That guard I should be glad to see to despatch it with a message for eternity. ANDREAS (in an elevated manner). Vain scoffer! Knowest thou not that Andreas has seen his eightieth year, and that Genoa beneath his rule is happy? (Leaves the balcony.) FIESCO (looks after him with astonishment). Must I then destroy this man before I have learnt how difficult it is to equal him? (He walks up and down some time in meditation). 'Tis past, Andreas. I have repaid the debt of greatness. Destruction take thy course! (He hastens into a remote street. Drums are heard on all sides. A hot engagement at the St. Thomas' Gate. The gate is forced, and opens a prospect in the harbor, in which lie several ships with lights on board.) SCENE II. GIANETTINO (in a scarlet mantle). LOMELLINO - (Servants going before them with torches). GIANETTINO (stops). Who was it that commanded the alarm to be beat? LOMELLINO. A cannon was fired on board one of the galleys. GIANETTINO. The slaves perhaps have risen in mutiny. (Firing heard at the gate of St. Thomas.) LOMELLINO. Hark! A shot! GIANETTINO. The gate is open. The guards are in confusion. (To the servants.) Quick, rascals! Light us to the harbor. (Proceeding hastily towards the gate.) SCENE III. The former; BOURGOGNINO, with some CONSPIRATORS, coming from the gate of St. Thomas. BOURGOGNINO. Sebastian Lascaro was a brave soldier. ZENTURIONE. He defended himself like a bear till he fell. GIANETTINO (steps back startled). What do I hear? (to his servants). Stop! BOURGOGNINO. Who goes there with torches? LOMELLINO (to GIANETTINO). Prince, they are enemies. Turn to the left. BOURGOGNINO (calls to then peremptorily). Who goes there with the torches? ZENTURIONE. Stand! Your watchword? GIANETTINO (draws his sword fiercely). Loyalty and Doria! BOURGOGNINO (foaming with rage). Violator of the republic and of my bride! (To the CONSPIRATORS, rushing upon GIANETTINO.) Brothers, this shortens our labor. His devils themselves deliver him into our hands - (runs him through with his sword). GIANETTINO (falling). Murder! Murder! Murder! Revenge me, Lomellino - - LOMELLINO and SERVANTS (flying). Help! Murder! Murder! ZENTURIONE (halloing with vehemence). Doria is down. Stop the Count Lomellino! (LOMELLINO is taken). LOMELLINO (kneeling). Spare but my life, I'll join your party. BOURGOGNINO (looking at GIANETTINO). Is this monster yet alive? Let the coward fly. (LOMELLINO escapes.) ZENTURIONE. St. Thomas' gate our own! Gianettino slain! Haste some of you and tell Fiesco. GIANETTINO (heaving himself from the ground in agony). Fiesco! Damnation! (Dies.) BOURGOGNINO (pulling the sword out of GIANETTINO'S body). Freedom to Genoa, and to my Bertha. Your sword, Zenturione. Take to my bride this bloody weapon - her dungeon is thrown open. I'll follow thee, and bring the bridal kiss. (They separate through different streets.) SCENE IV. ANDREAS DORIA, GERMANS. GERMAN. The storm drove that way. Mount your horse, duke! ANDREAS. Let me cast a parting look at Genoa's towers! No; it is not a dream. Andreas is betrayed. GERMAN. The enemy is all around us. Away! Fly! Beyond the boundaries! ANDREAS (throwing himself upon the dead body of his nephew). Here will I die. Let no one talk of flight. Here lies the prop of my old age - my career is ended. (CALCAGNO appears at a distance, with CONSPIRATORS.) GERMAN. Danger is near. Fly, prince! (Drums beat.) ANDREAS. Hark, Germans, bark! These are the Genoese whose chains I broke. (Hiding his face.) Do your countrymen thus recompense their benefactors? GERMAN. Away! Away! while we stay here, and notch their swords upon our German bones. (CALCAGNO comes nearer.) ANDREAS. Save yourselves! Leave me! and go, declare the horrid story to the shuddering nations that Genoa slew its father - - GERMAN. Slew! 'Sdeath, that shall not be. Comrades, stand firm! Surround the duke! (They draw their swords.) Teach these Italian dogs to reverence his gray head - - CALCAGNO (calls out). Who goes there? What have we here? GERMAN. German blows - (retreat fighting, and carry off the body of GIANETTINO.) SCENE V. LEONORA, in male attire, ARABELLA following - they walk along timidly. ARABELLA. Come, my lady, pray let us hasten onward. LEONORA. This way the tumult rages - hark! was not that a dying groan? Ah, they surround him! At Fiesco's breast they point their fatal muskets - at my breast they point them. Hold! hold! It is my husband! (Throws her arms up in agony.) ARABELLA. For heaven's sake, my lady! LEONORA (with wild enthusiasm, calling on all sides). O my Fiesco! my Fiesco! His firmest friends desert him. The faith of rebels is unsteady (shuddering). Rebels! Heaven? Is Fiesco, then, a chief of rebels? ARABELLA. No, signora. He is the great deliverer of Genoa. LEONORA (emphatically). Ha! that would indeed be glorious! And shall Leonora tremble? - shall the bravest republican be wedded to the most timid woman? Go, Arabella! When men contend for empires even a woman's soul may kindle into valor. (Drums again heard.) I'll rush among the combatants. ARABELLA (clasping her hands together). All gracious heaven! LEONORA. Softly! What strikes my foot? Here is a hat - and here a mantle! A sword, too! (she lifts it up) - a heavy sword, my Arabella; but I can carry it, and the sword shall not disgrace its bearer. (The alarm-bell sounds.) ARABELLA. Hark! hark! How terrible it sounds yonder, from the tower of the Dominicans! God have mercy on us! LEONORA (enthusiastically). Rather say, how delightful! In the majestic sound of this alarm-bell my Fiesco speaks to Genoa. (Drums are heard louder.) Ha! did flutes so sweetly strike my ear. Even these drums are animated by Fiesco. My heart beats higher. All Genoa is roused; the very mercenaries follow his name with transport - and shall his wife be fearful? (Alarm-bells from three other towers.) No - my hero shall embrace a heroine. My Brutus clasp within his arms a Roman wife. I'll be his Portia. (Putting on GIANETTINO'S hat and throwing his scarlet mantle round her.) ARABELLA. My gracious lady, how wildly do you rave. (Alarm-bells and drums are heard.) LEONORA. Cold-blooded wretch; canst thou see and hear all this, and yet not rave? The very stones are ready to weep that they have not feet to run and join Fiesco. These palaces upbraid the builder, who had laid their foundations so firmly in the earth that they cannot fly to join Fiesco. The very shores, were they able, would forsake their office in order to follow his glorious banner, though by so doing they abandoned Genoa to the mercy of the ocean. What might shake death himself out of his leaden sleep has not power to rouse thy courage? Away! I'll find my way alone. ARABELLA. Great God! You will not act thus madly? LEONORA (with heroic haughtiness). Weak girl! I will. (With great animation.) Where the tumult rages the most fiercely. Where Fiesco himself leads on the combat. Methinks I hear them ask, "Is that Lavagna, the unconquered hero, who with his sword decides the fate of Genoa? Is that Lavagna?" Yes, I will say; yes, Genoese, that is Lavagna; and that Lavagna is my husband! SACCO (entering with CONSPIRATORS). Who goes there - Doria or Fiesco? LEONORA (with enthusiasm). Fiesco and liberty. (Retires into another street. A tumult, ARABELLA lost in the crowd.) SCENE VI. SACCO, with a number of followers. CALCAGNO, meeting him with others. CALCAGNO. Andreas has escaped. SACCO. Unwelcome tidings to Fiesco. CALCAGNO. Those Germans fight like furies! They planted themselves around the old man like rocks. I could not even get a glimpse of him. Nine of our men are done for; I myself was slightly wounded. Zounds! If they thus serve a foreign tyrant, how will they guard the princes of their country? SACCO. Numbers have flocked already to our standard, and all the gates are ours. CALCAGNO. I hear they still are fighting desperately at the citadel. SACCO. Bourgognino is amongst them. Where is Verrina? CALCAGNO. He guards, like Cerberus, the passage between Genoa and the sea - an anchovy could scarcely pass him. SACCO. I'll rouse the suburbs - - CALCAGNO. I'll away to the market-place. Drummers, strike up! (They march off, drums beating.) SCENE VII. MOOR. A troop of THIEVES, with lighted matches. MOOR. Now I'll let you into a secret, my boys; 'twas I that cooked this soup, but the devil a spoonful do they give me. Well, I care not. This hubbub is just to my taste. We'll set about burning and plundering. While they are squabbling for a dukedom we'll make a bonfire in the churches that shall warm the frozen apostles. (They disperse themselves among the neighboring houses.) SCENE VIII. BOURGOGNINO - BERTHA, disguised as a boy. BOURGOGNINO. Rest here, dear youth; thou art in safety. Dost thou bleed? BERTHA (in a feigned voice). No; not at all. BOURGOGNINO (with energy). Rise, then, I'll lead thee where thou mayst gain wounds for Genoa - wounds beautiful like these. (Uncovering his arm.) BERTHA (starting). Heavens! BOURGOGNINO. Art thou frightened, youth? Too early didst thou put on the man. What age hast thou? BERTHA. Fifteen years. BOURGOGNINO. That is unfortunate! For this night's business thou art five years too young. Who is thy father? BERTHA. The truest citizen in Genoa. BOURGOGNINO. Gently, boy! That name belongs alone to the father of my betrothed bride. Dost thou know the house of Verrina? BERTHA. I should think so. BOURGOGNINO (eagerly). And knowest thou his lovely daughter? BERTHA. Her name is Bertha. BOURGOGNINO. Go, quickly! Carry her this ring. Say it shall be our wedding-ring; and tell her the blue crest fights bravely. Now farewell! I must hasten yonder. The danger is not yet over. (Some houses are seen on fire.) BERTHA (in a soft voice). Scipio! BOURGOGNINO (struck with astonishment). By my sword! I know that voice. BERTHA (falling upon his neck). By my heart! I am well known here. BOURGOGNINO. Bertha! (Alarm-bells sound in the suburbs - a tumult - BOURGOGNINO and BERTHA embrace, and are lost in the crowd.) [NOTE] [NOTE] In lieu of this scene Schiller substituted the following, during his stay at Leipzig in 1786, for the use of the theatre there: - A subterranean vault, lighted by a single lamp. The background remains quite dark. BERTHA is discovered sitting on a stone in the foreground; a black veil covers her face. After a pause she rises and walks to and fro. BERTHA. Still no sound? No sign of human footstep? No approach of my deliverers. Horrible suspense! Fearful and hopeless as that of one buried alive beneath the sod of the churchyard. And for what dost thou sit, poor deceived one? An inviolable oath immures thee in this dungeon. Gianettino Doria must fall, and Genoa be free, or Bertha left to pine away her miserable existence, such was my father's oath. Fearful prison-house to which there is no key but the death-groan of a well-guarded tyrant. (Looking round the vault) How awful is this stillness! terrible as the silence of the grave! How fearfully the darkness creeps from yonder vaults! My lamp, too, is flickering in its socket. (Walking up and down energetically). Oh, come, come, my beloved, 'tis horrible to die here. (A pause - then she starts up and rushes to and fro wringing her hands to deep despair.) He has forsaken me. He has broken his oath. He has forgotten his Bertha. The living think not of the dead, and this vault is my tomb. Hope no more, wretched one. Hope flourishes only where the eye of the Almighty pervades - into this dungeon it never penetrates. (Again a pause; she becomes still more alarmed.) Or have my deliverers perished? Perchance the bold attempt has failed, the danger has overwhelmed the courageous youth. O unhappy Bertha, perhaps even now their ghosts are wandering through these vaults, and weep over thy vain hopes. (Shuddering.) Heavens! if they are dead I am irrevocably lost, irrevocably abandoned to a horrible death. (Leans against the wall for support. After a pause she continues despondingly.) And if my beloved one still lives - if he should return to keep his word, to fetch his bride away in triumph, and find all here lonely and silent, and the inanimate corpse no longer sensible to his transports - when his burning kisses shall in vain endeavor to restore the life which has fled from these lips, and his tears flow on me hopelessly - when my father shall sink weeping on the body of his daughter, and the voice of his lamentations echo through the regions of my prison-house. Oh, then repeat not to them my complaints, ye walls! Tell them that I suffered like a heroine, and that my last sigh was forgiveness. (Sinks exhausted on the stone - pause - a confused sound of drums and bells is heard from behind the stage in various directions. BERTHA starts to her feet.) Hark! what means this? Am I awake, or do I dream? How dreadfully the bells clang! That is no sound of ringing to prayers. (The noise comes nearer and increases; she rushes to and fro alarmed.) Louder and louder yet! Heavens, they are alarm-bells! they are alarm-bells! Have enemies surprised the city? Is Genoa in flames? A wild and dreadful din, like the trampling of myriads! What's that? (Someone knocks loudly at the door.) They cone this way - they draw the bolts - (rushing towards the background). Men! Men! Liberty! Deliverance! (BOURGOGNINO enters hastily with a drawn sword, followed by several torch-bearers.) BOURGOGNINO (calling out loudly). Thou art free, Bertha! The tyrant is dead! This sword has passed through his heart. BERTHA (running into his arms). My deliverer! my angel! BOURGOGNINO. Dost thou hear the alarm-bells, and the roll of the drums? Fiesco has conquered, Genoa is free, and thy father's curse annihilated. BERTHA. Oh, heavens! This dreadful uproar, these alarm-bells, then, were for me? BOURGOGNINO. For thee, Bertha! They are our marriage chimes. Leave this horrid dungeon and follow me to the altar. BERTHA. To the altar, Bourgognino? Now, at this midnight hour? While this awful tumult is raging as though the whole globe were crushing to atoms! (VERRINA enters unperceived, and remains standing silently at the entrance.) BOURGOGNINO. In this beautiful, glorious night, in which all Genoa celebrates its freedom, as a bond of love this sword, still dyed with the tyrant's blood, shall be my wedding gear - this hand, still warm from the heroic deed, the priest shall lay in thine. Fear not my love, and follow me to the church. (VERRINA approaches, steps between both, and embraces them.) VERRINA. God bless you, my children! BERTHA AND BOURGOGNINO (falling at his feet). O my father! VERRINA (lays his hands on them both - a pause - then he turns solemnly to BOURGOGNINO). Never forget how dearly thou hast won her. Never forget that thy marriage dates from the day of Genoa's freedom. (Turning towards BERTHA in a grave and dignified manner.) Thou art the daughter of Verrina, and 'twas thy husband slew the tyrant. (After a pause he beckons them to rise, and says, with suppressed emotion.) The priest awaits you. BERTHA AND BOURGOGNINO (together). How, my father? Will you not accompany us thither? VERRINA (very gravely). A terrible duty calls me elsewhere; my prayers shall accompany you. (Drums and trumpets, intermixed with acclamations, are heard in the distance.) What means this shouting? BOURGOGNINO. They are proclaiming Fiesco duke. The populace adore him, and with eager acclamations brought him the purple; the nobles looked on with dismay, but dared not refuse their sanction. VERRINA (laughs bitterly). You see, my son, I must away with speed to be the first to tender the oath of allegiance to the new monarch. BOURGOGNINO (holds him back alarmed). What is your purpose! I'll go with you. BERTHA (hanging anxiously on BOURGOGNINO). Heavens! what means this, Bourgognino? What is my father meditating? VERRINA. My son, I have converted all my possessions into gold, and have conveyed it on board thy ship. Take thy bride and embark without delay. Perhaps I shall soon follow, perhaps never. Hasten to Marseilles, and (embracing them with emotion) God be with you. BOURGOGNINO (determinedly). Verrina, I must stay; the danger is not yet past. VERRINA (leading him towards BERTHA). Look to thy bride, thou proud, insatiable one. Thou hast despatched thy tyrant, leave me to deal with mine. [Exeunt. SCENE IX. FIESCO and ZIBO from different sides. Attendants. FIESCO (in great anger). Who set fire to those houses? ZIBO. The citadel is taken. FIESCO. Who set those houses on fire? ZIBO (to the attendants). Despatch a guard to apprehend the villains. (Some soldiers go.) FIESCO. Will they make me an incendiary? Hasten with the engines! (Attendants go.) But are you sure that Gianettino has fallen? ZIBO. So they say. FIESCO (wildly). They say so only! Who say? Declare, upon your honor, has he escaped? ZIBO (doubtfully). If I may trust my eyes against the assertion of a nobleman, then - Gianettino lives. FIESCO (starting). Zibo, your eyes may cost your head - - ZIBO. 'Tis but eight minutes since I saw him in the crowd dressed in his scarlet cloak and yellow plume. FIESCO (wildly). Heaven and hell! Zibo! Bourgognino shall answer for it with his head. Hasten, Zibo! secure the barriers. Sink all the boats that he may not escape by sea. This diamond, Zibo - the richest in all Italy - this diamond shall reward the man who brings me tidings of Gianettino's death. (ZIBO hastens away.) Fly, Zibo! SCENE X. FIESCO, SACCO, the MOOR, SOLDIERS. SACCO. We found this Moor throwing a lighted match into the convent of the Jesuits. FIESCO. Thy treachery was overlooked when it concerned myself alone. The halter awaits the incendiary. Take him away and hang him at the church-door. MOOR. Plague on it! that's an awkward piece of business. Is there no way out of it? FIESCO. No. MOOR. Send me awhile to the galleys - - FIESCO (beckoning to the attendants). To the gallows. MOOR (impudently). Then I'll turn Christian. FIESCO. The church refuses the dregs of infidelity. MOOR (in an insinuating manner). At least send me drunk into eternity! FIESCO. Sober. MOOR. Don't hang me up, however, beside a Christian church! FIESCO. A man of honor keeps his word. I promised thee a gallows of thy own. SACCO. No more prating, heathen! we've business of more consequence. MOOR. But, stay! Perhaps the rope may break? FIESCO (to SACCO). Let it be double. MOOR. Well, if it must be so, the devil may make ready for an extra guest. (Soldiers lead him off, and hang him at a little distance.) SCENE XI. FIESCO - LEONORA appearing at a distance, in the scarlet cloak of GIANETTINO. FIESCO (perceiving her, rushes forward - then stops). Do I know that crest and mantle? (Rushes on furiously.) Yes, I know them. (Runs her through with his sword.) If thou hast three lives then rise again. (LEONORA falls with a hollow groan, the march of victory is heard, with drums, horns, and hautboys.) SCENE XII. FIESCO, CALCAGNO, ZENTURIONE, ZIBO: SOLDIERS, with drums and colors. FIESCO (advancing towards them in triumph). Genoese - the die is cast. Here lies the viper of my soul, the abhorred food of my resentment. Lift high your swords! Gianettino is no more! CALCAGNO. And I come to inform you that two-thirds of Genoa have declared for our party, and swear obedience to Fiesco's standard. ZIBO. By me Verrina sends his greeting to you from the admiral's galley, with the dominion of the sea. ZENTURIONE. By me the governor of the city sends his keys and staff of office. SACCO. And in me (kneeling) the less and greater senate of the republic kneel down before their master, and supplicate for favor and protection. CALCAGNO. Let me be the first to welcome the illustrious conquerer within the walls. Bow your colors! Hail, Duke of Genoa! ALL (taking off their hats). Hail! Hail, Duke of Genoa! (March of triumph - FIESCO stands the whole time with his head sunk upon his breast, in a meditating posture.) CALCAGNO. The people and the senate wait to see their gracious sovereign invested in the robes of dignity. Great duke, permit us to follow you in triumph to the senate-house. FIESCO. First allow me to listen to the dictates of my heart. I was obliged to leave a most dear person in anxious apprehension - a person who will share with me the glory of this night. (To the company.) Will you, my friends, attend me to your amiable duchess! (Going.) CALCAGNO. Shall this murderous villain lie here, and hide his infamy in obscurity? ZENTURIONE. Plant his head upon a halberd. ZIBO. Let his mangled carcass sweep the streets! (They hold lights toward the body.) CALCAGNO (terrified and in a low voice). Look, Genoese! By heavens, this is not the face of Gianettino! (All look at the body.) FIESCO (fixes his eyes upon it with an eager look, which he withdraws slowly - then, with convulsive wildness, exclaims). No! ye devils! That is not the face of Gianettino - Oh, malicious fiend! Genoa is mine, say you? Mine? (Rushing forward with a dreadful shriek.) Oh, trickery of hell! It is my wife! (He sinks to the ground in agony - The CONSPIRATORS stand around in groups, shuddering - a dead silence.) FIESCO (raising himself exhausted - in a faint voice). But tell me truly, Genoese, have I indeed slain my wife? I conjure you look not so ghastly upon this illusion! Heaven be praised! there are fates which man has not to fear, because he is but man. This must be one of them. He who is denied the joys of heaven can scarce be doomed to bear the pains of hell. This dread infliction would be even more. God be praised! It must be so. And this is naught but the chimera of a disordered brain. SCENE XIII. The former - ARABELLA enters weeping. ARABELLA. Let them kill me! What have I now to dread? Have pity on me, Genoese. 'Twas here I left my dearest mistress, and nowhere can I find her. FIESCO (approaching her - with a low and trembling voice.) Was Leonora thy mistress? ARABELLA (with pleasure). Are you there, my most gracious and dear good lord? Be not displeased with us. We could no longer restrain her. FIESCO (in alarm). Restrain her! Wretch! From what? ARABELLA. From following - - FIESCO (violently). Ha! From following what? ARABELLA. The tumult - - FIESCO. What was her dress? ARABELLA. A Scarlet mantle. FIESCO (in a transport of rage). Get thee to the abyss of hell! The mantle? ARABELLA. Lay here upon the ground. SOME OF THE CONSPIRATORS (talking apart). 'Twas here that Gianettino was killed. FIESCO (ready to faint, to ARABELLA). Thy mistress is found - (ARABELLA advances anxiously - FIESCO casts his eyes round the whole circle - then, with a faltering voice) - 'Tis true - 'Tis true - And I am the instrument of this horrid deed. (Madly.) Back! back! ye human forms! Oh! (gnashing his teeth wildly, and looking up toward heaven) had I but this created orb between my teeth - I feel as though I could tear the universe to fragments, till nature's face was hideous as the pain that gnaws my soul! (To the others, that stand around, trembling.) See, how they stand aghast there, miserable creatures! blessing themselves and rejoicing that they are not as I am. I alone feel the blow. (Wildly.) I! - why I? Why not these as well? Why is my sorrow denied the balm of being shared with others? CALCAGNO (timidly). Most gracious duke! FIESCO (rushes on hint with a look of fiendlike joy). Ha! Welcome! Here, Heaven be thanked, is one whom the same thunderbolt has struck! (Pressing CALCAGNO furiously in his arms.) Brother of my sorrows! Welcome to your share of destruction! She's dead. Didst thou not also love her? (Forcing him toward the dead body.) Behold her and despair! She's dead. (Fixing his eyes earnestly on one part of the stage.) Oh, that I could stand upon the brink of the infernal gulf, and view below all hell's variety of torments! - could hear the horrid shrieks of damned souls! (Approaching the body, trembling.) Here lies my murdered wife. Nay - that says too little - the wife that I myself have murdered. Oh! 'Tis the cunningest of hell's devices - first I was allured to the topmost pinnacle of joy - to the very threshold of heaven - then - in an instant hurled headlong down - and then - oh that my breath could send a pestilence to hell! And then was made the murderer of my wife - fool that I was to trust two erring eyes? Oh, fiends, this is your masterpiece of torture! (All the CONSPIRATORS lean upon their swords much afflicted - a pause.) FIESCO (exhausted, and looking mournfully round the circle). Yes, by heavens! They who feared not to draw their swords against their prince are shedding tears! (With dejection.) Speak! Do you weep over this havoc caused by treacherous death, or do you bewail the fall of your leader's spirit? (Turning toward the dead body in an affecting posture.) Where iron-hearted warriors were melted into tears, Fiesco uttered only imprecations of despair. (Kneels down, weeping, by her side.) Pardon me, Leonora - the decrees of heaven are immutable; they yield not to mortal anger. (With a melancholy tenderness.) O Leonora, years ago my fancy painted that triumphant hour when I should present thee to Genoa as her duchess - methought I saw the lovely blush that tinged thy modest cheek - the timid heaving of thy beauteous bosom beneath the snowy gauze - I heard the gentle murmurs of thy voice, which died away in rapture! (More lively.) Ah, how intoxicating to my soul were the proud acclamations of the people! How did my love rejoice to see its triumph marked in the sinking envy of its rivals! Leonora! The hour which should confirm these hopes is come. Thy Fiesco is Duke of Genoa - and yet the meanest beggar would not exchange his poverty for my greatness and my sufferings. (More affected.) He has a wife to share his troubles - with whom can I share my splendor? (He weeps bitterly, and throws himself on the dead body. Compassion marked upon the countenances of all.) CALCAGNO. She was, indeed, a most excellent lady. ZIBO. This event must be concealed from the people. 'Twould damp the ardor of our party and elevate the enemy with hope. FIESCO (rises, collected and firm). Here me, Genoese! Providence, if rightly I interpret its designs, has struck me with this wound only to try my heart for my approaching greatness. The blow was terrible. Since I have felt it, I fear neither torture nor pleasure. Come! Genoa, you say, awaits me - I will give to Genoa a prince more truly great than Europe ever saw. Away! - for this unhappy princess I will prepare a funeral so splendid that life shall lose its charms, and cold corruption glitter like a bride. Follow your duke! [Exeunt, with music and colors. SCENE XIV. ANDREAS, LOMELLINO. ANDREAS. Yonder they go, with shouts of exultation. LOMELLINO. They are intoxicated with success. The gates are deserted and all are hastening toward the senate-house. ANDREAS. It was my nephew only whom Genoa could not brook. My nephew is no more. Hear, Lomellino! LOMELLINO. What, duke - still - do you still hope? ANDREAS (sternly). And dost thou tremble for my life, and mock me with the name of duke the while thou wouldst forbid me hope. LOMELLINO. My gracious lord, a raging nation lies in Fiesco's scale; what counterpoise in yours? ANDREAS (with dignity and animation). Heaven! LOMELLINO (shrugging up his shoulders). The times are past, my lord, when armies fought under the guidance of celestial leaders. Since gunpowder was invented angels have ceased to fight. ANDREAS. Wretch that thou art! Wouldst thou bereave an aged head of its support, its God. (In an earnest and commanding tone.) Go! Make it known throughout Genoa that Andreas Doria is still alive. Say that Andreas entreats the citizens, his children, not to drive him, in his old age, to dwell with foreigners, who ne'er would pardon the exalted state to which he raised his country. Say this - and further say, Andreas begs but so much ground within his fatherland as may contain his bones. LOMELLINO. I obey; but I despair of success. (Going.) ANDREAS. Stay; take with thee this snowy lock, and say it was the last upon my head. Say that I plucked it on that night when ungrateful Genoa tore itself from my heart. For fourscore years it hung upon my temples, and now has left my bald head, chilled with the winter of age. The lock is weak, but 'twill suffice to fasten the purple on that young usurper. [Exit - LOMELLINO hastens into another street - Shouts are heard, with trumpets and drums. SCENE XV. VERRINA (coming from the harbor), BERTHA, and BOURGOGNINO. VERRINA. What mean these shouts? BOURGOGNINO. They proclaim Fiesco duke. BERTHA (to BOURGOGNINO, timidly). Scipio! My father's looks are dreadful - - VERRINA. Leave me, my children. O Genoa! Genoa! BOURGOGNINO. The populace adore him, and with transports hailed him as their duke. The nobles looked on with horror, but dared not oppose it. VERRINA. My son, I have converted all my possessions into gold, and conveyed it on board thy vessel. Take thy wife with thee, and set sail immediately. Perhaps I soon shall follow. Perhaps - never more. Hasten to Marseilles, and - (embracing them mournfully and with energy) - may the Almighty guide you. [Exit hastily. BERTHA. I beseech thee, say, on what dreadful project does my father brood? BOURGOGNINO. Didst thou understand thy father? BERTHA. He bade us fly. Merciful Heaven! Fly on our bridal day! BOURGOGNINO. He spoke it, and we must obey. [Exeunt towards the harbor. SCENE XVI. VERRINA, and FIESCO (in the ducal habit), meeting. FIESCO. Welcome, Verrina! I was anxious to meet thee. VERRINA. I also sought Fiesco. FIESCO. Does Verrina perceive no alteration in his friend? VERRINA (with reserve). I wish for none. FIESCO. But do you see none? VERRINA (without looking at him). I should hope not! FIESCO. I ask, do you perceive none? VERRINA (after a slight glance). None! FIESCO. See, then, how idle is the observation that power makes a tyrant. Since we parted I am become the Duke of Genoa, and yet Verrina (pressing him to his bosom) finds my embrace still glowing as before. VERRINA. I grieve that I must return it coldly. The sight of majesty falls like a keen-edged weapon, cutting off all affection between the duke and me. To John Louis Fiesco belonged the territory of my heart. Now he has conquered Genoa I resume that poor possession. FIESCO (with astonishment). Forbid it, Heaven! That price is too enormous even for a dukedom. VEERINA (muttering). Hum! Is liberty then out of fashion, that republics are so lightly thrown away upon the first that offers himself? FIESCO (bites his lips). Verrina, say this to no one but Fiesco. VERRINA. Oh, of course! Great indeed must be that mind which can hear the voice of truth without offence. But alas! the cunning gamester has failed in one single card. He calculated all the chances of envious opposition, but unfortunately overlooked one antagonist - the patriot - (very significantly). But perhaps the oppressor of liberty has still in store some scheme for banishing patriotic virtue. I swear by the living God that posterity shall sooner collect my mouldering bones from off the wheel than from a sepulchre within that country which is governed by a duke. FIESCO (taking him tenderly by the hand). Not even when that duke is thy brother? Not if he should make his principality the treasury of that benevolence which was restrained by his domestic poverty? Not even then, Verrina. VERRINA. No - not even then! We pardon not the robber because he made gifts of his plunder, nor does such generosity suit Verrina. I might permit my fellow-citizens to confer a benefit on me - because I should hope some day to make them an adequate return. That which a prince confers is bounty; but bounty undeserved I would receive alone from God. FIESCO (angrily). It were as easy to tear Italy from the bosom of the ocean as to shake this stubborn enthusiast from his prejudices. VERRINA. Well mayst thou talk of tearing: thou hast torn the republic from Doria, as a lamb from the jaws of the wolf, only that thou mightest devour it thyself. But enough of this - just tell me, duke, what crime the poor wretch committed whom you ordered to be hung up at the church of the Jesuits? FIESCO. The scoundrel set fire to the city. VERRINA. Yet the scoundrel left the laws untouched. FIESCO. Verrina presumes upon my friendship. VERRINA. Away with friendship! I tell thee I no longer love thee. I swear to thee that I hate thee - hate thee like the serpent of Paradise, that first disturbed the happiness of creation, and brought upon mankind unbounded sorrow. Hear me, Fiesco, I speak to thee not as a subject to his master, not as a friend to his friend, but as man to man - (with bitterness and vehemence). Thou hast committed a crime against the majesty of the eternal God in permitting virtue to lead thy hands to wickedness, and in suffering the patriots of Genoa to violate their country. Fiesco, had thy villany deceived me also! - Fiesco, by all the horrors of eternity! with my own hands I would have strangled myself, and on thy head spurted the venom of my departing soul. A princely crime may break the scale of human justice, but thou hast insulted heaven, and the last judgment will decide the cause. (Fiesco remains speechless, looking at him with astonishment.) Do not attempt to answer me. Now we have done. (After walking several times up and down.) Duke of Genoa, in the vessels of yesterday's tyrant, I have seen a miserable race who, at every stroke of their oars, ruminate upon their long-expiated guilt, and weep their tears into the ocean, which, like a rich man, is too proud to count them. A good prince begins his reign with acts of mercy. Wilt thou release the galley-slaves? FIESCO (sharply). Let them be the first fruits of my tyranny. Go, and announce to them their deliverance. VERRINA. You will enjoy but half the pleasure unless you see their happiness. Perform this deed thyself. The great are seldom witnesses of the evils which they cause. And shall they, too, do good by stealth and in obscurity? Methinks the duke is not too great to sympathize with a beggar. FIESCO. Man, thou art dreadful; yet I know not why I must follow thee. (Both go toward the sea.) VERRINA (stops, much affected). But once more embrace me, Fiesco. Here is no one by to see Verrina weep, or to behold a prince give way to feeling - (he embraces him eagerly). Surely never beat two greater hearts together - we loved each other so fraternally - (weeping violently on Fiasco's neck). Fiesco! Fiesco! Thou makest a void in my bosom which all mankind, thrice numbered, could not fill up. FIESCO (much affected). Be still, my friend. VERRINA. Throw off this hateful purple, and I will be so. The first prince was a murderer, and assumed the purple to hide the bloody stains of his detested deeds. Hear me, Fiesco! I am a warrior, little used to weeping - Fiesco - these are my first tears - throw off this purple! FIESCO. Peace. VERRINA (more vehemently). Fiesco, place on the one side all the honors of this great globe, on the other all its tortures; they should not make me kneel before a mortal - Fiesco (falling on his knee), this is the first bending of my knee - throw off this purple! FIESCO. Rise, and no longer irritate me! VERRINA (in a determined tone). I rise then, and will no longer irritate thee. (They stand on a board leading to a galley.) The prince must take precedence. FIESCO. Why do you pull my cloak? It falls - - VERRINA (with bitter irony). If the purple falls the duke must after it. (He pushes him into the sea.) FIESCO (calls out of the waves). Help, Genoa! Help! Help thy duke! (Sinks.) SCENE XVII. CALCAGNO, SACCO, ZIBO, ZENTURIONE, Conspirators, People. CALCAGNO (crying out). Fiesco! Fiesco! Andreas is returned - half Genoa joins Andreas. Where is Fiesco? VERRINA (in a firm tone). Drowning. ZENTURIONE. Does hell or madness prompt thy answer? VERRINA. Drowned - if that sound better. I go to join Andreas. (The CONSPIRATORS stand in groups, astonished. The curtain falls.) Publication Date: May 21st 2008 https://www.bookrix.com/-bx.schiller

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-emma-tory-and-jade/

EMMA TORY AND JADE T AND J MY LOVLY SISTER ESTHER Text: FICTION Images: NON Editing: ESTHER Translation: EMMA All rights reserved. Publication Date: March 18th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-emma1234.write

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-francisca-davila-love-at-first-sight/

Francisca Davila Love At First Sight New School I woke up this morning and I forgot where I was, than I remembered that I just moved to Blanding Utah. "Oh great" I said to myself. "I have to go to school" great.    By the way I am Ash Redd Venice I know it is suh a wierd name...I am sota shy... I am 17 I am single and I am sorta wierd as some of my old firends said.   I am going to a new school and I am sorta depressed about it. Who am I going to meet and who am I going to like and who am I going to hate?!?! Who am I going to love at first sight.... this, my life is such a wierd thing.   So when i was ready i went down stairs where my mom was cookong breakfast. " Eggs eww" I murmered. " Ill get breakfast at school." I said to my mom.    "No No, this is for your brother." mom said " I have something different for you." she handed me a paper bag. Count on mom to give you breakfast to go.    I walk outside... "brr, it is cold" I say rubbing my arms. I walk to school I see other people walking on the sidewalk. People where talking and laughing with each other. Not me... i am all alone and cold so pretty good so far.   I finally get to school after walking past the middle school and the track. Now I walk through the school and I see her. A suvier Girly Girl with her pack of girly girls all around her giggling and pointing when boys walk past. What inmatures i think to myself.   I go to the office and i ask for my scedule. " I am Ash Redd Vice, I need my scedule." I say.    The lady at the desk looks up and says " Ok here you go.... do you need anything elce??"    No I think im good thank you." I say.   "Here I go..." I murmer. I walk out into the hall and i go to my first class. Math, yuck... I walked in and met my teacher. His name was Mr. Kessler or as some people call him Mr. K.   My First Day The day went on. I went and found my locker. When I found it I saw... him, I went to my locker and i tried not to shake. When i got to the locker he said "Hey I am Tucker, you new here??" I almost passed out. His voice was deep not to deep but deep enogh, he has green and brown speakled eyes and dark brown curly hair. He was tan and, hot... I got my courage up and said, "Hi, yea i am new, I am Ash"     "You need any help with anything let me know, Ok??"he said. "yea,"I said than everything went black.   When I woke up i was in Tuckers arms. He looked down at me. And I think he smiled. I thought he is so hot when he smiles.  Then i smiled i think. Than we turned into the office. "Oh dear," said the lady at the desk.    "Yea she passed out in the hallway Glenda, I dont know if she is alright or not.... so I took her here," said Tucker    "Yes i can see that should we call her mom??" sais Glenda   "I think we should ask her," sais Tucker    "No I think im fine..." I say in Tuckers arms....I try to get up but I insintly feel dizzy, Tucker sais " No I think you should just stay put for a little while. Ok Glenda what should we do... Should i just help her out throughout the day??"    Glenda answers with a sorta  aww look  in her eyes " Yea why dont you do that Tucker.    "Ok," he answers with a sorta confused look in his speakled eyes. He puts me down and puts his hand around my waist. It is a little uncomfertibe at first and i am a little dizzy than I get used to him bieng there after about an hour and then he finally lets go of my hand. He is so hot when he is thinking ,  The Next 4 months Summerized  This is cause i dont want to wright it right now...           So for the last three mounths i will explain,    Tucker finally asked me out after abot 3 mounths and now we have been dating for about a mounth... all i have to say is that... well, I have loved him for about 4 mounths.... and he finnaly asked me out... so YAY  Four Mounths Later                                         Ashes P.O.V                                      *************   "Hi beautiful," Tucker said when I walked into the double doors of the Highschool.   "Hey handsome you look good today," I said   "Naw, I dont look as good as you."   I giggled '' Sure," he laced his fingers in mine and we walked down the hallway.                                           Tuckers P.O.V                                     *************** Holding hands with Ash changed my life. Every time we touched it was like fireworks, sparks. I loved her more than anythig elce.   We were walking down the hallway when Ash passed out again. It has been four mounths since she had done that. I caught her and took her emediately to the office.                                             Ashes P.O.V                                     *************** I was holding hands with Tuck and suddenly everything went black. Then i felt a sensation that someone was picking me up or catchig me. When I woke up I was in an ambulance. I saw Tucker sitting next to me. " Wh-what happened???" I asked   "I dont know." said Tucker in his deep voice.                                          Tuckers P.O.V                                    ****************** I have no idea why Ash passed out. Now she is awake and was getting worried. I tried to calm her down. "Shh... It's ok... I promise." I reashured her.   "Ok..." she answered. She put her small soft hand in mine and she soon fell assleep.                                         Ashes P.O.V                                    ***************** I fell assleep when i put my hand in Tucker's. He somehow calmed me down in this situation. The Hospital                                                Tuckers P.O.V                                            **************** We pulled into the ER parking lot. They took Ash out of the ambulance and inside the hospital. She woke up and started crying my name. "Tucker Tuck!!" She cried i tried to run after her. The nurces and doctors rushed her into a room and X-Rayed her. The doctors came out sweating.They said, "She has a hole in her heart. Literally." Editing: Rachel Black Publication Date: February 10th 2015 https://www.bookrix.com/-xde4e610a7c9245

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-adrian-blancas-star-class-of-california/

Adrian Blancas Star Class of California Publication Date: October 10th 2010 https://www.bookrix.com/-ablancas

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-rwby-lover-kirito-039-s-surprise-part-5-1/

RWBY lover, Asuna Yuuki Kirito's Surprise part 5 The beach love rivalry When saturday came gal had been ready since shes been wanting to go all day, asuna woke up and got dressed to go as she wore a sweater over her bikini "Kazuto wake up its time to go to the beach" kazuto woke up with a slightly annoyed face "huh, beach? oh right were going today" he jumped up outta bed and took a show and got dressed as kazutos aunt came walking into the kitchen, "so are you all ready to go to the beach" she said with a smile on her face as asuna and gal smirked at one another as in there minds they were thinking of ways to win kirito over "um you're not thinking what i think you're think of right, please tell me you're not" he said with a scared look on his face, "i dont know are we" they both looked at him in a very passionate way. they grabed him and dragged him into the car as they drove away to the beach, when they got there kazuto had gotten outta the car grabing everything and walking down to the beach as they set up he rested since he held everything, as soon as they finished setting up yuuki and gal started working on there plans to make kazuto fall in love with them, "what are you doing " they both ran away hiding there plans, "He will be mine again" yuuki said with a smirk. "i will make him love me more then that girl yuuki" gal said while running. kazuto had fallen asleep under the umbrella as asuna cuddled up to him about to kiss him but she stopped because she saw Gal hugging up to kazuto "He's my boyfreind" yuuki yelled "shhh he's sleeping" gal said putting his head on his lap, kazuto had awoke from the movement think it was yuuki "i love you" he said not know it was gal " i love you to my dearest brother" gal said with a smirk on her face looking at yuuki. "huh" yuuki yelled hiting kazuto on top of the head "no stop it i thought she was you ow" kazuto yelled with a beat up look and Gal grabbed kazuto and put his face in to her chest, "leave him alone he's mine" yuuki yelled wth a very serious face as kazuto was squirming trying to get free from her grasp". "huh, you're liking the way shes doing that kazuto" she grabbed him ad pulled him away as she did kazuto was knocked out by then " you killed him gal!" yuuki screamed angrily "no i didnt he just passed out" Kazuto's aunt was waving everybody to come eat "Kazuto you have your hand full with these two dont you" Yuuki and gal hugged up to him close as they both yelled " well he is my boyfreind" they both said it simultaniously but kazuto just sighed and continued to eat "well lets go home everyone" kazuto's aunt said with a smile. Publication Date: October 9th 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-narutolover11

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-x-williams-team-freash/

X.WILLIAMS TEAM FREASH THE BATTLE TO HIS TEAM FREASH Team Freash Team freash was first made by the 7 popular six grade boyz. Xavion, Daylin, Donold, Seaquan, Deavon, Justin, and Dayquan. These were the boys who wanted to beat up team swaqq because they thought they were better than team freash. Then comes Team swaqq,the two teams had beefed. Asia and many more were in team swaqq. Xavion and a member of the oppiste team met in the boyz bathroom, by accident. It was the wrong time and day. Xavion swong,it became the battle that will never end. The other person made a noise while they were still fighting. Then the rest of the team swaqq boyz came in. Xavion made a beat. The boyz of team freash came in. The police had to break it up. Each boy was tooken home by the police. When they had got home thier parents were very upset,they had told them to go to thier room but Xavoin and his crew decided not to. They had all snuck out and was looking for team swaqq. Team swaqq were walking around outside and they had seen team freash coming after them so they had got in the middle of the strret waiting for them to approach. Team freash had gotten to them and was all in thier faces screaming "what are you going to do punk ass niggahs". Team swaqq had swong,all u was saw was fist and feet in the air. Once again the cops had came and had to break up the fight,there was blood everywhere on team swaqq and team freash. They were not going to quit, they had headed home and then was up all night planning wat will happen the next time team swaqq would come after them and try to beat thier asses. After that well its was friday so they had enough time to get thier guns and knives ready to fight. While they were looking for thier items Donald had seen a police car sitting outside Xavion's house and was staring at them. Xavion went outside and comfronted police man. The police man said you shouldn't confront me,you could go to jail. Xavion said "fuck going to jail I have the money to get out". The police man got back in his car and Xavion went back in the house. The team asked what were they talking about and he said nothing. The team said lets get ready and try to sneak past the cop so we can finish beating team swaqq's asses. Xavion said ok and they left out. As they tried to sneak pass the cop he had seen them and called for back up but justin had shot him and they ran off not knowing there was another police car around the coner sitting there waiting for action. When they finally ran as far as they could they heard noises from the police cars coming closer and closer. So they started running again, then they noticed that Seaquan, Dayquon, and Daylin had stoped running and they had got caught by thier parents and the cops. The parent of them asked where the rest of the boys were at and they wouldn't answer so the parents kept smacking them until they gave up and said they're going to find team swaqq. "TEAM SWAGG are you serious there looking for TEAM SWAGG". Xavion was running really fast that he had made tracks of his shoe marks all down the street. They found team swaqq and there was shooting involved,blood was drawn from team swaqq but a little from team freash!!! After that they went home because it was time for them to get ready for school in the morning. DONT GET INVOLVED 7:00am it was time to get up for school. When the boyz got there people approached them and asked wat had happened and why do they have so many marks on them. Team swaqq had marks to. One day a new girl came to team freash an said "let me join team freash, I won't let you down. One of team swaqqs member over heard her talking, an told the leader Asia. Later that day that girl was shot with a bee-bee gun an was in bad conditions. She even had to go to the hospital, it took her 3 months to recover from the hits. Team freash came two times harder, an shot 2 members of team swaqq. Talk about critical conditions, it took them 4 months to recover. Their medical bill had cost over $400 dollars. There parents were mad. They said "this has to stop right now. If it doesn't you will be sent to miltary school". It didn't stop but they didn't go to miltary school. Team freash didn't stop it was a war,a war of all time. Xavion said " I'm coming after them one will die". He got one of his guns and was walking with his team mates. He told them "watever happens take care of my team" they replied ok. Team freash saw Aisa (team swaqq's captain) and started shooting the fuck out of her head....she died! Xavion was still ferious, he said "there is still going to be war. We will defeat whatever comes after us no matter what". His team was ready they all went to Mc Donald's because they was hungry!! They ordered 7 big mac's and 7 fires with 7 milkshakes. After eating they had all headed to Xavion's sister's house. Lyric was her name. She asked Xavion wat happened to them and he replied nothing damn hop off my dick ok. She replied little boy you don't know who you are talking to because I will beat that ass!!!!!!!!!!!! AUGGGGHHHHHHH replied Dayquon " why are we still here your sister is boring me Xavion lets leave". XAION GET THIS MOTHERFUCKER OUT OF MY HOUSE IMMEDIATLY!!!!! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha laughed the team...Shut the fuck up please like damn!!! Then they all left and they all said bye. Dayquon said lets go to a party...ok said the team!! They went a party and started dancing to headlines and freak songs. They were stroking with the sexiest girl at the party and they got thier numbers! Team feash was out there but then came in team swaqq,everybody stoped and looked at them and started laughing because they looked a mess. Team freash had went up and pressed them asking them why are they there. Team swaqq said they had nothing on them and they started to dance!! The croud started yelling "DANCE BATTLE"!!! Team swaqq went first but the croud was bored with them so team freash had put pump in them and won the dance battle so the teams started fighting once again but there were no cops to break this one up!! But the croud started to fight to so eveybody was fighting,people was being killed!!! The cops finally came and told everybody to go home. When everybody left there was dead people on the floor and blood everywhere. There was a woman in the back of the house watching the cops look around but then she went in and had gotton yelled at by them!! Publication Date: November 28th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-ziggy123

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-angelfang-the-tragic-truth/

Angelfang The Tragic truth Paranormal's brutal past... Publication Date: February 4th 2010 https://www.bookrix.com/-angelfang

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-rwby-lover-kirito-039-s-surprise-extra-1/

RWBY lover, Asuna Yuuki Kirito's Surprise extra 1 the lover returns   "It's been 3 months since that day me and Gal got married" kazuto said to himself as gal woke up looking at him, "morning Kazuto what are you doing up so early my love" she said with a smile as kazuto started to kiss her, But down stairs there was a knock on the door as silica opened it to see who it was, it was Yuuka looking at silica with a smile, "hey silica long time no see" she said with a smirk as Kazuto and Gal were kissing they heard the door knob start to turn as they kept kissing the door swung open as asuna came running in "Kazuto-kun im ba..." she stopped and look as they were kissing, "oh hi Yuu..." Kazuto started to say as Gal covered his mouth with her hand, "What are you doing here Yuuki" Gal said with an angered look on her face. "Well i thought id come by and see Kazuto i didnt know you were going to be here Gal im sorry" she said with a concerened look as Gal just stared at her "me and Kazuto are married, Yuuki" she said with a still and emotionless voice, "really already married him you took no time waiting" yuuki said as she looked down abit. "Kazuto fell in love with me when i was at the hospital for him when silica ran out and got attacked by two man they nearly killed him, luckily i was walking right around the corner and i saved him and her" Gal said with a still look "I was hurt pretty badly i still have all the cuts and bruises from when it happened" kazuto said as he lifted up his shirt showing his scar run across his chest and down to his stomach. "Why did Silica run away" she asked with concern as she teard up from seeing his scar down his chest "she was running from seeing me and Kazuto kissing in his room after helping her move fully in to his house" Gal said as she looked down at the floor, "so howd u get back here, are your parents back together?" Kazuto said with a smile trying to change the subject " no i came to live with u guys but i shouldnt bother u for that." Yuuki said with  faint look on her face as a tear felll down her face. "i dont mind but u and silica will be sharing a room and me and Gal sleep in the same bed so dont sneak in and try to sleep in y bed please thank you" Kazuto said with a serious look but kinda hoping she really doesn't do it. The fight is on again as kazuto woke up he looked around smiling "good no Yuuki, but wheres Gal" He said as he started walking to down stairs as the two were battling it out over cooking for him his breakfast as Gal made fish and Yuuki made a sandwich for hime the way he used to like. "honestly you two, you never get over the way things used to be" kazuto said as he scratched his head and looked at them annoyed "well kazuto i felt like i should mke breakfast for my good freind" Yuuki said as she winked at him. "Yuuki! What was that wink for!" Gal said as she stared at her angrily and annoyed "morning, WHA, you two made all this for kazuto, im kinda jealous now, hes lucky" silica said while standing next to him and raised an eyebrowl "well well well if it isnt mrs.sleeps all day what made you wanna wake up so early today" Kazuto said as he grabbed her a patted her head "i just got up from smelling the food, Baka" silica said as her whole face was red "you ok silica you look feverish, or are you in love with him to." Gal said with a raise of an eyebrowl "no of course not hes to ugly for me" she said as she turned her back to him and crossed her arms and looked away as she looked back at him as he noticed and smiled, she blushed and quickly looked away "i already know you do ever since that time you ran from seeing us kiss" Gal said with a smirk as silica looked down blushing as she went to her room and shut the door slowly as she locked it. "i wish things would have been differently but they cant maybe ill call elizabeth to come and calm me down" she said as she got her phone and called her. "hm i wonder what that was about" Kazuto said looking up the stairs as there was a knock on the door, Kazuto opened the door as elizabeth was standing in the door, "honestly Kazuto you dont let me in and live with you but you let silica do it that hurts" she walked in going up the stairs to silicas room as silica opened the door letting her in as they talked and had a sleep over untill the next day they will not be expecting what Kazuto is about to do. Publication Date: December 5th 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-dnf10382a424525

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-kimberly-break/

Kimberly Break Chapter 1: The break up Rashel sharpens her gaze at her boyfriend in annoyance. She sighs as he turns around to face her. She plasters on a fake smile as he tries to drape his arm around her stiff neck. “Carson,” she said with an attitude. “What babe,” Carson asked with a clueless face. “You know what,” she grimaced as she walked out of his arm. He leaned against the wall with a stoned look on his face, understanding. “What did Jordan say this time,” he just stood there. “It’s not what Jordan said, it’s what he showed,” she practically yells since she is so close to tears, holding out her phone. “That’s not me,” Carson examines the picture. It is a picture of him, kissing another girl at a party. “How is that not you,” she pushed him, “how is that not you, she is wearing your football jersey.” She ran off in tears into the girl’s bathroom. Beep! Her cell phone got a text “Hey hunny are you ok?” It is from Jordan. “Yah, it hurts to know he did it again.” “Awe hunny, want me to come pick you up.” “Yes please :(” “Be there in 10 minutes.” “KK, hurry.” “She picked up her purse, reapplied her make-up and whispers “he doesn’t deserve you.” She walked out of the bathroom and started walking to the main doors of the school. Publication Date: September 20th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-edgefestgirl

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-floryana-rebecca-kingly-039-s-summer-diary/

Floryana Rebecca Kingly's summer diary. Laugh your knickers off! First Diary Entry ♥ It was 2:00am and I still couldn't fall asleep, I couldn't stop over thinking about everything, about moving into my new school which is only tomorrow, so that's coming fast, and thinking of how i'm going to find new friends, and how i'm ever going to fit in. At my last school, I did have many friends but i wasn't as popular as all the other girls in school, like those cheer leaders with their boyfriends who were usually the captains of most football teams. I wasn't like that because I wasn't a bitch like those other blonde girls, with the perfect life, their own car, looking after their nails, blah, I'm human, not a plastic barbie doll, and because at the time I didn't even have a boyfriend everything was so complicated. and I'm hoping it won't be at my new school tomorrow, because life would just be hell, AGAIN. Damn I can't stop tossing and turning! gahh! everything seems so hard even if I have to do the easiest thing in the world, there's always gotta be some complications somewhere. Okay, okay, I'll stop blabbing on about how boring my life was and I'll try and fall asleep. Later on... There was a knock on the window, I have no idea what it was, and i didn't even dare to look out at the window to see what it was so I just ignored it until I heard someone breathing heavily, someone was under neath the bed, hissing my name. "Rebecca, Rebecca..." oh lord, it's only my imagination it must be? I quickly hid under the sheets hoping nothing else creepy will happen until something grabbed my ankle hard and that's when I woke up screaming, breathing hard, I was covered in sweat, holy shit, it was only a dream...I layed back down in horror, terrified, and then that's when I suddenly realized...HOLY SHIT! I over slept! first day of school, gahh.. I'm gonna be late, I told you everything goes wrong, and that everything has to be so complicated. sucks right? I ran to my wardrobe and dived into it looking for something nice to wear but no, like I said, i'm gonna be late, so there isn't even time! so I just simply wore a white tank, black skirt and a pair of old converse. I ran to the mirror and suddenly laughed at my hair, it was a total mess, it was all over the place. My hair's blonde, so it's better than boring brown and stuff so i suppose it's pretty nice, the length of it is pretty long too, down to my stomach. I brushed my hair and done my makeup, but kept it natural of cousre, as I finished off doing my winged eyeliner, -in case your wondering, I have hazel eyes.- I chucked a pen inside my bag and ran down the stairs and out of the door. "bye mum!" I shouted before I shut the door. she muttered something, but I was in a hurry, so I couldn't hear her. I live with my mum&dad&little brother Liam&my older sister Haley. Liam can be so annoying at times, even though I love him to pieces and Haley, she looks a lot like me, but she's not my twin sister or anything, and luckily she doesn't go to my new school. I don't want her around me, she might embarrass me or something, every one hates that. ha. First Day Of School... First day of school, or should I say, drama? I ran inside the school gates and walked casually through the door walking towards the reception desk until a thin, tall looking lady walked towards me with her hand on her hip, raising her eyebrows. "Young lady, will you care to explain why your so late?" she took her reading glasses off and took a closer look at me. "well, I over slept." I shrugged. "young lady! DO NOT shrug your shoulders at me!" she yelled. "er, um, I just did?" I shrugged again. "enough with that ugly attitude of yours! YOUNG LADY" her mouth dropped. "you stupid child! no respect what so ever! what on earth are you wearing? this is inappropriate for school." she yelled. for some reason, everything about her annoyed me, it ticked me off so I decided to shut her up. "In case you didn't know, STICK lady, I have a name, for your information, my attitude may be ugly, but it's not as ugly as your face." I was kinda harsh, especially on the first day, but i suppose that serves her right for being a total cow. "RIGHT that's it, your going way to far! you have detention for the whole of today." she walked off, hand on her hip, as if she was on some runway. I followed her through the hall way walking towards my new class. "you are one naughty little girl you are!" she doesn't stop talking does she? I was about to call her stick person again but I decided I was going to far, so I kept silent for a while. she opened the door and the whole of the class turned round to see what was happening when until, suddenly, the rude teacher stepped on a piece of chewing gum and everyone laughed. I bit my bottom lip, trying my hardest not to laugh. a deep, rather sexy voice muttered something behind the teacher. "jack you have detention too! I heard what you just said." I wonder what he said? I looked behind and holy shit, he was as hot as fuck. He was extremely cute, green eyes, so green, and his hair, it was black, pitch black. Before I turned over, he winked at me! OH MY GOD! he just winked at me... "young lady, what is your name?" the rude teacher asked. "Rebecca" I replied. "Okay, jack and Rebecca follow me immediately, you both have detention for the WHOLE of today." she moaned. ooo, so his name is Jack, even better I'm going to be in the same room with him for a WHOLE day! woop! Publication Date: August 24th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-florythefashionnerd.

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-layla-stone-smile-through-the-tears/

Layla Stone Smile Through the Tears “I’m glad you’re over Alicia, Sam.” Kayla smiled at Sam. “It took you so long to realize that… it was time.” Sam looked at Kayla. “Yeah. I’m glad I had a shoulder to lean on.” Kayla blushed. “So… the dance.” Sam rolled his eyes playfully. Somehow he knew the subject would come to this. “Yeah. So… you wanna go with me?” Kayla laughed. “You know I do.” Then what Sam had feared happened. Jon and his buds came up. “Hey, Kay. You decided about the dance yet?” Kayla smiled sarcastically. “Yeah, I have.” Jon smiled victoriously. “Finally!” “I’m going with Sam.” Jon turned bright red, yet whether it was out of anger or embarrassment, Sam didn’t know. “Excuse me?” “I’m going to the dance with Sam.” Kayla said more slowly. “Did you understand that time?” Jon glared at me. “Of course. It won’t last long, Dumpster Boy.” And Jon walked away. Kayla sighed. “Will he ever leave me alone?” Sam looked down. “Why didn’t he throw me in the dumpster for that?” He murmured. “It’s probably because he doesn’t want to look to bad in front of me. And he was a little shocked. It was unexpected, and he was too stupid to know how to react.” She reassured me. But I wasn’t so positive… Sam offered to walk her home. The sun was going to bed and the stars were starting to appear. Sam could’ve sworn he saw Alicia’s smiling face looking down at him. Even if he had moved on… he still missed her terribly. But with Kayla holding his hand and resting her head on his shoulder as they walked in silence, he felt happy and full inside. A feeling he hadn’t had since Alicia was around. “There’s my house. See ya tomorrow, Kay.” Sam smiled at her and began to cross the street to his welcoming home. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Sam.” She smiled back and kissed him on the cheek. “Yeah.” He didn’t know how to react. Sam didn’t really know what happened. A blur of red… someone pushing him… a scream of pain… but who’s scream? He awoke a minute later with his head bleeding slightly. He looked to the road and screamed. There was Kayla, lying in a red puddle. He ran inside and called 9-1-1. He could barely get the story out. “Car…hurt…blood…” he was surprised to get his address out. The ambulance was there sooner than Sam had expected. He had dragged Kayla into his yard. Tears poured down his cheeks and fell on the green grass. The medics rushed him and Kayla into the ambulance. “Will-will she be alright?” He asked, though he didn’t realize it. The medic looked him. “It’s too soon to know.” Sam held Kayla’s hand until the doctor told him to leave the room. “I just need to check her.” He had told him. “You can come back when I’m done.” It seemed to take forever. The doctor finally came out and told him that he could go back in and sleep on the couch if he wanted. “Thank you, sir.” The doctor twiddled his thumbs. “She’s in a coma. I-I’m not sure if she’ll live through it.” Sam nodded. Then the doctor studied him more carefully. “You seem awfully familiar. You been here before?” Sam nodded again. “My girlfriend died in a car crash 3 years ago. I was there too.” The doctor suddenly understood. “Alicia, wasn’t it? Such a shame… two girls dead…” Sam gave him a funny look. “Can we be a little optimistic about this? Please?” He broke down. The doctor left him to cry alone… well with Kayla… Sam looked in a mirror to make sure he didn’t look too awful. What he saw wasn’t very welcoming at all. His eyes were red and puffy from crying, and his face was red and blotchy. Not to mention the huge cut on his forehead. His blonde hair was a rat nest. If Kayla woke up, she would probably pass out from horror. Sam looked once more at his girlfriend. She was sleeping, almost peacefully. If only she would stir… Then Sam might be reassured of Kayla’s survival. He was hungry, and tired, but he wanted to stay here and wait for Kay to wake up. But sleep overtook him, and soon he was curled up the couch, asleep. When he awoke, the sun had just started rising. It was one of those mornings that the clouds looked like pink tufts of cotton candy. He saw this and became angry. Angry at the world. How could the rest of the world be so happy when his girlfriend is in a coma, perhaps about to die? Why him? Why did Sam need to suffer so much? What had he ever done? The doctor didn’t help. “Such a shame… two girls dead…” His words echoed in Sam’s mind. He heard a knock on the door. “Sam? Are you still in here?” It wasn’t the doctor, it was… “Mom? What are you doing here?” Sam yawned. “I’m worried about you, Sam. You nearly got hit by a car! Oh, poor Kayla! I suppose her parents will be here soon…” Sam’s mom moaned. Then Alex walked in. “Hey, kid.” Sam’s older sister grinned. A nurse came in. “Excuse me, but the girl’s parents are here. If you wouldn’t mind…” “Oh, no. Of course we’ll go. C’mon kids.” Sam’s mom said. “They’ve requested that Sam stays.” Sam felt a little nervous to confront Kayla’s parents. He was reminded of the way Alicia’s mom had looked at him at her funeral. She hated him now. The death of her only child was his fault. But… it wasn’t. It was the other driver… the other driver caused it… “Sam?” Kayla’s mom walked into the room. “Yes, ma’am.” Sam said awkwardly. “Call me Sherrie, sweetie. And this is my husband, Kyle.” Sherrie smiled at him. A tall, gruff man walked in. He looked like he could’ve beaten Sam to death. He made Sam uncomfortable and a little scared. “How do you do, Sam?” The politeness surprised Sam. Sherrie and Kyle looked at him with… respect? Apology? Maybe even… Concern? These people were nothing like Alicia’s parents. Sherrie smiled at him and offered him a mint that she had in her purse. Kyle asked him questions about himself. “What do you remember from the accident?” Sam thought hard. “Not much. I just remember… a red car coming over the hill faster than it should’ve… and Kayla pushed me out of the way and got hit instead of me… then I blacked out. When I woke up, Kayla was lying in the middle of the street. I thought she was dead, sir.” Kyle sighed. “She’ll…She’ll wake up. She’s strong. She will live!” And a fat tear rolled down his cheek. Sherrie fidgeted in her seat. “You probably have been through enough, Sam. We’ll leave you alone with Kayla.” And both of them got up and left the room without another word. “You’ve gotta wake up, Kay. I can’t lose someone else. Not yet…” Sam’s voice trailed off as he slouched on the couch, overrun by sleep. “Samuel?” The doctor shook him awake. Sam groaned. “Can I help you?” “I need to run some more tests on Kayla. To see how she’s progressing.” Sam nodded and left the room. He passed a vending machine in the hall and realized how loudly his stomach was rumbling. He took out a dollar and got some chips. He didn’t care if they weren’t healthy. He didn’t care about himself anymore. He only cared about Kayla and… Alicia. Why me? He thought desperately. The doctor came out of the room. “Sam, we need to talk.” Sam got up and wondered if there was some good news. “Samuel, Kayla has some bleeding in her brain. I- I don’t think she’ll make it through today.” The doctor put a hand on Sam’s shoulder. “I’m very sorry. It’s hard to live with two deaths of close ones.” Sam let salty tears tumble slowly down his filthy cheek. He sobbed. “No.” The doctor was shocked. “Excuse me?” “No. This will not happen again!” Sam was getting more and more confident in these words. Kayla wouldn’t die. He wouldn’t let her go. Not like he did Alicia. She will not die. The doctor nodded. “Be optimistic, Samuel. It – it sometimes helps.” Sam smiled through the tears raining down over his face. “Kayla. Will. Live.” The doctor wiped a tear from his eye. “That, boy, is devotion. That is what I call love.” Sam gave him a funny look. “Do me a favor and never say that again.” But he was smiling. “Wake up, Kayla! You can’t die. I won’t let you!” Sam was losing his confidence. It had been three days, however, since the day the doctor said she would die. That must mean something! Sam told her how everyone was doing and how much he missed having her, like, awake and stuff. Once in a while he would think he saw her twitch in the coma. “Please.” Sam’s lip quivered. “I love you, Kay.” Suddenly, Kayla’s finger twitched. It wasn’t Sam’s overtired imagination. It was real. It had to be. Kayla’s eyelids fluttered open. “Sam? Where am I?” Sam nearly jumped for joy. The doctor came running in. “She – she’s alive!” Kayla laughed. “Don’t act like that’s a bad thing, doc.” Sam hugged her, his eyes welling with tears. “You’re alive.” Kayla smiled. “Yeah. I am.” Sam looked at the doctor. “Call her parents. They’ll want to know.” He instructed. Too late. They rushed into the room. “KAYLA! Oh, baby, your alive!” Sherrie nearly squeezed her daughter to death. “Hi Kay. Looks like you decided to live after all.” Kyle smiled at her. Kayla had tears rolling down her face as well. But she was smiling her cute toothy grin. He teeth looked like perfect little pearls. Her browns eyes sparkled with tears and happiness at the same time. “Gosh, Sam. You never gave up on me, did you?” Kayla looked at him. “No. I just couldn’t Kayla. I couldn’t let someone else go. Not after Alicia. I couldn’t let you leave me like she did.” Sam confessed. Kayla squeezed Sam’s hand. “Thank you, Sam.” And then she leaned back on her pillow, peacefully asleep. Publication Date: November 27th 2010 https://www.bookrix.com/-kygirl511

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-me-a-k-a-sarah-rachel-knight-when-things-happen/

me...a.k.a. Sarah-Rachel Knight When things happen. Chapter 1 Ever since my sister was murdered my parents have been way too protective. Well since you hardly know anything about me let me break it down for you. There’s, now, only 4 kids in my family. There is me, 15 year old Lianiva-Grace Davis, My 9 year old sister, Lillie- Ann Marie Davis, 3 year old Gracie-Michelle Davis, and 17 year old Brandnt Davis. As you can see I am the oldest of my sisters. I love them to death and I wouldn’t do anything to hurt them. Well enough about my family, I’m going to tell you about my first night, feeling followed. It was a cold December 1st and my parents were going out to eat while me and my sisters were being baby sat by my brother. Don’t get me wrong I love my brother, he’s like one of my best friends but sometimes he is just a little too cocky for me. It being Florida, the weather is bipolar and we really only have three seasons. Hot, Warm, and Rainy. It gets really humid here so you have to really go outside before you decide on what to do or wear. We also get random rainstorms. We have amazing beaches in Florida, though one day it would be clear as it could be, then the next ,because of the current, it would look like something your lawnmower hacked up, and it kind of sucks to be at the beach on a day that it is. Well anyways I locked myself in my room and I was group chatting my friends on Facebook. Katline: tonight, the Park Meadows Mall, 8 o’clock, you guys in? Ashley: Oh Totally! This is going to be SO much fun! Katline: Niki? Niki: oh yeah for sure my parents are out of town for the week I’m so there. Katline: what about you Lian? Me: oh…uhm yeah my brother’s babysitting tonight and he’s watching all the Barbie movies with my sisters so he won’t be checking on me for a while. Katline: GREAT! Its 7:30 now according to my clock so let’s get ready. Niki: Lets Video Chat! Katline: Totally! Come-on! “K’so should I wear the turquoise tank top or the purple tank top with my black skinny jeans?”I asked. “Defiantly the purple one, it brings out the green in your eyes.” Katline replied. “Thanks” I said as I felt my face heat.”Okay you guys ready?” Katline asked.”Yep”. “Alright let’s meet up around the fountain”. I’m not technically old enough to drive a car but I can get a taxi. After the taxi dropped me off, I walked down the street towards the mall to see that no-one was there yet. Well it is only 7:49, I think to myself. As I was thinking, I heard someone behind me. Every turn, light footsteps followed. As I turned around, no-one was there. I have the sense of being stalked. As I got to my friends at the mall, I told them about it. “That’s mad scary!” Nikki said, “I know right” I said. As we started to shop, I had that same sense again, I began to feel afraid of this new follower. Chapter 2 I walked into my biology room, and noticed a boy sitting by himself. We’re the opposite. While I had light brown, curly hair, he had jet black straight hair. He had piercing blue eyes, I had grassy green eyes. I had a slightly tan body, while his was pale. He was an angel from above, and I was just some girl from North Dakota. As I sat down by him he introduced himself. “Hi, I’m Skyler” He said. “I’m Lianiva” I replied with a slight smile turning at my lips. “So, lab partners, huh?” He said to fill in the awkward silence. “Heh, yeah I guess so” I said giggling. After a while of talking, I learned to like him. He was funny and sweet and really cute. After a couple of weeks on being friends, he came to my house after school. We talked and laughed and listened to music. As we were talking, Brandnt came in my room. “Oh, who’s this?” he asked while smiling at our new found relationship. “This, is Skyler, he is in my biology class. He’s a good friend of mine” I said smiling at Skyler. “Oh” he said smiling at me.”Okay. well, I guess I’ll leave you two alone” he said as he walked out. After a while, Skyler said” Listen, I really like you, and I can’t stand keeping secrets from you. So I’m going to let you in on something that is very important that you do not tell anybody. You need to know” “Oh” I said cautiously. “For sure. I promise”. “Okay. Now don’t run away, hear me out.” After a moment of silence he took a deep breath and finally said” I’m, I’m different. Lianiva.” he said looking into my eyes. “I’m not like the rest. I’m a vampire” Chapter 3 As I got into Skyler’s car my brother came running out. I sighed and said” this will take a moment”. “Were you going?” “I’m going to a party, it’s okay it’s not one of those druggie parties, just a friend throwing one.” ”Oh, Okay” he said” See you later”. Skyler rolled down his window to say” I’ll have her home in time”. As we drove off Skyler introduced me to his friends. “She” he pointed to a cherry red headed girl, with lots of black eye make-up. “Is Rayne”.” Hi”. I said smiling. “Hi” she replied, not so friendly. “And, he”. He said pointing to a brunette with a lip ring. “Is Lance”. “Hi”. “Hey there” he said smiling. “So yeah… that’s it.” After that we drove off. We drove onto driveway, own to a nice looking, white house, with music that you could heard outside, along with a lot of talking. “Well were here, let’s go in.” “Hey Chase!” Skyler shouted over the blaring music.”Hey Skyler!”. “This is the gorgeous girl I’ve been telling you about” he said when he smiled and winked at me. “Oh! Lianiva right?”. “Uhm, yeah, Hi.” I said smiling. “You talk about me?” I whispered to Skyler. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I? You’re amazing.” “Awe” I said as I stretched on my toes to kiss his cheek. He smiled and asked Chase “So where are the drinks?”.” In the kitchen. Help yourself to whatever you like”. As we walked to the kitchen a, probably considered, tall, pretty, blonde girl, with beautiful big brown eyes, walked up to Skyler” Hey kid!” she said. “Hey Gracen!”. He said as he hugged her. “Long time no see, eh?” “I know right” she said smiling. “So I was on my way to my kitchen, want anything?’ She asked. “Oh we were to but I guess I’ll have the usual”. “Aha, Right. What about you?” she asked me. “Uhm, I don’t drink” I replied. She eyed me at my response” Alright” she said quietly, walking away watching me carefully “Does she not like me, or something?” I asked Skyler knowing he can sense the feelings of others. “She thinks you’re trying to steal me away from her. She doesn’t quite like you. She thinks you’re prettier than her”. “Me? Prettier than her? I don’t think I can quite agree”. “Well I can” he said as he started to kiss me on the couch. “Well, what’s going on here?” I heard Gracens voice. I start to giggle nervously as I climbed on top of him and snuggle into his chest. Chase walked in and locked eyes with me. “Hey come in let’s talk” Skyler said. Gracen suggested that Chase and Skyler talk alone, just to catch up on things. “Sure” I said. As we talked, becoming friends. We started to talk about what we like to do, like always, I said I like to sing. “ sing for me!” she demanded. “well… I’m writing a song. For Skyler. And I need your input on it. She agreed then I began to sing. When I was finished she basically talked me with hugs. “ OH MY GOD. You are amazing! He’s going to love it!” she said. “ you really think so?” I asked. “ of course” she confirmed. Through the walls I could hear people arguing, making quite a lot of noise. “ Hold on Gracen” I said. As I walked to go find out who was making so much noise, Chase walked up to me and said “Whatever he tries tells you is not true I-“. A loud gunshot interrupted him. Seconds after, a shriek escaped from Chase’s lips. As he fell to the ground, He said “I’m sorry”. Then a pool of blood surrounded his body as he died. “W-Why did you do that!?” I screamed at Skyler as he walked towards me. “He’s a horrible person” he said. “Just because you think he’s a ‘bad person’ doesn’t give you a right to shoot him?!” I screamed again. “I don’t think you understand.”He said as his eyes watered. ” He killed my sister”. A tear escaped from his glistening blue eyes. “But he said he didn’t do anything?”.”He didn’t want to go to jail.” He said carefully “No one does”. “Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry” I said as I went to hug him while he cried. Chapter 4 “How horrible! I’m so sorry Skyler, I never knew you even had a sister” I said as I cuddled into his shoulder, kissing his cheek. “I sometimes think that if I think about her really hard she’ll come back, But who am I kidding. She’ll never come back” he said as another tear escaped from his wondering sad, blue eyes. “Hey. Don’t say that. You never know. Anything could happen”. As we walked to the car with Rayne and Lane, I hugged Skyler and said” it’s okay. Everything happens for a reason.”Once we got in the car, we drove straight home. Once I got home, we hugged at my doorstep. “Don’t leave me” I whispered into his neck. “I’ll meet you in your room” he said. I smiled in reply and walked inside. “So how was your party?” Brandnt greeted me, pulling me in for a hug. “Awesome.” I lied, considering I was part of a death scene. “That’s great.Im glad you had a good time. Go upstairs and hug your sister’s goodnight and get to bed, mom and dad aren’t home yet and she expects you guys to be asleep.” “Alright. I’ll see you in the morning” I said. “Goodnight Gracie” I said as I walked over to lean down to hug my 3 year old sister.”Night” she said as she kissed my cheek. “Goodnight Lillie” I said as I walked to the other side of the room my sisters shared. “Goodnight” my 9 year old sister said as I hugged her. Once I got to my room, I walk to the bathroom and washed my face and brushed my teeth. After I finished putting my hair up and getting my matching plaid shorts and tank top. I felt Skyler’s cold body next to me. “OH!” I exclaimed. “Hey” he said. “Hi” I said hugging him tightly. “Just a side note, I think you look very pretty without any make-up.” “So I look ugly with it?” I said confused. “No it’s just, you, totally chill and clean face is just …hot” he said. I smiled in the darkness and kissed his cheek. “So. What do you want to do tomorrow?” He asked. “Well, I was thinking about seeing my friends. I feel like I haven’t seen them in forever. I’m sorry”. “It’s okay. Don’t be, I get that you need your friends. Its fine” he replied coolly. “Really?” “Yeah”. “Okay then” I said as I snuggled into his shoulder. “You should really get some sleep. After what had happened today”. “But I want to stay awake with you so-” my voice trailed off as I drifted away to sleep. Chapter 5 As I slowly opened my eyes, I noticed I was alone In the light filled morning. There was a note on my bed waiting for me to open it. It red. Dear Lianiva, I went out to check on my family. If you’re awake when you read this, don’t fret my love. I’ll be back soon. Love, Skyler. As I looked around my room for something to do, I found a magazine next to my iPod. I decided to listen to my favorite band ‘Breathe Carolina’ and read. As I read the ‘Dos & Don’ts’ section, I saw a blur of white, and he was back by my side. “Hey” he whispered briefly before he sat beside me. “You miss me?” he said snickering. “So much” I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes. “Lady gaga Huh? You like her?”He Said as he glanced down at my magazine “Eh, she’s alright, to repetitive though.”I answered. “I agree. So, who are you seeing today?” “Kate”. I replied. “Kate?” He said questioningly. “Yeah, Katlyne, she’s one of my best friends. I haven’t talked to her since…you know” I replied.” Oh, Right.” Chapter 6 As pulled up to Katelyn’s house, she came running out. “Hey Lianiva!” She said excitingly. “Hey Kat” I said smiling. “What’s up?” “I wanted to hang out, catch up on things. I was thinking about going to the movies or something? You know, have some girl time.” I said. “Oh, Yeah! Totally, I would love to” she said smiling back at me. “I’ll pick you up soon?” “6:30. Oh, and maybe go somewhere to eat” she said. “Great. See you later” “Bye” she said smiling as she ran back in her house. I walked into my room and found Skyler lying on my bed. ”you never left…?” “Nope, I had a feeling that you would come back” he said. “Of course”. As I looked into the mirror to check my resemblance, he came up from behind and wove his arms around my waist. “Alright, I’m off to pick Kat up” I told him.”Have fun” he said before lightly kissing me. As I got into my car, I turned on the radio. My favorite song ,”Rolling in the deep” was on. I pulled up in Kat’s driveway , and walked to the door. Before I was able to knock , Kat came running out and hugged me. “Hey!” she exclaimed. “Hey” I said smiling. We got in my car and she blast the music, singing along . “ Rolling in the deep!!”. After a while, she came to ask” So, were are we going?”. “To the movies” I said smiling. “Oh! Can we see Super 8 ? My friend Olivia saw it and said it was really good!”. “Isn’t that movie the one where it’s all suspense and action? “I replied. “Yeah,If it’s alright with you” she said. “Sure, uh, yeah we can see that. I need to take my mind off of something’s anyways” . “Great!” she exclaimed. Chapter 7 When we got into the brightly lit theater, boys hooted and hollered. “ Hey baby why don’t you come and sit with us!” one boys said. “Wow, pigs. Right Kate?” I asked siting down. After a few seconds of silence I looked over to see an empty seat. I looked to find Kate, and there she was, the other side with the boys. “ Lian! Come on over here!” Publication Date: September 25th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-lolbitch

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-sateva-ramsey-teenage-life/

SATEVA RAMSEY TEENAGE LIFE TEEN LIFE TO ALL THE TEENS OUT THERE THAT HAVE A HARD AND BAD LIFE Text: I HOPE U LIKE THIS BOOK STAY TUNED All rights reserved. Publication Date: January 19th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-sateva575

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-brandonsgirl9951-were-did-they-go/

brandonsgirl9951 were did they go? why did they all leave me? to anyone who lost someone close to them. Text: one day while rose was in school she got a call. It was the hospital were her grandmal was, she was very sick so she got amitted into the hospital. Well anyways they told her that her grandmal was dieing. No rose screamed she cant be she is all i have, were will i live and then rose hung up the phone. Rose ran out of school not saying a word tears filled her face and sadness took over her bodie. She caught a ride with her friends mom Chelsey Smith. Can you take me to the hospital my grandmals is dieing"sure" said Chelsey. Just as they got there, rose heard them say room 102 were her grandmal was had died. Rose screamed really loud and Celsey grabbed her and gave her a hug its ok i am here for you and always will be its ok shhhhhh.Then they went back to roses grandmals house and got roses stuff. "you can live with me and my family" ok rose said a little happier, thank you so much i would have had to live on the streets starving, cold and dirty. Well your going to be happy ok said chelsey and rose just smiled. They went back to the school to get chelseys daughter Anna, when Anna found out she hugged rose and said we are going to be sisters. Rose just smiled Anna was her best friend she was always there for her. Well days went past and Annas mom died, then her dad, then her, Rose was so devistated, were did they all go she asked, so she was so upset she killed herself, the whole town was sad. They was all close to here, then they all started gettin sick and they all started dieing the end this book is fake dont kill your self over something stupid its just life its not worth it the pain will go away your life will never come back. All rights reserved. Publication Date: September 29th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-brandonsgirl9951

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-bullet789-clarissa-romero-being-the-way-i-am-being-emo/

Bullet789(Clarissa) Romero Being the way I am......Being Emo Chapter 1-Someday scissors will be for paper again  When we were little we thought scissors would always be for paper. But as we got older we thought we could use them for something else... and that is to cut. We cut because we hope and hope it will help take away the pain. But in reality we all just wanna be saved. When I was little I loved to make paper snowflakes for Christmas but know I stopped using scissors for paper anymore. I used scissors to cut deep into my wrist. Our lives don't always go as they are planned but we think it is okay to try and fix our lives by cutting. I used to be cutter I know ow good it feels when scissor touch your skin then u see the blood... all you do is let it run down your arm. In that second all your pain is gone...but your left with that scar on your wrist forever. I Have gone through this a lot of times. I've lied to my friends and told them that I stopped but I was just cutting on my legs where they couldn't see. When I have really stopped it felt good not to have to hide my scars. After 3 years of not cutting I started again...I thought I needed to cut again My life started to get turned upside down, and I needed something to escape the pain. Right know I am on and off cutting I do cut once in a while but not as much as I used to. Someday I hope and pray that I will use scissors for paper again and not for my wrists. Chapter 2-One day razors will be for shaving again  When we were younger we thought that razors were only for shaving. But now everything has changed we use razors to get plain straight cuts on our wrists. When I first started to cut I just used needles, which was stupid but ya. The first time I cut with a razor was about 4 years ago. A year before I stopped cutting. My best friend had given it to me to cut something....but before we new my wrist was cut. I was bleeding pretty bad, even though it was only a tiny line it hurt like hell. Even today I still cut with razors I have been trying to stop but I can't. I never want to be as bad I was though. I hurt a lot of people with what I did. Today I do not take my jacket I don't want anyone to see the scars. When I'm in my jacket I feel safe....safer then I've ever felt. Chapter 3-Soon food will be for eating again  When we were little we were told that we would have to eat. But know some of us don't eat at all. I stopped wanting to eat wen I turned 12 I thought I was fat because when I was little I was skinny. So I started to hate my body. And I still do I'm 16 now. And I've been starving myself so that I could be skinny.... sometimes I look in the mirror and see nothing but fat. Other times I see someone who can do better then what she lets people see. Today I love myself more then I think I should..... I still really don't eat but I'm working on it. I've been doing a lot more things. I just don't want to hurt anymore of my friends... Because I used to cut I've lost some friends... We are talking again but I don't know if we will even good friends again. I've learned that it is okay for me to take of my jacket once in a while I will but I get weird without it, so I put it back on. But now I've been okay without my jacket:)   Chapter 4-Someday cutting will be arts and crafts again   When we were all little I'm sure that when we were little we liked art. Well when I was little I love art, I like to cut things into random shapes. But know I don't only cut paper I am a cutter and cut all over my body my wrists,legs, even my stomach. I have lots of scars I have to hide. Ever since I was 12 I have been a cutter I stopped for 3 years at the age of 13 I'm 16 and yes I have been cutting again. But I am trying to stop.... I've had to look at some of the people I hangout with..because in reality they are the ones that have been causing to to cut again. At first I ignored it thinking it was just stress, but no they caused me pain and they never knew but I did. I still have my friends I did lose some because they couldn't except the fact that I had scars.   My boyfriend Travis.......we talk a lot…......but when he sees my scars you can tell it hurts him.   Nicole thinks that I was stupid to cut in the first place all my problem were still there.   Chris hates me because of my scars every chance he gets he tells me that I was stupid.   Logan I don't know how he feels about them he never really said anything about them.   Bobby says its okay but I know he don't like them.   Maddy thinks that there are other ways to deal with your problemes beside physical pain... Don't do it!!!   Alex thinks that cutting is stupid when there are better things to do.   They all different thoughts about my scars but I'm glade they told me what they were. Chapter 5- Someday sadness will be temporary again       When I was little I was only sad for a little bit. But now I am always sad...I just don't know what to do about it anymore. I try my hardest to be happy and everything. But it don't last for but a second. I could just be sitting here and everything will hit me... all my sadness, my hurt, my pain, all my hate, everything. I've been hurt a lot...and I've hurt a lot of people, because of the way I am. I don't wanna have to cut to be happy but, when I cut it feels like all my pain just goes away. I've tried y hardest to stop and I've stopped a couple times.... but then something happens n I need to cut so I do. But recently I've learned that I don't need cuts to feel better.   Chapter 6- One day life will be fun again   Chapter 6- One day life will be fun again     I've loved life but at some points I've just hated it so much. When I was little I had so much fun but now I just wanna die. I live in a one bed room house with my mom, Nana. Tata, Uncle and my twin sister Marissa. My mom and my sister share a room my uncle turned the spare room in to a room for me. Him, my nana and tata sleep in the living room. My life has been falling apart. I started to cut at the age of 12. I'm 16 now, its only been 4 years but 3 years ago I was horrible I started dressing all gothic I was turning into something I'd thought I'd be. I was a cutter at the age of 12. When I was 15 it was the worst I never wanted to do anything that involved me putting down my blade,. I admit it was stupid.......I was stupid. Now that I look back and see what I did believe me I feel stupid for even doing that. I wish I had never started to cut.........it messed up my life. I just wanted to be saved. Chapter 7- Soon we will recover     I've stopped cutting. and believe me I'm not gonna do that again. Every time I see my scars I remember how stupid I was, and how much I hate myself for doing that.       My opinion on this is that I admit I was stupid and I hate myself for everything that I've done but I do not regret what I did because it made me who I am today.       My boyfriend Travis's opinion is that I should've never started and that he's sorry for having some part in why I was cutting.       My best friend Girl Nicole's opinion is that she is proud of me.........Pancakes:)       My cousin Maddy's opinion is good!!       My best guy friend Alex's opinion is Hje's happy I stopped       Chris's opinion is that he still don't wanna talk to me no matter how much I tell him that I'm sorry.       Logan's opinion is that he's glad I've stopped.   Publication Date: March 24th 2014 https://www.bookrix.com/-bullet789

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-dijah123-the-coffee-shop/

Dijah123 The Coffee Shop Not such a relaxing place after all... Tori's boyfriend was to meet her at The Coffee Shop. While she was waiting for him to come, she ordered coffee awhile. She sniffed her cappuccino topped with whipped cream and sprinkled cinnamon on top. She waited in her comfy seat for about 15 minutes. "He's supposed to be here by now,'' she said entirely annoyed. She ordered coffee cake and took it back to her seat, not knowing why her boyfriend still haven't arrived yet. Todd, her boyfriend, wanted to surprise her. So he sneaked up behind Tori and scared her. "HI TORI!" Tori, frightened, threw the knife she was cutting the coffee cake with, into the air and landed right into the back of another customer. Blood gushed out of the man's body, leaving a dark colored substance that sputtered out his body making a puddle around his lifeless body. A woman walking by observed this and screamed with terror, running around frantically. Not knowing, she slipped on the puddle of blood and fell with a hard smack to the ground, busting her head open. Part of her brain showed between the crevices of her skull. Blood mixed in with her hair, leaving it soaken wet. The tragedy that happened at this coffee shop left everyone running around, screaming ear piercing screams. "Todd! Did you see what you made me do!" Tori hollered. Todd, with beads of tears running down his cheeks said, "I'm sorry, I just wanted to make a surprise entrance. I didn't mean for this to happen!" "Of course you didn't!" Tori yelled back. "Todd, it's over, your way too childish." "Please Tori, forgive me. If you don't I'll- I'll- I'll kill myself!" he said. He grabbed for the knife, and drove it through his heart. "Todd, NOOOO!" Tori screamed while she bursts in tears. "Today, was april fools day. Everyone, shows over. He didn't know that this whole incident was a joke. He took it seriously and killed himself." she said crying hysterically. "It was just a joke, just an April fools joke." She looked at the bloody knife she held in her hands, and drove it through her heart. Publication Date: November 12th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-dijah123

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-hunter-anne-torn/

Hunter Anne TORN I dedicate this to my grandmother and my family and parents. And also friends who've been there. Chapter one Publication Date: April 3rd 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-followyourdream28

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-daisuke-angels-on-earth-1/

Daisuke :) Angels on Earth Book Two (Updating) Chapter One- Daily Life with Souma's ~Nagato's POV~     My stomach grumbled as I waited for breakfast. No wonder Daiki gets up so early in the morning. Or at least I think that is. Whatever. "Breakfast is ready!" Daiki shouted as we were chatting and everybody got up from the living room and ran into the dining room like a stampede! "Whoa! No crashing into the table. It took me like forever to make it."  The phone rang, "Excuse me for a sec." Daiki polietly left the room to get the phone.   ~Daiki's POV~   The phone was ringing and I picked it up and... "WHAT HAPPENED TO NAGATO?? DID SHE GET SICK? IS SHE DYING?" A girl was yelling so loud almost breaking my eardrum. "Umm, Miss? She only has a fever. What is your name?" I asked the girl "EMIKO UOCHAN! ONE OF NAGATO'S FRIENDS!!!"  "Ah, is Saki Kana there?" "YASSSS!" "May I speak to her?" "NOOOO! You gon' ask her out?" "Nooo! I only want to ask her something else!" I shouted in fear of being heard by the others   ~Nagato's POV~   "What was that?" I asked as I heard yelling coming from another room.   ~Daiki's POV~   "This is Saki." Saki said dully "Ah, would you and Miss Emiko come and vist her? I'm sure she would appreciate it."  "Ah, yes, we-"  "NEED TO!! WHERE?!?" Emiko interupted "1844 Souma Hill"  "OKAY BE DERE IN 12 MINS!"  "Yes, M'am"  I hung up and walked down the hallway calmly, to find everybody staring at me. "What did I do?"    ~Nagato's POV~    "Um, Daiki? What was that, um, yelling about?" I nervously asked, fearing the worst "Ah, Miss Uochan asked me if I was going to ask Saki out, I was so suprised that I yelled." Daiki responded shyly. "Um, I'm hungry!"  DING! "Yes?" Daiki said as he opened the door, only to get shoved by Emiko, "Are you ok?" She worried "Oh, so now you don't yell?" Daiki said chuckling "Hey! It could hurt her ear drum!" "Like if it didn't hurt me!" "Boy, you can survive, she can't." "That's an insult, because she has lived in a tent for two weeks!"  "Oh, yeah."  "Proved you wrong, Uochan-0 Souma-1" "You cheated." "No, I did not. By the way, I need my breakfast so, GTG" He went to the table and started eating like a little boy, KAWAIIII!! "Oh, I just remembered! I need to call Hauki!" Daiki panicked "I'll do it, Master Daiki." Sebastian said calmly. He walked down the hallway to the phone.   ~Sebastian's POV~   I dialed Hauki's number, expecting a message machine, since he barely talks on the phone, but I got something different. "Hello, this is Hauki Souma." "Ah, hello Hauki. I need you to please come and check a young female." "What is her name? I need to check her family history." "Nagato Riku Harada Honda." "Whoa." "Yep, they gave her a large name, sir." "Give me a sec." "Ok, time's up." "I meant more time." "Okay!" I said laughing while he chuckled on the phone. Oh! By the way, he is a tall male with black hair and strange ameythst eyes. "How did she inherit her name?" "She got Riku from her mother's first name, Harada from her father and Honda from mother's last name." "And her first name?" "Ah, yes. Her parents gave her that name, in order to honor their family's true name, the Nagato's." "Ok, now I have her history, hmm, she has a weak immune system, just like Satoshi, but for a different cause, genetics. Unlike Nagato, Satoshi's immune system is weakened by "changing"." "Yeah, but she has a fever of 100 F." "Oh, I'll be right there." "Thank You." He hung up and I silently walked down the hallway.   ~Nagato's POV~      "Um, Miss Honda?" Sebastian asked "Yes, um, I forgot your name, sorry." "Ah, Sebastian, I think you need to go to your room to.... organize your things." "Oh, yeah!" I walked down the hallway to the room, now called mine! I have a white room with beautiful paintings that looked like the one's that Dark stole for some reason and the bed was like a golden throne! Man, the Soumas are rich!  "Oh and this isn't the only room with beautiful decorations, all the rooms are as well!" I swiftly turned around to see Daiki "I-I didn't e-even hear y-you come in the r-r-room! You are like the Phantom Dark!" I stammered "I am."  He whispered "W-what did y-you say?" He disappeared in a blink of an eye. I stood there in confusion for a few seconds but continued putting my things away. What if that was not him?    I thought while I was organizing. "Miss Honda! Dr.Hauki is here to see chu!" Toa cheered as Hauki walked into the room. "I expect that you are Miss Nagato Honda, am I right?" He said with a smile "Oh! Yes, I am Nagato Honda!" "Do you mind if Daiki helps me? Since he is a pharmicist, he can help me with your medication, just in case. Is that alright?"  "Oh, yes!" "Ok, now open your mouth." "Ahhhhh." "Hmm, smells like Daiki's rice cakes and tea." He said with a laugh "How did you know that?" I giggled "I can smell it! Let's see, pulse?" "Normal." Daiki responded, "May I check your temperature?" "Yes." "Here. Put this in your mouth. Hmm, still 100 F." "Yeah and her lymph nodes are swollen." "It's only a cold. Take this. It will help you, but only take 2 teaspoons a day, one in the morning and another in the afternoon." Chapter Two- Please Answer My Questions!  After Daiki told me how to take the medicine, I remembered the question that nobody answered yesterday. Why did Satoshi not like Daiki? I mean, they are cousins! They should be able to get along for at least five minutes. "Satoshi!" I shouted down the hallway "Yes, Miss Honda? You shouldn't be shouting down the hallways." He responded "Oh, I'm feeling better, but may I ask you a question? Personally?" "Okay, Miss Honda." We walked down the hallway, into my room, then I turned around and shut the door "Um, I really would like for you to give me a detailed explaination, please?" "Sure." "Um, why do you dislike, ah, Daiki?" I sat on the bed, he let out a sigh   ~Satoshi's POV~   How do I explain this?  I pondered while she looked at me, pouting "It's in my blood. My part of the family hates him, and Sebastian. Well, let me explain this better, ah, our families, even if we are part of the same family, are rivals. We have never had peace for 3 centuries. Daiki and Sebastian's part of the family, are more "sly"." "What do you mean?" "His family, er, part, um, are thieves, but Daiki had to inherit that, since he is the older twin. On the other hand, Sebastian is the one who helps him. Daiki tries to make peace with the Hikari's but has failed." "Now I get it. But this morning I was unpacking my things when he appeared, spoke and disapeared like mist." "Yeah, he's special. I wish I could do that and be a part of his family, but he says it's a curse. We don't even hate each other, but fake it." I said chuckling, she giggled   ~Nagato's POV~   "I like that you don't hate each other!" I smiled "Yeah, but we do fight, but not like, ah, humans. Um, me, Sebastian and Kinshiro, usually fight." "Uh-oh. What time is it?" "Um, 1:30 pm." "I need to make lunch! You must be s-" GRUMBLE! "Hungry Young man, aren't you?" I laughed so hard I turned red "Miss Honda! Breathe!" He laughed so much as well that when we walked to the living room we tripped on everything! "Here comes the Prince of Drunkness!" Kyo cracked up "Dude, he's only drunk, but man!" Daiki was dying and everybody else "OKAY! W-WE NEE-EED A-AIR!" Toa gasped while laughing, Daiki ran out the door to breathe! "That's enough! We are going to DIE!!!" Daiki yelled "HOW BOUT YOU STOP YELLIN!!!" Kyo shouted back while we relaxed and Toa gave everybody some warm tea and we sat and watched the news "We have just recieved reports on a new thief named Light, said to be an oppisite of Dark, but this warning still has not been confirmed yet. He says he and Dark will take the Fiery Thorns and the Ice Crown at 11 pm tonight." "What? Another thief?" Kyo said confused "Yeah, that's, um strange?" Sebastian responded "I wonder if it's Krad or Israel. Must be Israel because Dark and Krad would NEVER team up." I pondered "But what if it were Dainiel? He and Enoc look alike..." Satoshi wondered "Hmm." "Hey, um. Miss Honda?" Daiki asked, probably trying to change to conversation "Yes?" "I assume you have another question for me? Am I right?" "Bingo." "Shoot." "So, I wanted to know, why are your side of family and Satoshi's side of the family rivals?" "Uhh..." "Well? Can you answer? Please answer my questions!!!" I demanded politly as I could "Um, No. We can tell you that when you stay with us long enough." Daiki said with a strict tone that I had never heard, so I stayed silent then nodded my head. "Good. BUt I was going to ask you a question, Mis-" "I would love for you to please call me Riku." I pouted "Umm..." "Please, Daiki. And everybody else?" "Yes, Miss Riku, I will." He smiled a million dollar smile that almost made me melt. Chapter Three- Lonely, then....  "I'm tired. I think I'll go to my room." I said as I walked down the hallway to my room. I was laying on my bed, a song came into my head, and I started singing it and I couldn't stop. That song was something that kept me from thinking that I was lonely in the world, remembering my mom, made me start crying and I heard a smooth voice singing: I will come back for you, Don’t worry about me Don’t Shed a Tear, I love you My heart and soul is always connected to you, My love as well I will love you forever, until infinity ends I might leave this world, but my love and spirit will stay with you ¡Te amo mas que todo en este mundo! No lloras, yo volveré por ti, yo te amo Ashite Imasu! There are many ways to say my soul is your’s Remember, you are me and I am you We are each other, And my love will never end… I continued to cry when I remembered my first love, Niwa. He was always so warm and loving and he was not like any other boy I had ever me, but he moved from Japan in to the US, because of crisis in his family. The voice sounded like his voice,  My love... I will find you...  I whispered to myself. Maybe I should take a walk outside, it's really pretty outside. Let me go wash my face then go to walk!   I went to the bathroom, or should I say, THE SPA!! I went and told them: "I going to take a walk. Where's Daiki?" "He said he needed to do something outside. Are you ok?" Shitan told me "Yeah. And Satoshi?" I rubbed my eyes "He went on the trail to get some fresh air." Sebastian responded "Ok. I'm going outside as well." I said as I shut the door gently and walked and breathed in fresh air and began to walk in the woods."It's so beautiful today! I wish I could share this moment with my mom and Niwa. But maybe I can find Satoshi and Daiki. What if they fight? I have to find them!" I panicked and ran through the woods, then gasped for air because of how tired I get very quickly. GASP! "Daiki! What are you do-" "Shut Up!" He interrupted, yelling, but quietly and politly "What? Who's that?!?" I looked across the field to see a long haired, male with golden cat eyes, and a harsh smile "Why, my name is Krad, mademoiselle. I need you to become my Third Hand Of Time! Come girl!" He hissed "You will not! She is the Chosen One of the Angels!" Daiki pissed off. "RIKU, GET OUT OF HERE AND TELL SEBASTIAN AND TOA!!!" I ran back and I stopped because of a hot force   ~Daiki's POV~   I turned around to see Riku starting to be possesed by Krad so I launched myself toward Krad, only to be kicked in the face. "You dammed demon!" I said recovering from the blow and while he was cackling, I grabbed his sword and slashed him with it, making him let go of Riku. SLASH! WHAM! "UGOOF!"  " MISS RIKU! "  "Dainiel! You are cheating, you f****** ANGEL! I WILL SEAL AND DESTROY YOU!!! AND DARK AS WELL!" He darted towards me, so I focused on his wings and blasted fire by focusing very hard. I was burning inside and I had to try to contain myself, but failed. I started to feel the fiery burn in my hands and shot out the flame! "AHHH! You may have won this time, Dainiel, but not the next!" He knocked me out and dissapeared. I was out unconsicous for about 10 minutes.   ~Nagato's POV~   "Ugh, Daiki!" I saw Daiki, inresponsive and brused. I rushed to pick him up and for no apparent reason, tears started flowing. "Uhh..." "Are you ok?" "Yeah, ugh, only a little brused." He chuckled, trying to get up, "Don't shed a tear. I am fine, I won't die, Miss Riku." He said it like if he were singing. When I heard those words I started to cry even more, so he got up and picked me up, since I sprained my ankle and brought me home. When we arrived, he wiped my tears and he kicked the door open. "What the Heck?" Kyo shouted. "Knock first, you say and you don't even knock the door!" "I had no choice. You did not see me approach the door and my hands are busy anyways!" "What happened?" Toa and Shitan asked, just when Satoshi fell through the doorway. "Master Satoshi!" Sebastian shouted as he picked him up. "Toa! Dial Hauki's number!" "Yes, Sire!" She dashed to the phone down the hallway   ~Toa's POV~   I romped down the hallway, toward the room that has the phone and dialed, er, punched in Hauki's number and he picked up quickly. "HAUKI! HUKI, HUKKLI!!!" "What's wrong, Toa?" "MASTERSATOSHISISONDAGROUND!!!!" "What? Slowly please!" GASP! "Master... Satoshi... PASSED OUT!!" "Oh! He had an attack! I'll bring Kaito, Isamu and Daichi to help!" PANT, PANT, PANT "Tell Daisuke to get him to the medical room in the house, since he is a "Great Helper"!" "He.. likes.. *PANT* to... *PANT, PANT* be called... DAIKI!" "Well, I wonder why he took his grandfather's name, because his name is very wonderful and I envy it." "Well, *PANT* come here *PANT* NOW!!!" "Oh yeah, coming!" He hung up and I managed to gasp the orders of Hauki, desperately!   ~Daiki's POV~   "Toa, I've told him several times to not call me "that". He just wants to annoy me and remind me of her..." I said, fighting the tears in the small room with Satoshi on the bed. "But why can't I call you "Daisuke" like when I met you? You are just too kawaii to resist!" She blushed and gushed as she spoke, this weird woman. "Well, I like my name," I insisted "But it reminds me of my mother, father and grandfather in which they passed away in what Akito calls an "accident", but I forgive her." "How could you forgive someone who destroyed your life!? And plus, how do you know Akito's a she?" "Forgiving someone is not something you would like to do, E-chan, but it will save your heart from going into Darkness. Akito fell already into darkness when her parents rejected her, then she went into despair and she tortured me and Satoshi for fun to find comfort in her agony." I put on my glasses as I spoke. "Oh." she teared up  "Toa, don't cry, it kills me seeing females crying and past is the past. Forgive and forget as they say." I wiped the tear from Toa's eyes. "Uhmmm.." "Satoshi?" I heard "Yun-Yun?" Toa giggled "Hey, Toa let him sleep." I hesitated as Hauki and Kaito came in. Just saying, Kaito is a male with whitish-blue hair and has aquamarine eyes; he always wears white clothes and has an extreme politeness and temper,(we are always in competion to see who's more angel-like and stronger. "Why hello, Daisuke," he smirked."I guess I'm winning right now, I just won that Nagato's heart." "Ha! You just failed, *Teikyuu." *That means someone low ranked*,"She's not a "that", she's the chosen one." I grinned. "For real? I did not know! Why didn't you tell me?!? I disrespected her!" he stammered "Yeah, Teikyuu, you still need to be unleashed as angel to understand and right now that's not important. Satoshi needs to be attended!" "Stop calling me that and why do you care so much about him? He almost killed you once!" "I told you stop asking, we will talk about this later, Teikyuu!"   Chapter Four- Whoa! How many family members do you guys have?  ~Nagato's POV~ ~While Toa and Daiki (Daisuke) are talking~   I heard the door bell and got out of bed to see who it was and I was suprised to see other Souma's! Man, how many are there? "Ah, hello and sorry, Miss Nagato. We are just more Souma's and just saying, we are not the last ones!" A whitish-blue haired male said. "Um, how do you know my name?" I said struggling to get up and walk "Miss Nagato Honda! Don't strain yourself!" Hauki said worried and he carried me back to my room. "We should introduce ourselves, my name is Kaito Souma, the Souma Prince. Bienvenue dans la famille Souma!" I was staring at him, dressed in a white cloak, he looked like Dainiel. Maybe he's the one possesed by him. And plus, what language? "Ja! Hallo! mein Name ist Alwin Souma!" Said the cutest, small male! "Um, nein German?" I said confused "Oh, gomen! My name is Alwin Souma, but they call me Daichi!" "Yo soy Isamu Souma, ¡pero a veces me llaman Hiroyuki!" A brown haired male with chocolate eyes said to me. "Ah, no español?" I tried to say with a spanish accent (TRIED). "I'm sorry. My name is Isamu Souma, the "Mexican" Souma, since the family only knows that Mexico speaks Spanish, but I'm actually from Spain, well, my mother." "Always mütti!" Daichi adored "Yup, but I have problems speaking english so please help me!" He begged pouting. "Ah, okay! I'll just make I won't strain or stress myself."  "We heard you met the Black Wings." Daichi said worried,"That demon did not hurt you, right?" He told me like if I were a part of his family. Now I see that the Souma's accept me now. ~Kaito goes and talks with Daiki~ "Who? How'd he look like?" I wondered so I could remember what happened. "Golden ojos de gato, harsh smile, golden hair, white vings?" Hiroyuki tried to explain in Spanglish accent."Gomen, I tried to explain!" "I know who he is! He did sprain my ankle and try to possese me. But something about him reminded me of Satoshi, I just don't remember." "Maybe you should change the conversation." Daiki said sternly,"He might be that possesive but he is still part human!" He stormed out into the rain. "Daiki?!" I tried to run after him but Kyo stopped me. "You can't just run out like that when your ankle is sprained! Plus, right now you shouldn't talk to him, he's hostile right now. Nobody can understand his anger, not even Ayame."  "Why and who's Ayame?" I asked curiously and worried "He's just different and Ayame is the Souma psychologist." Kaito stormed into the living room and out the door, going after Daiki. "DAISUKE!" He shouted "SHUT UP, TEIKYUU! KOUN WO ONORI SHITE IMASU!" He snapped "WHAT? YOU WANT TO DIE?!?" He hissed "BRING IT ON, TEIKYUU, YOU CAN'T EVEN KILL AN ANT!" Daiki growled back, running to the forest to have combat. "Hey! You two shouldn't fight! YOU MIGHT CAUSE ANOTHER LANDSLIDE AND KILL PEOPLE WITH RADIATION!" Kyo shouted while running angrily but managed to speak to me calmly. "I'll be right back, Riku! At least if I don't die..."  "What? You could die?" "It's okay, maybe we can get those two under control soon." Daichi said nervously. "I got a bad feeling about this. I'll take you on my back!" "Okay!" Chapter Five- Combat Zone  Daichi picked me up as Satoshi walked out of his room, hydrated and well. "What are you guys doing, Daichi and Miss Honda?" Satoshi pondered "Oh, we are going to stop Kaito and Daisuke from fighting!" We said at the same time. "What? Let me come!" Satoshi begged and we had to let him come. Just then we felt an earthquake and everything in the house started falling! Toa, Sebastian, Shitan, and Satoshi fell to the ground, and of course, Daichi and I fell as well, but I banged my leg hard. "OWWWW!" "Riku!" Sebastian and Toa shouted "They have gone too far this time! Sebastian, Satoshi and Kinshiro, go find-" Another earthquake hit before Hauki could finish his sentence. "GO FIND KAITO AND DAISUKE AND STOP THEM!!" They all dashed out the door, with determination.   ~Sebastian's POV~   I dashed as fast as my legs could take me and I started feeling the vibrations more and more as we got closer to the site of the combat. I looked across the field and saw Daisuke, with fiery eyes and anger. On the other side I saw Kaito, with freezing cold eyes and anger as well. "Hey! You two are going to destroy the forest if you keep fighting!" I yelled with Kinshiro "Don't get in our business!" Daisuke snapped back with fury "I'm trying to stop him!" Kaito yelled as well "DAISUKE!" Daisuke turned around rapidly to see Mio! "What are you doing here?"  "I could feel you, don't you do it." Mio said calmly "Stop reading my thoughts and don't get near me, I might hurt you since I'm burning hot." I stared at him and his eyes met mine and I felt his heat, inhumane. I got to be careful, he might change from human to fiery angel. "You're sure that you can beat me?" He smirked. "Not to be prideful, right?" "Well, I want to beat you, pride or no pride!" "Daisuke! Listen to me! Look at his eyes, they are full of fear! Don't do it!" She shouted sweetly "I love you!" Daiki shivered as she said that; he then looked at Kaito's eyes, cold with fear of fury. "Back down, Kaito. Fear will destroy you if you don't."   ~Omnicient POV (For the rest of the series)~   Kaito looked into Daiki's eyes, seeing that they were inverted, meaning his pupils were white and the other part, red. "Fine. Who are you?" "Ask things later, boy." Text: BookRix Images: BookRix Editing: Daisuke Translation: Daisuke All rights reserved. Publication Date: February 9th 2016 https://www.bookrix.com/-gwad2ecee0f2155

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-rosa-johnson-chilsed/

Rosa Johnson Chilsed Interlude Chapter One: After the Rain I am hurt. I don’t understand why it happened, but it did. I was not in control, they were. When I think about it, I get all emotional and angry. This anguish is beyond my control sometimes. I am not a sociopath or narcissistic; I am hurt, and befuddled. Why? Why do these pieces just peel away? How do I grab hold of them and paste them back somehow. My love for life, what happen to it? I don’t even see motherhood in the light that I once did. I want to run. I have always run, but where will I run too? How will I get there? I thought about moving to Europe or Africa, but the fear of the unknown, unknown fears envelopes my heart. My adrenaline propels like a locomotive, like a race horse. I take a pill. I take a pill for sleep, even when it’s not night time, to sleep, to melt away from these pieces. I hope when I wake I will like snow-white, I will wake up and all will be happily ever after. I take a pill to have a bowel movement, a pill to keep my hypertension steady so I will live, but do I want to live? I say I do, but I really don’t know if life is all they depict it to be. I take pills to relax spiritual muscles in my soul from tension, tension that is caused from existing. I exist. She exists. Little pieces are chiseled away, little stones have broken up my corpse, it plastered, and it is my soul. It is seared, like a hot iron. It is non-existence any more. I am. But it is what it is. Chapter Two: Symphony, No Solace I hear the sound of a new day approaching. My body awakes, it betrays me again. I wake up. I step to the back door, not mine someone else’s back door, an as the door is open wide, I hear the sounds of morning. The birds’ chirps, singing their national anthem with harmony. They sing their faith songs of thankfulness, but I have no song. My song wasn’t taken from me. I had no control of it. They did. I just exist. I light up, smoke, exhale, and listen to their symphony. No instrument, no choreographer, just unity. America it should observe these creatures and learn. Like the psalmist state, observe the ant. I did, and they too, wake up ready to work, ready to build, not taking little pieces of the innocent, but working, forging community. Not in my world. It isn’t like the ants or the birds; everyone is for themselves, looking to get ahead even if it takes homicide to do it. To accomplish what they sought for, even if it is to rape, kill, manipulate, abuse, or lie. Its selfish and unfair, this world. I walk close the door to the singing. It’s annoying. What the hell are they happy about? Did they not look in my window, no their window, it is not mine, and see I toss and turn; my sleep abated me once again. No rest. I guess I will have to take another pill so I can escape for a little while. Maybe when I wake, I will before the creator and finish getting my torment and punishment. I only have one question for him, and that’s why do I have to suffer so much? Why wasn’t I blessed to have my own home to raise these children? Why didn’t I have a mother to protect me from the bad men, the monsters of yesteryear? I don’t know if he cares enough to answer. I never get answer that matter anyway. Even my captures can’t tell me why they chose me to torment. I have done no wrong to anyone by being born, but yet I am punished. I am tormented profusely. I am scared and alone. Have you ever been in a place, where there are a lot of people, noise supersedes the norm, and yet your mind is telling you are alone? I have that happen all the time. I am alone. I have children to rise, I am alone, a man is on top of me, I don’t love him, but afraid to be alone. Alone. I am alone. I don’t like this loneliness, I want to love and be loved, but loneliness engulfs me like fly is caught into a spider’s web. Alone. chapter Three: The Epic of Hatred "Mara, ma’am, Mara get your ass in here a wash these damn dishes"!. "Didn’t I tell you to have these dishes washed before I get back"? "You are a hard head son of bitch", her mother fumed those usual obscenities out of her pie hold. She vehemently, "Get you stupid ass in here right damn now". "Yes ma’am", she answered. Her heart is beating, palpitating. She is afraid of what her mother will do when she comes out of the room. "Girl, did you hear me"? She was used to these songs she loved to sing without tune or music. "Get your ass in here before I come back there and get you". Mara walks with stones in her shoes. She moves as fast as she can. By the time she makes it to the living room her mother has the phone receiver in her hand aiming it towards her head. Momma I am sorry, she was about to say, when the phone and her skull collided. She knew not to cry or it would only make matters worse. So she took the blow like always. When the fist went to her head and her face and her back and her head. She didn’t move. She knew not too. Or it will get worse. Her baby sister and older sister sat in the living room watching TV. They never have to do anything. They have Mara to do it. But then they get the credit for it. They get praised, rewarded. While she gets the boot, board, broom, the tongue lashing, the punches, the hurts, the pieces are being chiseled pieces at a time. I washed the dishes that day. I have been washing dishes since I was three years old. I would ask to do them to keep my sibling from getting in trouble. I always manage to do something wrong that would bring harm my way. I am 16 years old now. I dropped out of school to get away from her, ma’am. She doesn’t love me. She told me all the time that she wished that she hadn’t had me, and that ever since I was born, her world had been bad. I don’t understand why she didn’t abort me or just kill me when she pulled the gun on me, and put it to my head. She should of, then, I won’t have to try to maintain the act of being alive. I am dead already. Just haven’t been buried just yet, but through my story you will soon understand why I am not alive, but dead. Publication Date: October 12th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-handmaiden2012

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-anonymous-the-crash-years-2/

Anonymous The Crash Years Three (present day) MILOS BARRY – Anzac Park Milos let out another cloud of breath. His fingers were burning at the tips and his ears were frozen. The only thing that greeted him with kindness this morning was the reaction of his feet hitting the pavement. This was the best part of running in the early morning. Only ten miles to go, but Milos could still feel how strong his legs were, how they carried him swiftly down the familiar path that he ran every day. No one was awake this early, and it was peaceful just to see the prickly trees rush past him as if they didn’t even matter. But something would matter, and in only a couple of minutes. As Milos was crossing the street, his theory was definitely wronged. For someone was awake, and not just one person, but his least favorite people in the world. The gang his brother used to belong to. It was easy to piece together. Broken window at the jewelry store. Alarm blazing. Boys hauling a bag of the stolen gems into their rumbling car. Milos wasn’t dumb enough to think that all of these guys were just bullies. But he didn’t think they would be capable of doing something like this. “Hey Milos, get out of here!” yelled Garrett. Milos sucked in a surmountable gasp of air. He didn’t mean to, but he didn’t mean to get caught by Garrett either. Without a word and wide eyes, Milos looked at Garrett and then let his feet pound the sidewalk, quickly carrying him up the hill to his house. DENVER BARRY – near Anzac Park Nicotine gum sucked. It just wasn’t the same. Denver missed the automatic motion of inhaling a deep breath of smoke and watching his stress disappear. This wasn’t quitting cold-turkey, but it was cold, and for some reason smoking made the weather a little bearable. But then again, so did Alec. That’s why he gave up, the smoking, and the drinking was just as bad too. It was almost easier to give up smoking than drinking because Alec could always smell the smoke on him, but alcohol was easier to hide. It was like jumping into a swimming pool and not getting your hair wet. Denver was on his way to Alec’s from the grocery store when he heard his brother’s name in the distance. And as much as he hated Milos, he ran towards the yelling. Denver barely caught sight of Milos sprinting up towards their house when Garrett turned back around and spotted Denver. Knowing that Denver wouldn’t care about his thievery, Garrett nodded his head toward Denver and continued loading the jewelry into his car. “Amateurs,” spoke Denver, loud enough so the group could hear. Then he walked casually away, up the hill towards Alec’s house. ANDIE BARRY @ the Barry residence A knock was heard on the other side of her bedroom door. Andromeda groaned. She had fallen asleep again, and it was only ten in the morning. This happened often, but still Andromeda cursed to herself of how she wanted her old, energetic self back again. The knock returned again, followed by a familiar voice. “Hello?” It was Noah. Andromeda rubbed her eyes and sat upright on her bed. She was too tired to get up to open her door. “I’m awake. I’m here,” sighed Andie. The door immediately opened to a smiling Noah, dressed in his usual attire. Andie silently complained about her horrid appearance in sweats. “Hey,” said Noah, his smile widening as he made himself a spot on the bed next to Andie, “how are you feeling?” Why Noah came to visit her every day was beyond Andie’s imagination. Here she was, lazy as heck with an enormous belly, watching movies and nothing much else besides that. And here was Noah, perfectly capable of doing anything, of going anywhere he wanted with whomever he wanted, and it seemed that all he wanted to do was sit in her room and waste his time doing practically nothing. “Well,” sighed Andie, “I’m feeling REALLY pregnant. Like seriously, I could hardly walk this morning just to jump in the shower. But the good news is, only one month to go!” Noah and Andie both laughed a bit before deciding which movie to watch. Noah had brought some movies from his home. As the preview played, Andie hadn’t noticed yet, but Noah would glance and smile at her, stuck in infinite adoration. Too bad Andromeda thought he was just being a good faithful friend. She caught one of his glances, though. “What?” smiled Andie as she gave a weird look to Noah who seemed to have woken up from – from what? – something. “Oh, um…,” mumbled Noah as he tried to look somewhere else besides Andromeda’s face. But there was her stomach. It was so huge! He couldn’t help it – his eyes were glued. Andromeda followed Noah’s stare to her stomach. As an automatic reflex, her hand flew up to it. What did he want? As if sensing the awkward air, Noah added, “Chase… is he kicking a lot today?” “Oh, yea,” gushed Andie, “he’s going to be good at something athletic, that’s for sure. I can get up – do you want to feel him?” Noah blew out a mouthful of air before composing his nervous state, “sure.” Andromeda slipped off the bed, stepping quietly over to him. “Go ahead.” At first Noah didn’t feel anything, but not even a second later did he feel the pressure of a small foot against his hand. He gasped as his eyes widened. He looked up at Andromeda. “Whoa.” They both laughed. DENVER BARRY and ALEC HARRISON @ the Harrison residence The supposedly interesting television show was nothing more than background noise as Denver pressed Alec’s back against the couch, meeting his lips with Alec’s. Suddenly a ringing alarm was going off. Denver pulled himself from Alec and stood up, checking his phone. It was a reminder – something important. “I have that job interview today, I totally forgot!” gasped Denver as he straightened out his hair. Alec remained on the couch, supposedly searching for something. “Shoot, I lost my band-aid,” grumbled Alec as he was trying to hide his injured finger. Denver turned his eyes toward Alec, “band-aid? Let me see.” Alec reluctantly held up his index finger, the underside of the nail filled with dried blood. He looked up at Denver, eyes wide as he bit his lip. Denver’s brows furrowed. “Alec, what happened? Who did this?” Alec looked down. “The guys. Those-the ones you said you used to hang out with a long time ago. They really don’t like me, Denver.” Denver looked at Alec with pity. “Alec, I had NO idea they were still doing this to you! This won’t happen again. I’ll be back, hmm?” A small endearing smile grew on Alec’s face, “good luck at your interview, love.” Denver gave a warm smile back to Alec before turning to walk towards town. MILOS BARRY @ Fairfield Park Though it was warm outside, Milos was thankful that the weather hadn’t decided to let down its fury of heat just yet. Right now he was waiting at Fairfield Park across the street from the movie theater where Wase was working, and would be off from work in about five minutes. This was always a pleasant park to be in. Children ran around carefree as grandparents played chess with one another and as fathers were fishing with their friends. Mother laid out picnic baskets and musical teens would softly play guitar, keeping up with the vibe. It was a good place to be. Out of the corner of Milos’ eye, he spotted something sparkling in the sun. Three boys were making a deal with an acquaintance underneath a tree, a bag of jewels versus a bag of cash. It was the gang. Why three teenage boys would deal with a more adult figure seemed a little abnormal to Milos. What did they need the money for? Why did they trust a more experienced figure as far as robbery goes? The whole plot seemed tricky to Milos, but he didn’t want anything to do with it. Perhaps the boys really did need the money. He felt a pair of eyes on him. Garrett gave Milos a death stare as the rest of his gang stood talking to the dealer. Milos just gave Garrett a casual glance before returning his gaze to the ground, a safe place to look. Wase couldn’t have come soon enough. “Milos! You waited,” Wase smiled, “you ready?” Milos plastered on a smile similar to Wase’s before replying optimistically, “um, yea.” The two kissed each other before walking towards Wase’s house. DENVER BARRY @ Nelson Supermarket Denver had decided that his favorite sentence of the day was hearing, “awesome. You got the job!” It was like a weight had lifted off of his chest. Perhaps starting to change wasn’t going to be that bad of a thing. He could certainly quit his smoking and drinking easier now that he shaped up and finally got a job. Things were definitely starting to look up. Oh, how he loved the fact that he had met Alec in the first place. As Denver was walking back towards Alec’s house however, something putrid had already begun to fill his mind. For across the street he had spotted Garrett and the boys, dealing their stolen jewels to a stranger in Fairfield Park. Thoughts of Alec’s injury angered him even further. He started to walk towards them. However, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. As Denver was about to walk up and single-handedly fight what used to be his gang, a police officer stood no more than three feet away from him. Time to see how much he could pretend to perfect, like Milos. He tapped the officer on the shoulder. “Um, officer, I couldn’t help but notice those boys over there, under that tree. Now I know this is generally a safe park, but I have this odd feeling that what they’re doing could be illegal. I mean, why would someone be hiding jewelry in a bag?” Denver made sure his expression looked genuinely concerned. The officer looked over to the boys and was about to sprint off when he turned back to Denver saying, “Shoot. Yea. Thanks a lot, kid.” As the officer ran off, Denver gave a smirk to the boys who hadn’t noticed that he was there. Then he walked back to his original direction, back to Alec’s house knowing that the boys were finally going to get what they deserved. No one was going to injure Alec anymore. ANDROMEDA BARRY and NOAH EARNHART @ the Barry residence Noah was putting away yet another movie that he and Andromeda had watched earlier that day. Andromeda was stretching her legs, wary that she needed to get out and do something. All of the resting and watching movies was making her legs feel as if they were strings of spaghetti. She looked up at Noah. “Hey Noah, would you mind going on a walk with me?” Noah spun around. “You want to… go outside? I thought staying inside and watching movies all the time was your ‘thing,’” laughed Noah as he walked over to Andromeda, who was getting up from her bed. “Ugh, I just need to get out of this house and get some air,” sighed Andie as she started to waddle to her closet for a choice of “normal” clothes. Then she glanced at her belly, as if almost forgetting that it was there. She had forgotten something, though. “Oh, shoot I’m so sorry. Noah you don’t have to go if you don’t want to… I totally forgot of what people might think of us. You, walking around with me. They’d think you were the dad.” Andromeda closed the door of her wardrobe. Noah scoffed. “Andie, you have to go out sometime!” laughed Noah, “people are going to think that about us anywhere we go, just because I’m your friend. And the people who don’t know the truth anyways really don’t know us at all, so it won’t really matter. Come on, you want to walk – we’ll walk!” Andromeda smiled at Noah. “Noah, you’re awesome.” Noah gave an enormous grin before Andromeda dug through her wardrobe again, saying something along the lines of, “now, what to wear?” “I’m afraid that’s something I’ve never been able to help you with, Andromeda,” laughed Noah. Twenty minutes later and the two were downstairs in the foyer, both checking to make sure they had everything they needed. “Crap, I forgot my phone!” “I can - ,” “Nope, I got it! I need the exercise anyway,” smiled Andromeda as she made her way upstairs. Noah grumbled quietly to himself as she disappeared, saying something about how unnecessarily stubborn Andromeda was. She always had to do things herself. It was very seldom that she asked for anyone’s help, and that included Noah. About a minute had passed, and still no sign of Andromeda. “Girls,” thought Noah quietly to himself. Andromeda quickly waddled to her nightstand, where she had found her phone, fully charged at all times in case anything were to happen. She didn’t want to make Noah wait, so she half ran out the door, only to be stopped in the hallway. “NOAH!” Thinking the worst was making its fate with Andromeda, Noah bolted up the stairs, adrenaline pumping through his veins, as if making him feel that he could take on anything. But as soon as he saw Andromeda, the adrenaline stopped and his legs started to turn into rubber. “Noah? Noah can you help me? I think my water um, broke.” Noah was amazed at how calm Andie sounded, though her shaking hands noted otherwise. It was weird though, because as soon as he looked into Andromeda’s eyes, it was as if the fog covering his mind lifted and the rubber legs disappeared, as if he was almost meant to partake in this situation and be the strong, supportive one. “Um, oh yea, YEA! Yea um, here’s my keys,” Noah tossed his car keys to Andie, “go down to my car and I’ll get your stuff!” Andromeda nodded her head with wide eyes as Noah sprinted toward her room, where the diaper bag and car seat would be. “Woooooooo-my god,” breathed Noah as he gathered as much stuff as his arms could carry, a million thoughts racing through his head as all he could do was try and control his own breathing. This was crazy, he thought, and it wasn’t even his kid. MILOS BARRY and WASE CHABLASE @ the Chablase residence “Milos, your phone is going off,” laughed Wase as Milos ignored what she had just said and continued kissing her. “No it’s not,” smiled Milos. So he had heard what she said. It didn’t matter though, because his mind was still stuck in the same thought, which was to keep kissing her. Wase broke the embrace by laughing as she leaned her head against Milos’ shoulder. He responded by cradling her with his arm. “Milos, I think you should check it. It could be important,” said Wase, as she handed the phone back to Milos. Milos looked discontent. “Who would be calling me at this time?” Milos said to his phone as he listened to the voicemail. Wase watched Milos’ expression change from curiosity to wide eyes with a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. He quickly closed out of the voicemail and practically leaped off the couch. “My sister’s having her baby!” exclaimed Milos with a huge smile that turned into innocent regret, “Wase, I’m sorry, I-,” “Milos, it’s fine, go! Be safe. Give Andie my congratulations, hmm?” smiled Wase. She adored Milos and his awkward actions. He could never say anything perfectly, but he was the most perfect person she had ever met in her entire life. She held onto his hand a second too long before he let go, heading towards her front door. “I will! I, Wase,” chuckled Milos nervously, “I love you.” As Milos sprinted off down the street, a strange feeling filled Wase with complete warmth and joy. It was as if her ribcage couldn’t contain her heart any longer, as if her brain went fuzzy, but at the same time, life never had seemed that clear before. She bit her lip to keep her from smiling a huge smile, the one that she knew would cause her to melt. “Love you too, Milos.” DENVER BARRY and ALEC HARRISON @ the Harrison residence Denver and Alec were in the dining room, eating a dinner that Alec had thoughtfully prepared. Alec usually did this on the days that Denver had specifically suggested were just for “them,” the days that Alec’s family were all gone, where no one could see them. But somehow tonight was different from the rest. Denver could tell by the way Alec held his words back, as if he were trying to hold back a waterfall. “Alec, what’s up? You’ve been quiet all day.” Alec sipped up his spaghetti, sauce managing to get all over his face much like a child’s. Denver’s heart flipped. Alec looked up. “Uhh,” Alec sighed, shoulders arching forward. He knew he had been caught. “Den, are you sure you want to hear it?” Alec bit his lip. Bad timing, thought Denver as his phone buzzed. What day was it again? “I… I’m here for anything you want to say,” replied Denver, his mind mentally trying to add up what day it was. An empty feeling hit his stomach. Friday. It was Happy Hour at the pub. First drink for free. Denver’s mouth watered. He hadn’t had a drink in a week. He knew exactly what he wanted to get, and boy was he thirsty. “When are you going to tell your parents about… us?” asked Alec, his body language obviously trying to camouflage him with the chair he was sitting in. Denver just stared at him. “I-I mean… my parents already know… YOU know…,” stuttered Alec as he tried to make light of his previous question. He felt so vulnerable, half expecting Denver to admirably answer his question, and have expecting Denver to throw something at him from across the table. Uncomfortable seconds passed before Denver half-heartedly answered. “Oh uh… you know. When I get good and stuff. I need some time before they see that I’m good. Because you know, when they do… SEE, then uh… then they’ll like you. They’ll like us. And then it will be um… good!” Alec’s brow furrowed with slight confusion. What type of a response was this? “And um, speaking of my parents… I have to go. They’ll want me home soon, so… I gotta go,” lied Denver as he abruptly got up from the table, entirely ready to just bolt the house. He was obsessed with drinking; he knew that as a fact. He wanted to give up, for Alec. But tonight was not going to be the night. “Denver, I thought they wanted you home by ten. It’s only eight,” replied Alec bluntly. It was clear he was suspicious. Denver had hardly touched his plate when they started talking. “Yea well, they want me home earlier tonight I guess. See you later, Alec,” smiled Denver as he ran out of the house, leaving a concerned Alec behind. Denver’s phone buzzed again. “Denver!” yelled Alec as he jumped out of his chair to grab Denver’s cell phone off the table. He bolted towards the door that Denver had just run out of. But by the time he had opened the door, Denver was nowhere in sight. Alec let out an exhausting sigh. He checked to see who had called Denver. It wasn’t a call that had caused Denver’s phone to go off, but rather a text message. It was sent from the phone of Denver’s sister, Andromeda Barry. The message read: “This is Noah. Andie’s going into labor. Meet us at the hospital, maternity suite no.2 ASAP.” It was weird, but Alec almost started to cry in relief. So Denver was headed somewhere, he thought, and it was to support his sister Andie. With everything happening lately, Alec didn’t think he could afford Denver lying to him. It was dangerous, he knew, but he liked Denver too much. And it wasn’t always the easiest thing, lending his complete trust to someone so capable of lies. Somehow the tears had escaped though, and Alec was alone, sitting by the door. MILOS BARRY @ Anzac Park – on the way to the hospital Milos had the path so nearly memorized that the darkness of the night did not phase him as he ran towards the hospital. He had already dodged rocks and bushes, jumping in just the right step as to make it over the hurdles effortlessly. But one thing about the night was different. For one, the air seemed so stale. Happy thoughts filled Milos’ head as he kept thinking about what his future nephew was going to look like. And if Jack Camden ever dared to show up, Milos would give him a piece of his mind. He would be the hero. He would save Andie the misery of seeing Jack ever again. And he would…. Since when was there a tree here? Milos stopped dead in his tracks. “Look at how surprised you are, Milos,” chuckled a familiar voice. Milos froze. “I’ll give you this one favor, Milos. I know how you hate surprises,” sneered Garrett as he stepped a little more into the moonlight. Milos tried to step past Garrett as his gang followed shortly after. “I’m just, I have to see my sister. At the hospital,” gulped Milos. Why, out of all people, did he have to run into the gang? He was about to sprint off when Garrett grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. “You’re the one who told the cops about what you saw this morning, huh? You think you’re too good for us or something?” chuckled Garrett right before his face turned somber. Milos stared at the ground, trying to remember if he did anything of the sort. Nothing came up. Garrett let him go. “I didn’t tell anybody anything, Garrett.” “You’re lying!” yelled Garrett as he kicked Milos hard in the gut. Milos collapsed a bit before standing back up, plead-fully looking into Garrett’s eyes. “What?” “You saw us when we stole the jewelry – you were at the park when we tried to exchange them with that guy for money. You TOLD the cops about us! We’re not just going to juvee, Milos. We’re going to JAIL, Milos. We’re eighteen!” Garrett kicked Milos in the ribs again, and again, until it took all of Milos’ strength just to stand up again. Milos rubbed the blood that was leaking from his lower lip, which was now continuing to swell. “I didn’t do ANYTHING, Garrett,” said Milos loudly, his expression a full warning. Garrett gave a smirk before punching Milos hard in the face. Out of the pain, Milos gave a full-hearted laugh. “But look at you Garrett. You totally deserve it. You’re nothing.” Milos filled his nostrils with the mixture of the metallic smell of blood and the sweet smell of night before Garrett gave him a full blow to the gut, again. This time he couldn’t get up. He looked at Garrett’s hostile face, still sure he was able to mutter a word or two. “Coward,” grunted Milos. Garrett looked surprised. “What did you just call me?” asked Garrett, stepping closer to Milos. Another choked-up laugh from Milos. “Coward,” repeated Milos, slightly louder than before. Pain, summer air, and a remembered smile from Wase filled Milos’ head before the world went black. “Garrett, what did you do?” gasped Manny, one of the guys in Garrett’s gang. Him and Ben were terrified as they looked at a motionless Milos. Garrett was starting to hyperventilate, not quite sure what he had just done, and angry that he couldn’t control himself. And really, right now he couldn’t control anything. He looked back at the boys. “We have to hide him!” yelled Garrett in panic, eyes wide in fright and frustration. “Hide him in the bushes, over there. No one will find him.” No one moved, all paralyzed with fear. “Hurry!” demanded Garrett, “Hide him! We have to get out of here.” “Oh-my-god, oh-my-god, oh-my-god,” cried Manny as he and Ben lifted Milos’ body and dropped it in the bushes. The boys each gave each other a look, silently promising each other that they wouldn’t tell a soul, before running to each of their homes, content for now that at least the warmth of a home would let them in. WASE CHABLASE @ the Chablase residence Wase was painting when her phone rang. She looked at the caller I.D. It was Andie. “Hello?” answered Wase. Andie sounded exhausted. “Hey, it’s Andie. Um, you said Milos was on his way here, right?” Wase went cold. In fact, it was the coldest she had ever felt. Had someone left a window open? She tugged at her sweater to make it further encompassed her frame. “Yea uhh, he left about an hour ago. And you haven’t seen him?” the heartbeat Wase felt was nothing like she had felt when Milos had just left. This was something new, as if her heart was a timer, repeatedly going off. And she couldn’t get it to stop. “No, and neither has my family or Noah.” “Maybe he stopped at the florist to get flowers or something,” reassured Wase. The last thing she needed was to worry Andie, who already had enough on her hands. “Hmm, maybe. Gotta go Wase, thank you,” replied Andie as she hung up the phone. Wase cleaned up her painting. She sat down on the couch, as if every ounce of energy had been swept away from her. She started to text Denver. It wouldn’t be much hope, but it was a start. She knew something was wrong, and he was the last resort. ALEC HARRISON @ the Harrison residence The vibrate of Denver’s phone jolted Alec awake, and naturally for him he dropped the phone, but just an inch away from his hand. Had he really fallen asleep? Alec looked around his house again. Still no parents. No sisters. And, as expected, no Denver. Everything felt the same. But there was the phone. “Denver, I think Milos is missing. Please meet me at your house when you get this. Wase.” Milos. That was Denver’s brother. The Barry family would probably be heading back to their house any minute from the hospital, minus Andie, her kid, and Noah. Alec had to return the phone back to Denver, anyways. It would be good that he got Wase’s message later than never. Never one for running, as this was the way the Barry twins seemed to travel lately, Alec grabbed his bike from the shed and peddled down to the Barry residence, not even thinking about what he would do once he got there. ALEC HARRISON @ the Barry residence Alec breathed a sigh of relief when Wase opened the door. Even though Wase didn’t even know Alec, the thought of meeting her over any of the Barry family was more intriguing. For some reason the family, except Denver, seemed to intimidate him. “Denver left his phone at my place. I got the message. You’re Wase, right?” stated Alec in an awkward rush as he sort of let himself in the house. It was freezing outside, and Alec had forgotten to take his coat. Wase looked at him with curiosity. “Uhh, yea I’m Wase. Come in?” “Denver? How do you have Denver’s phone? Do you know him?” asked a lady with red hair. She was rather large, as Denver had described her. She had a weakness for the many scones that she baked. This had to be his mum, Elle Barry. “He left it at my house. We have chemistry… together,” replied Alec as he went up to Mrs. Barry with a hand shake, “I’m Alec Harrison.” Soon Hugh Barry joined Elle, Wase, and Alec in the foyer, allowing Alec to introduce himself a bit more. It soon became apparent to Alec that these three people were perhaps the only people in the house. So what were they waiting for? “Where’s Denver?” asked Alec in the midst of an uncomfortable silence. “Who knows,” grunted Hugh, shoulders becoming rigid, “probably out drinking again. I swear that boy is going nowhere in life.” Alec turned a burning shade of red. How stupid. How pathetic of him to think that Denver was actually with his family, about to do something good. Was that really what had cut their dinner short then, earlier that day? A simple trip to the bar? Alec felt ashamed. Hugh let out a huge sigh. “There’s the devil we speak of right now, coming across the lawn,” whispered Hugh hoarsely. The porch light went on, the doorknob twisting unsteadily. A drunk Denver stepped foot into the house, amongst his parents, Wase, and Alec, all of whom gave him their looks of disapproval. But before he could take a step further, Hugh grabbed Denver by the shoulders, slamming his back against the wall adjacent to the door with a loud thud. “Hugh!” gasped Elle. Alec watched in regret. “That wake you up?” yelled Hugh, his grip tightening on Denver’s shoulders. Denver looked up lazily into his father’s eyes, his own swimming in red. His eyes were blood shot. “You are an insult to this family, Denver! Your sister just had a baby, you come up bloody drunk, and your brother, the innocent one, is missing! How do you think that makes me feel? Look around Denver, how do you think that makes us feel?” Denver looked around. It looked like the usual, except for… was that Alec? Though every other emotion was void in him at the moment, panic set in Denver’s heart. What was Alec doing here? Was he mad at him? Did he tell his parents? “Alec, Alec I-,” Alec just looked at Denver and shook his head before allowing himself to leave the house, bike in tow and not much else. As Denver slowly started to wake up, Hugh slowly let go of him. It felt as though Denver had just hit the tip of what was to be his worst hangover. Denver looked up at his dad. “Milos is missing?” Publication Date: January 28th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-an0nymous

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-charity-oliver-new-kings/

Charity Oliver New Kings HOOD SERIES I would like to dedicate all my fans , friends, and coworker who believe in me to write this book. But this is only the beginning , read the HOOD SERIES in order.' Thank you all... :) BookRix GmbH & Co. KG 81371 Munich Chapter 1: Want To Be Like You. As a kid I never had a father figure, it was just me and my big brother Jaydan. He was my role model as a young child, I wanted to be just like him. You can always catch Jaydan wearing the lastest pair of sneakers, and he never left the house without a stack on him. Jaydan always kept himself clean, his body was covered with tattoo's, and had a mouthful of gold teeth. Everybody in my neighborhood feared my big brother, every girl wanted to fuck, and every kid wanted to be just like him, except for me I wanted to be better than him.   "Yo wake up." I told Jaydan while kicking his bed.   "Damn what the hell do you want Zaylin?" Jaydan asked in a irritated voice.   "Ma said you have to watch me today since school's out and she has to work." I repiled with a simile.   "Ok and Why did you wake me up?" Jaydan asked with his eyebrows raised.   We just stared at each other for awhile, until he realized I wasn't going anywhere. Jaydan sigh and pulled the covers right back over his head and went to sleep. I waited for a while until he was snoring a little then kicked his bed again.   "Yo wake up." I yelled madly.   "Bro hit my bed one more time I make sure you won't make it to your next birthday." He responed while still under the covers.    "If you wake up I will leave you alone." I repiled.   Jaydan grabbed his pillow and threw at me as hard as he could, I ducked down just in time. Realizing that i wasn't going to get him up by kicking him, I left his room and ran into the kitchen. I grabbed a big jug and filled it up with water.   "Where are you taking that water boy?" My mom asked.   "Jaydan told me he need some water so I told him I could help." I quickly answered.   "Don't watse it ok?" She said.   I just shook my head yes, and walked down the hall very carefully making sure not spill a drop of water. Once i reached his room I slowly walked over to his bed and poured the water on top of his head. In that second Jaydan jumped out of bed screaming he was going to kill me. I ran out his room and headed straight for the kitchen, with my brother right on my trail. Once i saw my mom I ran straight towards her and hided right behind her. Jaydan tried to reach me but he stopped once my mom gave him the death stare.   "I dare you to put your hands on your brother." She said while crossing her arms.   "FINE, you let that punk ass boy get away with everything." Jaydan repiled.   "Don't you dare talking to me like that, and your going to watch your brother,and you better not touch a single hair on my child's head. You understand?" Mom asked while staring him in the eyes.   "Yea man, whatever." Jaydan repiled then turned around and start making breakfast.   "And Zaylin don't be starting any trouble." My said while kissing my forehead.   She got her keys then walked out the door. When she left Jaydan was just smiling and staring at me like he just won the lottery.   "Looks like you don't have any one to protect you now." Jaydan responded.   I quickly ran under the table just before he had the chance to grabbed my shirt,he grabbed my leg and I tried to pull away but it didn't work. Then I kicked him in the mouth, and when he let go I sprinted to my room and locked the door. I opened the window and jumped out of it, right when i hit the ground i heard my door open. I ran all the way down the street like my life dependent on it, I looked back and saw Jaydan right on my tail.I ran as fast as I could, but then I tripped and fell and hit my mouth on the ground. When Jaydan reached me he was holding out his hand laughing. He helped me up then once I had stood up, Jaydan pat my back then he punched me in my gut. I fell to the ground in pain while holding my stomach.   "Next time it will be your face." He responded with a grin.   A min later we heard sirens coming so we both ran back to the house just in case someone did call the police on us. Once we got to the house Jaydan fixed me and him some breakfast, and we ate in silence. After breakfast we both went into our rooms and got dress for the day. I wore all black with my white jay's. When i got done I went in to Jaydan's room, He was wearing a black shirt with red jeans, and had on a pair of black and red jordan's. I slipped in the back of the room so he wouldn't see me, I grabbed one of his chains and put one of them on.   "Little man what the hell you think you doin?" Jaydan asked standing right behind him.   "Umm... nothing." I stuttered.   "Then what the fuck is my chain doin round your neck?" Jay repiled.   "Oh I didn't know this was your" I lied.    "You dont know. So what it just fucking thre it self around your neck?"   "I guess it did." I smiled    "Are you really going to lie to me?" He asked with his eyebrow raised.   "I'm sorry man I just wanted to wear one of your chains."   "Look you my lil bro I will give you anything you ask for. But Just dont you ever fucking lie to me"   "Ok, I won't lie to you again." I responded.   I shook my head yes to let him know I understand what he said. He took the chain from around my neck and gave me his bigger chain. I similed at Jaydan. I told him Thank you then ran out the room to let him finish getting ready.After a few mins Jaydan came from his room with his keys in his hand. We walked out and locked up the house. Jaydan unlocked his Nissan GT-R and we both jumped in the car, once in the car I turned on the radio and blasted the music as loud as it can go. We both where rapping along to 50 CENT.       Chapter 2: Partner in Crime  Jaydan told me he had some things to do, and that I could tag along only if was quiet and did everything he told me. I promised him I would behavior, only if he kept me entertain. Jaydan drove us all around the city doing pickups or drop offs. I even went with him during a meeting.In the meeting the girl said I was so handsome and she couldn't stop staring at me. She promised to partner up with my brother, only if I get to come to all the meetings for now on. Jay told me she only wants me there because I remind her of her son, but I think he just said that so I wouldn't want to come back. My brother shook her hand after she sign some type of paper and we both left.   "Well looks like I get to come with you more often." I said to Jaydan.   "No you won't." Was all he would say.   "Why not?" I asked confused.   "Because your education is more important right now so stay focus on that. And thats finally." Jaydan responded while gripping the wheel tigther.   "WELL I WANT TO GO AND YOU CAN'T STOP ME." I yelled at him.   "Look I dont care what the fuck you want. All I care bout is what i said, what did I say?" Jaydan asked.   I didn't responed, I was going to hold my ground. No matter what he did to me I wasn't going to back down. Even though he scared me right now I wasn't giving in.   "WHAT THE FUCK DID I SAY?" Jaydan yelled at me.   I flinched I knew that if I didn't responsed he would break me in half. One of the reason why everyone feared him was because he would pull the trigga on anyone who disobey him or disrespect him. And right now I was doing both of those to him. I felt the car jerk forward because of how hard he pressed on the  breaks. All i could hear was horns blowing at us because we stop in the middle of the streets. Knowing that he was staring at me I tried my best not to look his way.   "Zaylin, I'm going to ask one more time. What the hell did i say?" He asked me with his hand was under his seat.   "I'm not allowed to go." I whispered.   "Excatly I know what is best for you right now ok?" Jay said irrated   I shook my yes, afraid my voice would fail me. Jaydan press on the gas and we took off, I couldn't stop thinking that my own brother would kill cause of his rep. Right now the only thing to do was to take over my brother crown so I could become the New king of the city, and maybe then he would start to respect me more then he does now. We pulled up in this empty warehouse outside of town. We both got out and these two guy's came up to us and started to check us for weapons. After we both pass the searched, we followed one of the guys to the main entrance. Jaydan kept walking when the guard stop, afraid that something would happen I hurried up and catch up with Jay.I saw ten guys laughing and talking when we enter a big room, they all start dabing or giving a sercet handshake of to Jaydan. Then it hit me we are where the magic happens, the heart of the streets. This is what we call the main trap house. I got so exicted that I started smiling so wide, one of the dudes saw me and he stop right in front of me.   "Why you smiling kid?" This dude asked me.   "I thought it was just rumors." I muttered. But he heared me and laugh   "Yo Jay." The dude said.   "Wassup CJ?" Jaydan asked.   " Is this the famous Zaylin?" CJ asked while looking at me.   "Yea that's my little bro, so don't fuck with him." Jaydan repiled harshly.   "Man nobody is going to touch him right boys?" CJ asked. All the guy's said yes or either shook there heads but nobody dared not to agree.   "So little man. You like what you see?" He said while opening his arms wide.   "Yea." I repiled.   "You want to join? Cause all you hav---" But CJ didn't have a chance to finish. Because Jay had punched him right in the mouth.   "He ain't doing shit and if I was you I would leave it like that." Jay said with venom in his voice.     Jaydan had grabbed me by my arm and forcefully pulled me out the room. Looking back CJ was holding his broke nose with blood all on his shirt. Jay kept guiding me throught out the warehouse until we reached another room.   "Stay here don't move." Was all he said before leaving.   I searched the room and saw that it had a table full of candy, food, and a soda machine. The chairs all reclined and faced a big screen T.V. on the wall. Baby Boy was playing on the screen and I saw a head duck down under the seat. I ignore who ever it was and kept looking around. There was also a pool table and pinball machine. I walked over to table and picked up some cookies and went over to the pinball machine.   "What's your name?" I turned around and saw a kid round my age 10 or 11 who was leaning agaist the wall.   "Who askin?" I repiled.   "Me, who else will be askin?" The kid said.    "Never Know." I said then turned my back away for him and went back to the game.   "Well I'm Trey." He repiled with his hand out.   "Zaylin." I responed while still playing.   "So what did you do to piss off Jay?" Trey asked. "People who makes him mad never make it to see the next day."    "Well Jaydan is my brother." I answer still playing the game.   "So that means you can get away with anything."Trey said with a simile.   "What do you mean?" I asked confused.   "Nobody can touch you cause Jay would kill them, so everyone has to make you happy." Trey responded with a grin.   "Then why are we just standing here, let's go." I repiled.   "Great I know the pecfect place to go." Trey said while putting on his shoes.   Trey walked out the room and I followed behind him. He lead us down this long dark hallway, after what felt like five mins of walking we reached the end of the hallway. There was this room full of light, we peaked around the corner an saw a bunch of people cutting or baging the product up. It was load with drugs, and on the far side of the room it was mountains of money piled up.   "What the hell are you doing in here?" Jaydan asked angrily.   Chapter 3: Welcome to the Crew  Every head in the room turned towards me and Trey, everyone was waiting to see what Jay would do. To afraid to look at him me and Trey just backed out the room slowly. But before we could get far, a hand was place on both of our shoulders.   " Look's like two new members just joined." CJ said with a laugh.   "Like the fuck we do, come on Zay." Jaydan repiled, but we didn't even make it towards the door before two dudes out of know where tackle my brother to ground. Without  a second thought I jumped in and tried to help him out. I punch one of the guy's in his face an blood start pouring out from his nose. Then the other guy came up from behind and hit me stomach, and keep kickig me. Jay got up of the ground and grab the dude that was kicking me and beat the shit out of him with the back of his gun. The second guy came and start attacking Jay, Trey notice my struggle and jumped in and helped out Jay. Once I got off the floor me and Trey was beating the other dude while Jay was bout to kill the other one.   "ENOUGH." CJ yelled across the room.   Everyone of us froze in place. We were all scared if we moved a muscle he would kill us, But of course Jay had stood up and walked over to CJ. He pointed the gun straight at CJ without a second thought.   " I told you that he wasn't joining and that's finally. So tell me why I shouldn't pull the trigga on your ass?" Jaydan said.   "To late, he knows to much, seen to much. And he joined the second that he jumped in and saved you. You know the rules Jay so stop making fool of yourself." CJ repiled with a smile.   Jay turned and looked at me then lowered his gun and walked out the room. I was going to follow him until CJ stopped me from going. He told me and Trey to follow him, and we obeyed what he told us. We walked outside and CJ was just staring us for awhile before I diecde to speak.   "How did I join?" I asked curiously.   " There are many ways to join, but you did somethin I didn't expect." CJ responded.   "Yea, what's that?" I asked.   "Loyalty, you stood up for your brother even thought you knew you could die. And Trey you jumped in and save two people you didn't even know. That's called loyalty and I need people like that." CJ repiled.   Trey and me just looked at each other than back at CJ. Trey just met me and he would stick up for me, thats what I called friendship. And Jay was just trying to protect me, but I don't need his help. And I will show him that.   "I want you teach me everything." I responded to CJ.   ---------------------------------------------   My brother Ty told me that he had to stop by the warehouse today. Of course he let me tag a long with him, but just my luck he took me to the chill room. I knew the routine but I thought he would let me go inside the LP room. Even though he dosen't know I have been in there millions of time already, but being invited would be more fun. But here I am stuck in the chill room, might as while watch at movie and chill. After about 30 mins in here I heard the door open and saw Jay walked in the room with some kid. The kid starting looking around like a lost puppy. I ducked down so he wouldn't see me sneak up on him. That day I learned a lot of information for my benfit, he was Jay little brother which means he was my golden ticket out this room. Zaylin and me sneaked out of the room and went towards the LC, where all the product goes when it arrives.  Zay looked like he just won the lottery the way his eyes pop. Next thing I know Jay was behind us and a fight broke out. Seeing my brother Ty jumped Jay was the craziest thing in the world, Ty told me you were crazy if you went agaisnt CJ or Jay. Seeing this I jumped in for two reason to save my brother and to help my new friend out. Cj yelled for us to stop then took me and Zay outside, to tell us why he wanted us to join his gang. Zaylin was all to exticed to join but me I needed something in return.   "Trey what about you?" CJ asked hoping for the same anwser.   " I know why I benfit you, but how will you benfit me?" I asked CJ.   "Well for starters, you will be getting paid 40% of what you make a day. And I will provide you with a car of your choice once you get older. And you will be able to work in the LC room if you like. If you stick with me kid I can make you a prince." CJ said.   "Ok deal." I responded.   We all shook hands and CJ told us to be here tomorrow and he would show us the ropes of everything. Me and Zaylin start walking back to the building unil I stopped him.   "Hi Zay, do you really want to be a Prince?" I asked curiously.   "Not really." He repiled.   "Good, cause I have a plan. We let CJ teach us everything he kno---." But I could finish my sentence I got interrupted by Zay.   "That way we can over throw him." He finished.   "Exactly, then we will be the new Kings." I responded.   We shook on it, that we will take over CJ empire and be the New Kings on the block. But with this it takes Patience and you still have to pledge to him. Until it time to over throw them. Zay and I went our seperate ways once in the car Ty gave me the most deadly look of all.   "What the hell where you doin with Jay little bro?" Ty spit out at me.   "He was in the chill room with me, and we became people no big deal." I responded.   "Well look where bein people with him got you. Now you apart of The Tigers Cartel (TTC)." Ty repiled while starting the car.   " Yep." I said.   We drove in silence on the way home. All I could thing bout was that the Empire will be mines one day and I can't wait. Me and Zay will take over the world and be the most thoat cut boys you ever met in your life. Now I'm just waiting  on the games to began. Chapter 4: Gang Life "Yo man I been out here sitting in this damn hot car for the past 15 mins, bring your ass on or your going to get left nigga." I told Zay before I hanged up the phone.   Another ten mins later Zaylin came out the window with some girl, he kissed her good-bye and ranned towards the car. He opened the door of my Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, he slide in and dab me off.    "Wassup man" He said while closing the door.   "I know she your girl and all but get your head out her ass." I repiled to Zay.   "It's not even like that she needed a place to crash last night, and you know my mom been on my case lately bout where i'm going and with who." Zay responed.   "Good thing my mom's been working to much to care." I repiled.   "Lucky you." He said with grin.   We drove in silence until we reached the warehouse. We got out of the car and headed towards the entrance, two guys told us to follow them to CJ office. Once we got there Jaydan and CJ were having a face off battle, we all just stood in the back until shit cooled down. CJ saw us in called us in his office , he told us to have a seat and that's what we did. Zay and Jay weren't even looking at each other once we enter the room.   "Boys how have you been?" Cj asked us.   " Were good." I responed for the both of us.   "Thats what I like to hear. That's what I was tryin to tell Jay he--." But before he could finished Zay cut him off.   "Is there a reason why you called us here?" He asked.    "Yes there is. I have a job for both you and I need to know if you ready." CJ told us.   "Ready for what?" I asked him.   "I have a big drop off going down, there's a rumor going around saying that they plan to attack us at the spot. I need you guys to deliver the package to another location tomorrow night." CJ explained to us.   "OK, why didn't you send someone else?" Zaylin asked with a cold expresssion on his face.   "Because you to are the only people we can trust, can I trust you Zay?" Jaydan asked Zaylin. It was quiet for a min until Zay shook his head yes.   "You can trust me Jay." He said in almost a whisper.   "What about you Trey, can I trust you?" Jay asked me.   "Yea, What do i look like messin up my paper." I said with a laugh.   "I knew there was a reason I like you. Kid you got soul. How bout that you got a new nickname man." CJ said with a laugh.   Zay and me left and once we got to the car we just sat in the car for a few.   "Yo man this is the perfect time to throw him over." I told Zay.   "Hell naw man he just waiting for us to slip up. We earn his trust but we haven't earn his loyalty or respect. Tomorrow will perfect to prove were loyal and he would respect us more, then give it a month or two we willl be able to take him down." Zay explained to me.   "We will see." I repiled.   'Ok, and do me a favor bro drop me off to my girl crip." Zay asked me.   "Yea no problem, I should hurry and get you there before she beat your ass." I respond with a laugh.   "Nigga you mad at me cause your girl ain't putting out, damn that is that hurt. Shit I would be mad to." Zay said with a laugh.   "Man forget you, I can get pussy if wanted from old girl anytime." I responed.   "Yea right, that girl would cuss your ass out then dump you." Zay said with another laugh.   "Man get the fuck out my car." I repiled with smile.   "Yea I'm leaving." Zaylin respond.   "Ay Zay don't forget I will meet you at the spot tomorrow." I said before driving off.   I dropped Zay at his old lady house then went to mall to check out some more chains. Once i got there I went inside the store and saw some cutie in a tight short black dress, who had long straight hair and some sexy big hips and lips. I walked over to shorty and we hit it off immediately.Next thing I know we back at my place and shorty made it worth while, especailly when she went down on me.   ---------------------------------------   When I finally got home is was 3'oclock in the morning. I jumped throught my window so my mom wouldn't hear me come in. I shut the window back, then the lights flicked on. I realized I wasn't alone, I turned around slowly with my hand on my gun for safety and saw it was my mom standing by my door.   "Damn mom you scared the hell out of me." I told her.   "You scared me to Zaylin. You want to know why?" She asked me.   "Cause i came throught the window instead of the door?" I asked her.   "No, cause your narrow ass has been gone for pass 24hrs without letting me know if your safe." She said.   "I'm sorry ma you know how me and Trey get when we hangout." I told her well getting ready for bed.   "Stop lying to me I was on the phone with Trey mom and she said he had some girl up in the room with him, so where have you been?" She asked me.   "No where just been chilling so just drop it." I repiled while getting into bed.   "TELL ME THE TRUTH ZAYLIN BECKON." She demanded.   "Love you ma, good-night." I told her while closing my eyes.   "Don't do it Zay please don't." She begged me.   I got up and stared at her with a confused look on my face.   "What are you talking bout?" I asked.   "You don't thing I know what you and your brother be doing, your father Richard was in a gang to, so please stop lying to me. And I know bout your little girlfriend." She repiled.   "Nobody's joined a gang, and I was with Porsche  all day. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. Can I go to sleep now?" I responded.   "Yes, and don't bring no child up in this house you to young to be having kids at the age of 16 boy. And I'm to young to be a grandma." She told me.   "Trust me, I don't want no kid either." I repiled while laying back down and closing my eyes.    Cassie cut off the lights and left out the room. I lay down thinking how the hell did she figure out that I was apart of  TTG. Then of all the things she could say she brings that dead beat man name out of her mouth. I can't remeber a time when he called or send a letter on our birthdays or holidays. The last time I saw him was bout three years ago when he promised to be apart of our lifes for good, then two weeks later took all of our money and left us in debt. I swear if I even seen that man again I would kill him.    Couple of hours later I woke up and got ready to pick up the package from the ware house. I texted Soul to let him know that I will met him at the drop off. When i pulled up at warehouse CJ and Jay was waiting outside, I parked the car and walked towards them.   "Wassup Zay." CJ greeted me .   "Nothing much, wassup with you man." I repiled.   "I'm great, I'm just worried about you and Soul not messing up this deal." CJ responded.   "Didn't I tell you not to worry man we got this." I assured him.   " I hope so." Jay said while handing me the package.   After I took it Jay walked away. I know things been different since I join, to be honest I really don't care how he feels. All I want is the power and money. I dabed of CJ and walked back to the car, the only thing on my mind was to make sure Trey was ready for this. I finally pulled up at the spot after 45 mins of driving. I quickly text Trey to see where he was at. A figure on the othe side of the road move closer to my car for safety I grabbed my gun just in case shit got crazy. When the figure was in front of my tinted black 2017 Chevorlet Tahoe, my gun was sitting right in my lap, I rolled down the window to get a better look. Staring me right in the face was a gun, all I hope was that soul was somewhere nearby ready to blast this nigga.     Chapter 5: Unexpected  "Ay man who the fuck is you?" The guy asked. "Nigga who the fuck is you?" I throw back at him.   The guy opened my door and pulled me out, before I hit the ground and I stood up while pointing my gun directly at him.   "Yo man dont make me ask you again." I told him.   The man lowered his gun and threw it by feet, I picked it up still holding him at gun point. I bend down and picked up the gun, when I stood up another gun was pointed right at my head.   "If I was you, I would drop those guns before you got hurt." The second guy said.   "Naw nigga I'm straight but you on the other hand ain't go live to see tomorrow." I told him.   Before he had the chance to blink, I snatch the gun right out his hand and had him on his knees with both of the guns pointed at each of them.   "I'm only going to ask one time who sent you. If i get no answer I will make sure y'all both have a closed casket, so start spelling." I demanded them.   "Man we here to meet someone." The one on the ground said.   "Who?" I asked.   The guy behind me ran up and tackle me on the ground both guns flew out my hands. They both picked up the guns and pointed them in direction. In my head the only thing I'm thinking is where the fuck is Trey.   ---------------------------------------------   "Please Trey just stay for five more minutes." Sasha begged me.   "I got to go sexy  but I'll catch you later ok." I responed to her. But she wouldn't take no for an answer, before I knew shorty just start kissing me while taking off my shirt. With out even thinking i threw her on the bed and got on top of her. Just when things where getting tense my phone went off.   "YO" I said in the phone, still kissing up on Sasha.   "Soul how did the drop off go?" CJ asked him.    I quickly got off the bed and check the time. Fucking I forget about the drop off, CJ was still on the line trying to get my attention.   "Soul you there man?" CJ asked.   "Yea man I'm here." I whispered in the phone.   "So are you going to tell me how it went or are we just going to sit here on the phone all day?" CJ asked irrated.   "Oh the drop off went really good man." I repiled while putting on my clothes.   "Good, tell me why Zay ain't answering his phone?" CJ asked getting more irrated by each second.   "His phone dead but he just drop me off man, but don't worry ok. All you need to do is focus on what's making you mad." I respond while putting on my shoes and grabbing my keys.   "What's making me mad is that Jason or Rick never sent me the text that they got they got the package." CJ threw at me.   "Ok man don't worry I will go back to the spot to see if they still there, So contact you later." I repiled while hanging up the phone.   "Yo shorty where's my wallet?" I asked impatiently.   "Right here but you can get it back once you make up for answering the phone during our time." she repiled.   "Not palying with you, give it to me." I told her.   "I will give you something alright." Sasha responded playfully.   I grabbed her by her arm and snatched my wallet our her hand. I quickly walked out the house and got into my car. Sasha ran out the house right behind him in nothing but her painties on she stood right in front of the car. I jumped out the car and walked over to her.   "Move before I run your ass over, and I'm not playing either." I told her.   " No you promise me this wasn't a one night stand Trey I'm not going anywhere." She said holding her ground.   "I lied and you need to be out my house before I come back." I told her while walking back to the car. I restart the car and moved the car forward so she could jump back and moved out the way. When she realize I was serious about running her over, she quickly step aside so I could go. I sped to the drop off spot as quick as I could. All I was thinking if something happen to Zay it will be all my fault.   Ten mins later I arrived at the spot and saw that Zay was being held at gun point. I jumped out the car and sneaked around them so they couldn't see or hear me coming. There was tree about 5 feet away from them so I went and hide behind it, I looked at the ground and saw what looks like Zay gun and picked up. Right when the guys turned there back on Zay to look inside the truck I ran up to Zay and gave him is gun, we both ran up to them and pointed the guns to the back of there heads.   "Yo man who the fuck are you and why in the hell did you have my homeboy at gun point?" I asked madly.   They slowly turned around and drop there weapons, the guns didn't even faze them.   ''Our partner CJ will come lookin for y'all the moment I don't send the text." One of the guys said.   "Hold up are y'all Rick and Jason?" I asked curiolsy.   "Who askin?" The second guy asked.   "We where the one's CJ sent to drop off the product." I said while lowering the gun.   "Oh Y'all soul and Zay?" We shook our heads to let them know."Man our bad for holding you to gun point." Rick repiled.   "It's all good." Zay responded.   Me and Jason had went to the car so I could give him the package and he can give me the money. Once the exchange was over Jason pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to CJ to inform him the deliver was made.   "Ay kid what's your nickname?" Jason asked Zaylin.   "Zay, why?" He repiled irrated.   "Because man you move like a fucking ghost. i didn't see you even take that gun out my hand, right Rick?" Jason asked.   "Hell yea man. Lucky for you your homebody came as soon as he did, or we would have shoot your ass up." Rick respond with a smile.   "Yea luck me." Zay said while lighting his blunt   "Speaking of timing why where you late? The boss told us we would see a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, that's how we would know that y'all were the right people." Rick explained.   "There was a issue at my place I had to take care of." I lied to them.   Rick and Jason shook there heads to let me know they understand. Zaylin just looked at me like who knew I was lying and walked away. I was going to follow him but decide against it, he probably  needed some time to calm down. I knew that I fucked up big time and that if I hadn't show up when I did my best friend would be dead over some bitch I just met. Chapter 6: Wrong Place  The next day I went over to Zaylin house to make it up to him. I blew the horn to let him know I was outside waiting on him, couple mins later he comes outside and get's in the car.   "So I decide to have a bro night to tell you how sorry I'm truly am." I explained to him.   "Man we good, I already told you this." Zaylin repiled.   "I know what you say but I still want to make it up to you man that wasn't cool on my part." I told Zay.   "Damn man you over there gettin soft as shit." Zay respond with a laugh.   "Bro fuck you I was trying to do the right thing, but forget." I told him.   "Damn Soul if you going to have mood swings I should've just went to my girl house.' Zay said with a smile.   "Forget you nigga, last time I do shit for you." I respond with a laugh.   "Yea right will see." Zaylin repiled.   Me and Zay did some much that morning. I took him to the strip club, cause I knew no one would be there that early. After that we went to the mall to buy some new clothes to wear to the club tonight. I had everthing planned to the V.I.P Section, to the girls, and the alcohol. Tonight was going to best night of my boy life, and hopefully me doing this for him would make it up to him. I feel terrible but tonight all that is going to change.  By the time 12' o clock me and Zay where on the way to the club. When we arrive I gave the valet my keys an we went inside for a good time. We walked in and was lead righ to the V.I.P Section of the club, girls were already in there having the time of there lifes.   "So you had everthing planned out to the max?" Zay asked.   "Hell yea man tonight we party like the Kings we are." I repiled.   We dab off and went to drinking, smoking, and dancing the night away with the hottest girls in the club. About two hours later I felt someone tapping my shoulder, I turned around and saw Sasha standing there with her hands on her hip.  So many thoughts where running through my mind, the main one was that this bitch is going to get me cased up.   "Trey why haven't you returned any of my calls?" Sasha whinned.   "I've been busy what are you doing here?" I asked her.   "It's my girl birthday and she told me some guy wanted a bunch of the girls in V.I.P Section with him, so we decide to go. But why are you up here?" She asked me.   "Me and my homeboy are hangout in our V.I.P Section." I respond.   Next thing you know I saw Zay bring up Jason and Rick. I knew my night was going to get fucked up. I grabbed Sasha arm and led her away fronm all of them and into the corner.   "Listen I promise we can talk bout it later but I need you to go now." I told her.   "Why so you can cheat on me?" She asked.   I looked at her like she was crazy. How can I cheat on her when we ain't together. But I had to play the part until she left.   "Look baby no body going to cheat on you. I promise my boys over there it was just us, with you here I broke it so can you just chill out please." I begged her   "Fine but your paying for me and my girls drinks tonight." She demand me.   "Ok that's fine." I said.   Sasha went over and grabbed her friends and left the V.I.P Section. I walked over the Zay, Jason. and Rick with drinks in my hand, quickly hand one to everyone.    "Nice little area you got." Jason said.   "Thanks, I just wanted to have a little privacy from everyone." I repiled.   "Yea this spot is perfect." Zaylin said while taking another shot.   We all start taking shots then all three of them got up and start dancing with some random girls. I sat there and drinked some more until some girl came up and sat in my lap. She took the glass out my hand and poured the shot down her thoat, she laugh after she took it and kiss me. We stood up and went on the dance floor, the girl started to grind up while kissing my neck and I didn't stop her. Before I had the chance to blink Sasha came up and pulled the girl off of me and slap her. All eyes was on the three of us in the whole section. Zay, Rick, and Jason came up and helped me pull the girls apart.   "Yo ladies what the hell is going on?" Rick asked the girl I was dancing with.   "This Bitch just came up and hit me, she luck y'all pulled us apart before I could whip her ass." The girl repiled.   "Baby girl why did you try to fight her?" Zay asked Sasha.   "Cause she was all over my man." Sasha repiled proudly.   Zay looked at me and I knew what he thought was going on. But only if he knew the truth of what happened.   ------------------------------   After last night events Trey had some plans to make it up to me. He was really mad at his self because he knew there was a chance I could've died and it would have been his fault. I told him a thousands time that we good but he wouldn't take that as anwser. So went to the strip club and had all the girls at our display, we spent about 1k in there. Then my boy and me had to get some new threads to show off at the club tonight. Trey had shut down two sections of the V.I.P. area for us and it was full of girls and alcohol, we had a blast. Then some girl had walked up to Soul and they started talking I didn't think nothing of it. I saw Rick and Jason on the floor so I decide to call them up and have a drink or two. Everything was going good until a fight had broke out between these girls, seeing that Trey was up in the mixed I knew one of the girls was tripping for no reason of a dude that couldn't care less. I took the matters into my hands so that shit wouldn't get more out of hand.   "What's your name?" I asked the girl claming to be Soul girl.   "Sasha." She whispered.   "Listen Sasha why don't we go some where private and talk this out." I respond very slowly.   "I'm not going anywhere until Trey tell me why the hell he left me last night and why he is here with some hoe?" Sasha yelled arcoss the room.   Something inside of me clicked just then. Soul was handling something last night and she is standing right here. He would've let me died over a piece of ass, my best friend choosed pussy over me. I don't know what came over me, I pulled out my gun and aim that shit at Soul, shots where fired and hopefully I hit my target. Chapter 7: Locked Up The police came and shut down the club. All of us ending up getting kicked out of the club for good and we ended up getting booked downtown. In the holding cell I just sat there thinking about how Trey fucked me over. Jason and Rick sat right next to me, they both though Soul was fucked up for doing that to me. Soul was just laying his head against the wall on the opposite side of the room.    "I'm sorry bro." Trey said looking at me.   "Yea, well I'm sorry that I trust you." I respond.   "I did fuck up big time but your like my brother and I will always be there for you man." Soul repiled.   That time i got mad I stood and threw the water they gave me at the wall.   "Where the hell where you when I was fighting for my life? Huh and where the hell where you when we were supposed to drop off my sister (code for package)?" I yelled at him   Everyone in the holding cell was looking at me like I was crazy, even the police where staring at us listening like it was some kind of show. I know Soul was sorry but I could never forgive him for ehat he did to me.   "Man I did forget about the dropping of your sister and I'm sorry, but once I remebered nothing was going to stop me from having your back man." Trey told me.   I went and sat next to him I knew what he said was true, and at the end of the day he has been more of a brother to me than Jay. But he would have to earn my trust back. A couple of hours later somebody post our bail, and had it taken off our record, we all walked out side and saw CJ and Jay leaning aganist the car.   "What the hell is y'all problem?" CJ asked in a irrated voice.   "Nothing" Trey repiled.   "You got a lot of nerve speaking to me Soul, where the hell were you at during the time of the drop off?" CJ demand.   "No where important." Was all he said.   "Your luck that Ghost wasn't hurt or I would have killed you myself." Jay repiled.   I looked at Jay and saw he was serious, I knew that things between has been different lately but to hear him say he still cares made me kinda remember the days I looked up at him as a kid.    "I'm fine, and stop ganging up on my bro." I responded.   "Fine but you two are coming with me." CJ said.   We both got into his car and we where driving out in the middle of no where. I knew either CJ would kill Soul for being dishonest or Kill me for disrespecting him, either way somebody was bout to die out here tonight. He stopped the car and got out and leaned on the hood of the car. We just sat there for awhile watching him very careful.    "Bro tell me you grabbed your gun from the station?" Trey asked me.   "No but I know where one is at. Be my look out." I repiled.   I put my hand under the passanger seat and grabbed the gun, the only problem was that there was two of us and only one gun. It would be very hard to guess who would try and kill. I hand the gun over to Soul knowing that if he got the chance he would take the shot. He tucked it into his pants and put his shirt over it.  We got out of the car and stood right in front of him.    "You boys are like my sons you know that." CJ said.'   "Yep." Me and Soul said at the same time.   "Good and it hurts me to know that one of y'all aren't really focus on the fact that  I own a  business and I need professionals." CJ explained.   I knew who he was talking about, the only person who has been being careless for the past years now, and dosen't care for the gang life anymore. CJ saw going to kill my brother.   "What the hell did you do to Jay?" I asked.   "Your brother hasn't been really focus on the gang as much as before, and you are doing the same so making a example out of your brother should do the trick." He said with a smile.   -------------------------------------------    After getting bail out of jail, CJ told me and Ghost to take a drive with him. Everyone knows that if your going to take a drive with him make sure it's not in the middle of no where. And being here with him right now I know that either Zay or me will be burying the other tonight. When Zay asked about Jay I had no idea that CJ would do that to him, knowing that this was about to happened. I pulled out the gun and shot him in the hand and stomach. CJ phone flew out his hand and he hit the ground, me and Zay walked up to him.   "Thanks for everything but I think we got it from here." Zay said.   Before CJ could say anything I lit him up with bullets.  Zay went around and got the shovels we begin to dig his grave. Once we finished with everything we had to make it seem like a rival, Zay told me he would handle that part for us while I make it seem like CJ dropped us off hour ago. I grabbed Cj phone and begin texting people on the drive back and called off the hit on Jay.   "What's next?" I asked Zay   "Well the gang now goes over to Jay." He respond   I waited for him to finish the sentence but that's all that he would say. I know that Zay would never  kill his brother and I don't expect him to all I need him to do is remove his brother from the throne. Zay dropped me off five blocks away so no one would recoginze CJ car. I went to my girl house cause it was only three blocks away from me, I knocked on her window and a light flicked on.   "Where the hell have you been in the past three days?" She questioned me.   "I'll explain everything if you let me in." I told her, she opened her window to let me. Once inside I started to kiss on her, but she pushed me away.   "Where that little trick at Trey?" She asked with her hands on her hip.   "Who talking bout?" I asked while walking closer to her.   "I know bout Sasha you two timing jerk." She screamed at me.   "Yea I slept with her cause your not putting out anymore" I said defensibly.   "Cause i'm not trying catch anything with your hoeing ass." She said angrily.   "Well i'll make it eaiser for you we done shorty." I said while climbing back out the window.   I heared her screaming my name but I just kept walking home like I didn't hear a thing. Once I got home I jumped in my car and went for a drive to clear my head and think of way to get rid of Jay if needed. I was driving on the highway once I saw that girl that I wa dancing went at the club.    I pulled up next to her and she got into the car. I knew tonight I was going so pussy after all. I couldn't wait either. Chapter 8: New Kings I woke up got dresss and headed out side to my baby. Once inside the car I drove to the warehouse to see did anybody find out about CJ yet. When I pulled up I saw Zay car , I parked right next to his ride and went striaght inside. Right when I walked in I saw everyone in a group meeting.    "Thanks for finally joining us." Jaydan said.   "No problem" I repiled and everyone kinda laugh, but stopped once Jay gave them a look.   "As we all know that CJ is missing but his car was find on the snakes territory last night on fire. I want all of you to be on the lock out for him until then Your looking at the new leader. And my second right hand will be Soul and Ghost. If you can't reach me get with these two and I promise you I will get info faster. Does everyone understand." Jay explained.   We all shook our heads yes then went back to making the money. Me and my boy second in command is a stepping stone to what we really want, Can't wait till we get to become the new leaders.   --------------------------------------------   After I dropped Trey off five blocks down I had to think of a good place to take CJ car. The only place I could think of was the Snakes, there are our rival gang and it would be easy to fram them for his murder. I took the car to one of the neigborhoods they mostly try to leave us a message. When one of our guys go missing there bodies are always here on the news so this would be perfect. I drove with lights off to make sure no one could see me. Once in a good enough spot I grabbed the gas and poured it all over the car and set it on fire. A car drove up and saw it explode and right when that happen some of the gang members start coming around to see what had happen. I was hiding behind the tree to make sure evertything goes to plan, once I heard the sirens coming I disappered out of sight and went home to crash. Once I got home my brother Jay was waitting on me.   "Where have you been?" Jay asked corncern."   "Out with Trey where else." I repiled irrated.   "Look I know we haven't been the same  since that inccident but I would like for us to go back to the old days." Jay told me.   "There's a reason while they called them the old days." I said and walked striaght into my room.   Once I was in my room my girl ended up calling me, so I anwser the phone.   "Wassup baby" I said.   "Wassup where the hell have you been I have been waitting on your ass for the pass hour." She shouted through the phone.   "What are you talking bout?"   "Our date or did your forget again." She repiled irrated.   "I'm sorry but I prom---" But before I could fiinish she interrupted me.   "Forget this you don't give me any time anymore and this relationship isn't the same anymore and i'm tired for competing for you love, i'm sorry." She said then hanged up the phone.   I really didn't care that she broke up with me cause she wasn't on her A-game in bed anymore.I went striaght to slept after that phone call for hours until Jay told me we have a meeting to go to and if I'm not there, I'll have hell to pay. I got dress and got into my car and drove to the warehouse. Zay explained to us what happened to CJ and that me and Soul were second in command. Once everybody left the room me and Trey went outside for a smoke.   "Only one step close." Soul said.   "Yep and to think that you almost blew that shit." I said with a laugh.   "Yea I will take credit for that, last time I let a bitch run me over." Trey respond.   "Except for your old girl." I repiled.   "Nope broke up with shorty last night, she doing to much. But i did get laid by that girl I was dancing with a the club" He explained.   "Damn bro the crazy girl"   "No the one she was fighting, bro that girl gave me the best head."   "A least you got some last night. While my girl broke up with me last night ." I told Trey.   "Really man why?" He asked.   "Cause I wasn't giving her all my attention.But I htink the really reason is because I wouldn't take her on a shopping spree no more." I said with a laugh.   "Why not bro?"   "Cause shorty spent 50k in the mall in 2 hours bro I ain't got time for the shit."   "Shorty would have paid me back." Trey said with a laugh." Well we find some better queens to be with dont worry bout it bro."   "Maybe one who would actually go down for once." I respond.   "They better if they want to be our Queens." Trey said.   We dabed off and finished our smoke. The time to take over the gang is here, my brother isn't going to know what hit him. I hope there ready to embrace there new kings. Publisher: BookRix GmbH & Co. KG Implerstraße 24 81371 Munich Germany Text: Charity Oliver Images: Google Images Editing: Charity Oliver & Kadeem Robinson All rights reserved. Publication Date: February 8th 2018 https://www.bookrix.com/-dx7838aa9cd6495 ISBN: 978-3-7438-2217-7

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-daisuke-angels-on-earth/

Daisuke :) Angels On Earth Book One PROLOGUE ~How the 4 Great Angels came to be~   All of the Angels were created for good, until Lucifer made a third of the congragation of angels bow to him so he became the Abiss, so The Black Wings was created to serve him and the others, Golden Topaz, Sapphire, Ameythst and Fiery Ruby wing, were made to replace Lucifer. The Eternal Guide was made to help the 4 Great Angels, but was sealed by The Black Wings a century ago, but was released by a male possessed by the Ameythst wing and Fiery Ruby wing. And the 4 Great Angels sealed the Black Wings, But....   Two years earlier, the 4 Great Angels had fought against the Black wings, in order to keep peace, making it the most violent day in history.   ~Two Years earlier~   "The Black Wings." Dainiel said sternly to the other 3 Angels, "He is unsealed again." "No, we can't let him join us. He'll make us demonic and controlled by the Abiss. We have to stop it!" Sapphire said with such strength that the other Angels had to agree. They nodded "Let's go, time is running out." Israel concluded "Yep, even as a Theif, I must help to stop it." Enoc said as he spread his black wings, the others spread their wings and began to soar through the pitch black sky. Just then an earthquake shook the Earth and sky, making the angels hit the Statue in the middle of the city. "Ugh!" Sapphire shouted as she smacked into the statue and while falling "Sapphire!" Dainiel shouted to her as he swooped up to grab her. "Are you ok?" "Yes, but-" Sapphire was interrupted by Enoc "Hey! Here he is." Enoc grumbled as he darted toward Krad, the Black Wings. "You think we are going to leave you here unsealed and alive?!?"  SLASH! "Oh, really, my Dark friend, why don't you come and join me again?" Krad said slashed into Enoc's chest "VIOLENCE IS NOT TO MY TASTE, KRAD! AND FOR YOUR INFORMATION, THE ONLY ORDERS I TAKE ARE FROM MYSELF!!!"  Enoc said as he punched him, but got slashed into again "That's enough!"  WHAM! "I had ENOUGH OF YOU, KRAD! YOU DESPICABLE DEMON!!" Sapphire shouted as she crashed into Krad, but fails to knock him down and gets yanked and banged by the hair onto the Black Wing's Statue. "DAMNED...!" She said as she passed out and fell to the ground. "Oh, I can seal you as well, my love. I see now. You peeps want to seal and destroy me, but I guess I'm too strong, even for my twin." He smirked "LOL If I could believe that, Krad." Israel said in reply "We shall seal you!" "If that could ever ha-" Just then Dainiel crashed into Krad, combining to make a beam of light, then crashing into the Black Wings "You have had enough play time, now let's get serious. Shall We?" Dainiel said, grinning with anger "That's- not- f-air!" Krad struggled, "Y-you- were- m-m-made- to- fight!" "No, there is a difference. You are a demon and we are Angels. Got it? Good."  "Well, don't because you are going to-" "To what?" "Seal all the others as well!" Krad said taking off Dainiel and crashing into him again and into the others as well. "You are going to get sealed as well!" He said the final words and accidentally sealed himself Jetzt versiegeln alle diese Engel für zwei Jahre , bis die Zeit abgelaufen ist! "NOOOOOO!" Everybody shouted and all the Angels and Demon were sealed for 2 long years.... Until....Now     Chapter One- Meeting a Strange Family ~Nagato's POV~     Hello! I'm Nagato Honda and I'm 16, my mother died 2 weeks ago and my father died when I was one year old, but he died of pneumonia. I did not know him so much and I only have a picture of him. I live in a tent because when my mother died, I was kicked out of her house, so basically I must survive in a tent in which I work to buy food. I had some soup and was off. "Well I'm off!" I tell the picture of my mother as if she where still alive and there. I head to Shanghai High School, one of the best. Yup.    "NAGATO!" "Yes?!" I turned around rapidly. "You should wait cuz we go to the same homeroom, you remember?""Emiko yelled. "Oh! Yeah, sorry Emiko!" I responded "Don't Worry, I'm used to you doing that, and where's Saki?" "I'm here." Saki said calmly. "Oh, now we can go to homeroom together!" I said joyously! So we went to homeroom in which we were almost late but we made it on time when they were about to do a roll call. We sat all together because we love to chat! "Ok let's see who's her-"  "SUMINASEN! SENSEI!!!!!" Shouted a boy from across the room, we call him "Saheara' "Yes, Saeheara?!?"The teacher said annoyingly, "I never get to finish roll call?!? Let me guess you have to go to the bathroom?!? Correct?!?" "YASSS!!!!" Saheara yelled "Then, GOOOO!!!!"The teacher yelled back, she sighed "Well, now I will call roll, Emiko Uochan," "Her." "Lisa Hiwikari" "Her'"  "It's Here NOT Her'," She let out a Sigh,"Ok, Saheara went to the bathroom." "Daiki Souma" "Present"  SQUEAL!!!  "Satoshi Souma and Sebastian Souma" "Present" Another burst of SQUEALS " GGGGIIIIRRRLLLSSS! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU!!!! STOP SQUEALING WHEN I SAY DAIKI SOUMA, SEBASTIAN SOUMA AND SATOSHI SOUMA!!!!" The room went silent. Her face was on fire, her ears were letting out steam, a true thing to see in the morning. You can tell she did not have her coffee. She let out a Sigh of Anger.     ~Later That Day~   At 4:00 PM, I let out a sigh of relief but I still have to go to work, so I can go to school, because when my mom was alive she paid school for me but now I must work to pay. It's really entertaining. "Man. Work for that girl always gets easier everyday." The other employees say always when I work because I run around from place to place and all they can do it stand and watch me.  About a hour later, I leave work to go to my tent, believe me that's my fastest day at work ever! "Man, I think I'm lost," I hevaly huffed up the hill,"I think I took a wrong tur-" I gasped, "Such a lovely home! These are the zodiac ornaments and the 4 great angels!" "Yes, they are." I swiftly, but scared turned around to see a light brown haired, adult male. "W-wh-o are you?!" I whispered/yelled  "Why I am sorry if I startled you, young lady, but my name is Shitan So-" SMACK! "Forgive my cousin here," Another voice said,  "That hurt ya know!" Shitan said annoyingly, I looked behind him to see Satoshi Souma! "But I think I don't need to present myself but my name is Satoshi Souma (he has aquamarine eyes with grayish-blue hair), what is your name?" "Maybe I can tell you that, Satoshi. Her name is Nagato Honda, age 16, in 10th grade, born on May 22, living in a tent on the hill and her mother, sad but true, had died two weeks ago. Am I correct, Miss Honda?" "Daiki Souma! (He is a ruby-haired male with ruby red eyes, so handsome)Y-yes, you are correct, how d-did you know that?!?" I said flustered "I always say this, I know what I know, Miss Honda." He said in a smooth voice, "That sounds quite rude, Master Daiki and Master Satoshi. Forgive me for interrupting your conversation." "Sebastian Souma!" I said, even more flustered by their politeness and stalker-like knowledge.  "Honey, you are so adorable in that uniform!" Said a high-pitched and cheery voice. I turned around to see a silver-haired female with emerald eyes, so beautiful, almost inhumane. She wore a black, purple and white dress, like a maid's dress. "Um, sorry if I sound rude but, what is your name?" I almost screached. "Oh! Sorry 'bout that, sweetheart! My name is Toa! And Yes, I'm the family maid!" Toa cheered with pep "Ah, how d-did you know I w-as going to a-ask t-t-that?!?" I wondered by shouting confused-like. "Oh, I'm the Eternal Guide! But I like to be called Toa and Daiki found me all alone and he brought me here, so I decieded, since he helped get out of an old statue, to become their maid!" What a Strange Family!       Chapter Two- A Landslide  "Would you like anything to drink, Miss Honda?" Daiki said, making me like melting butter with is soft voice. "Don't let his voice trick you, he is vicious, hateful, despised by us Souma's" Satoshi said with a hateful hiss. "That's enough, Master Satoshi, maybe you need some rest. Your room is clean." Said Sebastian. He let out a sigh. "He is only stressed from the test, ignore him for now." Satoshi stormed to his room, stomping angrily I have never seen Satoshi like that, he's always so kind at school, he sounded so hateful when he talked about Daiki. "Are you ok, Daiki?" I asked him with consern "Yes, don't worry about me, Miss Honda, he does that many times. So what would you like to drink? We have cold water, coffee and tea." He said with a normal talk but more cheery "Oh, I would like some tea, please!" I said happily! He giggled "Ok, Miss Honda! Since you are so enthusiastic, what would you like to eat? It is 5'oclock and I bet-" My stomach grumbled before he could finish his sentence. "You are hungry coming from work. Am I right?" He said, chuckling. "Yes, um, do you have a restroom?" I said nervously, trying not to pee on myself (I know you are thinking TMI WOMAN!) "Yes, we do, Miss Honda. Let me show you where it is." Said Sebastian, in a butlerish way, "Follow me, please." There was this door in which Sebastian typed in a code for it to open. When that sliding door made out of silver opened, I saw this huge hallway with marble flooring and many huge doors made with beautiful wood and at the end of the hallway was a stair case. "I know, this is a huge house." Sebastian said as we walked down the hallway "Um, Sebastian?" I asked, pondering "Yes, Miss Honda?" He said with a smooth tone of voice, for the first time. "Um, are you the Souma butler?" I asked, nervously, thinking he would say, That is none of your business. "Yes, even though I am Daiki's younger twin." He responded cheerfully, smiling humbly "Really? Because Daiki has ruby-red hair and you have smooth black hair!" I shouted back "Ah, Daiki got his ruby-red hair from our grandfather and I got my black hair from my father." He said truthfully and still humble "But why do you call Daisuke, Master Daiki?" I still asked. "How about you go to the bathroom and when you come out I will explain." He responded "Ok." I said, trying not to pee, and I ran inside the bathroom and when I turned on the lights, I was astounded by how enormous and beautiful the bathroom was, with the golden faucet, and the marble floor, too beautiful to describe. So I used the bathroom quickly and went out to see Sebastian. "Ah, now to explain. When we were little, we were seperated from each other for 4 years and after that we did not reconize each other, so he found me in an alley, beat up and wounded by the Leader of the Souma's, Akito. So he found me and he picked me up and asked me my name and I responeded, Sebastian Niwa, he immediatly reconized me and hugged me, even how dirty I was, he still hugged me and brought me inside the Souma home and I said,"Even if you are my brother, for your kindness, I will be your butler, Master Daiki!" I said with tears in my eyes." Sebastian said sighing "Oh, now I get it, you and Toa serve Daiki because of his kindness, then why did Satoshi said he was cruel and evil?" I pondered to Sebastian. Just then an enormous earthquake shook the house and I fell to the floor. "Miss Honda!!!" Sebastian shouted as I fell, picking me up and holding me close to him as we ran down the hallway to see if the others were okay.  "Whoa! What was that?!? Toa and Shitan shouted, panicing! "It's ok! That was just a small earthquake, only meaning one thing." Daiki said "WHAT DOES IT MEAN?!?" We all shouted to Daiki! "Chill, I think it means that the 4 Great Angels are going to appear tonight!" Daiki shouted back in response! "Is Dark the Phantom one of them?" I asked "Because he is going to steal the beautiful work of art, the Amethyst Cross, which is said to contain the power of Life, tonight at 11:30 pm. I saw heard that on the radio this morning that he sent a warning letter about the Ameythst Cross." "He is one of the Angels alright, but his real name is Enoc, but they also call him the Amethyst Wing, because of his eyes and did you know he's the death angel! The other Angels, Dainiel, the Fiery Ruby Wing, he has white hair with fiery ruby eyes and wears a cloak with ruby red outlines, it is said he was the Angel who made Sodom and Gomorrah burn up and stayed with Jesus as he died, trying to comfort him. The Golden Topaz Wing, Krad or Israel, he fought Jacob, who he soon named Israel. He has golden topaz eyes with golden hair and wears a golden cloak. The Saphire Wing, Hadasa or Esther, it is said she she made the flood that destroyed everything. She has saphire eyes with black hair. She wears a white dress with sapphires. But there is a Demon that looks like Krad but has a more hateful face and we named him the Black wing, making the evil star if he joins the angels and that can be trouble!" Daiki said worried. "Well let me look out the window." "What do you see?" I said "A landslide has happened and it is near your tent, actually over your tent, Miss Honda!"   Chapter Three- A Feverish NIght with Angels  "MY MOTHER'S PICTURE!!!!" I shouted with tears! "It's ok! I'll go get it" said Satoshi calmly, trying to calm me down. "I'll help you, Satoshi." Daiki added "Fine. I needed help anyways." He said without appreciation They went out the door, but I was worried,  Satoshi does not like Daiki, I wonder if they will fight against eachother!  "No! The sun just set!" I said panicing, "I feel so cold and my nose is running and I fee-" I fell to the floor, "MISS HONDA!!!" Daiki yelled as I fell into darkness That was at 7:30 pm.   ~About an hour later~   Man. Where am I?   I thought as I looked at the environment that I was in. I was in a white and golden room, with beautiful sheets and fluffy pillows. I turned around to see a figure that looked like an angel. Wait, what? "Are you alright, Miss?" The Angel said with a simpathetic voice, "My name is Dainiel, the Fiery Wing, here to help." "You are the Fiery Wing, Mr. Dainiel?" I asked struggling to talk. "You need some rest, just call me Dainiel, ok?" He said, "You will sleep until 11 pm sharp, then turn on the Television to see Him, the Ameythst Wing. Later you will see the Golden Topaz Wing and The Sapphire Wing, with me and Dark. You are the chosen one to see us, so when You need us, there are the Feathers and sing either Byakuya o Tobe or Tatakai, ok?"  "Okay."I said as I fell asleep and he dissapeared.   ~At 11 pm Sharp~   "Honey! Wake uuuuppp! Time to see Dark da Fantom!" Toa said as she shook me joyously! "Okay, Toa!" I got up but I was slouching. Toa turned on the TV and told me; "The others are asleep and I did not teel 'um dat we were gonna see da Fantom!"   ~Dark's POV~   I think I know who's going to watch this tonight, since I haven't appeared in 2 long years! Ah my beloved, I don't remember her name, but I know she lives near by! I'll drop by later because right now, I need the Ameythst Cross! "Ah, as I thought, many lights and a bunch of action, I guess I'll turn out the lights to have some fun!" SNAP! The lights shut off.   ~Nagato's POV~   "The light's shut off! How does he do that?" I said, confused to Toa, "But have you seen the other Angels?" "Of course, honeybunch! I'm the Eternal Guide!" Toa said peppy!  "Um, I have a question, since you are the Eternal Guide, why does Satoshi sound so hatred to Daiki?" I questioned Toa. "Wait, sweetheart! Look at the TV!" She said with conserned pep.   ~Dark's POV~   Heh, this is more easier than I thought,   I thought with a smirk. "Hey! What happened to the lights?!? Get those emergency light on, NOW!!!" I heard as I sneaked into the building.  "Man, they are so stupid of thinking they would capture an Angel!" I whispered to myself as I was dashing down the hallways.  Hmm, another one of those trap rooms with all these codes. I hate these things, but on second thought, they are more fun! I jumped and smacked into a laser beam shooter, in a maze High tech, these days. But they don't work! Now let's get serious, hmmm. Ah, the code is 345421 BEEP  Got It! Now for the Prize! "Why, welcome to the Party, Dark. But I'm afraid the fun ends here!"  I turned around and saw, Satoshi Souma. He launched into action, trying to pin me to the ground, but dodged it. WHAM! "Ha, can't you police ever learn to just stop trying!" I said with a pout, laughing, "You guys are stupid." I spreaded my wings and took off, just as Satoshi tried again to pin me. "DDDDAAAARRRRKKK!" "Try again in another two years!"   ~Nagato's POV~   "How does he do it?" I mumbled, trying not to fall asleep. "Sweety, you should sleep now." Toa said, tucking me into bed, "G'night." She went to Daiki's room to sleep and I tried to fall asleep but could not. I flipped over the pillow, trying not to worry about my mother's picture and my uniform, man NEED SLEEP. Just then I heard a sound, so I got up and looked out the window to see...  "DARK!" I screamed "Yes, as usual, scaring girls." "And playing dumb." Dainiel added "But why did you guys choose me to be the person to be able to talk to you guys?" I questioned "You are special and pure to the Almighty and have spiritual eyes. You are beautiful to him as well." Israel said while kissing my hand like a gentleman. I blushed "Are you still sick?" Sapphire asked in a kind tone "I think because I'm cold and shivering." I said with goosebumps up my neck. "I forgot to tell you, we have a gift for you, Miss Nagato." Dainiel kindly spoke "What?"  "Here, let me put it on your hand." He put precious stones in shape of feathers, Golden Topaz, Sapphire, Ameythst, and Fiery Ruby feathers. "They have different powers, the same ones that each one of us has." "They are so beautiful!" I cheered in gratitude  "Now go to sleep, Chosen One," Dark and Dainiel said as they kissed me to sleep.         Chapter Four- Meeting More Family I woke up to the sound of yelling and banging. What is that? I guess I'll take a look. "Hey! I said! DONT MAKE ANY NOISE! YOU JER-" Daiki yelled as I came in the living room "WELL, It's not MY fault you are so CLUMBSY, You CLUTZ!!" A orange haired male yelled "Um, what's going on? It's only 5 am." I said nervously "Miss Honda!" Daiki said suprised "WHAT?!? ANOTHER GIRL IN THE HOUSE? WHAT I HAVE TO DEAL WITH TOA AND YOU, DAIKI BUT HER?" He shouted "What are you doing here?" The male and I yelled at each other "Lower Your Voice!" Daiki whispered, "Her name is Nagato Honda, and Nagato, this is Kinshiro Souma. Such a loud-mouthed man, right?" He said laughing hard but quietly "Hey!" Kinshiro yelled again "Maybe you should lower your voice, Mister Kinshiro. The others are still sleeping, and by the way, what were you trying to do, Daiki?" "Trying to cook some breakfast for everybody and Kinshiro starlted me by kicking down the door and breaking the hinges I just put on the door! They were brass!" Daiki argued "Hey, I knocked lightly and you did not respond so I came in my-" SLAP! "I did not hear you knock! And you have keys!" "I forgot!" "See why Satoshi calls you stupid!" SLAM! "DON'T CALL ME STUPID!" "Just saying, that did not hurt!" Daiki said confidently "Why you?!?" The veins on Kinshiro's head were purple "Miss! Miss! Fail! Rejected! Oh my poor child can't hit after years of training!" Daiki said, dodging hits and laughing, "Ok, that's enough! Imma die laughing, got to make breakfast!" Gasping for air, he went to the kitchen. "Hmph." Kinshiro grumbled while blushing He's kind of cute! "I guess you are the kind of guy who blushes a lot, right?" I said giggling "Well, you can just call me Kyo, please? Kinshiro sounds too formal." He said blushing even more. I giggled and he started to laugh. "Man, I can't stay straight with you, can I?" Laughing,  "Oki! I'll call you Kyo! Right?" I asked, giggling "What's going on? It's only 6 am?" Satoshi said groggily "Oh! Kinshiro, I mean Kyo, came!" I said cheerfully "Oh. Wait! WHO?" "Me, stupid! Can't you hear? You deaf?" Kyo said grinning "Your back? Man, I was so calm until you and Daiki came, the Noisome twins!" "Actually, me and Master Daiki are twins. Do I need to remind you, Master Satoshi?" Sebastian said with a smirk. "And Miss Honda's things, Master Satoshi and Master Daiki?" "Oh, I did not remember. I'll go get them." Satoshi said with a yawn "Tea or Coffee, Miss Honda?" Daiki and Sebastian said at the same time and they sounded like only one voice "Whoa! You guys sound like one voice!" Suprised, I said "Well, they are twins!" Kyo and Shitan said at the same time "Oh, good morning, Shitan!"  "Ohayo, Nagato!" Shitan responded "SINCE WHEN DID YOU GET BEHIND ME???" Kyo shouted confused "Justa min ago, Master Kinshiro!" Toa cheered "AND YOU???!!?"  "Sam. LOL" Toa pepped "Miss Honda, I washed your uniform since it was covered in dirt. Here you go!" Satoshi kindly gave me my uniform "Oh, you didn't have to, Satoshi!" I said blushing "Oh, it was no bother, Miss Honda, anything for your kindness!" He smiled "Miss Honda? I have a question." Daiki asked, pouting "Yes? I thought you knew everything!" I said giggling "Well, I don't but, where are you going to live, if your family is dead?" He pondered "Well, I don't know. Probably an orphanage, if you guys take me there, but I would like to live with you guys, like a cousin or sister. But it is your choice." I said pouting and my face bowed. Daiki got up and lifted up my chin and said: "You have a fighting spirit and I'm sure you would love to stay and live with us, would you?" Daiki said looking at my eyes. His eyes had something more than the color, it had like a fire in them, a living spirit, different than his own.  "I will stay here! Oh, how did you get your eye color, Daiki?" I pondered "Oh, my part of the family has red hair and eyes because of the first one." Daiki cheered "Now I see!" I felt like I discovered the world! "Oh, what's for breakfast?" "Ah, rice cakes and tea." Daiki responded TO BE CONTINUED IN BOOK TWO!    Text: BookRix Images: BookRix Editing: Daisuke Translation: Daisuke All rights reserved. Publication Date: October 15th 2015 https://www.bookrix.com/-gwad2ecee0f2155

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-kayle-mcfarlane-pca-1/

Kayle Mcfarlane Pca Part 1 Here We Go Agian So i was not having a good school year so far and to mack it worst my step sister had to come back with her bad dog. Ho did i tell you about that. Well my mom and dad are drvosed and i have to live with my step sister, Her dog, My mom, And step dad. I really hated her and the stupid dog that hates me. So she came back from vagus with her mom and step dad and her mut dog named Teddy. Alexis was her name and i called her Alex for a boy name. She goes to my school and now i have to tell her about Zayn. My boyfraind. She will do her best to mack him proud and try to steal him from me. Alexis is bffs with Jorden and the possy. I really hate Jorden and ALEXIS. Now i have to sleep on the chiar ontill my mom and step dad bild a room in the bacement because when Alexis is here she tacks my room for the rest of the time. I really dont want to go to school tomorrow. I will say i have the red spots and stay home ontill her lives. Or put red oak in her bed and then she will not go to school. YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYYA. So some of my freainds came over and we hade up a speacking. Jjrejn;kn;v vjbsd;gksdkjjnn nbslb jvfdbh sj jbvsdkghdbjh. Means that i really really really really really love chiken. Ya and tomorrow will be the worst day of my life. Ihope she gets sick and stays home Text: j Images: j Editing: h Translation: h All rights reserved. Publication Date: November 13th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-lilliey6

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-lauren-levi-unveiled/

Lauren Levi Unveiled For Sam, who was one of my first friends and for some odd reason is still my bestie. She always makes me laugh and reminds me how crazy I am. For Lauren N. Who shares my passion for writing and who is just all around an amazing, awesome, talented person and a best friend And most importantly, Zachary Levi,the guy that I love most in this world and I cant go a day without thinking about him.(Even though we havent met yet) My heart belongs to you, and i keep hope alive i will meet you one day Chapter 1 Lilith: I looked at old, abandoned warehouse I’d chosen as the portal with a dreamy wonder. In a matter of moments, Lucifer would rise and claim this land as his own. I spent years here on Earth, examining humans and their behaviors. I transmitted my reports to demons who had been sent to collect. They traveled through minor portals that served only one purpose: To get them here and back. My portal serves a much greater purpose, to bring my Father on this planet to bring havoc among these defenseless creatures whom apparently are God's “Greatest Creation”. I laughed to myself. The humans have done nothing but ruin this once beautiful planet. These beings are selfish, greedy, and ignorant. I smiled at the suffering they would soon experience. They deserved it. I have been sacrificing souls to the Dark Lord for 3 centuries now. I'm not certain that he will be able to take human form but I am convinced he will be able to rise again: The greatest Fallen Angel. I focused all my energy on spell I discovered from one of the first One Hundred Witches. I sung with such forcefulness that if any humans heard it, their ears would bleed. My portal started to shake and the incantation I sung still hummed within the walls. In front of me, the blood of an innocent I sacrificed began to sizzle as a giant rift took shape. A icy chill fell about the room as thick shadows began to spread. The darkness reveled in the innocent's blood and began to swirl around the room. An shadowy tendril reached out and soothed me with its chilling touch. I shivered as its power radiated through me and into my core. I sighed in awe as the darkness huddled together and a crimson glow broke through. A gloomy figure gracefully stepped out of the murky shadows and I immediately knelt down in respect for my master. A low chuckle filled the air and I peaked above only to be disappointed. “You sure know how to make a guy feel welcome.” I groaned as I rose from the floor. It was not my master who stood before me but one of his most favored demons whom I recognized instantly. He was tall, slender, and stood with confidence. He was smirking in amusement as he often did. The feeling of cockiness and pigheadedness floated in the air when around him. His sleek black hair complimented his piercing, icy blue eyes and his full lips made his face even more intimidatingly beautiful. His arrogance illuminated off him “Luke. What a not so pleasant surprise. May I ask what the your doing here?” The stubborn smirk only grew wider much to my irritation. “Lilith, you look ravishing. I must say that is one of the best gateways to Hell I have ever seen.” The sly smile and glint in his eyes never ceased to annoy me but I managed a slight smile at his compliment. “Your far too kind Luke.” I spoke with as much sarcasm as I could, which made him laugh deeply. “Unfortunately, that portal wasn’t meant for you.” He raised his eyebrows, straightened himself, and took on a more serious look, finally ready for business. “Lucifer sends his apologies. We have a new mission that doesn’t require his presence on Earth just yet, but he is grateful for the gateway as it will serve useful to our mission.” I nodded in seriousness as I absorbed his words but the gleam of humor was back in his face as he continued. “Our mission is to recruit humans and drag them down to hell using this portal. Before Lucifer comes to Earth we must prepare ourselves with an army ready for the apocalyptic battle. Other demons have already been sent to their towns and will be in and out of here for the next 3 months.” I smiled at the thought of having new “soldiers” in hell. New faces, more power. The whole plan was very intriguing until Luke continued. “Lucifer has paired the two of us to a little town south of here,Woods Burrow, where the two of us will be looking for ones who display the most potential.” I groaned and the playful smirk was back. “Doesn’t he know I cant stand you!” Luke's smile only grew bigger as he pretended to be hurt. “Oh come on! You know you love me. Besides, we are the best of the best. We make a great team.” He grabbed my hand and I immediately pulled away. The smile never faded from his lips. “Your arrogance will get you in trouble one day, I'd watch out.” He rolled his eyes as I lead him to the warehouse exit. “Nice to know you care.” I scoffed at him. “By the way, I'm still Father's favorite.” His laughter was loud but abrupt. “In your dreams, little Lily” I grimaced at his words. “I'll pretend I didn’t just hear you give me a nickname.” He opened the passenger door to his car and I eagerly climbed in. His car always smelt like a mix of rosemary and mint, a rather appealing scent. “What? As partners, we need to establish a close bond. Ill be the most important person to you the next 3 months.” I sighed and looked out the window. The dark gray clouds in the sky indicated rain. As soon as the thought entered my mind, a steady rainfall began to pour. “I don’t mind the rain but would you please not flood the place.” Luke's word echoed through my mind even though I tried so hard to forget he was there. I snapped back into reality and my affinity for weather allowed me to stop the rainfall immediately. Luke looked at me comfortingly. “Lets make the best of this trip okay? I want this to be a pleasant experience for the both of us.” As he spoke he put his hand on my shoulder. I shrugged off his hand but smiled reassuringly. “I can do that Mr. Know-it-all. Just keep the touching to a minimum. Remember, I have a mate back home.” He rolled his eyes and the car jolted forward and sped up. The mountains and hills all pasted by in a blur and I could tell we would reach our destination in no time. I was ready for my mission. Chapter 2 Skylar : “Skylar! Please tell me you finished the English homework.” Isabella's agonized tone pleaded as our group sat down at our usual table in Study Hall. I smiled to myself. I had predicted this morning that she would ask me for it sometime today.”Of course silly! I am actually a responsible student unlike someone I know!” I stuck my tongue at her and she frowned as I slid my worksheet on The Odessy across to her on the table. I looked around for Mr. Greene, the Study Hall supervisor but he was sitting at his desk in the corner, sipping coffee and reading Time Magazine. “Mason here” -As she spoke she grabbed her boyfriend's hand and gave him an adoring smile-“Wasn't feeling very well. We spend 4 hours on the phone just talking and talking. I needed to focus on comforting him. Besides, Mrs. Yule needs to get a life. And a boyfriend to have a little fun with.” The thought of our uptight and unlovable Literature teacher with a man made me shudder. “Oh no! Don’t put images in my head that I don’t want to see.” Isabella gave me a teasing smile and leaned into Mason's embrace. “Ha! Payback for not telling me Garret gave you his number. I had to find out from Rochelle Pearson! You know I hate listening to that girl speak unless she has something really juicy to say.” I laid my head down on the table and let out a long, exaggerated sigh. It's bad enough I’ve been trying to get Garret Hills to give me his number for 2 years, but now the whole school knows about it. “Its not a marriage proposal Isabella! Just a way to talk.” I couldn’t look at her face with my head still on the table, but I could imagine Isabella rolling her eyes. “Pa-lease ” She said, turning the word into two syllables. “You know how HUGE this is. Its a step in your back and forth constant stares and awkward conversations. Its been going on FOR-EVER! Now's the time to get some girl!” I couldn't help but smile at my best friend's encouragement. Isabella has always had a good way of giving me a confidence boost. Whether it be when we were 5 and I was deathly afraid of riding a bike. Or when I was terrified of my first roller coaster at 9. Even recently when I had to suffer the most unbearable tragedy, she was always there, giving me the courage I needed. Of course, this applied to boys as well and since 9th grade the only guy for me had been Garret. I took a deep breath and gave my Isabella a reassuring smile. “Optimism”. I lifted my head up and cringed at the word. Nothing seemed to be going my way lately, there is no point in hoping. “I know, I know. Its hard for you to have a little faith, but I have have enough for the both of us.” She poked my forehead with her pencil and continued to copy down the answers of my English homework. I turned to the rest of our group. Jayden, the quirky athletic guy of our group was intensely twisting a blonde curl of his girlfriend Miya's hair. Miya, who always wore a smile, was looking blankly out the window at the stormy morning sky. “Why have you guys been so quiet?” I waved in Jayden and Miya's direction. I was able to capture Jayden's attention but Miya kept staring out the closed window. “Nothing. Just one of those mornings I guess.” He flipped his light brown hair out of his face and tugged at the curl of Miya's hair. “Sweetie, what are you looking at?” Miya blinked a few times and looked at the worry on Jayden's face. “I'm fine. I'm just sad that it might rain. I don’t want my hair to get wet.” Miya groaned and pouted, Jayden laughed and kissed the tip of Miya's nose. I averted my eyes to avoid watching them cuddle and make silly faces at each other. I grabbed my sketch book out of my bag and started to looked at my previous work. I laughed to myself at how bad my drawings have gotten. I just don’t have the passion for it anymore. Not since.....My mothers passing. It was hard for me to even think the words but at some point, I'm going to have to face the devastation staring at me in the face. Its been months of people asking me non-stop if I was okay and each time, I'd shrug and tell them things are starting to look up but its always been a lie. My label, the pitiful girl who lost her mother and has a workaholic for a father, has had everyone in town on their best behavior around me. Teachers are less strict, gift baskets await me on my front porch, even walking on the street the townsfolk have a smile and something nice to say about me. That’s the price I pay for living in a small town where everyone knows about everything. The bell signaling the end of 2nd period startled me. Isabella rose up and kissed Mason goodbye. Jayden gave Miya an encouraging smile as they pushed in their chairs. “Ready for Hell.” Isabella moaned while handing me back my homework. I sighed as we left study hall. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” “Good Morning class!” An unfamiliar face said as we entered the English classroom. “I am Ms. Wiley, your substitute for the day.” Ms. Wiley looked too beautiful to be a teacher. She was tall, with a perfectly curved figure. Blonde wavy hair went fell just passed her shoulders. He lips were an bold shade of red. “Wow. She's a goddess. Super model hot.” Jayden stared at the substitute with his wide green eyes. I elbowed him for Miya's sake. “Everyone please, Take your seats.” Her voice echoed within the room, demanding respect. She smiled sweetly as she began taking roll. “Skylar Athens.” She looked up from the sheet, scanning the room. A raised my hand. “Here.” I said while trying looking anywhere but her intimidating face. She caught my attention, however, pausing and staring me up and down. She smiled in approval. “Skylar, pleased to meet you.” I raised my eyebrows in response but she merely continued calling out names. I noticed how she didn’t give anyone else a glance. It made me feel uneasy, like she already knew I was the talk of the town. The rest of English period went by slowly but I couldn’t help but sense a weird presence among me. Text: The pictures and illustartions dont belong to me. Just the writing. All rights reserved. Publication Date: December 18th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-lovin.levi

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William Shakespeare The Life of King Henry the Eight THE PROLOGVE. I Come no more to make you laugh, Things now, That beare a Weighty, and a Serious Brow, Sad, high, and working, full of State and Woe: Such Noble Scoenes, as draw the Eye to flow We now present. Those that can Pitty, heere May (if they thinke it well) let fall a Teare, The Subiect will deserue it. Such as giue Their Money out of hope they may beleeue, May heere finde Truth too. Those that come to see Onely a show or two, and so agree, The Play may passe: If they be still, and willing, Ile vndertake may see away their shilling Richly in two short houres. Onely they That come to heare a Merry, Bawdy Play, A noyse of Targets: Or to see a Fellow In a long Motley Coate, garded with Yellow, Will be deceyu'd. For gentle Hearers, know To ranke our chosen Truth with such a show As Foole, and Fight is, beside forfeyting Our owne Braines, and the Opinion that we bring To make that onely true, we now intend, Will leaue vs neuer an vnderstanding Friend. Therefore, for Goodnesse sake, and as you are knowne The First and Happiest Hearers of the Towne, Be sad, as we would make ye. Thinke ye see The very Persons of our Noble Story, As they were Liuing: Thinke you see them Great, And follow'd with the generall throng, and sweat Of thousand Friends: Then, in a moment, see How soone this Mightinesse, meets Misery: And if you can be merry then, Ile say, A Man may weepe vpon his Wedding day. Actus Primus. Scoena Prima. Enter the Duke of Norfolke at one doore. At the other, the Duke of Buckingham, and the Lord Aburgauenny. Buckingham. Good morrow, and well met. How haue ye done Since last we saw in France? Norf. I thanke your Grace: Healthfull, and euer since a fresh Admirer Of what I saw there Buck. An vntimely Ague Staid me a Prisoner in my Chamber, when Those Sunnes of Glory, those two Lights of Men Met in the vale of Andren Nor. 'Twixt Guynes and Arde, I was then present, saw them salute on Horsebacke, Beheld them when they lighted, how they clung In their Embracement, as they grew together, Which had they, What foure Thron'd ones could haue weigh'd Such a compounded one? Buck. All the whole time I was my Chambers Prisoner Nor. Then you lost The view of earthly glory: Men might say Till this time Pompe was single, but now married To one aboue it selfe. Each following day Became the next dayes master, till the last Made former Wonders, it's. To day the French, All Clinquant all in Gold, like Heathen Gods Shone downe the English; and to morrow, they Made Britaine, India: Euery man that stood, Shew'd like a Mine. Their Dwarfish Pages were As Cherubins, all gilt: the Madams too, Not vs'd to toyle, did almost sweat to beare The Pride vpon them, that their very labour Was to them, as a Painting. Now this Maske Was cry'de incompareable; and th' ensuing night Made it a Foole, and Begger. The two Kings Equall in lustre, were now best, now worst As presence did present them: Him in eye, Still him in praise, and being present both, 'Twas said they saw but one, and no Discerner Durst wagge his Tongue in censure, when these Sunnes (For so they phrase 'em) by their Heralds challeng'd The Noble Spirits to Armes, they did performe Beyond thoughts Compasse, that former fabulous Storie Being now seene, possible enough, got credit That Beuis was beleeu'd Buc. Oh you go farre Nor. As I belong to worship, and affect In Honor, Honesty, the tract of eu'ry thing, Would by a good Discourser loose some life, Which Actions selfe, was tongue too Buc. All was Royall, To the disposing of it nought rebell'd, Order gaue each thing view. The Office did Distinctly his full Function: who did guide, I meane who set the Body, and the Limbes Of this great Sport together? Nor. As you guesse: One certes, that promises no Element In such a businesse Buc. I pray you who, my Lord? Nor. All this was ordred by the good Discretion Of the right Reuerend Cardinall of Yorke Buc. The diuell speed him: No mans Pye is freed From his Ambitious finger. What had he To do in these fierce Vanities? I wonder, That such a Keech can with his very bulke Take vp the Rayes o'th' beneficiall Sun, And keepe it from the Earth Nor. Surely Sir, There's in him stuffe, that put's him to these ends: For being not propt by Auncestry, whose grace Chalkes Successors their way; nor call'd vpon For high feats done to'th' Crowne; neither Allied To eminent Assistants; but Spider-like Out of his Selfe-drawing Web. O giues vs note, The force of his owne merit makes his way A guift that heauen giues for him, which buyes A place next to the King Abur. I cannot tell What Heauen hath giuen him: let some Grauer eye Pierce into that, but I can see his Pride Peepe through each part of him: whence ha's he that, If not from Hell? The Diuell is a Niggard, Or ha's giuen all before, and he begins A new Hell in himselfe Buc. Why the Diuell, Vpon this French going out, tooke he vpon him (Without the priuity o'th' King) t' appoint Who should attend on him? He makes vp the File Of all the Gentry; for the most part such To whom as great a Charge, as little Honor He meant to lay vpon: and his owne Letter The Honourable Boord of Councell, out Must fetch him in, he Papers Abur. I do know Kinsmen of mine, three at the least, that haue By this, so sicken'd their Estates, that neuer They shall abound as formerly Buc. O many Haue broke their backes with laying Mannors on 'em For this great Iourney. What did this vanity But minister communication of A most poore issue Nor. Greeuingly I thinke, The Peace betweene the French and vs, not valewes The Cost that did conclude it Buc. Euery man, After the hideous storme that follow'd, was A thing Inspir'd, and not consulting, broke Into a generall Prophesie; That this Tempest Dashing the Garment of this Peace, aboaded The sodaine breach on't Nor. Which is budded out, For France hath flaw'd the League, and hath attach'd Our Merchants goods at Burdeux Abur. Is it therefore Th' Ambassador is silenc'd? Nor. Marry is't Abur. A proper Title of a Peace, and purchas'd At a superfluous rate Buc. Why all this Businesse Our Reuerend Cardinall carried Nor. Like it your Grace, The State takes notice of the priuate difference Betwixt you, and the Cardinall. I aduise you (And take it from a heart, that wishes towards you Honor, and plenteous safety) that you reade The Cardinals Malice, and his Potency Together; To consider further, that What his high Hatred would effect, wants not A Minister in his Power. You know his Nature, That he's Reuengefull; and I know, his Sword Hath a sharpe edge: It's long, and't may be saide It reaches farre, and where 'twill not extend, Thither he darts it. Bosome vp my counsell, You'l finde it wholesome. Loe, where comes that Rock That I aduice your shunning. Enter Cardinall Wolsey, the Purse borne before him, certaine of the Guard, and two Secretaries with Papers: The Cardinall in his passage, fixeth his eye on Buckingham, and Buckingham on him, both full of disdaine. Car. The Duke of Buckinghams Surueyor? Ha? Where's his Examination? Secr. Heere so please you Car. Is he in person, ready? Secr. I, please your Grace Car. Well, we shall then know more, & Buckingham Shall lessen this bigge looke. Exeunt. Cardinall, and his Traine. Buc. This Butchers Curre is venom'd-mouth'd, and I Haue not the power to muzzle him, therefore best Not wake him in his slumber. A Beggers booke, Out-worths a Nobles blood Nor. What are you chaff'd? Aske God for Temp'rance, that's th' appliance onely Which your disease requires Buc. I read in's looks Matter against me, and his eye reuil'd Me as his abiect obiect, at this instant He bores me with some tricke; He's gone to'th' King: Ile follow, and out-stare him Nor. Stay my Lord, And let your Reason with your Choller question What 'tis you go about: to climbe steepe hilles Requires slow pace at first. Anger is like A full hot Horse, who being allow'd his way Selfe-mettle tyres him: Not a man in England Can aduise me like you: Be to your selfe, As you would to your Friend Buc. Ile to the King, And from a mouth of Honor, quite cry downe This Ipswich fellowes insolence; or proclaime, There's difference in no persons Norf. Be aduis'd; Heat not a Furnace for your foe so hot That it do sindge your selfe. We may out-runne By violent swiftnesse that which we run at; And lose by ouer-running: know you not, The fire that mounts the liquor til't run ore, In seeming to augment it, wasts it: be aduis'd; I say againe there is no English Soule More stronger to direct you then your selfe; If with the sap of reason you would quench, Or but allay the fire of passion Buck. Sir, I am thankfull to you, and Ile goe along By your prescription: but this top-proud fellow, Whom from the flow of gall I name not, but From sincere motions, by Intelligence, And proofes as cleere as Founts in Iuly, when Wee see each graine of grauell; I doe know To be corrupt and treasonous Norf. Say not treasonous Buck. To th' King Ile say't, & make my vouch as strong As shore of Rocke: attend. This holy Foxe, Or Wolfe, or both (for he is equall rau'nous As he is subtile, and as prone to mischiefe, As able to perform't) his minde, and place Infecting one another, yea reciprocally, Only to shew his pompe, as well in France, As here at home, suggests the King our Master To this last costly Treaty: Th' enteruiew, That swallowed so much treasure, and like a glasse Did breake ith' wrenching Norf. Faith, and so it did Buck. Pray giue me fauour Sir: This cunning Cardinall The Articles o'th' Combination drew As himselfe pleas'd; and they were ratified As he cride thus let be, to as much end, As giue a Crutch to th' dead. But our Count-Cardinall Has done this, and tis well: for worthy Wolsey (Who cannot erre) he did it. Now this followes, (Which as I take it, is a kinde of Puppie To th' old dam Treason) Charles the Emperour, Vnder pretence to see the Queene his Aunt, (For twas indeed his colour, but he came To whisper Wolsey) here makes visitation, His feares were that the Interview betwixt England and France, might through their amity Breed him some preiudice; for from this League, Peep'd harmes that menac'd him. Priuily Deales with our Cardinal, and as I troa Which I doe well; for I am sure the Emperour Paid ere he promis'd, whereby his Suit was granted Ere it was ask'd. But when the way was made And pau'd with gold: the Emperor thus desir'd, That he would please to alter the Kings course, And breake the foresaid peace. Let the King know (As soone he shall by me) that thus the Cardinall Does buy and sell his Honour as he pleases, And for his owne aduantage Norf. I am sorry To heare this of him; and could wish he were Somthing mistaken in't Buck. No, not a sillable: I doe pronounce him in that very shape He shall appeare in proofe. Enter Brandon, a Sergeant at Armes before him, and two or three of the Guard. Brandon. Your Office Sergeant: execute it Sergeant. Sir, My Lord the Duke of Buckingham, and Earle Of Hertford, Stafford and Northampton, I Arrest thee of High Treason, in the name Of our most Soueraigne King Buck. Lo you my Lord, The net has falne vpon me, I shall perish Vnder deuice, and practise Bran. I am sorry, To see you tane from liberty, to looke on The busines present. Tis his Highnes pleasure You shall to th' Tower Buck. It will helpe me nothing To plead mine Innocence; for that dye is on me Which makes my whit'st part, black. The will of Heau'n Be done in this and all things: I obey. O my Lord Aburgany: Fare you well Bran. Nay, he must beare you company. The King Is pleas'd you shall to th' Tower, till you know How he determines further Abur. As the Duke said, The will of Heauen be done, and the Kings pleasure By me obey'd Bran. Here is a warrant from The King, t' attach Lord Mountacute, and the Bodies Of the Dukes Confessor, Iohn de la Car, One Gilbert Pecke, his Councellour Buck. So, so; These are the limbs o'th' Plot: no more I hope Bra. A Monke o'th' Chartreux Buck. O Michaell Hopkins? Bra. He Buck. My Surueyor is falce: The oregreat Cardinall Hath shew'd him gold; my life is spand already: I am the shadow of poore Buckingham, Whose Figure euen this instant Clowd puts on, By Darkning my cleere Sunne. My Lords farewell. Exe. Scena Secunda. Cornets. Enter King Henry, leaning on the Cardinals shoulder, the Nobles, and Sir Thomas Louell: the Cardinall places himselfe vnder the Kings feete on his right side. King. My life it selfe, and the best heart of it, Thankes you for this great care: I stood i'th' leuell Of a full-charg'd confederacie, and giue thankes To you that choak'd it. Let be cald before vs That Gentleman of Buckinghams, in person, Ile heare him his confessions iustifie, And point by point the Treasons of his Maister, He shall againe relate. A noyse within crying roome for the Queene, vsher'd by the Duke of Norfolke. Enter the Queene, Norfolke and Suffolke: she kneels. King riseth from his State, takes her vp, kisses and placeth her by him. Queen. Nay, we must longer kneele; I am a Suitor King. Arise, and take place by vs; halfe your Suit Neuer name to vs; you haue halfe our power: The other moity ere you aske is giuen, Repeat your will, and take it Queen. Thanke your Maiesty That you would loue your selfe, and in that loue Not vnconsidered leaue your Honour, nor The dignity of your Office; is the poynt Of my Petition Kin. Lady mine proceed Queen. I am solicited not by a few, And those of true condition; That your Subiects Are in great grieuance: There haue beene Commissions Sent downe among 'em, which hath flaw'd the heart Of all their Loyalties; wherein, although My good Lord Cardinall, they vent reproches Most bitterly on you, as putter on Of these exactions: yet the King, our Maister Whose Honor Heauen shield from soile; euen he escapes not Language vnmannerly; yea, such which breakes The sides of loyalty, and almost appeares In lowd Rebellion Norf. Not almost appeares, It doth appeare; for, vpon these Taxations, The Clothiers all not able to maintaine The many to them longing, haue put off The Spinsters, Carders, Fullers, Weauers, who Vnfit for other life, compeld by hunger And lack of other meanes, in desperate manner Daring th' euent too th' teeth, are all in vprore, And danger serues among them Kin. Taxation? Wherein? and what Taxation? My Lord Cardinall, You that are blam'd for it alike with vs, Know you of this Taxation? Card. Please you Sir, I know but of a single part in ought Pertaines to th' State; and front but in that File Where others tell steps with me Queen. No, my Lord? You know no more then others? But you frame Things that are knowne alike, which are not wholsome To those which would not know them, and yet must Perforce be their acquaintance. These exactions (Whereof my Soueraigne would haue note) they are Most pestilent to th' hearing, and to beare 'em, The Backe is Sacrifice to th' load; They say They are deuis'd by you, or else you suffer Too hard an exclamation Kin. Still Exaction: The nature of it, in what kinde let's know, Is this Exaction? Queen. I am much too venturous In tempting of your patience, but am boldned Vnder your promis'd pardon. The Subiects griefe Comes through Commissions, which compels from each The sixt part of his Substance, to be leuied Without delay; and the pretence for this Is nam'd, your warres in France: this makes bold mouths, Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze Allegeance in them; their curses now Liue where their prayers did: and it's come to passe, This tractable obedience is a Slaue To each incensed Will: I would your Highnesse Would giue it quicke consideration; for There is no primer basenesse Kin. By my life, This is against our pleasure Card. And for me, I haue no further gone in this, then by A single voice, and that not past me, but By learned approbation of the Iudges: If I am Traduc'd by ignorant Tongues, which neither know My faculties nor person, yet will be The Chronicles of my doing: Let me say, 'Tis but the fate of Place, and the rough Brake That Vertue must goe through: we must not stint Our necessary actions, in the feare To cope malicious Censurers, which euer, As rau'nous Fishes doe a Vessell follow That is new trim'd; but benefit no further Then vainly longing. What we oft doe best, By sicke Interpreters (once weake ones) is Not ours, or not allow'd; what worst, as oft Hitting a grosser quality, is cride vp For our best Act: if we shall stand still, In feare our motion will be mock'd, or carp'd at, We should take roote here, where we sit; Or sit State-Statues onely Kin. Things done well, And with a care, exempt themselues from feare: Things done without example, in their issue Are to be fear'd. Haue you a President Of this Commission? I beleeue, not any. We must not rend our Subiects from our Lawes, And sticke them in our Will. Sixt part of each? A trembling Contribution; why we take From euery Tree, lop, barke, and part o'th' Timber: And though we leaue it with a roote thus hackt, The Ayre will drinke the Sap. To euery County Where this is question'd, send our Letters, with Free pardon to each man that has deny'de The force of this Commission: pray looke too't; I put it to your care Card. A word with you. Let there be Letters writ to euery Shire, Of the Kings grace and pardon: the greeued Commons Hardly conceiue of me. Let it be nois'd, That through our Intercession, this Reuokement And pardon comes: I shall anon aduise you Further in the proceeding. Exit Secret[ary]. Enter Surueyor. Queen. I am sorry, that the Duke of Buckingham Is run in your displeasure Kin. It grieues many: The Gentleman is Learn'd, and a most rare Speaker, To Nature none more bound; his trayning such, That he may furnish and instruct great Teachers, And neuer seeke for ayd out of himselfe: yet see, When these so Noble benefits shall proue Not well dispos'd, the minde growing once corrupt, They turne to vicious formes, ten times more vgly Then euer they were faire. This man so compleat, Who was enrold 'mongst wonders; and when we Almost with rauish'd listning, could not finde His houre of speech, a minute: He, (my Lady) Hath into monstrous habits put the Graces That once were his, and is become as blacke, As if besmear'd in hell. Sit by Vs, you shall heare (This was his Gentleman in trust) of him Things to strike Honour sad. Bid him recount The fore-recited practises, whereof We cannot feele too little, heare too much Card. Stand forth, & with bold spirit relate what you Most like a carefull Subiect haue collected Out of the Duke of Buckingham Kin. Speake freely Sur. First, it was vsuall with him; euery day It would infect his Speech: That if the King Should without issue dye; hee'l carry it so To make the Scepter his. These very words I'ue heard him vtter to his Sonne in Law, Lord Aburgany, to whom by oth he menac'd Reuenge vpon the Cardinall Card. Please your Highnesse note This dangerous conception in this point, Not frended by his wish to your High person; His will is most malignant, and it stretches Beyond you to your friends Queen. My learn'd Lord Cardinall, Deliuer all with Charity Kin. Speake on; How grounded hee his Title to the Crowne Vpon our faile; to this poynt hast thou heard him, At any time speake ought? Sur. He was brought to this, By a vaine Prophesie of Nicholas Henton Kin. What was that Henton? Sur. Sir, a Chartreux Fryer, His Confessor, who fed him euery minute With words of Soueraignty Kin. How know'st thou this? Sur. Not long before your Highnesse sped to France, The Duke being at the Rose, within the Parish Saint Laurence Poultney, did of me demand What was the speech among the Londoners, Concerning the French Iourney. I replide, Men feare the French would proue perfidious To the Kings danger: presently, the Duke Said, 'twas the feare indeed, and that he doubted 'Twould proue the verity of certaine words Spoke by a holy Monke, that oft, sayes he, Hath sent to me, wishing me to permit Iohn de la Car, my Chaplaine, a choyce howre To heare from him a matter of some moment: Whom after vnder the Commissions Seale, He sollemnly had sworne, that what he spoke My Chaplaine to no Creature liuing, but To me, should vtter, with demure Confidence, This pausingly ensu'de; neither the King, nor's Heyres (Tell you the Duke) shall prosper, bid him striue To the loue o'th' Commonalty, the Duke Shall gouerne England Queen. If I know you well, You were the Dukes Surueyor, and lost your Office On the complaint o'th' Tenants; take good heed You charge not in your spleene a Noble person, And spoyle your nobler Soule; I say, take heed; Yes, heartily beseech you Kin. Let him on: Goe forward Sur. On my Soule, Ile speake but truth. I told my Lord the Duke, by th' Diuels illusions The Monke might be deceiu'd, and that 'twas dangerous For this to ruminate on this so farre, vntill It forg'd him some designe, which being beleeu'd It was much like to doe: He answer'd, Tush, It can do me no damage; adding further, That had the King in his last Sicknesse faild, The Cardinals and Sir Thomas Louels heads Should haue gone off Kin. Ha? What, so rancke? Ah, ha, There's mischiefe in this man; canst thou say further? Sur. I can my Liedge Kin. Proceed Sur. Being at Greenwich, After your Highnesse had reprou'd the Duke About Sir William Blumer Kin. I remember of such a time, being my sworn seruant, The Duke retein'd him his. But on: what hence? Sur. If (quoth he) I for this had beene committed, As to the Tower, I thought; I would haue plaid The Part my Father meant to act vpon Th' Vsurper Richard, who being at Salsbury, Made suit to come in's presence; which if granted, (As he made semblance of his duty) would Haue put his knife into him Kin. A Gyant Traytor Card. Now Madam, may his Highnes liue in freedome, And this man out of Prison Queen. God mend all Kin. Ther's somthing more would out of thee; what say'st? Sur. After the Duke his Father, with the knife He stretch'd him, and with one hand on his dagger, Another spread on's breast, mounting his eyes, He did discharge a horrible Oath, whose tenor Was, were he euill vs'd, he would outgoe His Father, by as much as a performance Do's an irresolute purpose Kin. There's his period, To sheath his knife in vs: he is attach'd, Call him to present tryall: if he may Finde mercy in the Law, 'tis his; if none, Let him not seek't of vs: By day and night Hee's Traytor to th' height. Exeunt. Scaena Tertia. L.Ch. Is't possible the spels of France should iuggle Men into such strange mysteries? L.San. New customes, Though they be neuer so ridiculous, (Nay let 'em be vnmanly) yet are follow'd L.Ch. As farre as I see, all the good our English Haue got by the late Voyage, is but meerely A fit or two o'th' face, (but they are shrewd ones) For when they hold 'em, you would sweare directly Their very noses had been Councellours To Pepin or Clotharius, they keepe State so L.San. They haue all new legs, And lame ones; one would take it, That neuer see 'em pace before, the Spauen A Spring-halt rain'd among 'em L.Ch. Death my Lord, Their cloathes are after such a Pagan cut too't, That sure th'haue worne out Christendome: how now? What newes, Sir Thomas Louell? Enter Sir Thomas Louell. Louell. Faith my Lord, I heare of none but the new Proclamation, That's clapt vpon the Court Gate L.Cham. What is't for? Lou. The reformation of our trauel'd Gallants, That fill the Court with quarrels, talke, and Taylors L.Cham. I'm glad 'tis there; Now I would pray our Monsieurs To thinke an English Courtier may be wise, And neuer see the Louure Lou. They must either (For so run the Conditions) leaue those remnants Of Foole and Feather, that they got in France, With all their honourable points of ignorance Pertaining thereunto; as Fights and Fire-workes, Abusing better men then they can be Out of a forreigne wisedome, renouncing cleane The faith they haue in Tennis and tall Stockings, Short blistred Breeches, and those types of Trauell; And vnderstand againe like honest men, Or pack to their old Playfellowes; there, I take it, They may Cum Priuilegio, wee away The lag end of their lewdnesse, and be laugh'd at L.San. Tis time to giue 'em Physicke, their diseases Are growne so catching L.Cham. What a losse our Ladies Will haue of these trim vanities? Louell. I marry, There will be woe indeed Lords, the slye whorsons Haue got a speeding tricke to lay downe Ladies. A French Song, and a Fiddle, ha's no Fellow L.San. The Diuell fiddle 'em, I am glad they are going, For sure there's no conuerting of 'em: now An honest Country Lord as I am, beaten A long time out of play, may bring his plaine song, And haue an houre of hearing, and by'r Lady Held currant Musicke too L.Cham. Well said Lord Sands, Your Colts tooth is not cast yet? L.San. No my Lord, Nor shall not while I haue a stumpe L.Cham. Sir Thomas, Whither were you a going? Lou. To the Cardinals; Your Lordship is a guest too L.Cham. O, 'tis true; This night he makes a Supper, and a great one, To many Lords and Ladies; there will be The Beauty of this Kingdome Ile assure you Lou. That Churchman Beares a bounteous minde indeed, A hand as fruitfull as the Land that feeds vs, His dewes fall euery where L.Cham. No doubt hee's Noble; He had a blacke mouth that said other of him L.San. He may my Lord, Ha's wherewithall in him; Sparing would shew a worse sinne, then ill Doctrine, Men of his way, should be most liberall, They are set heere for examples L.Cham. True, they are so; But few now giue so great ones: My Barge stayes; Your Lordship shall along: Come, good Sir Thomas, We shall be late else, which I would not be, For I was spoke to, with Sir Henry Guilford This night to be Comptrollers L.San. I am your Lordships. Exeunt. Scena Quarta. Hoboies. A small Table vnder a State for the Cardinall, a longer Table for the Guests. Then Enter Anne Bullen, and diuers other Ladies, & Gentlemen, as Guests at one Doore; at an other Doore enter Sir Henry Guilford. S.Hen.Guilf. Ladyes, A generall welcome from his Grace Salutes ye all; This Night he dedicates To faire content, and you: None heere he hopes In all this Noble Beuy, has brought with her One care abroad: hee would haue all as merry: As first, good Company, good wine, good welcome, Can make good people. Enter L[ord]. Chamberlaine L[ord]. Sands, and Louell. O my Lord, y'are tardy; The very thought of this faire Company, Clapt wings to me Cham. You are young Sir Harry Guilford San. Sir Thomas Louell, had the Cardinall But halfe my Lay-thoughts in him, some of these Should finde a running Banket, ere they rested, I thinke would better please 'em: by my life, They are a sweet society of faire ones Lou. O that your Lordship were but now Confessor, To one or two of these San. I would I were, They should finde easie pennance Lou. Faith how easie? San. As easie as a downe bed would affoord it Cham. Sweet Ladies will it please you sit; Sir Harry Place you that side, Ile take the charge of this: His Grace is entring. Nay, you must not freeze, Two women plac'd together, makes cold weather: My Lord Sands, you are one will keepe 'em waking: Pray sit betweene these Ladies San. By my faith, And thanke your Lordship: by your leaue sweet Ladies, If I chance to talke a little wilde, forgiue me: I had it from my Father An.Bul. Was he mad Sir? San. O very mad, exceeding mad, in loue too; But he would bite none, iust as I doe now, He would Kisse you Twenty with a breath Cham. Well said my Lord: So now y'are fairely seated: Gentlemen, The pennance lyes on you; if these faire Ladies Passe away frowning San. For my little Cure, Let me alone. Hoboyes. Enter Cardinall Wolsey, and takes his State. Card. Y'are welcome my faire Guests; that noble Lady Or Gentleman that is not freely merry Is not my Friend. This to confirme my welcome, And to you all good health San. Your Grace is Noble, Let me haue such a Bowle may hold my thankes, And saue me so much talking Card. My Lord Sands, I am beholding to you: cheere your neighbours: Ladies you are not merry; Gentlemen, Whose fault is this? San. The red wine first must rise In their faire cheekes my Lord, then wee shall haue 'em, Talke vs to silence An.B. You are a merry Gamster My Lord Sands San. Yes, if I make my play: Heer's to your Ladiship, and pledge it Madam: For tis to such a thing An.B. You cannot shew me. Drum and Trumpet, Chambers dischargd. San. I told your Grace, they would talke anon Card. What's that? Cham. Looke out there, some of ye Card. What warlike voyce, And to what end is this? Nay, Ladies, feare not; By all the lawes of Warre y'are priuiledg'd. Enter a Seruant. Cham. How now, what is't? Seru. A noble troupe of Strangers, For so they seeme; th' haue left their Barge and landed, And hither make, as great Embassadors From forraigne Princes Card. Good Lord Chamberlaine, Go, giue 'em welcome; you can speake the French tongue And pray receiue 'em Nobly, and conduct 'em Into our presence, where this heauen of beauty Shall shine at full vpon them. Some attend him. All rise, and Tables remou'd. You haue now a broken Banket, but wee'l mend it. A good digestion to you all; and once more I showre a welcome on yee: welcome all. Hoboyes. Enter King and others as Maskers, habited like Shepheards, vsher'd by the Lord Chamberlaine. They passe directly before the Cardinall and gracefully salute him. A noble Company: what are their pleasures? Cham. Because they speak no English, thus they praid To tell your Grace: That hauing heard by fame Of this so Noble and so faire assembly, This night to meet heere they could doe no lesse, (Out of the great respect they beare to beauty) But leaue their Flockes, and vnder your faire Conduct Craue leaue to view these Ladies, and entreat An houre of Reuels with 'em Card. Say, Lord Chamberlaine, They haue done my poore house grace: For which I pay 'em a thousand thankes, And pray 'em take their pleasures. Choose Ladies, King and An Bullen. King. The fairest hand I euer touch'd: O Beauty, Till now I neuer knew thee. Musicke, Dance. Card. My Lord Cham. Your Grace Card. Pray tell 'em thus much from me: There should be one amongst 'em by his person More worthy this place then my selfe, to whom (If I but knew him) with my loue and duty I would surrender it. Whisper. Cham. I will my Lord Card. What say they? Cham. Such a one, they all confesse There is indeed, which they would haue your Grace Find out, and he will take it Card. Let me see then, By all your good leaues Gentlemen; heere Ile make My royall choyce Kin. Ye haue found him Cardinall, You hold a faire Assembly; you doe well Lord: You are a Churchman, or Ile tell you Cardinall, I should iudge now vnhappily Card. I am glad Your Grace is growne so pleasant Kin. My Lord Chamberlaine, Prethee come hither, what faire Ladie's that? Cham. An't please your Grace, Sir Thomas Bullens Daughter, the Viscount Rochford, One of her Highnesse women Kin. By Heauen she is a dainty one. Sweet heart, I were vnmannerly to take you out, And not to kisse you. A health Gentlemen, Let it goe round Card. Sir Thomas Louell, is the Banket ready I'th' Priuy Chamber? Lou. Yes, my Lord Card. Your Grace I feare, with dancing is a little heated Kin. I feare too much Card. There's fresher ayre my Lord, In the next Chamber Kin. Lead in your Ladies eu'ry one: Sweet Partner, I must not yet forsake you: Let's be merry, Good my Lord Cardinall: I haue halfe a dozen healths, To drinke to these faire Ladies, and a measure To lead 'em once againe, and then let's dreame Who's best in fauour. Let the Musicke knock it. Exeunt. with Trumpets. Actus Secundus. Scena Prima. Enter two Gentlemen at seuerall Doores. 1. Whether away so fast? 2. O, God saue ye: Eu'n to the Hall, to heare what shall become Of the great Duke of Buckingham 1. Ile saue you That labour Sir. All's now done but the Ceremony Of bringing backe the Prisoner 2. Were you there ? 1. Yes indeed was I 2. Pray speake what ha's happen'd 1. You may guesse quickly what 2. Is he found guilty? 1. Yes truely is he, And condemn'd vpon't 2. I am sorry fort 1. So are a number more 2. But pray how past it? 1. Ile tell you in a little. The great Duke Came to the Bar; where, to his accusations He pleaded still not guilty, and alleadged Many sharpe reasons to defeat the Law. The Kings Atturney on the contrary, Vrg'd on the Examinations, proofes, confessions Of diuers witnesses, which the Duke desir'd To him brought viua voce to his face; At which appear'd against him, his Surueyor Sir Gilbert Pecke his Chancellour, and Iohn Car, Confessor to him, with that Diuell Monke, Hopkins, that made this mischiefe 2. That was hee That fed him with his Prophecies 1. The same, All these accus'd him strongly, which he faine Would haue flung from him; but indeed he could not; And so his Peeres vpon this euidence, Haue found him guilty of high Treason. Much He spoke, and learnedly for life: But all Was either pittied in him, or forgotten 2. After all this, how did he beare himselfe? 1. When he was brought agen to th' Bar, to heare His Knell rung out, his Iudgement, he was stir'd With such an Agony, he sweat extreamly, And somthing spoke in choller, ill, and hasty: But he fell to himselfe againe, and sweetly, In all the rest shew'd a most Noble patience 2. I doe not thinke he feares death 1. Sure he does not, He neuer was so womanish, the cause He may a little grieue at 2. Certainly, The Cardinall is the end of this 1. Tis likely, By all coniectures: First Kildares Attendure; Then Deputy of Ireland, who remou'd Earle Surrey, was sent thither, and in hast too, Least he should helpe his Father 2. That tricke of State Was a deepe enuious one, 1. At his returne, No doubt he will requite it; this is noted (And generally) who euer the King fauours, The Cardnall instantly will finde imployment, And farre enough from Court too 2. All the Commons Hate him perniciously, and o' my Conscience Wish him ten faddom deepe: This Duke as much They loue and doate on: call him bounteous Buckingham, The Mirror of all courtesie. Enter Buckingham from his Arraignment, Tipstaues before him, the Axe with the edge towards him, Halberds on each side, accompanied with Sir Thomas Louell, Sir Nicholas Vaux, Sir Walter Sands, and common people, &c. 1. Stay there Sir, And see the noble ruin'd man you speake of 2. Let's stand close and behold him Buck. All good people, You that thus farre haue come to pitty me; Heare what I say, and then goe home and lose me. I haue this day receiu'd a Traitors iudgement, And by that name must dye; yet Heauen beare witnes, And if I haue a Conscience, let it sincke me, Euen as the Axe falls, if I be not faithfull. The Law I beare no mallice for my death, T'has done vpon the premises, but Iustice: But those that sought it, I could wish more Christians: (Be what they will) I heartily forgiue 'em; Yet let 'em looke they glory not in mischiefe; Nor build their euils on the graues of great men; For then, my guiltlesse blood must cry against 'em. For further life in this world I ne're hope, Nor will I sue, although the King haue mercies More then I dare make faults. You few that lou'd me, And dare be bold to weepe for Buckingham, His Noble Friends and Fellowes; whom to leaue Is only bitter to him, only dying: Goe with me like good Angels to my end, And as the long diuorce of Steele fals on me, Make of your Prayers one sweet Sacrifice, And lift my Soule to Heauen. Lead on a Gods name Louell. I doe beseech your Grace, for charity If euer any malice in your heart Were hid against me, now to forgiue me frankly Buck. Sir Thomas Louell, I as free forgiue you As I would be forgiuen: I forgiue all. There cannot be those numberlesse offences Gainst me, that I cannot take peace with: No blacke Enuy shall make my Graue. Commend mee to his Grace: And if he speake of Buckingham; pray tell him, You met him halfe in Heauen: my vowes and prayers Yet are the Kings; and till my Soule forsake, Shall cry for blessings on him. May he liue Longer then I haue time to tell his yeares; Euer belou'd and louing, may his Rule be; And when old Time shall lead him to his end, Goodnesse and he, fill vp one Monument Lou. To th' water side I must conduct your Grace; Then giue my Charge vp to Sir Nicholas Vaux, Who vndertakes you to your end Vaux. Prepare there, The Duke is comming: See the Barge be ready; And fit it with such furniture as suites The Greatnesse of his Person Buck. Nay, Sir Nicholas, Let it alone; my State now will but mocke me. When I came hither, I was Lord High Constable, And Duke of Buckingham: now, poore Edward Bohun; Yet I am richer then my base Accusers, That neuer knew what Truth meant: I now seale it; And with that bloud will make 'em one day groane for't. My noble Father Henry of Buckingham, Who first rais'd head against Vsurping Richard, Flying for succour to his Seruant Banister, Being distrest; was by that wretch betraid, And without Tryall, fell; Gods peace be with him. Henry the Seauenth succeeding, truly pittying My Fathers losse; like a most Royall Prince Restor'd me to my Honours: and out of ruines Made my Name once more Noble. Now his Sonne, Henry the Eight, Life, Honour, Name and all That made me happy; at one stroake ha's taken For euer from the World. I had my Tryall, And must needs say a Noble one; which makes me A little happier then my wretched Father: Yet thus farre we are one in Fortunes; both Fell by our Seruants, by those Men we lou'd most: A most vnnaturall and faithlesse Seruice. Heauen ha's an end in all: yet, you that heare me, This from a dying man receiue as certaine: Where you are liberall of your loues and Councels, Be sure you be not loose; for those you make friends, And giue your hearts to; when they once perceiue The least rub in your fortunes, fall away Like water from ye, neuer found againe But where they meane to sinke ye: all good people Pray for me, I must now forsake ye; the last houre Of my long weary life is come vpon me: Farewell; and when you would say somthing that is sad, Speake how I fell. I haue done; and God forgiue me. Exeunt. Duke and Traine. 1. O, this is full of pitty; Sir, it cals I feare, too many curses on their heads That were the Authors 2. If the Duke be guiltlesse, 'Tis full of woe: yet I can giue you inckling Of an ensuing euill, if it fall, Greater then this 1. Good Angels keepe it from vs: What may it be? you doe not doubt my faith Sir? 2. This Secret is so weighty, 'twill require A strong faith to conceale it 1. Let me haue it: I doe not talke much 2. I am confident; You shall Sir: Did you not of late dayes heare A buzzing of a Separation Betweene the King and Katherine? 1. Yes, but it held not; For when the King once heard it, out of anger He sent command to the Lord Mayor straight To stop the rumor; and allay those tongues That durst disperse it 2. But that slander Sir, Is found a truth now: for it growes agen Fresher then e're it was; and held for certaine The King will venture at it. Either the Cardinall, Or some about him neere, haue out of malice To the good Queene, possest him with a scruple That will vndoe her: To confirme this too, Cardinall Campeius is arriu'd, and lately, As all thinke for this busines 1. Tis the Cardinall; And meerely to reuenge him on the Emperour, For not bestowing on him at his asking, The Archbishopricke of Toledo, this is purpos'd 2. I thinke You haue hit the marke; but is't not cruell, That she should feele the smart of this: the Cardinall Will haue his will, and she must fall 1. 'Tis wofull. Wee are too open heere to argue this: Let's thinke in priuate more. Exeunt. Scena Secunda. Enter Lord Chamberlaine, reading this Letter. My Lord, the Horses your Lordship sent for, with all the care I had, I saw well chosen, ridden, and furnish'd. They were young and handsome, and of the best breed in the North. When they were ready to set out for London, a man of my Lord Cardinalls, by Commission, and maine power tooke 'em from me, with this reason: his maister would bee seru'd before a Subiect, if not before the King, which stop'd our mouthes Sir. I feare he will indeede; well, let him haue them; hee will haue all I thinke. Enter to the Lord Chamberlaine, the Dukes of Norfolke and Suffolke. Norf. Well met my Lord Chamberlaine Cham. Good day to both your Graces Suff. How is the King imployd? Cham. I left him priuate, Full of sad thoughts and troubles Norf. What's the cause? Cham. It seemes the Marriage with his Brothers Wife Ha's crept too neere his Conscience Suff. No, his Conscience Ha's crept too neere another Ladie Norf. Tis so; This is the Cardinals doing: The King-Cardinall, That blinde Priest, like the eldest Sonne of Fortune, Turnes what he list. The King will know him one day Suff. Pray God he doe, Hee'l neuer know himselfe else Norf. How holily he workes in all his businesse, And with what zeale? For now he has crackt the League Between vs & the Emperor (the Queens great Nephew) He diues into the Kings Soule, and there scatters Dangers, doubts, wringing of the Conscience, Feares, and despaires, and all these for his Marriage. And out of all these, to restore the King, He counsels a Diuorce, a losse of her That like a Iewell, ha's hung twenty yeares About his necke, yet neuer lost her lustre; Of her that loues him with that excellence, That Angels loue good men with: Euen of her, That when the greatest stroake of Fortune falls Will blesse the King: and is not this course pious? Cham. Heauen keep me from such councel: tis most true These newes are euery where, euery tongue speaks 'em, And euery true heart weepes for't. All that dare Looke into these affaires, see this maine end, The French Kings Sister. Heauen will one day open The Kings eyes, that so long haue slept vpon This bold bad man Suff. And free vs from his slauery Norf. We had need pray, And heartily, for our deliuerance; Or this imperious man will worke vs all From Princes into Pages: all mens honours Lie like one lumpe before him, to be fashion'd Into what pitch he please Suff. For me, my Lords, I loue him not, nor feare him, there's my Creede: As I am made without him, so Ile stand, If the King please: his Curses and his blessings Touch me alike: th'are breath I not beleeue in. I knew him, and I know him: so I leaue him To him that made him proud; the Pope Norf. Let's in; And with some other busines, put the King From these sad thoughts, that work too much vpon him: My Lord, youle beare vs company? Cham. Excuse me, The King ha's sent me otherwhere: Besides You'l finde a most vnfit time to disturbe him: Health to your Lordships Norfolke. Thankes my good Lord Chamberlaine. Exit Lord Chamberlaine, and the King drawes the Curtaine and sits reading pensiuely. Suff. How sad he lookes; sure he is much afflicted Kin. Who's there? Ha? Norff. Pray God he be not angry Kin. Who's there I say? How dare you thrust your selues Into my priuate Meditations? Who am I? Ha? Norff. A gracious King, that pardons all offences Malice ne're meant: Our breach of Duty this way, Is businesse of Estate; in which, we come To know your Royall pleasure Kin. Ye are too bold: Go too; Ile make ye know your times of businesse: Is this an howre for temporall affaires? Ha? Enter Wolsey and Campeius with a Commission. Who's there? my good Lord Cardinall? O my Wolsey, The quiet of my wounded Conscience; Thou art a cure fit for a King; you'r welcome Most learned Reuerend Sir, into our Kingdome, Vse vs, and it: My good Lord, haue great care, I be not found a Talker Wol. Sir, you cannot; I would your Grace would giue vs but an houre Of priuate conference Kin. We are busie; goe Norff. This Priest ha's no pride in him? Suff. Not to speake of: I would not be so sicke though for his place: But this cannot continue Norff. If it doe, Ile venture one; haue at him Suff. I another. Exeunt. Norfolke and Suffolke. Wol. Your Grace ha's giuen a President of wisedome Aboue all Princes, in committing freely Your scruple to the voyce of Christendome: Who can be angry now? What Enuy reach you? The Spaniard tide by blood and fauour to her, Must now confesse, if they haue any goodnesse, The Tryall, iust and Noble. All the Clerkes, (I meane the learned ones in Christian Kingdomes) Haue their free voyces. Rome (the Nurse of Iudgement) Inuited by your Noble selfe, hath sent One generall Tongue vnto vs. This good man, This iust and learned Priest, Cardnall Campeius, Whom once more, I present vnto your Highnesse Kin. And once more in mine armes I bid him welcome, And thanke the holy Conclaue for their loues, They haue sent me such a Man, I would haue wish'd for Cam. Your Grace must needs deserue all strangers loues, You are so Noble: To your Highnesse hand I tender my Commission; by whose vertue, The Court of Rome commanding. You my Lord Cardinall of Yorke, are ioyn'd with me their Seruant, In the vnpartiall iudging of this Businesse Kin. Two equall men: The Queene shall be acquainted Forthwith for what you come. Where's Gardiner? Wol. I know your Maiesty, ha's alwayes lou'd her So deare in heart, not to deny her that A Woman of lesse Place might aske by Law; Schollers allow'd freely to argue for her Kin. I, and the best she shall haue; and my fauour To him that does best, God forbid els: Cardinall, Prethee call Gardiner to me, my new Secretary. I find him a fit fellow. Enter Gardiner. Wol. Giue me your hand: much ioy & fauour to you; You are the Kings now Gard. But to be commanded For euer by your Grace, whose hand ha's rais'd me Kin. Come hither Gardiner. Walkes and whispers. Camp. My Lord of Yorke, was not one Doctor Pace In this mans place before him? Wol. Yes, he was Camp. Was he not held a learned man? Wol. Yes surely Camp. Beleeue me, there's an ill opinion spread then, Euen of your selfe Lord Cardinall Wol. How? of me? Camp. They will not sticke to say, you enuide him; And fearing he would rise (he was so vertuous) Kept him a forraigne man still, which so greeu'd him, That he ran mad, and dide Wol. Heau'ns peace be with him: That's Christian care enough: for liuing Murmurers, There's places of rebuke. He was a Foole; For he would needs be vertuous. That good Fellow, If I command him followes my appointment, I will haue none so neere els. Learne this Brother, We liue not to be grip'd by meaner persons Kin. Deliuer this with modesty to th' Queene. Exit Gardiner. The most conuenient place, that I can thinke of For such receipt of Learning, is Black-Fryers: There ye shall meete about this waighty busines. My Wolsey, see it furnish'd, O my Lord, Would it not grieue an able man to leaue So sweet a Bedfellow? But Conscience, Conscience; O 'tis a tender place, and I must leaue her. Exeunt. Scena Tertia. Enter Anne Bullen, and an old Lady. An. Not for that neither; here's the pang that pinches. His Highnesse, hauing liu'd so long with her, and she So good a Lady, that no Tongue could euer Pronounce dishonour of her; by my life, She neuer knew harme-doing: Oh, now after So many courses of the Sun enthroaned, Still growing in a Maiesty and pompe, the which To leaue, a thousand fold more bitter, then 'Tis sweet at first t' acquire. After this Processe. To giue her the auaunt, it is a pitty Would moue a Monster Old La. Hearts of most hard temper Melt and lament for her An. Oh Gods will, much better She ne're had knowne pompe; though't be temporall, Yet if that quarrell. Fortune, do diuorce It from the bearer, 'tis a sufferance, panging As soule and bodies seuering Old L. Alas poore Lady, Shee's a stranger now againe An. So much the more Must pitty drop vpon her; verily I sweare, tis better to be lowly borne, And range with humble liuers in Content, Then to be perk'd vp in a glistring griefe, And weare a golden sorrow Old L. Our content Is our best hauing Anne. By my troth, and Maidenhead, I would not be a Queene Old.L. Beshrew me, I would, And venture Maidenhead for't, and so would you For all this spice of your Hipocrisie: You that haue so faire parts of Woman on you, Haue (too) a Womans heart, which euer yet Affected Eminence, Wealth, Soueraignty; Which, to say sooth, are Blessings; and which guifts (Sauing your mincing) the capacity Of your soft Chiuerell Conscience, would receiue, If you might please to stretch it Anne. Nay, good troth Old L. Yes troth, & troth; you would not be a Queen? Anne. No, not for all the riches vnder Heauen Old.L. Tis strange; a threepence bow'd would hire me Old as I am, to Queene it: but I pray you, What thinke you of a Dutchesse? Haue you limbs To beare that load of Title? An. No in truth Old.L. Then you are weakly made; plucke off a little, I would not be a young Count in your way, For more then blushing comes to: If your backe Cannot vouchsafe this burthen, tis too weake Euer to get a Boy An. How you doe talke; I sweare againe, I would not be a Queene, For all the world Old.L. In faith, for little England You'ld venture an emballing: I my selfe Would for Carnaruanshire, although there long'd No more to th' Crowne but that: Lo, who comes here? Enter Lord Chamberlaine. L.Cham. Good morrow Ladies; what wer't worth to know The secret of your conference? An. My good Lord, Not your demand; it values not your asking: Our Mistris Sorrowes we were pittying Cham. It was a gentle businesse, and becomming The action of good women, there is hope All will be well An. Now I pray God, Amen Cham. You beare a gentle minde, & heau'nly blessings Follow such Creatures. That you may, faire Lady Perceiue I speake sincerely, and high notes Tane of your many vertues; the Kings Maiesty Commends his good opinion of you, to you; and Doe's purpose honour to you no lesse flowing, Then Marchionesse of Pembrooke; to which Title, A Thousand pound a yeare, Annuall support, Out of his Grace, he addes An. I doe not know What kinde of my obedience, I should tender; More then my All, is Nothing: Nor my Prayers Are not words duely hallowed; nor my Wishes More worth, then empty vanities: yet Prayers & Wishes Are all I can returne. 'Beseech your Lordship, Vouchsafe to speake my thankes, and my obedience, As from a blushing Handmaid, to his Highnesse; Whose health and Royalty I pray for Cham. Lady; I shall not faile t' approue the faire conceit The King hath of you. I haue perus'd her well, Beauty and Honour in her are so mingled, That they haue caught the King: and who knowes yet But from this Lady, may proceed a Iemme, To lighten all this Ile. I'le to the King, And say I spoke with you. Exit Lord Chamberlaine. An. My honour'd Lord Old.L. Why this it is: See, see, I haue beene begging sixteene yeares in Court (Am yet a Courtier beggerly) nor could Come pat betwixt too early, and too late For any suit of pounds: and you, (oh fate) A very fresh Fish heere; fye, fye, fye vpon This compel'd fortune: haue your mouth fild vp, Before you open it An. This is strange to me Old L. How tasts it? Is it bitter? Forty pence, no: There was a Lady once (tis an old Story) That would not be a Queene, that would she not For all the mud in Egypt; haue you heard it? An. Come you are pleasant Old.L. With your Theame, I could O're-mount the Larke: The Marchionesse of Pembrooke? A thousand pounds a yeare, for pure respect? No other obligation? by my Life, That promises mo thousands: Honours traine Is longer then his fore-skirt; by this time I know your backe will beare a Dutchesse. Say, Are you not stronger then you were? An. Good Lady, Make your selfe mirth with your particular fancy, And leaue me out on't. Would I had no being If this salute my blood a iot; it faints me To thinke what followes. The Queene is comfortlesse, and wee forgetfull In our long absence: pray doe not deliuer, What heere y'haue heard to her Old L. What doe you thinke me - Exeunt. Scena Quarta. Trumpets, Sennet, and Cornets. Enter two Vergers, with short siluer wands; next them two Scribes in the habite of Doctors; after them, the Bishop of Canterbury alone; after him, the Bishops of Lincolne, Ely, Rochester, and S[aint]. Asaph: Next them, with some small distance, followes a Gentleman bearing the Purse, with the great Seale, and a Cardinals Hat: Then two Priests, bearing each a Siluer Crosse: Then a Gentleman Vsher bareheaded, accompanyed with a Sergeant at Armes, bearing a Siluer Mace: Then two Gentlemen bearing two great Siluer Pillers: After them, side by side, the two Cardinals, two Noblemen, with the Sword and Mace. The King takes place vnder the Cloth of State. The two Cardinalls sit vnder him as Iudges. The Queene takes place some distance from the King. The Bishops place themselues on each side the Court in manner of a Consistory: Below them the Scribes. The Lords sit next the Bishops. The rest of the Attendants stand in conuenient order about the Stage. Car. Whil'st our Commission from Rome is read, Let silence be commanded King. What's the need? It hath already publiquely bene read, And on all sides th' Authority allow'd, You may then spare that time Car. Bee't so, proceed Scri. Say, Henry K[ing]. of England, come into the Court Crier. Henry King of England, &c King. Heere Scribe. Say, Katherine Queene of England, Come into the Court Crier. Katherine Queene of England, &c. The Queene makes no answer, rises out of her Chaire, goes about the Court, comes to the King, and kneeles at his Feete. Then speakes. Sir, I desire you do me Right and Iustice, And to bestow your pitty on me; for I am a most poore Woman, and a Stranger, Borne out of your Dominions: hauing heere No Iudge indifferent, nor no more assurance Of equall Friendship and Proceeding. Alas Sir: In what haue I offended you? What cause Hath my behauiour giuen to your displeasure, That thus you should proceede to put me off, And take your good Grace from me? Heauen witnesse, I haue bene to you, a true and humble Wife, At all times to your will conformable: Euer in feare to kindle your Dislike, Yea, subiect to your Countenance: Glad, or sorry, As I saw it inclin'd? When was the houre I euer contradicted your Desire? Or made it not mine too? Or which of your Friends Haue I not stroue to loue, although I knew He were mine Enemy? What Friend of mine, That had to him deriu'd your Anger, did I Continue in my Liking? Nay, gaue notice He was from thence discharg'd? Sir, call to minde, That I haue beene your Wife, in this Obedience, Vpward of twenty years, and haue bene blest With many Children by you. If in the course And processe of this time, you can report, And proue it too, against mine Honor, aught; My bond to Wedlocke, or my Loue and Dutie Against your Sacred Person; in Gods name Turne me away: and let the fowl'st Contempt Shut doore vpon me, and so giue me vp To the sharp'st kinde of Iustice. Please you, Sir, The King your Father, was reputed for A Prince most Prudent; of an excellent And vnmatch'd Wit, and Iudgement. Ferdinand My Father, King of Spaine, was reckon'd one The wisest Prince, that there had reign'd, by many A yeare before. It is not to be question'd, That they had gather'd a wise Councell to them Of euery Realme, that did debate this Businesse, Who deem'd our Marriage lawful. Wherefore I humbly Beseech you Sir, to spare me, till I may Be by my Friends in Spaine, aduis'd; whose Counsaile I will implore. If not, i'th' name of God Your pleasure be fulfill'd Wol. You haue heere Lady, (And of your choice) these Reuerend Fathers, men Of singular Integrity, and Learning; Yea, the elect o'th' Land, who are assembled To pleade your Cause. It shall be therefore bootlesse, That longer you desire the Court, as well For your owne quiet, as to rectifie What is vnsetled in the King Camp. His Grace Hath spoken well, and iustly: Therefore Madam, It's fit this Royall Session do proceed, And that (without delay) their Arguments Be now produc'd, and heard Qu. Lord Cardinall, to you I speake Wol. Your pleasure, Madam Qu. Sir, I am about to weepe; but thinking that We are a Queene (or long haue dream'd so) certaine The daughter of a King, my drops of teares, Ile turne to sparkes of fire Wol. Be patient yet Qu. I will, when you are humble; Nay before, Or God will punish me. I do beleeue (Induc'd by potent Circumstances) that You are mine Enemy, and make my Challenge, You shall not be my Iudge. For it is you Haue blowne this Coale, betwixt my Lord, and me; (Which Gods dew quench) therefore, I say againe, I vtterly abhorre; yea, from my Soule Refuse you for my Iudge, whom yet once more I hold my most malicious Foe, and thinke not At all a Friend to truth Wol. I do professe You speake not like your selfe: who euer yet Haue stood to Charity, and displayd th' effects Of disposition gentle, and of wisedome, Ore-topping womans powre. Madam, you do me wrong I haue no Spleene against you, nor iniustice For you, or any: how farre I haue proceeded, Or how farre further (Shall) is warranted By a Commission from the Consistorie, Yea, the whole Consistorie of Rome. You charge me, That I haue blowne this Coale: I do deny it, The King is present: If it be knowne to him, That I gainsay my Deed, how may he wound, And worthily my Falsehood, yea, as much As you haue done my Truth. If he know That I am free of your Report, he knowes I am not of your wrong. Therefore in him It lies to cure me, and the Cure is to Remoue these Thoughts from you. The which before His Highnesse shall speake in, I do beseech You (gracious Madam) to vnthinke your speaking, And to say so no more Queen. My Lord, My Lord, I am a simple woman, much too weake T' oppose your cunning. Y'are meek, & humble-mouth'd You signe your Place, and Calling, in full seeming, With Meekenesse and Humilitie: but your Heart Is cramm'd with Arrogancie, Spleene, and Pride. You haue by Fortune, and his Highnesse fauors, Gone slightly o're lowe steppes, and now are mounted Where Powres are your Retainers, and your words (Domestickes to you) serue your will, as't please Your selfe pronounce their Office. I must tell you, You tender more your persons Honor, then Your high profession Spirituall. That agen I do refuse you for my Iudge, and heere Before you all, Appeale vnto the Pope, To bring my whole Cause 'fore his Holinesse, And to be iudg'd by him. She Curtsies to the King, and offers to depart. Camp. The Queene is obstinate, Stubborne to Iustice, apt to accuse it, and Disdainfull to be tride by't; tis not well. Shee's going away Kin. Call her againe Crier. Katherine. Q[ueene]. of England, come into the Court Gent.Vsh. Madam, you are cald backe Que. What need you note it? pray you keep your way, When you are cald returne. Now the Lord helpe, They vexe me past my patience, pray you passe on; I will not tarry: no, nor euer more Vpon this businesse my appearance make, In any of their Courts. Exit Queene, and her Attendants. Kin. Goe thy wayes Kate, That man i'th' world, who shall report he ha's A better Wife, let him in naught be trusted, For speaking false in that; thou art alone (If thy rare qualities, sweet gentlenesse, Thy meeknesse Saint-like, Wife-like Gouernment, Obeying in commanding, and thy parts Soueraigne and Pious els, could speake thee out) The Queene of earthly Queenes: Shee's Noble borne; And like her true Nobility, she ha's Carried her selfe towards me Wol. Most gracious Sir, In humblest manner I require your Highnes, That it shall please you to declare in hearing Of all these eares (for where I am rob'd and bound, There must I be vnloos'd, although not there At once, and fully satisfide) whether euer I Did broach this busines to your Highnes, or Laid any scruple in your way, which might Induce you to the question on't: or euer Haue to you, but with thankes to God for such A Royall Lady, spake one, the least word that might Be to the preiudice of her present State, Or touch of her good Person? Kin. My Lord Cardinall, I doe excuse you; yea, vpon mine Honour, I free you from't: You are not to be taught That you haue many enemies, that know not Why they are so; but like to Village Curres, Barke when their fellowes doe. By some of these The Queene is put in anger; y'are excus'd: But will you be more iustifi'de? You euer Haue wish'd the sleeping of this busines, neuer desir'd It to be stir'd; but oft haue hindred, oft The passages made toward it; on my Honour, I speake my good Lord Cardnall, to this point; And thus farre cleare him. Now, what mou'd me too't, I will be bold with time and your attention: Then marke th' inducement. Thus it came; giue heede too't: My Conscience first receiu'd a tendernes, Scruple, and pricke, on certaine Speeches vtter'd By th' Bishop of Bayon, then French Embassador, Who had beene hither sent on the debating And Marriage 'twixt the Duke of Orleance, and Our Daughter Mary: I'th' Progresse of this busines, Ere a determinate resolution, hee (I meane the Bishop) did require a respite, Wherein he might the King his Lord aduertise, Whether our Daughter were legitimate, Respecting this our Marriage with the Dowager, Sometimes our Brothers Wife. This respite shooke The bosome of my Conscience, enter'd me; Yea, with a spitting power, and made to tremble The region of my Breast, which forc'd such way, That many maz'd considerings, did throng And prest in with this Caution. First, me thought I stood not in the smile of Heauen, who had Commanded Nature, that my Ladies wombe If it conceiu'd a male-child by me, should Doe no more Offices of life too't; then The Graue does to th' dead: For her Male Issue, Or di'de where they were made, or shortly after This world had ayr'd them. Hence I tooke a thought, This was a Iudgement on me, that my Kingdome (Well worthy the best Heyre o'th' World) should not Be gladded in't by me. Then followes, that I weigh'd the danger which my Realmes stood in By this my Issues faile, and that gaue to me Many a groaning throw: thus hulling in The wild Sea of my Conscience, I did steere Toward this remedy, whereupon we are Now present heere together: that's to say, I meant to rectifie my Conscience, which I then did feele full sicke, and yet not well, By all the Reuerend Fathers of the Land, And Doctors learn'd. First I began in priuate, With you my Lord of Lincolne; you remember How vnder my oppression I did reeke When I first mou'd you B.Lin. Very well my Liedge Kin. I haue spoke long, be pleas'd your selfe to say How farre you satisfide me Lin. So please your Highnes, The question did at first so stagger me, Bearing a State of mighty moment in't, And consequence of dread, that I committed The daringst Counsaile which I had to doubt, And did entreate your Highnes to this course, Which you are running heere Kin. I then mou'd you, My Lord of Canterbury, and got your leaue To make this present Summons vnsolicited. I left no Reuerend Person in this Court; But by particular consent proceeded Vnder your hands and Seales; therefore goe on, For no dislike i'th' world against the person Of the good Queene; but the sharpe thorny points Of my alleadged reasons, driues this forward: Proue but our Marriage lawfull, by my Life And Kingly Dignity, we are contented To weare our mortall State to come, with her, (Katherine our Queene) before the primest Creature That's Parragon'd o'th' World Camp. So please your Highnes, The Queene being absent, 'tis a needfull fitnesse, That we adiourne this Court till further day; Meane while, must be an earnest motion Made to the Queene to call backe her Appeale She intends vnto his Holinesse Kin. I may perceiue These Cardinals trifle with me: I abhorre This dilatory sloth, and trickes of Rome. My learn'd and welbeloued Seruant Cranmer, Prethee returne, with thy approch: I know, My comfort comes along: breake vp the Court; I say, set on. Exeunt., in manner as they enter'd. Actus Tertius. Scena Prima. Enter Queene and her Women as at worke. Queen. Take thy Lute wench, My Soule growes sad with troubles, Sing, and disperse 'em if thou canst: leaue working. SONG. Orpheus with his Lute made Trees, And the Mountaine tops that freeze, Bow themselues when he did sing. To his Musicke, Plants and Flowers Euer sprung; as Sunne and Showers, There had made a lasting Spring. Euery thing that heard him play, Euen the Billowes of the Sea, Hung their heads, & then lay by. In sweet Musicke is such Art, Killing care, & griefe of heart, Fall asleepe, or hearing dye. Enter a Gentleman. Queen. How now? Gent. And't please your Grace, the two great Cardinals Wait in the presence Queen. Would they speake with me? Gent. They wil'd me say so Madam Queen. Pray their Graces To come neere: what can be their busines With me, a poore weake woman, falne from fauour? I doe not like their comming; now I thinke on't, They should bee good men, their affaires as righteous: But all Hoods, make not Monkes. Enter the two Cardinalls, Wolsey & Campian. Wols. Peace to your Highnesse Queen. Your Graces find me heere part of a Houswife, (I would be all) against the worst may happen: What are your pleasures with me, reuerent Lords? Wol. May it please you Noble Madam, to withdraw Into your priuate Chamber; we shall giue you The full cause of our comming Queen. Speake it heere. There's nothing I haue done yet o' my Conscience Deserues a Corner: would all other Women Could speake this with as free a Soule as I doe. My Lords, I care not (so much I am happy Aboue a number) if my actions Were tri'de by eu'ry tongue, eu'ry eye saw 'em, Enuy and base opinion set against 'em, I know my life so euen. If your busines Seeke me out, and that way I am Wife in; Out with it boldly: Truth loues open dealing Card. Tanta est erga te mentis integritas Regina serenissima Queen. O good my Lord, no Latin; I am not such a Truant since my comming, As not to know the Language I haue liu'd in: A strange Tongue makes my cause more strange, suspitious: Pray speake in English; heere are some will thanke you, If you speake truth, for their poore Mistris sake; Beleeue me she ha's had much wrong. Lord Cardinall, The willing'st sinne I euer yet committed, May be absolu'd in English Card. Noble Lady, I am sorry my integrity should breed, (And seruice to his Maiesty and you) So deepe suspition, where all faith was meant; We come not by the way of Accusation, To taint that honour euery good Tongue blesses; Nor to betray you any way to sorrow; You haue too much good Lady: But to know How you stand minded in the waighty difference Betweene the King and you, and to deliuer (Like free and honest men) our iust opinions, And comforts to our cause Camp. Most honour'd Madam, My Lord of Yorke, out of his Noble nature, Zeale and obedience he still bore your Grace, Forgetting (like a good man) your late Censure Both of his truth and him (which was too farre) Offers, as I doe, in a signe of peace, His Seruice, and his Counsell Queen. To betray me. My Lords, I thanke you both for your good wills, Ye speake like honest men, (pray God ye proue so) But how to make ye sodainly an Answere In such a poynt of weight, so neere mine Honour, (More neere my Life I feare) with my weake wit; And to such men of grauity and learning; In truth I know not. I was set at worke, Among my Maids, full little (God knowes) looking Either for such men, or such businesse; For her sake that I haue beene, for I feele The last fit of my Greatnesse; good your Graces Let me haue time and Councell for my Cause: Alas, I am a Woman frendlesse, hopelesse Wol. Madam, You wrong the Kings loue with these feares, Your hopes and friends are infinite Queen. In England, But little for my profit can you thinke Lords, That any English man dare giue me Councell? Or be a knowne friend 'gainst his Highnes pleasure, (Though he be growne so desperate to be honest) And liue a Subiect? Nay forsooth, my Friends, They that must weigh out my afflictions, They that my trust must grow to, liue not heere, They are (as all my other comforts) far hence In mine owne Countrey Lords Camp. I would your Grace Would leaue your greefes, and take my Counsell Queen. How Sir? Camp. Put your maine cause into the Kings protection, Hee's louing and most gracious. 'Twill be much, Both for your Honour better, and your Cause: For if the tryall of the Law o'retake ye, You'l part away disgrac'd Wol. He tels you rightly Queen. Ye tell me what ye wish for both, my ruine: Is this your Christian Councell? Out vpon ye. Heauen is aboue all yet; there sits a Iudge, That no King can corrupt Camp. Your rage mistakes vs Queen. The more shame for ye; holy men I thought ye, Vpon my Soule two reuerend Cardinall Vertues: But Cardinall Sins, and hollow hearts I feare ye: Mend 'em for shame my Lords: Is this your comfort? The Cordiall that ye bring a wretched Lady? A woman lost among ye, laugh't at, scornd? I will not wish ye halfe my miseries, I haue more Charity. But say I warn'd ye; Take heed, for heauens sake take heed, least at once The burthen of my sorrowes, fall vpon ye Car. Madam, this is a meere distraction, You turne the good we offer, into enuy Quee. Ye turne me into nothing. Woe vpon ye, And all such false Professors. Would you haue me (If you haue any Iustice, any Pitty, If ye be any thing but Churchmens habits) Put my sicke cause into his hands, that hates me? Alas, ha's banish'd me his Bed already, His Loue, too long ago. I am old my Lords, And all the Fellowship I hold now with him Is onely my Obedience. What can happen To me, aboue this wretchednesse? All your Studies Make me a Curse, like this Camp. Your feares are worse Qu. Haue I liu'd thus long (let me speake my selfe, Since Vertue findes no friends) a Wife, a true one? A Woman (I dare say without Vainglory) Neuer yet branded with Suspition? Haue I, with all my full Affections Still met the King? Lou'd him next Heau'n? Obey'd him? Bin (out of fondnesse) superstitious to him? Almost forgot my Prayres to content him? And am I thus rewarded? 'Tis not well Lords. Bring me a constant woman to her Husband, One that ne're dream'd a Ioy, beyond his pleasure; And to that Woman (when she has done most) Yet will I adde an Honor; a great Patience Car. Madam, you wander from the good We ayme at Qu. My Lord, I dare not make my selfe so guiltie, To giue vp willingly that Noble Title Your Master wed me to: nothing but death Shall e're diuorce my Dignities Car. Pray heare me Qu. Would I had neuer trod this English Earth, Or felt the Flatteries that grow vpon it: Ye haue Angels Faces; but Heauen knowes your hearts. What will become of me now, wretched Lady? I am the most vnhappy Woman liuing. Alas (poore Wenches) where are now your Fortunes? Shipwrack'd vpon a Kingdome, where no Pitty, No Friends, no Hope, no Kindred weepe for me? Almost no Graue allow'd me? Like the Lilly That once was Mistris of the Field, and flourish'd, Ile hang my head, and perish Car. If your Grace Could but be brought to know, our Ends are honest, Youl'd feele more comfort. Why shold we (good Lady) Vpon what cause wrong you? Alas, our Places, The way of our Profession is against it; We are to Cure such sorrowes, not to sowe 'em. For Goodnesse sake, consider what you do, How you may hurt your selfe: I, vtterly Grow from the Kings Acquaintance, by this Carriage. The hearts of Princes kisse Obedience, So much they loue it. But to stubborne Spirits, They swell and grow, as terrible as stormes. I know you haue a Gentle, Noble temper, A Soule as euen as a Calme; Pray thinke vs, Those we professe, Peace-makers, Friends, and Seruants Camp. Madam, you'l finde it so: You wrong your Vertues With these weake Womens feares. A Noble Spirit As yours was, put into you, euer casts Such doubts as false Coine from it. The King loues you, Beware you loose it not: For vs (if you please To trust vs in your businesse) we are ready To vse our vtmost Studies, in your seruice Qu. Do what ye will, my Lords: And pray forgiue me; If I haue vs'd my selfe vnmannerly, You know I am a Woman, lacking wit To make a seemely answer to such persons. Pray do my seruice to his Maiestie, He ha's my heart yet, and shall haue my Prayers While I shall haue my life. Come reuerend Fathers, Bestow your Councels on me. She now begges That little thought when she set footing heere, She should haue bought her Dignities so deere. Exeunt. Scena Secunda. Enter the Duke of Norfolke, Duke of Suffolke, Lord Surrey, and Lord Chamberlaine. Norf. If you will now vnite in your Complaints, And force them with a Constancy, the Cardinall Cannot stand vnder them. If you omit The offer of this time, I cannot promise, But that you shall sustaine moe new disgraces, With these you beare alreadie Sur. I am ioyfull To meete the least occasion, that may giue me Remembrance of my Father-in-Law, the Duke, To be reueng'd on him Suf. Which of the Peeres Haue vncontemn'd gone by him, or at least Strangely neglected? When did he regard The stampe of Noblenesse in any person Out of himselfe? Cham. My Lords, you speake your pleasures: What he deserues of you and me, I know: What we can do to him (though now the time Giues way to vs) I much feare. If you cannot Barre his accesse to'th' King, neuer attempt Any thing on him: for he hath a Witchcraft Ouer the King in's Tongue Nor. O feare him not, His spell in that is out: the King hath found Matter against him, that for euer marres The Hony of his Language. No, he's setled (Not to come off) in his displeasure Sur. Sir, I should be glad to heare such Newes as this Once euery houre Nor. Beleeue it, this is true. In the Diuorce, his contrarie proceedings Are all vnfolded: wherein he appeares, As I would wish mine Enemy Sur. How came His practises to light? Suf. Most strangely Sur. O how? how? Suf. The Cardinals Letters to the Pope miscarried, And came to th' eye o'th' King, wherein was read How that the Cardinall did intreat his Holinesse To stay the Iudgement o'th' Diuorce; for if It did take place, I do (quoth he) perceiue My King is tangled in affection, to A Creature of the Queenes, Lady Anne Bullen Sur. Ha's the King this? Suf. Beleeue it Sur. Will this worke? Cham. The King in this perceiues him, how he coasts And hedges his owne way. But in this point All his trickes founder, and he brings his Physicke After his Patients death; the King already Hath married the faire Lady Sur. Would he had Suf. May you be happy in your wish my Lord, For I professe you haue it Sur. Now all my ioy Trace the Coniunction Suf. My Amen too't Nor. All mens Suf. There's order giuen for her Coronation: Marry this is yet but yong, and may be left To some eares vnrecounted. But my Lords She is a gallant Creature, and compleate In minde and feature. I perswade me, from her Will fall some blessing to this Land, which shall In it be memoriz'd Sur. But will the King Digest this Letter of the Cardinals? The Lord forbid Nor. Marry Amen Suf. No, no: There be moe Waspes that buz about his Nose, Will make this sting the sooner. Cardinall Campeius, Is stolne away to Rome, hath 'tane no leaue, Ha's left the cause o'th' King vnhandled, and Is posted as the Agent of our Cardinall, To second all his plot. I do assure you, The King cry'de Ha, at this Cham. Now God incense him, And let him cry Ha, lowder Norf. But my Lord When returnes Cranmer? Suf. He is return'd in his Opinions, which Haue satisfied the King for his Diuorce, Together with all famous Colledges Almost in Christendome: shortly (I beleeue) His second Marriage shall be publishd, and Her Coronation. Katherine no more Shall be call'd Queene, but Princesse Dowager, And Widdow to Prince Arthur Nor. This same Cranmer's A worthy Fellow, and hath tane much paine In the Kings businesse Suff. He ha's, and we shall see him For it, an Arch-byshop Nor. So I heare Suf. 'Tis so. Enter Wolsey and Cromwell. The Cardinall Nor. Obserue, obserue, hee's moody Car. The Packet Cromwell, Gau't you the King? Crom. To his owne hand, in's Bed-chamber Card. Look'd he o'th' inside of the Paper? Crom. Presently He did vnseale them, and the first he view'd, He did it with a Serious minde: a heede Was in his countenance. You he bad Attend him heere this Morning Card. Is he ready to come abroad? Crom. I thinke by this he is Card. Leaue me a while. Exit Cromwell. It shall be to the Dutches of Alanson, The French Kings Sister; He shall marry her. Anne Bullen? No: Ile no Anne Bullens for him, There's more in't then faire Visage. Bullen? No, wee'l no Bullens: Speedily I wish To heare from Rome. The Marchionesse of Penbroke? Nor. He's discontented Suf. Maybe he heares the King Does whet his Anger to him Sur. Sharpe enough, Lord for thy Iustice Car. The late Queenes Gentlewoman? A Knights Daughter To be her Mistris Mistris? The Queenes, Queene? This Candle burnes not cleere, 'tis I must snuffe it, Then out it goes. What though I know her vertuous And well deseruing? yet I know her for A spleeny Lutheran, and not wholsome to Our cause, that she should lye i'th' bosome of Our hard rul'd King. Againe, there is sprung vp An Heretique, an Arch-one; Cranmer, one Hath crawl'd into the fauour of the King, And is his Oracle Nor. He is vex'd at something. Enter King, reading of a Scedule. Sur. I would 'twer somthing y would fret the string, The Master-cord on's heart Suf. The King, the King King. What piles of wealth hath he accumulated To his owne portion? And what expence by'th' houre Seemes to flow from him? How, i'th' name of Thrift Does he rake this together? Now my Lords, Saw you the Cardinall? Nor. My Lord, we haue Stood heere obseruing him. Some strange Commotion Is in his braine: He bites his lip, and starts, Stops on a sodaine, lookes vpon the ground, Then layes his finger on his Temple: straight Springs out into fast gate, then stops againe, Strikes his brest hard, and anon, he casts His eye against the Moone: in most strange Postures We haue seene him set himselfe King. It may well be, There is a mutiny in's minde. This morning, Papers of State he sent me, to peruse As I requir'd: and wot you what I found There (on my Conscience put vnwittingly) Forsooth an Inuentory, thus importing The seuerall parcels of his Plate, his Treasure, Rich Stuffes and Ornaments of Houshold, which I finde at such proud Rate, that it out-speakes Possession of a Subiect Nor. It's Heauens will, Some Spirit put this paper in the Packet, To blesse your eye withall King. If we did thinke His Contemplation were aboue the earth, And fixt on Spirituall obiect, he should still Dwell in his Musings, but I am affraid His Thinkings are below the Moone, not worth His serious considering. King takes his Seat, whispers Louell, who goes to the Cardinall. Car. Heauen forgiue me, Euer God blesse your Highnesse King. Good my Lord, You are full of Heauenly stuffe, and beare the Inuentory Of your best Graces, in your minde; the which You were now running o're: you haue scarse time To steale from Spirituall leysure, a briefe span To keepe your earthly Audit, sure in that I deeme you an ill Husband, and am glad To haue you therein my Companion Car. Sir, For Holy Offices I haue a time; a time To thinke vpon the part of businesse, which I beare i'th' State: and Nature does require Her times of preseruation, which perforce I her fraile sonne, among'st my Brethren mortall, Must giue my tendance to King. You haue said well Car. And euer may your Highnesse yoake together, (As I will lend you cause) my doing well, With my well saying King. 'Tis well said agen, And 'tis a kinde of good deede to say well, And yet words are no deeds. My Father lou'd you, He said he did, and with his deed did Crowne His word vpon you. Since I had my Office, I haue kept you next my Heart, haue not alone Imploy'd you where high Profits might come home, But par'd my present Hauings, to bestow My Bounties vpon you Car. What should this meane? Sur. The Lord increase this businesse King. Haue I not made you The prime man of the State? I pray you tell me, If what I now pronounce, you haue found true: And if you may confesse it, say withall If you are bound to vs, or no. What say you? Car. My Soueraigne, I confesse your Royall graces Showr'd on me daily, haue bene more then could My studied purposes requite, which went Beyond all mans endeauors. My endeauors, Haue euer come too short of my Desires, Yet fill'd with my Abilities: Mine owne ends Haue beene mine so, that euermore they pointed To'th' good of your most Sacred Person, and The profit of the State. For your great Graces Heap'd vpon me (poore Vndeseruer) I Can nothing render but Allegiant thankes, My Prayres to heauen for you; my Loyaltie Which euer ha's, and euer shall be growing, Till death (that Winter) kill it King. Fairely answer'd: A Loyall, and obedient Subiect is Therein illustrated, the Honor of it Does pay the Act of it, as i'th' contrary The fowlenesse is the punishment. I presume, That as my hand ha's open'd Bounty to you, My heart drop'd Loue, my powre rain'd Honor, more On you, then any: So your Hand, and Heart, Your Braine, and euery Function of your power, Should, notwithstanding that your bond of duty, As 'twer in Loues particular, be more To me your Friend, then any Car. I do professe, That for your Highnesse good, I euer labour'd More then mine owne: that am, haue, and will be (Though all the world should cracke their duty to you, And throw it from their Soule, though perils did Abound, as thicke as thought could make 'em, and Appeare in formes more horrid) yet my Duty, As doth a Rocke against the chiding Flood, Should the approach of this wilde Riuer breake, And stand vnshaken yours King. 'Tis Nobly spoken: Take notice Lords, he ha's a Loyall brest, For you haue seene him open't. Read o're this, And after this, and then to Breakfast with What appetite you haue. Exit King, frowning vpon the Cardinall, the Nobles throng after him smiling, and whispering. Car. What should this meane? What sodaine Anger's this? How haue I reap'd it? He parted Frowning from me, as if Ruine Leap'd from his Eyes. So lookes the chafed Lyon Vpon the daring Huntsman that has gall'd him: Then makes him nothing. I must reade this paper: I feare the Story of his Anger. 'Tis so: This paper ha's vndone me: 'Tis th' Accompt Of all that world of Wealth I haue drawne together For mine owne ends, (Indeed to gaine the Popedome, And fee my Friends in Rome.) O Negligence! Fit for a Foole to fall by: What crosse Diuell Made me put this maine Secret in the Packet I sent the King? Is there no way to cure this? No new deuice to beate this from his Braines? I know 'twill stirre him strongly; yet I know A way, if it take right, in spight of Fortune Will bring me off againe. What's this? To th' Pope? The Letter (as I liue) with all the Businesse I writ too's Holinesse. Nay then, farewell: I haue touch'd the highest point of all my Greatnesse, And from that full Meridian of my Glory, I haste now to my Setting. I shall fall Like a bright exhalation in the Euening, And no man see me more. Enter to Woolsey, the Dukes of Norfolke and Suffolke, the Earle of Surrey, and the Lord Chamberlaine. Nor. Heare the Kings pleasure Cardinall, Who commands you To render vp the Great Seale presently Into our hands, and to Confine your selfe To Asher-house, my Lord of Winchesters, Till you heare further from his Highnesse Car. Stay: Where's your Commission? Lords, words cannot carrie Authority so weighty Suf. Who dare crosse 'em, Bearing the Kings will from his mouth expressely? Car. Till I finde more then will, or words to do it, (I meane your malice) know, Officious Lords, I dare, and must deny it. Now I feele Of what course Mettle ye are molded, Enuy, How eagerly ye follow my Disgraces As if it fed ye, and how sleeke and wanton Ye appeare in euery thing may bring my ruine? Follow your enuious courses, men of Malice; You haue Christian warrant for 'em, and no doubt In time will finde their fit Rewards. That Seale You aske with such a Violence, the King (Mine, and your Master) with his owne hand, gaue me: Bad me enioy it, with the Place, and Honors During my life; and to confirme his Goodnesse, Ti'de it by Letters Patents. Now, who'll take it? Sur. The King that gaue it Car. It must be himselfe then Sur. Thou art a proud Traitor, Priest Car. Proud Lord, thou lyest: Within these fortie houres, Surrey durst better Haue burnt that Tongue, then saide so Sur. Thy Ambition (Thou Scarlet sinne) robb'd this bewailing Land Of Noble Buckingham, my Father-in-Law, The heads of all thy Brother-Cardinals, (With thee, and all thy best parts bound together) Weigh'd not a haire of his. Plague of your policie, You sent me Deputie for Ireland, Farre from his succour; from the King, from all That might haue mercie on the fault, thou gau'st him: Whil'st your great Goodnesse, out of holy pitty, Absolu'd him with an Axe Wol. This, and all else This talking Lord can lay vpon my credit, I answer, is most false. The Duke by Law Found his deserts. How innocent I was From any priuate malice in his end, His Noble Iurie, and foule Cause can witnesse. If I lou'd many words, Lord, I should tell you, You haue as little Honestie, as Honor, That in the way of Loyaltie, and Truth, Toward the King, my euer Roiall Master, Dare mate a sounder man then Surrie can be, And all that loue his follies Sur. By my Soule, Your long Coat (Priest) protects you, Thou should'st feele My Sword i'th' life blood of thee else. My Lords, Can ye endure to heare this Arrogance? And from this Fellow? If we liue thus tamely, To be thus Iaded by a peece of Scarlet, Farewell Nobilitie: let his Grace go forward, And dare vs with his Cap, like Larkes Card. All Goodnesse Is poyson to thy Stomacke Sur. Yes, that goodnesse Of gleaning all the Lands wealth into one, Into your owne hands (Card'nall) by Extortion: The goodnesse of your intercepted Packets You writ to'th Pope, against the King: your goodnesse Since you prouoke me, shall be most notorious. My Lord of Norfolke, as you are truly Noble, As you respect the common good, the State Of our despis'd Nobilitie, our Issues, (Whom if he liue, will scarse be Gentlemen) Produce the grand summe of his sinnes, the Articles Collected from his life. Ile startle you Worse then the Sacring Bell, when the browne Wench Lay kissing in your Armes, Lord Cardinall Car. How much me thinkes, I could despise this man, But that I am bound in Charitie against it Nor. Those Articles, my Lord, are in the Kings hand: But thus much, they are foule ones Wol. So much fairer And spotlesse, shall mine Innocence arise, When the King knowes my Truth Sur. This cannot saue you: I thanke my Memorie, I yet remember Some of these Articles, and out they shall. Now, if you can blush, and crie guiltie Cardinall, You'l shew a little Honestie Wol. Speake on Sir, I dare your worst Obiections: If I blush, It is to see a Nobleman want manners Sur. I had rather want those, then my head; Haue at you. First, that without the Kings assent or knowledge, You wrought to be a Legate, by which power You maim'd the Iurisdiction of all Bishops Nor. Then, That in all you writ to Rome, or else To Forraigne Princes, Ego & Rex meus Was still inscrib'd: in which you brought the King To be your Seruant Suf. Then, that without the knowledge Either of King or Councell, when you went Ambassador to the Emperor, you made bold To carry into Flanders, the Great Seale Sur. Item, You sent a large Commission To Gregory de Cassado, to conclude Without the Kings will, or the States allowance, A League betweene his Highnesse, and Ferrara Suf. That out of meere Ambition, you haue caus'd Your holy-Hat to be stampt on the Kings Coine Sur. Then, That you haue sent inumerable substance, (By what meanes got, I leaue to your owne conscience) To furnish Rome, and to prepare the wayes You haue for Dignities, to the meere vndooing Of all the Kingdome. Many more there are, Which since they are of you, and odious, I will not taint my mouth with Cham. O my Lord, Presse not a falling man too farre: 'tis Vertue: His faults lye open to the Lawes, let them (Not you) correct him. My heart weepes to see him So little, of his great Selfe Sur. I forgiue him Suf. Lord Cardinall, the Kings further pleasure is, Because all those things you haue done of late By your power Legatine within this Kingdome, Fall into 'th' compasse of a Premunire; That therefore such a Writ be sued against you, To forfeit all your Goods, Lands, Tenements, Castles, and whatsoeuer, and to be Out of the Kings protection. This is my Charge Nor. And so wee'l leaue you to your Meditations How to liue better. For your stubborne answer About the giuing backe the Great Seale to vs, The King shall know it, and (no doubt) shal thanke you. So fare you well, my little good Lord Cardinall. Exeunt. all but Wolsey. Wol. So farewell, to the little good you beare me. Farewell? A long farewell to all my Greatnesse. This is the state of Man; to day he puts forth The tender Leaues of hopes, to morrow Blossomes, And beares his blushing Honors thicke vpon him: The third day, comes a Frost; a killing Frost, And when he thinkes, good easie man, full surely His Greatnesse is a ripening, nippes his roote, And then he fals as I do. I haue ventur'd Like little wanton Boyes that swim on bladders: This many Summers in a Sea of Glory, But farre beyond my depth: my high-blowne Pride At length broke vnder me, and now ha's left me Weary, and old with Seruice, to the mercy Of a rude streame, that must for euer hide me. Vaine pompe, and glory of this World, I hate ye, I feele my heart new open'd. Oh how wretched Is that poore man, that hangs on Princes fauours? There is betwixt that smile we would aspire too, That sweet Aspect of Princes, and their ruine, More pangs, and feares then warres, or women haue; And when he falles, he falles like Lucifer, Neuer to hope againe. Enter Cromwell, standing amazed. Why how now Cromwell? Crom. I haue no power to speake Sir Car. What, amaz'd At my misfortunes? Can thy Spirit wonder A great man should decline. Nay, and you weep I am falne indeed Crom. How does your Grace Card. Why well: Neuer so truly happy, my good Cromwell, I know my selfe now, and I feele within me, A peace aboue all earthly Dignities, A still, and quiet Conscience. The King ha's cur'd me, I humbly thanke his Grace: and from these shoulders These ruin'd Pillers, out of pitty, taken A loade, would sinke a Nauy, (too much Honor.) O 'tis a burden Cromwel, 'tis a burden Too heauy for a man, that hopes for Heauen Crom. I am glad your Grace, Ha's made that right vse of it Card. I hope I haue: I am able now (me thinkes) (Out of a Fortitude of Soule, I feele) To endure more Miseries, and greater farre Then my Weake-hearted Enemies, dare offer. What Newes abroad? Crom. The heauiest, and the worst, Is your displeasure with the King Card. God blesse him Crom. The next is, that Sir Thomas Moore is chosen Lord Chancellor, in your place Card. That's somewhat sodain. But he's a Learned man. May he continue Long in his Highnesse fauour, and do Iustice For Truths-sake, and his Conscience; that his bones, When he ha's run his course, and sleepes in Blessings, May haue a Tombe of Orphants teares wept on him. What more? Crom. That Cranmer is return'd with welcome; Install'd Lord Arch-byshop of Canterbury Card. That's Newes indeed Crom. Last, that the Lady Anne, Whom the King hath in secrecie long married, This day was view'd in open, as his Queene, Going to Chappell: and the voyce is now Onely about her Corronation Card. There was the waight that pull'd me downe. O Cromwell, The King ha's gone beyond me: All my Glories In that one woman, I haue lost for euer. No Sun, shall euer vsher forth mine Honors, Or gilde againe the Noble Troopes that waighted Vpon my smiles. Go get thee from me Cromwel, I am a poore falne man, vnworthy now To be thy Lord, and Master. Seeke the King (That Sun, I pray may neuer set) I haue told him, What, and how true thou art; he will aduance thee: Some little memory of me, will stirre him (I know his Noble Nature) not to let Thy hopefull seruice perish too. Good Cromwell Neglect him not; make vse now, and prouide For thine owne future safety Crom. O my Lord, Must I then leaue you? Must I needes forgo So good, so Noble, and so true a Master? Beare witnesse, all that haue not hearts of Iron, With what a sorrow Cromwel leaues his Lord. The King shall haue my seruice; but my prayres For euer, and for euer shall be yours Card. Cromwel, I did not thinke to shed a teare In all my Miseries: But thou hast forc'd me (Out of thy honest truth) to play the Woman. Let's dry our eyes: And thus farre heare me Cromwel, And when I am forgotten, as I shall be, And sleepe in dull cold Marble, where no mention Of me, more must be heard of: Say I taught thee; Say Wolsey, that once trod the wayes of Glory, And sounded all the Depths, and Shoales of Honor, Found thee a way (out of his wracke) to rise in: A sure, and safe one, though thy Master mist it. Marke but my Fall, and that that Ruin'd me: Cromwel, I charge thee, fling away Ambition, By that sinne fell the Angels: how can man then (The Image of his Maker) hope to win by it? Loue thy selfe last, cherish those hearts that hate thee; Corruption wins not more then Honesty. Still in thy right hand, carry gentle Peace To silence enuious Tongues. Be iust, and feare not; Let all the ends thou aym'st at, be thy Countries, Thy Gods, and Truths. Then if thou fall'st (O Cromwell) Thou fall'st a blessed Martyr. Serue the King: And prythee leade me in: There take an Inuentory of all I haue, To the last peny, 'tis the Kings. My Robe, And my Integrity to Heauen, is all, I dare now call mine owne. O Cromwel, Cromwel, Had I but seru'd my God, with halfe the Zeale I seru'd my King: he would not in mine Age Haue left me naked to mine Enemies Crom. Good Sir, haue patience Card. So I haue. Farewell The Hopes of Court, my Hopes in Heauen do dwell. Exeunt. Actus Quartus. Scena Prima. Enter two Gentlemen, meeting one another. 1 Y'are well met once againe 2 So are you 1 You come to take your stand heere, and behold The Lady Anne, passe from her Corronation 2 'Tis all my businesse. At our last encounter, The Duke of Buckingham came from his Triall 1 'Tis very true. But that time offer'd sorrow, This generall ioy 2 'Tis well: The Citizens I am sure haue shewne at full their Royall minds, As let 'em haue their rights, they are euer forward In Celebration of this day with Shewes, Pageants, and Sights of Honor 1 Neuer greater, Nor Ile assure you better taken Sir 2 May I be bold to aske what that containes, That Paper in your hand 1 Yes, 'tis the List Of those that claime their Offices this day, By custome of the Coronation. The Duke of Suffolke is the first, and claimes To be high Steward; Next the Duke of Norfolke, He to be Earle Marshall: you may reade the rest 1 I thanke you Sir: Had I not known those customs, I should haue beene beholding to your Paper: But I beseech you, what's become of Katherine The Princesse Dowager? How goes her businesse? 1 That I can tell you too. The Archbishop Of Canterbury, accompanied with other Learned, and Reuerend Fathers of his Order, Held a late Court at Dunstable; sixe miles off From Ampthill, where the Princesse lay, to which She was often cyted by them, but appear'd not: And to be short, for not Appearance, and The Kings late Scruple, by the maine assent Of all these Learned men, she was diuorc'd, And the late Marriage made of none effect: Since which, she was remou'd to Kymmalton, Where she remaines now sicke 2 Alas good Lady. The Trumpets sound: Stand close, The Queene is comming. Ho-boyes. The Order of the Coronation. 1 A liuely Flourish of Trumpets. 2 Then, two Iudges. 3 Lord Chancellor, with Purse and Mace before him. 4 Quirristers singing. Musicke. 5 Maior of London, bearing the Mace. Then Garter, in his Coate of Armes, and on his head he wore a Gilt Copper Crowne. 6 Marquesse Dorset, bearing a Scepter of Gold, on his head, a Demy Coronall of Gold. With him, the Earle of Surrey, bearing the Rod of Siluer with the Doue, Crowned with an Earles Coronet. Collars of Esses. 7 Duke of Suffolke, in his Robe of Estate, his Coronet on his head, bearing a long white Wand, as High Steward. With him, the Duke of Norfolke, with the Rod of Marshalship, a Coronet on his head. Collars of Esses. 8 A Canopy, borne by foure of the Cinque-Ports, vnder it the Queene in her Robe, in her haire, richly adorned with Pearle, Crowned. On each side her, the Bishops of London, and Winchester. 9 The Olde Dutchesse of Norfolke, in a Coronall of Gold, wrought with Flowers bearing the Queenes Traine. 10 Certaine Ladies or Countesses, with plaine Circlets of Gold, without Flowers. Exeunt, first passing ouer the Stage in Order and State, and then, A great Flourish of Trumpets. 2 A Royall Traine beleeue me: These I know: Who's that that beares the Scepter? 1 Marquesse Dorset, And that the Earle of Surrey, with the Rod 2 A bold braue Gentleman. That should bee The Duke of Suffolke 1 'Tis the same: high Steward 2 And that my Lord of Norfolke? 1 Yes 2 Heauen blesse thee, Thou hast the sweetest face I euer look'd on. Sir, as I haue a Soule, she is an Angell; Our King ha's all the Indies in his Armes, And more, and richer, when he straines that Lady, I cannot blame his Conscience 1 They that beare The Cloath of Honour ouer her, are foure Barons Of the Cinque-Ports 2 Those men are happy, And so are all, are neere her. I take it, she that carries vp the Traine, Is that old Noble Lady, Dutchesse of Norfolke 1 It is, and all the rest are Countesses 2 Their Coronets say so. These are Starres indeed, And sometimes falling ones 2 No more of that. Enter a third Gentleman. 1 God saue you Sir. Where haue you bin broiling? 3 Among the crowd i'th' Abbey, where a finger Could not be wedg'd in more: I am stifled With the meere ranknesse of their ioy 2 You saw the Ceremony? 3 That I did 1 How was it? 3 Well worth the seeing 2 Good Sir, speake it to vs? 3 As well as I am able. The rich streame Of Lords, and Ladies, hauing brought the Queene To a prepar'd place in the Quire, fell off A distance from her; while her Grace sate downe To rest a while, some halfe an houre, or so, In a rich Chaire of State, opposing freely The Beauty of her Person to the People. Beleeue me Sir, she is the goodliest Woman That euer lay by man: which when the people Had the full view of, such a noyse arose, As the shrowdes make at Sea, in a stiffe Tempest, As lowd, and to as many Tunes. Hats, Cloakes, (Doublets, I thinke) flew vp, and had their Faces Bin loose, this day they had beene lost. Such ioy I neuer saw before. Great belly'd women, That had not halfe a weeke to go, like Rammes In the old time of Warre, would shake the prease And make 'em reele before 'em. No man liuing Could say this is my wife there, all were wouen So strangely in one peece 2 But what follow'd? 3 At length, her Grace rose, and with modest paces Came to the Altar, where she kneel'd, and Saint-like Cast her faire eyes to Heauen, and pray'd deuoutly. Then rose againe, and bow'd her to the people: When by the Arch-byshop of Canterbury, She had all the Royall makings of a Queene; As holy Oyle, Edward Confessors Crowne, The Rod, and Bird of Peace, and all such Emblemes Laid Nobly on her: which perform'd, the Quire With all the choysest Musicke of the Kingdome, Together sung Te Deum. So she parted, And with the same full State pac'd backe againe To Yorke-Place, where the Feast is held 1 Sir, You must no more call it Yorke-place, that's past: For since the Cardinall fell, that Titles lost, 'Tis now the Kings, and call'd White-Hall 3 I know it: But 'tis so lately alter'd, that the old name Is fresh about me 2 What two Reuerend Byshops Were those that went on each side of the Queene? 3 Stokeley and Gardiner, the one of Winchester, Newly preferr'd from the Kings Secretary: The other London 2 He of Winchester Is held no great good louer of the Archbishops, The vertuous Cranmer 3 All the Land knowes that: How euer, yet there is no great breach, when it comes Cranmer will finde a Friend will not shrinke from him 2 Who may that be, I pray you 3 Thomas Cromwell, A man in much esteeme with th' King, and truly A worthy Friend. The King ha's made him Master o'th' Iewell House, And one already of the Priuy Councell 2 He will deserue more 3 Yes without all doubt. Come Gentlemen, ye shall go my way, Which is to'th Court, and there ye shall be my Guests: Something I can command. As I walke thither, Ile tell ye more Both. You may command vs Sir. Exeunt. Scena Secunda. Enter Katherine Dowager, sicke, lead betweene Griffith, her Gentleman Vsher, and Patience her Woman. Grif. How do's your Grace? Kath. O Griffith, sicke to death: My Legges like loaden Branches bow to'th' Earth, Willing to leaue their burthen: Reach a Chaire, So now (me thinkes) I feele a little ease. Did'st thou not tell me Griffith, as thou lead'st mee, That the great Childe of Honor, Cardinall Wolsey Was dead? Grif. Yes Madam: but I thinke your Grace Out of the paine you suffer'd, gaue no eare too't Kath. Pre'thee good Griffith, tell me how he dy'de. If well, he stept before me happily For my example Grif. Well, the voyce goes Madam, For after the stout Earle Northumberland Arrested him at Yorke, and brought him forward As a man sorely tainted, to his Answer, He fell sicke sodainly, and grew so ill He could not sit his Mule Kath. Alas poore man Grif. At last, with easie Rodes, he came to Leicester, Lodg'd in the Abbey; where the reuerend Abbot With all his Couent, honourably receiu'd him; To whom he gaue these words. O Father Abbot, An old man, broken with the stormes of State, Is come to lay his weary bones among ye: Giue him a little earth for Charity. So went to bed; where eagerly his sicknesse Pursu'd him still, and three nights after this, About the houre of eight, which he himselfe Foretold should be his last, full of Repentance, Continuall Meditations, Teares, and Sorrowes, He gaue his Honors to the world agen, His blessed part to Heauen, and slept in peace Kath. So may he rest, His Faults lye gently on him: Yet thus farre Griffith, giue me leaue to speake him, And yet with Charity. He was a man Of an vnbounded stomacke, euer ranking Himselfe with Princes. One that by suggestion Ty'de all the Kingdome. Symonie, was faire play, His owne Opinion was his Law. I'th' presence He would say vntruths, and be euer double Both in his words, and meaning. He was neuer (But where he meant to Ruine) pittifull. His Promises, were as he then was, Mighty: But his performance, as he is now, Nothing: Of his owne body he was ill, and gaue The Clergy ill example Grif. Noble Madam: Mens euill manners, liue in Brasse, their Vertues We write in Water. May it please your Highnesse To heare me speake his good now? Kath. Yes good Griffith, I were malicious else Grif. This Cardinall, Though from an humble Stocke, vndoubtedly Was fashion'd to much Honor. From his Cradle He was a Scholler, and a ripe, and good one: Exceeding wise, faire spoken, and perswading: Lofty, and sowre to them that lou'd him not: But, to those men that sought him, sweet as Summer. And though he were vnsatisfied in getting, (Which was a sinne) yet in bestowing, Madam, He was most Princely: Euer witnesse for him Those twinnes of Learning, that he rais'd in you, Ipswich and Oxford: one of which, fell with him, Vnwilling to out-liue the good that did it. The other (though vnfinish'd) yet so Famous, So excellent in Art, and still so rising, That Christendome shall euer speake his Vertue. His Ouerthrow, heap'd Happinesse vpon him: For then, and not till then, he felt himselfe, And found the Blessednesse of being little. And to adde greater Honors to his Age Then man could giue him; he dy'de, fearing God Kath. After my death, I wish no other Herald, No other speaker of my liuing Actions, To keepe mine Honor, from Corruption, But such an honest Chronicler as Griffith. Whom I most hated Liuing, thou hast made mee With thy Religious Truth, and Modestie, (Now in his Ashes) Honor: Peace be with him. Patience, be neere me still, and set me lower, I haue not long to trouble thee. Good Griffith, Cause the Musitians play me that sad note I nam'd my Knell; whil'st I sit meditating On that Coelestiall Harmony I go too. Sad and solemne Musicke. Grif. She is asleep: Good wench, let's sit down quiet, For feare we wake her. Softly, gentle Patience. The Vision. Enter solemnely tripping one after another, sixe Personages, clad in white Robes, wearing on their heades Garlands of Bayes, and golden Vizards on their faces, Branches of Bayes or Palme in their hands. They first Conge vnto her, then Dance: and at certaine Changes, the first two hold a spare Garland ouer her Head, at which the other foure make reuerend Curtsies. Then the two that held the Garland, deliuer the same to the other next two, who obserue the same order in their Changes, and holding the Garland ouer her head. Which done, they deliuer the same Garland to the last two: who likewise obserue the same Order. At which (as it were by inspiration) she makes (in her sleepe) signes of reioycing, and holdeth vp her hands to heauen. And so, in their Dancing vanish, carrying the Garland with them. The Musicke continues. Kath. Spirits of peace, where are ye? Are ye all gone? And leaue me heere in wretchednesse, behinde ye? Grif. Madam, we are heere Kath. It is not you I call for, Saw ye none enter since I slept? Grif. None Madam Kath. No? Saw you not euen now a blessed Troope Inuite me to a Banquet, whose bright faces Cast thousand beames vpon me, like the Sun? They promis'd me eternall Happinesse, And brought me Garlands (Griffith) which I feele I am not worthy yet to weare: I shall assuredly Grif. I am most ioyfull Madam, such good dreames Possesse your Fancy Kath. Bid the Musicke leaue, They are harsh and heauy to me. Musicke ceases. Pati. Do you note How much her Grace is alter'd on the sodaine? How long her face is drawne? How pale she lookes, And of an earthy cold? Marke her eyes? Grif. She is going Wench. Pray, pray Pati. Heauen comfort her. Enter a Messenger. Mes. And't like your Grace - Kath. You are a sawcy Fellow, Deserue we no more Reuerence? Grif. You are too blame, Knowing she will not loose her wonted Greatnesse To vse so rude behauiour. Go too, kneele Mes. I humbly do entreat your Highnesse pardon, My hast made me vnmannerly. There is staying A Gentleman sent from the King, to see you Kath. Admit him entrance Griffith. But this Fellow Let me ne're see againe. Exit Messeng. Enter Lord Capuchius. If my sight faile not, You should be Lord Ambassador from the Emperor, My Royall Nephew, and your name Capuchius Cap. Madam the same. Your Seruant Kath. O my Lord, The Times and Titles now are alter'd strangely With me, since first you knew me. But I pray you, What is your pleasure with me? Cap. Noble Lady, First mine owne seruice to your Grace, the next The Kings request, that I would visit you, Who greeues much for your weaknesse, and by me Sends you his Princely Commendations, And heartily entreats you take good comfort Kath. O my good Lord, that comfort comes too late, 'Tis like a Pardon after Execution; That gentle Physicke giuen in time, had cur'd me: But now I am past all Comforts heere, but Prayers. How does his Highnesse? Cap. Madam, in good health Kath. So may he euer do, and euer flourish, When I shall dwell with Wormes, and my poore name Banish'd the Kingdome. Patience, is that Letter I caus'd you write, yet sent away? Pat. No Madam Kath. Sir, I most humbly pray you to deliuer This to my Lord the King Cap. Most willing Madam Kath. In which I haue commended to his goodnesse The Modell of our chaste loues: his yong daughter, The dewes of Heauen fall thicke in Blessings on her, Beseeching him to giue her vertuous breeding. She is yong, and of a Noble modest Nature, I hope she will deserue well; and a little To loue her for her Mothers sake, that lou'd him, Heauen knowes how deerely. My next poore Petition, Is, that his Noble Grace would haue some pittie Vpon my wretched women, that so long Haue follow'd both my Fortunes, faithfully, Of which there is not one, I dare auow (And now I should not lye) but will deserue For Vertue, and true Beautie of the Soule, For honestie, and decent Carriage A right good Husband (let him be a Noble) And sure those men are happy that shall haue 'em. The last is for my men, they are the poorest, (But pouerty could neuer draw 'em from me) That they may haue their wages, duly paid 'em, And something ouer to remember me by. If Heauen had pleas'd to haue giuen me longer life And able meanes, we had not parted thus. These are the whole Contents, and good my Lord, By that you loue the deerest in this world, As you wish Christian peace to soules departed, Stand these poore peoples Friend, and vrge the King To do me this last right Cap. By Heauen I will, Or let me loose the fashion of a man Kath. I thanke you honest Lord. Remember me In all humilitie vnto his Highnesse: Say his long trouble now is passing Out of this world. Tell him in death I blest him (For so I will) mine eyes grow dimme. Farewell My Lord. Griffith farewell. Nay Patience, You must not leaue me yet. I must to bed, Call in more women. When I am dead, good Wench, Let me be vs'd with Honor; strew me ouer With Maiden Flowers, that all the world may know I was a chaste Wife, to my Graue: Embalme me, Then lay me forth (although vnqueen'd) yet like A Queene, and Daughter to a King enterre me. I can no more. Exeunt. leading Katherine. Actus Quintus. Scena Prima. Enter Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, a Page with a Torch before him, met by Sir Thomas Louell. Gard. It's one a clocke Boy, is't not Boy. It hath strooke Gard. These should be houres for necessities, Not for delights: Times to repayre our Nature With comforting repose, and not for vs To waste these times. Good houre of night Sir Thomas: Whether so late? Lou. Came you from the King, my Lord? Gar. I did Sir Thomas, and left him at Primero With the Duke of Suffolke Lou. I must to him too Before he go to bed. Ile take my leaue Gard. Not yet Sir Thomas Louell: what's the matter? It seemes you are in hast: and if there be No great offence belongs too't, giue your Friend Some touch of your late businesse: Affaires that walke (As they say Spirits do) at midnight, haue In them a wilder Nature, then the businesse That seekes dispatch by day Lou. My Lord, I loue you; And durst commend a secret to your eare Much waightier then this worke. The Queens in Labor They say in great Extremity, and fear'd Shee'l with the Labour, end Gard. The fruite she goes with I pray for heartily, that it may finde Good time, and liue: but for the Stocke Sir Thomas, I wish it grubb'd vp now Lou. Me thinkes I could Cry the Amen, and yet my Conscience sayes Shee's a good Creature, and sweet-Ladie do's Deserue our better wishes Gard. But Sir, Sir, Heare me Sir Thomas, y'are a Gentleman Of mine owne way. I know you Wise, Religious, And let me tell you, it will ne're be well, 'Twill not Sir Thomas Louell, tak't of me, Till Cranmer, Cromwel, her two hands, and shee Sleepe in their Graues Louell. Now Sir, you speake of two The most remark'd i'th' Kingdome: as for Cromwell, Beside that of the Iewell-House, is made Master O'th' Rolles, and the Kings Secretary. Further Sir, Stands in the gap and Trade of moe Preferments, With which the Lime will loade him. Th' Archbyshop Is the Kings hand, and tongue, and who dare speak One syllable against him? Gard. Yes, yes, Sir Thomas, There are that Dare, and I my selfe haue ventur'd To speake my minde of him: and indeed this day, Sir (I may tell it you) I thinke I haue Incenst the Lords o'th' Councell, that he is (For so I know he is, they know he is) A most Arch-Heretique, a Pestilence That does infect the Land: with which, they moued Haue broken with the King, who hath so farre Giuen eare to our Complaint, of his great Grace, And Princely Care, fore-seeing those fell Mischiefes, Our Reasons layd before him, hath commanded To morrow Morning to the Councell Boord He be conuented. He's a ranke weed Sir Thomas, And we must root him out. From your Affaires I hinder you too long: Good night, Sir Thomas. Exit Gardiner and Page. Lou. Many good nights, my Lord, I rest your seruant. Enter King and Suffolke. King. Charles, I will play no more to night, My mindes not on't, you are too hard for me Suff. Sir, I did neuer win of you before King. But little Charles, Nor shall not when my Fancies on my play. Now Louel, from the Queene what is the Newes Lou. I could not personally deliuer to her What you commanded me, but by her woman, I sent your Message, who return'd her thankes In the great'st humblenesse, and desir'd your Highnesse Most heartily to pray for her King. What say'st thou? Ha? To pray for her? What is she crying out? Lou. So said her woman, and that her suffrance made Almost each pang, a death King. Alas good Lady Suf. God safely quit her of her Burthen, and With gentle Trauaile, to the gladding of Your Highnesse with an Heire King. 'Tis midnight Charles, Prythee to bed, and in thy Prayres remember Th' estate of my poore Queene. Leaue me alone, For I must thinke of that, which company Would not be friendly too Suf. I wish your Highnesse A quiet night, and my good Mistris will Remember in my Prayers King. Charles good night. Exit Suffolke. Well Sir, what followes? Enter Sir Anthony Denny. Den. Sir, I haue brought my Lord the Arch-byshop, As you commanded me King. Ha? Canterbury? Den. I my good Lord King. 'Tis true: where is he Denny? Den. He attends your Highnesse pleasure King. Bring him to Vs Lou. This is about that, which the Byshop spake, I am happily come hither. Enter Cranmer and Denny. King. Auoyd the Gallery. Louel seemes to stay. Ha? I haue said. Be gone. What? Exeunt. Louell and Denny. Cran. I am fearefull: Wherefore frownes he thus? 'Tis his Aspect of Terror. All's not well King. How now my Lord? You do desire to know wherefore I sent for you Cran. It is my dutie T' attend your Highnesse pleasure King. Pray you arise My good and gracious Lord of Canterburie: Come, you and I must walke a turne together: I haue Newes to tell you. Come, come, giue me your hand. Ah my good Lord, I greeue at what I speake, And am right sorrie to repeat what followes. I haue, and most vnwillingly of late Heard many greeuous, I do say my Lord Greeuous complaints of you; which being consider'd, Haue mou'd Vs, and our Councell, that you shall This Morning come before vs, where I know You cannot with such freedome purge your selfe, But that till further Triall, in those Charges Which will require your Answer, you must take Your patience to you, and be well contented To make your house our Towre: you, a Brother of vs It fits we thus proceed, or else no witnesse Would come against you Cran. I humbly thanke your Highnesse, And am right glad to catch this good occasion Most throughly to be winnowed, where my Chaffe And Corne shall flye asunder. For I know There's none stands vnder more calumnious tongues, Then I my selfe, poore man King. Stand vp, good Canterbury, Thy Truth, and thy Integrity is rooted In vs thy Friend. Giue me thy hand, stand vp, Prythee let's walke. Now by my Holydame, What manner of man are you? My Lord, I look'd You would haue giuen me your Petition, that I should haue tane some paines, to bring together Your selfe, and your Accusers, and to haue heard you Without indurance further Cran. Most dread Liege, The good I stand on, is my Truth and Honestie: If they shall faile, I with mine Enemies Will triumph o're my person, which I waigh not, Being of those Vertues vacant. I feare nothing What can be said against me King. Know you not How your state stands i'th' world, with the whole world? Your Enemies are many, and not small; their practises Must beare the same proportion, and not euer The Iustice and the Truth o'th' question carries The dew o'th' Verdict with it; at what ease Might corrupt mindes procure, Knaues as corrupt To sweare against you: Such things haue bene done. You are Potently oppos'd, and with a Malice Of as great Size. Weene you of better lucke, I meane in periur'd Witnesse, then your Master, Whose Minister you are, whiles heere he liu'd Vpon this naughty Earth? Go too, go too, You take a Precepit for no leape of danger, And woe your owne destruction Cran. God, and your Maiesty Protect mine innocence, or I fall into The trap is laid for me King. Be of good cheere, They shall no more preuaile, then we giue way too: Keepe comfort to you, and this Morning see You do appeare before them. If they shall chance In charging you with matters, to commit you: The best perswasions to the contrary Faile not to vse, and with what vehemencie Th' occasion shall instruct you. If intreaties Will render you no remedy, this Ring Deliuer them, and your Appeale to vs There make before them. Looke, the goodman weeps: He's honest on mine Honor. Gods blest Mother, I sweare he is true-hearted, and a soule None better in my Kingdome. Get you gone, And do as I haue bid you. Exit Cranmer. He ha's strangled his Language in his teares. Enter Olde Lady. Gent. within. Come backe: what meane you? Lady. Ile not come backe, the tydings that I bring Will make my boldnesse, manners. Now good Angels Fly o're thy Royall head, and shade thy person Vnder their blessed wings King. Now by thy lookes I gesse thy Message. Is the Queene deliuer'd? Say I, and of a boy Lady. I, I my Liege, And of a louely Boy: the God of heauen Both now, and euer blesse her: 'Tis a Gyrle Promises Boyes heereafter. Sir, your Queen Desires your Visitation, and to be Acquainted with this stranger; 'tis as like you, As Cherry, is to Cherry King. Louell Lou. Sir King. Giue her an hundred Markes. Ile to the Queene. Exit King. Lady. An hundred Markes? By this light, Ile ha more. An ordinary Groome is for such payment. I will haue more, or scold it out of him. Said I for this, the Gyrle was like to him? Ile Haue more, or else vnsay't: and now, while 'tis hot, Ile put it to the issue. Exit Ladie. Scena Secunda. Enter Cranmer, Archbyshop of Canterbury. Cran. I hope I am not too late, and yet the Gentleman That was sent to me from the Councell, pray'd me To make great hast. All fast? What meanes this? Hoa? Who waites there? Sure you know me? Enter Keeper. Keep. Yes, my Lord: But yet I cannot helpe you Cran. Why? Keep. Your Grace must waight till you be call'd for. Enter Doctor Buts. Cran. So Buts. This is a Peere of Malice: I am glad I came this way so happily. The King Shall vnderstand it presently. Exit Buts Cran. 'Tis Buts. The Kings Physitian, as he past along How earnestly he cast his eyes vpon me: Pray heauen he found not my disgrace: for certaine This is of purpose laid by some that hate me, (God turne their hearts, I neuer sought their malice) To quench mine Honor; they would shame to make me Wait else at doore: a fellow Councellor 'Mong Boyes, Groomes, and Lackeyes. But their pleasures Must be fulfill'd, and I attend with patience. Enter the King, and Buts, at a Windowe aboue. Buts. Ile shew your Grace the strangest sight King. What's that Buts? Butts. I thinke your Highnesse saw this many a day Kin. Body a me: where is it? Butts. There my Lord: The high promotion of his Grace of Canterbury, Who holds his State at dore 'mongst Purseuants, Pages, and Foot-boyes Kin. Ha? 'Tis he indeed. Is this the Honour they doe one another? 'Tis well there's one aboue 'em yet; I had thought They had parted so much honesty among 'em, At least good manners; as not thus to suffer A man of his Place, and so neere our fauour To dance attendance on their Lordships pleasures, And at the dore too, like a Post with Packets: By holy Mary (Butts) there's knauery; Let 'em alone, and draw the Curtaine close: We shall heare more anon. A Councell Table brought in with Chayres and Stooles, and placed vnder the State. Enter Lord Chancellour, places himselfe at the vpper end of the Table, on the left hand: A Seate being left void aboue him, as for Canterburies Seate. Duke of Suffolke, Duke of Norfolke, Surrey, Lord Chamberlaine, Gardiner, seat themselues in Order on each side. Cromwell at lower end, as Secretary. Chan. Speake to the businesse, M[aster]. Secretary; Why are we met in Councell? Crom. Please your Honours, The chiefe cause concernes his Grace of Canterbury Gard. Ha's he had knowledge of it? Crom. Yes Norf. Who waits there? Keep. Without my Noble Lords? Gard. Yes Keep. My Lord Archbishop: And ha's done halfe an houre to know your pleasures Chan. Let him come in Keep. Your Grace may enter now. Cranmer approches the Councell Table. Chan. My good Lord Archbishop, I'm very sorry To sit heere at this present, and behold That Chayre stand empty: But we all are men In our owne natures fraile, and capable Of our flesh, few are Angels; out of which frailty And want of wisedome, you that best should teach vs, Haue misdemean'd your selfe, and not a little: Toward the King first, then his Lawes, in filling The whole Realme, by your teaching & your Chaplaines (For so we are inform'd) with new opinions, Diuers and dangerous; which are Heresies; And not reform'd, may proue pernicious Gard. Which Reformation must be sodaine too My Noble Lords; for those that tame wild Horses, Pace 'em not in their hands to make 'em gentle; But stop their mouthes with stubborn Bits & spurre 'em, Till they obey the mannage. If we suffer Out of our easinesse and childish pitty To one mans Honour, this contagious sicknesse; Farewell all Physicke: and what followes then? Commotions, vprores, with a generall Taint Of the whole State; as of late dayes our neighbours, The vpper Germany can deerely witnesse: Yet freshly pittied in our memories Cran. My good Lords; Hitherto, in all the Progresse Both of my Life and Office, I haue labour'd, And with no little study, that my teaching And the strong course of my Authority, Might goe one way, and safely; and the end Was euer to doe well: nor is there liuing, (I speake it with a single heart, my Lords) A man that more detests, more stirres against, Both in his priuate Conscience, and his place, Defacers of a publique peace then I doe: Pray Heauen the King may neuer find a heart With lesse Allegeance in it. Men that make Enuy, and crooked malice, nourishment; Dare bite the best. I doe beseech your, Lordships, That in this case of Iustice, my Accusers, Be what they will, may stand forth face to face, And freely vrge against me Suff. Nay, my Lord, That cannot be; you are a Counsellor, And by that vertue no man dare accuse you Gard. My Lord, because we haue busines of more moment, We will be short with you. 'Tis his Highnesse pleasure And our consent, for better tryall of you, From hence you be committed to the Tower, Where being but a priuate man againe, You shall know many dare accuse you boldly, More then (I feare) you are prouided for Cran. Ah my good Lord of Winchester: I thanke you, You are alwayes my good Friend, if your will passe, I shall both finde your Lordship, Iudge and Iuror, You are so mercifull. I see your end, 'Tis my vndoing. Loue and meekenesse, Lord Become a Churchman, better then Ambition: Win straying Soules with modesty againe, Cast none away: That I shall cleere my selfe, Lay all the weight ye can vpon my patience, I make as little doubt as you doe conscience, In doing dayly wrongs. I could say more, But reuerence to your calling, makes me modest Gard. My Lord, my Lord, you are a Sectary, That's the plaine truth; your painted glosse discouers To men that vnderstand you, words and weaknesse Crom. My Lord of Winchester, y'are a little, By your good fauour, too sharpe; Men so Noble, How euer faulty, yet should finde respect For what they haue beene: 'tis a cruelty, To load a falling man Gard. Good M[aster]. Secretary, I cry your Honour mercie; you may worst Of all this Table say so Crom. Why my Lord? Gard. Doe not I know you for a Fauourer Of this new Sect? ye are not sound Crom. Not sound? Gard. Not sound I say Crom. Would you were halfe so honest: Mens prayers then would seeke you, not their feares Gard. I shall remember this bold Language Crom. Doe. Remember your bold life too Cham. This is too much; Forbeare for shame my Lords Gard. I haue done Crom. And I Cham. Then thus for you my Lord, it stands agreed I take it, by all voyces: That forthwith, You be conuaid to th' Tower a Prisoner; There to remaine till the Kings further pleasure Be knowne vnto vs: are you all agreed Lords All. We are Cran. Is there no other way of mercy, But I must needs to th' Tower my Lords? Gard. What other, Would you expect? You are strangely troublesome: Let some o'th' Guard be ready there. Enter the Guard. Cran. For me? Must I goe like a Traytor thither? Gard. Receiue him, And see him safe i'th' Tower Cran. Stay good my Lords, I haue a little yet to say. Looke there my Lords, By vertue of that Ring, I take my cause Out of the gripes of cruell men, and giue it To a most Noble Iudge, the King my Maister Cham. This is the Kings Ring Sur. 'Tis no counterfeit Suff. 'Ts the right Ring, by Heau'n: I told ye all, When we first put this dangerous stone a rowling, 'Twold fall vpon our selues Norf. Doe you thinke my Lords The King will suffer but the little finger Of this man to be vex'd? Cham. Tis now too certaine; How much more is his Life in value with him? Would I were fairely out on't Crom. My mind gaue me, In seeking tales and Informations Against this man, whose honesty the Diuell And his Disciples onely enuy at, Ye blew the fire that burnes ye: now haue at ye. Enter King frowning on them, takes his Seate. Gard. Dread Soueraigne, How much are we bound to Heauen, In dayly thankes, that gaue vs such a Prince; Not onely good and wise, but most religious: One that in all obedience, makes the Church The cheefe ayme of his Honour, and to strengthen That holy duty out of deare respect, His Royall selfe in Iudgement comes to heare The cause betwixt her, and this great offender Kin. You were euer good at sodaine Commendations, Bishop of Winchester. But know I come not To heare such flattery now, and in my presence They are too thin, and base to hide offences, To me you cannot reach. You play the Spaniell, And thinke with wagging of your tongue to win me: But whatsoere thou tak'st me for; I'm sure Thou hast a cruell Nature and a bloody. Good man sit downe: Now let me see the proudest Hee, that dares most, but wag his finger at thee. By all that's holy, he had better starue, Then but once thinke his place becomes thee not Sur. May it please your Grace; - Kin. No Sir, it doe's not please me, I had thought, I had had men of some vnderstanding, And wisedome of my Councell; but I finde none: Was it discretion Lords, to let this man, This good man (few of you deserue that Title) This honest man, wait like a lowsie Foot-boy At Chamber dore? and one, as great as you are? Why, what a shame was this? Did my Commission Bid ye so farre forget your selues? I gaue ye Power, as he was a Counsellour to try him, Not as a Groome: There's some of ye, I see, More out of Malice then Integrity, Would trye him to the vtmost, had ye meane, Which ye shall neuer haue while I liue Chan. Thus farre My most dread Soueraigne, may it like your Grace, To let my tongue excuse all. What was purpos'd Concerning his Imprisonment, was rather (If there be faith in men) meant for his Tryall, And faire purgation to the world then malice, I'm sure in me Kin. Well, well my Lords respect him, Take him, and vse him well; hee's worthy of it. I will say thus much for him, if a Prince May be beholding to a Subiect; I Am for his loue and seruice, so to him. Make me no more adoe, but all embrace him; Be friends for shame my Lords: My Lord of Canterbury I haue a Suite which you must not deny mee. That is, a faire young Maid that yet wants Baptisme, You must be Godfather, and answere for her Cran. The greatest Monarch now aliue may glory In such an honour: how may I deserue it, That am a poore and humble Subiect to you? Kin. Come, come my Lord, you'd spare your spoones; You shall haue two noble Partners with you: the old Duchesse of Norfolke, and Lady Marquesse Dorset? will these please you? Once more my Lord of Winchester, I charge you Embrace, and loue this man Gard. With a true heart, And Brother; loue I doe it Cran. And let Heauen Witnesse how deare, I hold this Confirmation Kin. Good Man, those ioyfull teares shew thy true hearts, The common voyce I see is verified Of thee, which sayes thus: Doe my Lord of Canterbury A shrewd turne, and hee's your friend for euer: Come Lords, we trifle time away: I long To haue this young one made a Christian. As I haue made ye one Lords, one remaine: So I grow stronger, you more Honour gaine. Exeunt. Scena Tertia. Noyse and Tumult within: Enter Porter and his man. Port. You'l leaue your noyse anon ye Rascals: doe you take the Court for Parish Garden: ye rude Slaues, leaue your gaping Within. Good M[aster]. Porter I belong to th' Larder Port. Belong to th' Gallowes, and be hang'd ye Rogue: Is this a place to roare in? Fetch me a dozen Crab-tree staues, and strong ones; these are but switches to 'em: Ile scratch your heads; you must be seeing Christenings? Do you looke for Ale, and Cakes heere, you rude Raskalls? Man. Pray Sir be patient; 'tis as much impossible, Vnlesse wee sweepe 'em from the dore with Cannons, To scatter 'em, as 'tis to make 'em sleepe On May-day Morning, which will neuer be: We may as well push against Powles as stirre 'em Por. How got they in, and be hang'd? Man. Alas I know not, how gets the Tide in? As much as one sound Cudgell of foure foote, (You see the poore remainder) could distribute, I made no spare Sir Port. You did nothing Sir Man. I am not Sampson, nor Sir Guy, nor Colebrand, To mow 'em downe before me: but if I spar'd any That had a head to hit, either young or old, He or shee, Cuckold or Cuckold-maker: Let me ne're hope to see a Chine againe, And that I would not for a Cow, God saue her Within. Do you heare M[aster]. Porter? Port. I shall be with you presently, good M[aster]. Puppy, Keepe the dore close Sirha Man. What would you haue me doe? Por. What should you doe, But knock 'em downe by th' dozens? Is this More fields to muster in? Or haue wee some strange Indian with the great Toole, come to Court, the women so besiege vs? Bless me, what a fry of Fornication is at dore? On my Christian Conscience this one Christening will beget a thousand, here will bee Father, God-father, and all together Man. The Spoones will be the bigger Sir: There is a fellow somewhat neere the doore, he should be a Brasier by his face, for o' my conscience twenty of the Dogdayes now reigne in's Nose; all that stand about him are vnder the Line, they need no other pennance: that FireDrake did I hit three times on the head, and three times was his Nose discharged against mee; hee stands there like a Morter-piece to blow vs. There was a Habberdashers Wife of small wit, neere him, that rail'd vpon me, till her pinck'd porrenger fell off her head, for kindling such a combustion in the State. I mist the Meteor once, and hit that Woman, who cryed out Clubbes, when I might see from farre, some forty Truncheoners draw to her succour, which were the hope o'th' Strond where she was quartered; they fell on, I made good my place; at length they came to th' broome staffe to me, I defide 'em stil, when sodainly a File of Boyes behind 'em, loose shot, deliuer'd such a showre of Pibbles, that I was faine to draw mine Honour in, and let 'em win the Worke, the Diuell was amongst 'em I thinke surely Por. These are the youths that thunder at a Playhouse, and fight for bitten Apples, that no Audience but the tribulation of Tower Hill, or the Limbes of Limehouse, their deare Brothers are able to endure. I haue some of 'em in Limbo Patrum, and there they are like to dance these three dayes; besides the running Banquet of two Beadles, that is to come. Enter Lord Chamberlaine. Cham. Mercy o' me: what a Multitude are heere? They grow still too; from all Parts they are comming, As if we kept a Faire heere? Where are these Porters? These lazy knaues? Y'haue made a fine hand fellowes? Theres a trim rabble let in: are all these Your faithfull friends o'th' Suburbs? We shall haue Great store of roome no doubt, left for the Ladies, When they passe backe from the Christening? Por. And't please your Honour, We are but men; and what so many may doe, Not being torne a pieces, we haue done: An Army cannot rule 'em Cham. As I liue, If the King blame me for't; Ile lay ye all By th' heeles, and sodainly: and on your heads Clap round Fines for neglect: y'are lazy knaues, And heere ye lye baiting of Bombards, when Ye should doe Seruice. Harke the Trumpets sound, Th'are come already from the Christening, Go breake among the preasse, and finde away out To let the Troope passe fairely; or Ile finde A Marshallsey, shall hold ye play these two Monthes Por. Make way there, for the Princesse Man. You great fellow, Stand close vp, or Ile make your head ake Por. You i'th' Chamblet, get vp o'th' raile, Ile pecke you o're the pales else. Exeunt. Scena Quarta. Enter Trumpets sounding: Then two Aldermen, L[ord]. Maior, Garter, Cranmer, Duke of Norfolke with his Marshals Staffe, Duke of Suffolke, two Noblemen, bearing great standing Bowles for the Christening Guifts: Then foure Noblemen bearing a Canopy, vnder which the Dutchesse of Norfolke, Godmother, bearing the Childe richly habited in a Mantle, &c. Traine borne by a Lady: Then followes the Marchionesse Dorset, the other Godmother, and Ladies. The Troope passe once about the Stage, and Garter speakes. Gart. Heauen From thy endlesse goodnesse, send prosperous life, Long, and euer happie, to the high and Mighty Princesse of England Elizabeth. Flourish. Enter King and Guard. Cran. And to your Royall Grace, & the good Queen, My Noble Partners, and my selfe thus pray All comfort, ioy in this most gracious Lady, Heauen euer laid vp to make Parents happy, May hourely fall vpon ye Kin. Thanke you good Lord Archbishop: What is her Name? Cran. Elizabeth Kin. Stand vp Lord, With this Kisse, take my Blessing: God protect thee, Into whose hand, I giue thy Life Cran. Amen Kin. My Noble Gossips, y'haue beene too Prodigall; I thanke ye heartily: So shall this Lady, When she ha's so much English Cran. Let me speake Sir, For Heauen now bids me; and the words I vtter, Let none thinke Flattery; for they'l finde 'em Truth. This Royall Infant, Heauen still moue about her; Though in her Cradle; yet now promises Vpon this Land a thousand thousand Blessings, Which Time shall bring to ripenesse: She shall be, (But few now liuing can behold that goodnesse) A Patterne to all Princes liuing with her, And all that shall succeed: Saba was neuer More couetous of Wisedome, and faire Vertue Then this pure Soule shall be. All Princely Graces That mould vp such a mighty Piece as this is, With all the Vertues that attend the good, Shall still be doubled on her. Truth shall Nurse her, Holy and Heauenly thoughts still Counsell her: She shall be lou'd and fear'd. Her owne shall blesse her; Her Foes shake like a Field of beaten Corne, And hang their heads with sorrow: Good growes with her. In her dayes, Euery Man shall eate in safety, Vnder his owne Vine what he plants; and sing The merry Songs of Peace to all his Neighbours. God shall be truely knowne, and those about her, From her shall read the perfect way of Honour, And by those claime their greatnesse; not by Blood. Nor shall this peace sleepe with her: But as when The Bird of Wonder dyes, the Mayden Phoenix, Her Ashes new create another Heyre, As great in admiration as her selfe. So shall she leaue her Blessednesse to One, (When Heauen shal call her from this clowd of darknes) Who, from the sacred Ashes of her Honour Shall Star-like rise, as great in fame as she was, And so stand fix'd. Peace, Plenty, Loue, Truth, Terror, That were the Seruants to this chosen Infant, Shall then be his, and like a Vine grow to him; Where euer the bright Sunne of Heauen shall shine, His Honour, and the greatnesse of his Name, Shall be, and make new Nations. He shall flourish, And like a Mountaine Cedar, reach his branches, To all the Plaines about him: Our Childrens Children Shall see this, and blesse Heauen Kin. Thou speakest wonders Cran. She shall be to the happinesse of England, An aged Princesse; many dayes shall see her, And yet no day without a deed to Crowne it. Would I had knowne no more: But she must dye, She must, the Saints must haue her; yet a Virgin, A most vnspotted Lilly shall she passe To th' ground, and all the World shall mourne her Kin. O Lord Archbishop Thou hast made me now a man, neuer before This happy Child, did I get any thing. This Oracle of comfort, ha's so pleas'd me, That when I am in Heauen, I shall desire To see what this Child does, and praise my Maker. I thanke ye all. To you my good Lord Maior, And you good Brethren, I am much beholding: I haue receiu'd much Honour by your presence, And ye shall find me thankfull. Lead the way Lords, Ye must all see the Queene, and she must thanke ye, She will be sicke els. This day, no man thinke 'Has businesse at his house; for all shall stay: This Little-One shall make it Holy-day. Exeunt. THE EPILOGVE. Tis ten to one, this Play can neuer please All that are heere: Some come to take their ease, And sleepe an Act or two; but those we feare W'haue frighted with our Trumpets: so 'tis cleare, They'l say tis naught. Others to heare the City Abus'd extreamly, and to cry that's witty, Which wee haue not done neither; that I feare All the expected good w'are like to heare. For this Play at this time, is onely in The mercifull construction of good women, For such a one we shew'd 'em: If they smile, And say twill doe; I know within a while, All the best men are ours; for 'tis ill hap, If they hold, when their Ladies bid 'em clap. FINIS. Publication Date: May 29th 2008 https://www.bookrix.com/-bx.shakespeare

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Pacey My Middle School Conflict Publication Date: September 18th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-dream1998

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Jax Teller I know your secrets. - BB To Sara Shepard the author of Pretty Little Liars. Prologue We were all hanging out in Jenn"s out house , when we heard a thud from outside. Publication Date: February 2nd 2014 https://www.bookrix.com/-vff8a89cbf47d25

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Chanda Dobra You're One to Remember Myra's Story Chapter 1 This book is dedicated to all my great friends, my most supportive family, my encouraging teacher Ms. Moss, and all the unicorns injured in the making of this book. “Where am I?” Myra muttered to herself. Myra’s footsteps were silent against the dead leaves as they scattered across the forest floor. With her hands softly brushing against the tree’s bark and the tall grasses, Myra made her way towards an unknown destination. Every movement she made was completely controlled and calm, as if flying gracefully through the air. Closing her dark golden eyes, the forest around her slowly turned to darkness. Opening her eyes once again, Myra sat up straight, clenching the blankets she had been sleeping in tightly in her hands. Myra closed her eyes, trying to calm down while her heart beat as loud as ever. Breathing slowly she returned to normal. Opening her eyes slowly she thought about her dream. With a confused sigh she breathed out words to herself, “It was a good, calm dream… why am I so tense?” Shaking her head knowing she cannot answer this question, she slipped out of bed. Her feet pressed against the cold, wooden floor as she made her way to her closet. Slipping on her favorite outfit, she walked out of her room. Pressing her hand over her mouth as she let out a wide yawn, Myra walked into the living room. With a blink she looked around the large room, one of the largest rooms in her family’s creepy mansion. As she admired the dark brown wood that was centuries old her two little siblings, Jessie and Rose, ran out into the room. Myra looked back at them and screeched with annoyance, “Mom, Jessie and Rose got out of the tub!” pausing for a moment she waited for a reply, when none sounded she sighed, “Get off your phone!” the two toddlers were both running in circles, soaking wet and in their bathing suits. The sound of their mothers call echoed through their home sounding from the bathroom, “Jessie! Rose! Get back in the bath!” Jessie and Rose giggled and laughed wildly, “But mom!” They both cried in unison. Myra stood as her older brother, John, walked quickly into the room to retrieve them both, his eyes were cold and he was as silent as stones. Myra walked and grabbed Rose while John held Jessie. Together they brought the two squirming kids back into the tub. Their mother, Rosita, smiled at her two older children with relief and nodded to them to leave the room, “Thanks you two, oh what would I do without you?” With a smile, Myra exited and walked towards the kitchen, not looking at her brother. John sighed, “I am sorry, alright?” Myra swirled around; her dark brown hair flew from the force of the turn. Her smile instantly faded, and cold rage filled Myra’s eyes and she yelled madly, “’Sorry’ can’t reverse what has been done! You killed him John, You killed Cooper! You’re nothing more than an insane lunatic!” Feeling as if her grief and anger consumed her, she dashed full force at her brother. Smashing into him she shoved him backwards, John hit the floor with a loud slam. Letting out a yowl of pain, John scrambled to his feet panting, His eyes blazed with pain but he knew he deserved it. Myra’s hands shook with rage and hatred. Her eyes were cold and merciless looking; she stepped towards her brother seeming ready to rip his throat out. Their mother screeched while storming into the room, “What is all this racket- Myra! What have you done, your brother is bleeding!” Just then Myra noticed a long gash on the side of her brother’s check, it reached from his chin all the way to the roots of his hair. All the rage and hate vanished and she practically jumped to her brother’s side. Gult replaced all her feels and her heart tightened concern and she whispered, “I’m so sorry…” Helping him to his feet, Myra felt the lean and hard muscles under his skin. With a terrified blink, she wondered how she was able to topple him over like that. “You got blood all over the dining table.” Myra tried to joke. “Yea, well, you caused it not me.” She could tell he was trying to cover the pain in his voice with humor. Their mother ran to John’s other side and together they helped him into the kitchen. Rosita glared at her daughter and snapped, “Go get Jessie and Rose out of the tub and dressed Myra, you have already done enough here already.” With a hurt glance at her mother’s rage filled eyes, Myra backed away and led Jessie and Rose out of the bath. “Come on lets get you two dressed in some nice, warm clothes alright?” “Okay Myra!” Rose spoke first happily while Jessie looked up at Myra, his big gold eyes beaming, “Why is Mommy mad?” “Because you’re big sis here did something not nice.” She replied to him slowly and cautiously. “Why did you do something not nice, Myra?” Sighing she kneeled down in front of him and spoke gently, “Because Johnny made Myrie mad.” “Why did he make you mad?” Smiling, she rubbed his head, thick with his blond hair, “Why do you ask so many questions?” “Why not?” Jessie replied to her with the simplest yet confusing answer. It didn’t take long before Rose got jealous of Jessie getting attention, and she pushed her way through Myra and Jessie, “I want my nice warm clothes now!” Smiling Myra nodded to her bossy and outgoing little sister. Slipping their arms through their clothes, she was able to get her little sibling’s dressed right when mother finished tending John. Turning around to her mother’s call, Myra walked into the kitchen. With a frown she stared at the bloody gauges wrapped around Johns arm. A tear rolled down her cheek as she looked at it, knowing it was her fault. As what had happened seemed to blow over, Rosita began to cook in the kitchen. Myra stepped forward sniffing the delicious smelling air, closing her eyes she thought, hamburgers with bacon and even… even some cheese and potatoes! Myra opened her eyes once again, they were filled with confusion. She thought to herself, how could I detect every little detail in what Rosita is making? Myra blinked away the confusion as her brother stepped into the room looking straight at her. Myra returned his gaze and spoke softly, “I really am sorry for what I did.” With a joking smile her brother replied, “Sorrys don’t reverse what has been done.” With a small smile she listened to how he quoted her. She knew every time she got angry at him, they would joke about it later. Leaping to her feet, Myra stepped forward and hugged her brother, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face into his chest. While she did John warped his arms around his sister and pushed his face in between her shoulder and neck. Myra began to cry, tears once again slipping down her cheeks and falling to her feet. John gently grabbed Myra’s shoulders and placed her once again in front of him, “I am sorry too, I know it doesn’t change anything but it has to be worth something.” Myra muttered through her tears, “Its okay, cooper was an asshole anyway.” Myra stuffed her face once again against her brother, crying until she couldn’t breathe, and he cried with her. Finally, for what seemed like moments, she backed away from her big brother and gave him a sad smile, “Thanks.” John smiled and rubbed her head as if she was a dog, “It’s alright.” With a smile Myra walked back into her room, lying down on her bed. After a few moments she stood, rising to her feet exhaustedly. Wiping away her tears, she cleaned off her sheets and changed her pillows. Tossing them to the floor carelessly she replaced them; falling onto her bed Myra closed her eyes and drifted off into the darkness of sleep. Opening her eyes, Myra got out of her bed and walked out into the living room. Looking around, she glanced at the clock just above the humming oven; 6:30. With a growl of frustration, Myra turned on her heels and walked to the couch. Practically throwing herself on the ugly yellow thing, she tried to get comfortable. She wrapped her fingers around the remote and pressed the button turning on the large flat screen. All of a sudden her phone began to vibrate. Looking down she grabbed it and pressed it against her ear and whispered, “Hello?” She heard the most wonderful voice she had ever heard for the past few weeks, “Hey Myra! Its Ash, can you talk?” Scrambling to her feet and off the couch, Myra ran outside onto the patio of the third floor of her house. Basically panting she calmed her voice and spoke a little to coolly, “Why yes, yes of course.” Ash laughed with that adorable laugh that made her smile, even at her saddest moments. He spoke, “Hey I know it’s early, but I have something to tell you…” Myra’s eyes flashed with concern and she spoke, her voice trembling slightly, “Sure baby, what’s on your mind.” Before he spoke the same thing went through her mind, he can’t keep this distant relationship up… he is going to end it… he is going to end it… he is going to end it! Suddenly Ash spoke his voice tinted with excitement, “I just moved to London, you know that a good thing because that where you live now.” With a scream Myra eyes lit up, her heart instantly began to pound in her ears and joyful tears streamed down her cheeks, “You’re kidding me, you’re messing with me!” Ash laughed, “Nope.” Laughing with joy Myra cried, “I love you! Oh my god!” She jumped in a bewildered circle and ran inside. Bounding down the three long stairways, She bolted out the front door climbing down the wooden stairs leading to the sidewalk. She spoke panting in the phone, “What’s your new address?” “You don’t need to know because I see you.” Dropping her phone Myra looked around eyes wide. Her eyes lay on a boy, for the first time ever in person. His short, blonde, skater hair partly covered his beautiful golden eyes. He had his hands in his jacket pockets; the mist that always hung around her house surrounded his shoes. His dark blue jeans blended in with the early morning dimness, and his pale skin made him look as if he wasn’t there at all. Running forward, she reached out her arms eyes gleaming with joy. Ash walked forward quickly tears streaming down his face as well, and together they embraced each other. Myra wrapped her arms around his neck and lifted her feet in the air; she hung off him as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Myra lifted her head and pressed her lips against his for the first time, and never for the last. After what seemed like only a few moments, Ash lowered her down and smiled, “You’re even more beautiful in person…” Myra laughed, “I can say the same for you, webcam was great to but- oh whatever!” She leaped and kissed him again, he seemed so strangely irresistible. Myra smiled as she released him and spoke shakily, “I can’t believe its you… the real you.” She brushed her hand across his perfect cheek. Ash smiled and grabbed her hand gently and held it in his own, “I convinced my mom- whoa.” He stopped short when he took his first look at her house. “Are you rich or something?” Myra laughed and held his hand tightly, “Well… okay yes but that doesn’t change anything, right?” Ash laughed, “No amount of money could take you from me.” Myras cheeks turned a bright pink as she blushed. Ash laughed, “You’re so cute when you’re embarrassed.” Laughing Ash grabbed her pants and yanked them down laughing until he was crying. Myra stood in shock, what an asshole! How could she ever love such as arrogant piece of shit! Suddenly she screamed, she always did. Myra’s eyes flashed open, instantly she began to cry with misery and pain. Thoughts flashed through her head, I am never going to see him will I? Why not? Oh yea, because I can’t! Pressing her hands over her face as tears streamed down, she struggled to calm herself. Sudden rage filled her heart, why do my dreams torture me like this…? Why do I have to suffer with crying every morning or screaming? I hate it! She stood up and stomped over to her dresser. Opening one, she grabbed a small red box and carried it to her bed. Sitting down she opened it and grabbed the razor she kept hidden from herself for this long. Pressing it against her wrist she slowly pressed down, Time to end this endless torture once and for all. She closed her eyes as pain consumed her, seeming to control her every move and thought. All the problems in her life flashed before her eyes, visions of everything she has gone wrong, and all of them seeming to show it as her fault. When she opened the fridge and all of the food suddenly fell out, breaking the eggs and making the milk spill, the dogs got out when she opened the gate to let her and her family through the back, and they got hit by an oncoming car. Slowly she pressed it down and guided it upwards. Us leaving father all because I looked around the corner. Bringing cooper into the house for us to make love for the first time… and John seeing him thinking he was a burglar. The two girls that bullied me throughout my entire school life, me killing them. She opened her eyes as a reflex from the pain from going much deeper then she had thought she was going to. She looked down as dark red blood slowly slid down her hand, over her fingers, and onto her blanket. Tears rolled down her cheeks, pale with fear and pain. After watching this for what seemed like forever she made three quick slices over both her wrists. She lay down and cried blood soaking her shirt and pants. She cried until her brother walked into the room to see what was going on, he yelled with alarm and grabbed her, holding her tightly and rushing her to the first aid kit in the bathroom. Her vision darkened and her eyes rolled back, as her body tingled with a numb feeling, Myra went limp. Opening her eyes, she saw her family’s private doctor, Doctor Hamilton, standing over her talking to her mother. Grunting with exhaustion and a headache, Myra propped herself up on her elbows and looked at her mother and Doctor, they both looked at her and her mother began to cry. Doctor Hamilton crouched on one knee and rested a gentle hand on Myra’s arm, “We nearly lost you Myra, and you need to be careful with what you do to yourself.” He glanced at the bloody razor still on her bed where she had left it. He spoke again in a more firm tone, “I am going to ask you some questions tomorrow, today I will let you rest.” He stood and looked at Myra’s mother, “I will take the guest room closest to Myra’s, please direct me to the room I have suggested.” Her mother nodded, still sobbing, and lead Doctor Hamilton out of the room. Myra lay back down with a sigh and looked at the bloody gauze wrapped around her wrists. She lifted her head seeing they had left the razor and she thought, stupid fools. She outreached a hand to grasp it when a hand grabbed hers, stopping her. She looked up to see Ash. Her eyes widened and she whispered, “This better not be another dream…” Ash frowned and crouched looking into her golden eyes with his own, “This isn’t a dream, I forced my mother to fly me in once John called me and told me what happened.” A tear slid down his cheek and he whispered in pure pain, “Why would you try to leave me… this is the first time I get to see you in person and your half dead.” Crying, she lifted herself and hugged him, crying into his jacket shoulder. She cried until she felt dehydrated from so many tears spilt. Finally, Ash stood up and sighed heavily, his eyes burning with sadness. Before he walked out of the room to let her rest, he pressed a kiss on her forehead. With her eyes shut, Myra listened as his footstep as he retreated from her room. Opening her eyes once again, she stood up, but instantly fell back onto her bed. She was weak still, but she wanted nothing more than to feel Ash near her again. She cried into her pillow until she fell asleep. Opening her eyes yet again, she saw the moon was high in the air, she did not dream for once. Or at least, she couldn’t remember. Standing, she felt strong again. Walking through the halls, Myra slipped into another guest room and saw Ash asleep. She smiled and ran forward and threw herself on the bed. Ash opened his eyes and smiled. Myra cuddled under his arm as Ash wrapped his arm around the back of her neck. Together they cuddled until dawn. Myra looked up at Ash and whispered to him, “Are you going to stay here forever?” He looked down and smiled, “I hope so, I am going to try and move my mom and brother down here.” Smiling, Myra nodded her head up and down showing her approval of his idea. Myra sat sharply up straight when she smelt the delicious scents of bacon and eggs. Laughing, she tickled Ash and climbed out of his bed, running out into the kitchen. She sat and watched as her mother carried the large plate of food and placed it down for everyone to eat. Myra glanced at Ash and patted a set next to her. He grabbed a plate and set next to Myra as they ate. Once they finished Myra smiled and said quickly, “Ash lets go for a walk.” Ash nodded and stood up and spoke respectfully, “Thanks for the food Ms. Garson.” Myra smiled at her mother and stood, she turned around to follow Ash outside when she saw her brother standing quietly in the hallway. He was glaring at her, she knew why. Myra walked towards him to speak, but he ignored her and walked past her into the kitchen to eat. Myra sighed then turned and ran after Ash, knowing he would get lost in her huge home. They walked down the pavement, holding hands while a light rain fell. Ash smiled and turned her in a circle as if dancing, it all seemed like a dream. Myra closed her eyes and tried holding this moment forever. She shivered from the rain which made her open her eyes, the dream-like time was over and she was soaked to the bone. Ash smiled and whispered, “I always wanted to do this.” He took off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. Smiling like a total idiot, Myra put her arms through the sleeves and hugged the jacket, holding it close to her. She breathed in the warm, sweet scent Ash left on his jacket, he smelt light peppermint. Closing her eyes once again, she embraced this moment as well, as she did Ash grabbed her hand and gently pulled her close to him, keeping her eyes closed she felt his lips press against hers, truly for the first time. Once it was over Myra opened her eyes and smiled brightly, she tried to talk but she was speechless. Ash laughed lightly and held her hand still; together they walked back to her house. Myra was amazed when she saw they spent the entire day outside together, the clock showed 7:18 pm. Smiling, she turned and looked at Ash. Her eyes clouded with confusion, he wasn’t there. She spoke quiet but with a faint laugh, “Ash?” Suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulder and she screamed, jumping forward and turning around on her heels, she stared at her surpriser. It was Ash, his eyes gleaming with triumph. She laughed and punched his chest, “Don’t do that!” He did nothing but laugh, of course. She smiled and could do nothing but laugh too, he was a big joker and she didn’t want that to change. After their bout of laughter Ash grabbed her hand and pulled her along. They left the house again and he led her down the street. She laughed and asked, “Where are you taking me?” Ash spoke with a glance back at her, “It’s a surprise.” Letting go of his hand she faced him, “What is it?” Ash looked at her, “You trust me, don’t you?” Myra smiled and sighed, “I do.” Ash smiled and grabbed her hand once again, leading her forward. They walked down the thicker vegetation of the forest, her mind wandered off, as usual. She thought about her home back in America. She missed her friends, her family, and her dog. Back home she had left everyone, her great uncle had passed away, leaving her mother with his old-style mansion and fortune. Myra was brought back to life as Ash suddenly stopped pulling. She stood beside him, looking at a one story cabin. He looked at her and smiled, “We just moved in.” Myra gasped and hugged him smiling like a complete idiot once again. Ash let her go and said, “I know it must be weird, to be dating a poor guy, but it’s not like we can’t-““What? Money doesn’t matter to me.” Myra spoke firmly cutting him off. “I hate money. Everyone judges every person by how rich or poor they are. It’s just a waste of time!” Myra turned and climbed up into a short oak tree. Ash sighed and followed her, “I wasn’t saying that, I just want you to know that it doesn’t matter to me. I don’t care either; let’s forget I brought it up.” His eyes looked worried, as if he gave something away. “Is money all you care about?” Ash replied quicker then she liked, “No” His eyes were cold and determined looking, as if he was keeping something from her. Narrowing her eyes for a moment she thought, what’s he hiding from me…? I guess it doesn’t matter. Shrugging Myra slowly spoke, leaning on the branch she was lying on. “Well then lets change the subject, are we officially together?” His confused look made her explain deeper, “Like… girlfriend and boyfriend. I know we are something, but when we were distance it seemed- well, you know… different.” He smiled, “Of course we are together like that.” He grabbed her hands sweetly and spoke quietly, “Forever and always.” Myra looked at him and smiled wildly, “I should be heading home… its getting dark.” With a glance to the sky the first couple stars began to shine. She leapt off the branch she was sitting on and landed with a silent thump. She looked back at Ash and smiled, he looked beautiful in the tree. Standing on her tippy-toes, she lifted her head as far as she could and kissed his lips softly, “See you tomorrow,” Ash whispered, his eyes closed. With a smile and waving, she started to run off. The moon was rising; she knew her mother would be upset. By the time she made it back she was panting, covered in sweat, and exhausted. She closed the door behind her and took off Ash’s jacket. Suddenly she heard a screech of relief and she looked up sharply, her mother was running at her with tears streaming down her face. Her mother nearly tackled her down with a huge hug, she cried, “Honey what happened? Did you get hurt?” Myra looked at her mother as if she was crazy, “I was just walking with Ash and I saw it was getting late and left.” See looked around the room and saw her entire family sitting in the living room, tears soaking their faces. Looking at each of them, she looked back at her mother, “What’s going on?” Her mother’s eyes flashed with grief and she said quietly, “Sit down and I will tell you.” Myra cautiously sat on the couch and looked at her mother expectantly. She sat and grasped her arm gently, “Honey, Ash has been shot and they can’t find his body, but there was blood and everyone heard gunshots.” Chatper 2 Myra’s heart went cold. She didn’t believe a word of it, Ash… dead? Her eyes narrowed at her mother with cold confusion tinted with sorrow, “I was just with him, so whoever was shot it wasn’t Ash.” She watched tears roll down her mothers cheeks, “You must have left before the shooter arrived-“She didn’t get much of a finish before Myra stood sharply and knocked the coffee table over with a scream, “I told you I was just with him! Stop torturing me!” Her mother stood and grabbed Myra’s arms more firmly now, trying to calm her daughter down. “Honey please calm down, I know this is hard for you to accept, but you have to. Ash is gone, he is dead and he isn’t coming back!” Myra turned sharply and slammed her fist on the side of her mother’s face. Blood flew from the force and her mother fell back on the couch. John stood and grabbed Myra’s arms, twisting them behind her back. He pushed her onto a chair on the opposite side of the couch and pinned her there. She screamed struggling, kicking furiously tears streaming down her face. It seemed like hours, the misery. I can’t believe it, I just can’t! It wasn’t true, was it? She had to see for herself, just once. A drop of blood, any kind of proof to show her that her one and only love was really dead. She knew deep down he was gone, but she didn’t want to accept it. Myra fought to get out of her brothers arms still, kicking and screaming, mostly crying with the pain of loss until she fell asleep from exhaustion. By the time she woke up the sun was so high it didn’t shine through her window. Myra sat up; she was in her bedroom, but not on her bed. John must have put her on the ground as a punishment or something, because she hurt all over. Suddenly it hit her; she remembered everything that had happened. She closed her mind and reminded herself, Ash is dead, I punched my mom, John hates me, and I am all alone. For the oddest reason, she enjoyed putting herself in this misery. Misery seemed like her best friend now, the only thing that has been there all her life. That one feeling that has never left her, stuck beside her, forcing bad feeling onto her, and she did nothing but welcome it. The cold feeling of dread soared through her veins, it seemed to refresh her. Myra stood to her feet; she knew she needed to apologize to her mother. She walked into her mother’s bedroom but quickly froze in horror; she saw a gigantic black and red bruise on the entire side of her mother’s face. Myra broke down; falling to her knees and putting her hands over her face, crying. John walked in and Myra lifted her head, looking up at her brother the grief and guilt deep inside, ripping her heart to shreds felt unbearable. John’s eyes softened at his sister and he kneeled down beside her and wrapped his arms around her. Hugging her he made Myra rise to her feet once again. Slowly he guided her towards their sleeping mother; a dark feeling of cold anguish chilled her insides. Her pale skin seemed to get even paler; to the point she was whiter than a piece of paper. Now standing over her mother, Myra placed a caring hand on her mother’s shoulder. A tear rolled down her cheek as he mother opened her eyes and smiled exhaustedly at her daughter, the pain in her eyes burned brighter than the sun, but they were also filled with forgiveness. *** Days passed by and Myra couldn’t shake the feeling of sadness off of her mind, Ash had been the one thing that kept her sane and now… now she felt so alone, or maybe she was just going crazy. Her mother healed fast, but she knew nothing would be the same between them. She watched the hours go by like minutes; all she did was stare at the clock and wait for the world to end. She didn’t focus on her studies; her teacher excused her temporarily once the news was out. Most kids would hate homeschooling, because of the lack of friends. Myra on the other hand enjoyed the solitary, that feeling of only her being taught made her feel important. Sighing, Myra stood up and walked out on the third floors balcony. She gazed over the town just outside of London’s main city. Getting bored fast she turned and walked back inside. The fireplace was burning now, she glanced at the clock. Only five minutes had passed, so it was still early. Walking down the old creaky stairs, Myra made her way down to the first floor. A large portrait of her great uncle Sam hung above yet another burning fireplace. His eyes always gave her chills as she walked past, she thought to herself; I swear that thing is staring at me… Ignoring it she opened the large wooden from door and walked out into the chilly evening air. Closing and locking the door behind her, she made her way down the stairs and landed in the grass. Myra closed her eyes and breathed slowly, enjoying the fresh air. Letting go of all her feeling she walked down the pavement, tucking her hands in her jacket pockets. While rummaging through her pockets while walking, she felt her Mp3 player. She stopped and whispered, “There you are…” Turning it on she plugged in her headphones and let herself go, seeming to become one with her music. Closing her eyes she listened to every beat, every little sound effect in the background and tone in the singers voice. Without even knowing it she jumped forward and air guitarted a solo. Laughing to herself she continued it until the singer became to sing again. She stopped as she saw some people casting her weird looks as they drove by. Dirt floated into the air as the cars dashed past. She turned off her music and gazed as the dust slowly fell back to the earth. Quickly she rushed across and skidded down the other side, which was a large meadow. Running, she dashed through the tall grasses and into the trees. She forest was thick, but she just ran. She ran from her life, from her family, from her dead boyfriend, from her own pain, from the creepy picture of her uncle, from everything. She wanted to be alone, nothing more. As she ran everything around her was a blurry mess, she didn’t realize how fast she was running until she tripped over a small fallen tree. She fell down in the dirt, cuts formed around her arms and legs and a gash on her cheek heavily bleed down her face, dripping from her jaw bone. Her mouth was filled with soil and her shirt and jeans were stained with the colors of the forest floor, she didn’t mind though. It only took her a few moments before she stood up again. Looking around she walked forward, wandering once again. Myra’s footsteps were silent against the dead leaves as they scattered across the forest floor. With her hands softly brushing against the tree’s bark and the tall grasses, Myra made her way towards an unknown destination. Every movement she made was completely controlled and calm, as if flying gracefully through the air. Closing her dark golden eyes, the forest around her slowly turned to darkness. Quickly she stopped, this was her dream. A vision flashed before her eyes, this exact moment. It was all planned. All of this was supposed to happen. Her weird dream and Ashes death, all of it. Now frustrating confusion clouded her judgment and she ran farther into the trees. Leaping over small streams and larger rocks, she ran until she couldn’t breathe. Her lungs screamed at her, all her thoughts and memories flashes through her head. Everything that has happened, everything is just so over whelming! Myra eyes rolled back into her skull and she collapsed onto the forest floor. Everything went dark within moments, and her mind went blank. Chapter 3 Opening her eyes, Myra lifted her head and looked around. At first the forest scene confused her, making her panic. Stumbling to her feet, she flattened herself against a tree and stared around. Slowly everything that had happened came back to her, and she relaxed. Stepping off the trees roots, she began to follow her footsteps back to the road she had dashed across. It took her a hour a two, but she eventually made it back to the house. She opened the door and closed it behind her. With a glance at the clock she sighed with relief, it was still early. Walking forward she tried to ignore the creepy painting of her uncle, but she couldn’t help but glance at it. The paintings eyes burned into hers. With a shiver down her spine she turned and began to climb the stairs, feeling the paints eyes burn into her back as she exited the room. Walking onto the second floor she looked around, she could hear John and her Mother talking. She knocked on the open door, and spoke, “What’s going on?” Walking forward her mother took a step towards her and gently held her arms as if trying to hold her back, “You don’t need to know Myra, it really isn’t important.” With a cautious glance at John she continued, “I think it would be best if we all left the room now.” Myra felt like screaming, you never told her anything! Her mother and John seemed to keep so many secrets from her, she couldn’t stand that annoyed feeling of rage she got. Suddenly a loud knocking at the door rang through the house, and mother sighed and rushed out of the room, Myra thought she saw a tear slide down her face. She looked at John, “What’s going on John?” When he hesitated to answer her eyes gleamed with frustration and she struggled to keep her voice calm, “John, please tell me what’s happening.” John sighed and looked her right in the eyes, “Dad is coming to visit.” Myra felt her heart go cold, her skin turned even paler then it already was. John spoke concernedly, “You okay? You’re looking a little pale…” Her legs felt so weak they couldn’t hold her any longer; slowly she sat down on the floor, her eyes staring blankly ahead with disbelief. The knocking sounded again, she heard her move wail with agitation, “Just wait a minute!” Myra could hear her fixing things around, cleaning up some of the trash the kids threw around. John held out a hand and Myra lifted her hand and grabbed his, John pulled her to her feet. Staggering slightly, she was able to stand up straight, but not without being light headed. Grunting, she ran her fingers through her hair, feeling to see if she had a knife through her head or something. The light headed feeling turned into a headache once she heard the door slowly open. Fear and anger flashed through her eyes and she turned around, rolling on her heels like she always did. Her pace was quick as she walked out of the study and rushed towards the stairs, each step bringing her closer and closer to her father. It was night-fall now, the family was sitting by the fireplace. The glow of the fire gleamed dimly around the room, giving just enough light to see who was around her. Mother was sitting next to Ryan, or dad, that’s what he wanted us to call him now. John was sitting next to mother and beside him was me. An hour ago we put Jessie and Rose to bed, so now it was just us four. Her father spoke, “I know I have been a bad father, and husband, to you all in the past-“ Without thinking she snapped, “ If you’re asking us to forget then no, what has happened will never be forgotten.” Pain filled her father’s eyes and he spoke cautiously, “I know, I am not asking you to forget, I want forgiveness.” Her heart filled with guilt, she wasn’t giving him a chance. John looked at their mother, who was in tears. She spoke first, “I forgive you, I know you were messed up but this family need’s you, I and John can’t support all five of us on our own.” John nodded and Myra’s eyes flashed with frustration again, I could help! They never ask me! Ryan sighed, “I want to support you, I want to be part of this family. I will never do anything I had done, ever. The past will not be repeated.” He looked directly at Myra and John now, “But only if you two allow me.” Myra looked from Ryan to John, she could see the pain in her brother’s eyes “I forgive you.” Ryan smiled as John spoke. Dread filled Myra’s heart as her father turned his gaze from John to her, “Myra?” She couldn’t speak, no words could escape her. She looked at her father, she knew she had to forgive him. So she said what she knew she had to, “I forgive you too, dad.” As she finished her words, his eyes filled with happiness, but behind it she could tell he was hiding something, a smirk of evil. She took no notice to it, convincing herself father really has changed…right? *** Days flew by; Myra grew closer and closer to her father. Ryan seemed like a new person, not like the rude, scary, cruel, or heartless man she remembered when she was younger. “So dad, what are we going to do today?” Myra spoke without thinking much. Ryan turned his head towards her and smiled, “Well what do you want to do today?” Thinking hard, she said, “We can… go for a walk?” John lifted his head and smiled, “I vote for walking.” Ryan shrugged and said, “Alright get your jackets. I’ll tell your mother we’ll be back soon.” Grabbing her jacket, she waited by the door with her brother. Her father appeared a few moments later with his jacket, the three of them walked out of the house together. Smiling happily, slowly the pain of Ashes loss began to disappear. The love of her father seemed to help, a lot. Myra thought to herself while she walked between her father and brother, Will this end? Just like everything else has ended? Every time I care about something, or someone, it leaves me. Glancing to John, then to Ryan, she decided, no. Not this. This will never end. She was determined not to let this go, no matter how hard she had to fight for it. She was thrown out of her thoughts and into reality as she tripped over a rock sticking out of the cobblestone pavement. She landed hard on the ground, but caught herself at the last moment. John laughed while Ryan smiled and helped her up. He spoke gently, “You alright? We can go back if you want.” She shook her head, it can’t end, “No I’m fine, really.” She wiped the water that was now on her jacket, trying to fling it off. Failing miserably, Ryan wrapped his arm around her and they kept walking, John keeping close to her other side. They arrived back at the house, who knows how many hours later. Dad had just cut-the- cheese so, pretending to be little children again, John and Myra where running in the house acting as if they were disgusted. The joy she felt as she joked around with her father and brother, felt like the best feeling in the word. Myra no long felt lonely, the need for death. She thought to herself again after so many times before, I never want this moment to end, this feeling, I never want it to go away, never want it to end… The sound of her father laughing as he burst into the door brought her back from her mind, “Dad, you’re gross.” Laughing she walked towards her father. Ryan laughed and wrapped his arms around both Myra and John, “Oh I love you guys so much.” John smiled, but didn’t reply. Myra kissed her father’s cheek lightly, “I am going to bed, my tutor will be here early tomorrow.” Ryan grabbed her hand and looked at her, “Tutor?” She laughed, “Well not tutor, more like private teacher.” The blank, confused look in his eyes told her that he had no idea, “Since we are rich and all, mom said I can spend more time at home with the family, where I am comfortable.” She glanced at the ground; she didn’t want to tell her father the truth. John yawned, “Well I have to go to school,” He walked up the stairs and leaned down his mouth beside her ear, “Like a normal kid.” Myra closed her eyes and breathed in slowly, that hurt. John warm, sweet smelling breath floated across her face, and he leaned back upwards and bounded up the stairs. Myra felt cold pain fill her heart, turning it to ice. She felt the tears under her eyelids, she stood hanging onto the stair railing with her eyes closed, and she could feel her dad looking at her with confusion. Opening her eyes, she tried not to break down and cry in front of him. Three words slipped from Ryan’s mouth, the three words she didn’t want to hear over all the three words she could choose from, “Are you okay?” Myra fell into her father’s arms, wrapping them around his neck and burying her face into his shirt collar. Tears made a small pool on his shirt, but she knew he didn’t care. She trusted him more than she ever had, she could even say she loved him. Feeling her father’s arms wrap tightly around her, it comforted her. He whispered into her ear, “Why don’t you go to school?” Sighing, she reluctantly let her father go and she grabbed his hand. Myra lead him down a long hallway under they reached one of the many studies in the house. She let his hand go and they sat on the two chairs that were placed beside a small fireplace. Wincing sadly, she really didn’t want to tell the story. Breathing shakily a tear slid down her cheek as she began, “The last time I want to school, I was bullied. Not the normal type of bullied, in every way possible.” She looked into her father’s eyes, hers with rimmed with tears while his filled with anger and grief, “I wish I had been there for you-“She raised her hand slightly, tell him she wasn’t finished. “They beat me; they beat John in front of me. They harassed me online, which is why we don’t even have a computer. They killed the class pet and put it in my desk, they gave me death wishes. After a while… they began to kick Rose and Jessie around when they were walking out of preschool. That was when I… snapped.” She looked at her father again, realizing her gaze had moved to a daze in the firelight. “I… I murdered them dad, I killed them. I was put in boot camp until I turned fifteen, at the time I was only thirteen, turning fourteen. I was allowed to leave once I turned fifteen. Since then, every school didn’t except me. We agreed to move here because this house is away from the city, yes we are in a different nation all together, but even here no school will let me in.” Her father stood and kneeled to the side of her, he placed his hand gently on his daughters, “I don’t care what you have done in the past, I really don’t. I am sorry this all happened to you, I understand.” He pressed a kiss on her hand, and Myra smiled and leaned down, she hugged him. She cried into his shoulder as he hugged her back, she could hear him murmuring comforting things to her but she couldn’t understand. She was to light headed from repeating what she had done out loud. Her ears rang and she struggled to even her breathing. She snapped out of it as her father let her go and helped her to her feet. Smiling and spoke tiredly, “Thanks dad.” She turned, rolling on her heels, and walked out of the room. The next day Myra opened her eyes. Sitting up she smiled and stretched. As she stood she realized something, I didn’t have a nightmare… Smiling even wider now, she slipped her clothes on and walked out of her room. As usual, she heard the doorbell ring. Climbing down the stairs, she opened the door and smiled, “Hey Maria!” Maria smiled; she was an older woman, but just as smart and witty as any young girl. She spoke joyfully, “Hey Myra! Can I come in? Its soaking wet out here! For some reason the damn Weather man lied and said it would be sunny for once in a blue moon! Well, look at me now!” Myra looked at Maria fully now, and noticed she was dripping with water. “Oh you can’t come in like that! Hang on.” Myra dashes away, within moments she returned to her tutor, “Here you go Mrs. Johnson.” She helped her wrap the large towel around her shoulders; she guided her through the door and up to the second floor. They both sat down beside a fire in one of the studies, “Alright… today we are going to focus on your math skills for the next hour. Then we will move on the science, then history! Last of all, since you’re already so good at it, we will work on your English. Sound good?” Blinking, Myra looked at Maria, “Oh yea, sounds great.” She studied as hard as she could the entire day; she had never worked so hard on her skills. For some reason having her father around set her in determination mode. She knew she was trying to impress him, to feel his acceptance. Smiling, she passed all the little tests they did at the end of the day, and summarizing everything they had worked on. After they finished Myra led her tutor to the door, and opened it. “Bye Mrs. Johnson, thank you again.” Closing the door, she sighed and leaned against it. She was exhausted, so tired that she could hardly climb up the stairs. It seemed so hard, like climbing a mountain. She got to the third floor as quick as she could, walking tiredly into her room. She flung the door closed and threw herself on her bed. Her face basically stuck in a pillow, she grunted as someone opened the door. Right now is the worst time for someone to visit me, Myra thought. Opening one eye, she saw her father, “Work hard today Myra?” Smiling she forced herself to sit up, “Yeah actually, I got a lot done. I passed all my tests and stuff for today.” “And now you’re tired?” Myra nodded to her father’s words, “Well that’s not happening, come on let’s get you some ice cream or something.” “Really?” Myra smiled. “Of course,” He smiled and gave her a big side hug, “anything for my little girl.” Chapter 4 For the next week she studied as hard as she could on her school work. The better she did, the more time she could spend with her father. Every day they would go somewhere special, whether it was the movies or a diner. Now she looked into her father’s eyes, Ryan was reading a book beside the firelight in the study. She sighed lightly and stood, “I’m going to bed, Maria doesn’t come on the weekends so maybe Me, You, and John can go somewhere or something.” Ryan looked up at her, his skin glowing against the dim fire, “I don’t think I can, I have to go to go to an interview.” Myra smiled, “An interview, you’re getting a job?” Her father nodded, “Yup, I told you I wanted to support our family, that’s what I am going to do.” Myra smiled even wider, “Thanks, I am sure I can find something to do tomorrow.” Kissing his cheek, she turned on her heels and walked out of the room. She skipped up the stairs, happiness giving her energy. By the time she reached the third floor, she was panting. She walked quietly through the hallway leading to her room. She glanced out the windows she passed; the midnight sky was pitch black, the stars gleaming in the sky like eyes glaring back at her. Her heart went cold for a moment, for some reason she felt as if something was off, like something bad was going to happen very soon. Shaking her head as if flinging the thoughts out of her mind, she closed her door as she walked into her room. She walked toward her bed, her feet warm on the furry rug in the middle of her room. She looked at the walls, plastered with posters of past bands she loved, movies she saw, her favorite actors. She smiled when her eyes met her memory sheet. Walking forward she placed one hand over a picture, it was of her and Cooper, they had been so happy. She smiled, his hair was the same color as hers, the dark brown. Their eyes were the same, well everyone who lives, or used to live, in Arizona has golden eyes. Its a genetic code over there, she missed it. The cloudy, skies and the damp air where she loved now couldn’t match up to the suns constant shine, the warmth you felt as you stepped out into the sunshine. Closing her eyes, she tried to imagine being back there, back home. Sometimes she regretted moving here, if she wouldn’t have killed those girls maybe her life would be better, and Ash wouldn’t be dead. Blinking away her tears, she turned around and jumped onto her bed, she was exhausted. Lifting her head, she turned on her Mp3 player and blasted the lullaby Ash had dedicated to her, and slowly she closed her eyes and sunk into her dreams. Opening her eyes, the warm sun was filtering through the window above her bed, spreading across her face and blinding her. Putting her hand up, blocking the sun from her eyes, she sat up and stood, the cold of her room made her shiver. Within moments her teeth began to chatter. She walked forward, her bare feet pressing hard against the cold floor as she made her way forward. As she opened her door and quickly walked into the hall, she knocked into John. “Oh! Sorry John, do you know why it’s so cold in here?” John snorted, “Did you even try looking outside? It’s snowing smart one.” Gasping, she ran towards the nearest window and, struggling on her tippy toes, she peered out of the high window in the hallway. The white landscape was gorgeous, nothing like she had ever seen. This was her first snow, every hair on her body stood on end, half of the cold and half of excitement. Smiling like a dork, she ran into her room and slammed the door, within minutes she reopened the door and ran through the hallways and down the stairs, dressed in her thick winter clothes. Her black combat boots where good for the snow as she ran out of front door. Her pale skin got a little more pale from the cold, but she was smiling so widely it hurt. She was away from any town, away from people, just how she liked it. Her house was the only one for miles in every direction. She let out an excited screech, it was so early she was glad she didn’t have any neighbors; she would have woken them up. Rose and Jessie ran out next, mother following closely, all three of them dressed in thick clothes. She turned her head and smiled at them. Father walked out with John, but faces half happy half not caring much. Myra walked quietly, enjoying the cold as it bit her face, the light snowfall brushed her face gently, as if whipping away the cold bites of the weather. Smiling, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply, the crisp, pine scent mixed with snow filled her senses, awakening another side of her. She walked surprisingly silently over the crunchy snow, as if stalking prey. Turning on her heels, she looked at her family and smiled. Bending down, she made a snowball and chucked it at Ryan, he laughed and made a snowball, then chucked it back at her, “No one messes with the snowball champion!” Myra laughed, “This one does!” The bent down and made one in both hands and threw it at him, one grazing his cheek the other smacking his left shoulder. Myra laughed as he yelled sharply with surprise. Falling into a snow pile, she laughed as hard as she could. Ryan yelled out at her in the distance, “What’s so funny?” Still laughing, she stood and yelled back, “your face was priceless!’ She widened her eyes and stuck her tongue out to the side, her mouth wide open; she was mocking the face he made. Suddenly snow filled her mouth and she began to cough, her entire mouth felt frozen. Her teeth and cheeks went cold, making her shiver. She began spitting out snow, growling, “Hey! That was a head shot!” She heard her mother laughing, “Yea? I think you should get a free open shot then.” Myra smiled cleverly, “You’ve precisely right mom!” She made the biggest snowball she could carry, and slowly made her way to her father. She was a footstep in front of him, and she looked into his gleaming eyes. She smiled, “Pay backs a bitch.” She slammed the gigantic snowball in his face, it had required two hand to carry. Hearing her father coughing and her entire family laughing, she smiled with triumph. “Alright, you can be the snowball champion.” “What if I don’t want to be the snowball champion?” She smiled at him as he finished whipping the snow off his face, “Well you defeated me, so now it’s your claim.” Laughing lightly, she patted his shoulder, “Keep the title dad.” They relaxed out in the snow for the how next hour, then her father had to go to his interview. Myra watched as he drove his car out of the driveway and yelled, “Good luck dad! Don’t forget to smile! You’ll do great!” He stuck his hand out the window and waved as he drove off, the family waved back at him and yelled just as much encouraging words to him. She yawned and mom lead us all back inside with our favorite question ever, “Anyone want some hot cocoa?” All four kids turned their heads to their mother and spoke in unison, “Yes!” Jessie and Rose ran up the stairs into the house, me and John walking at a slower pace with mother. “Do you think he will get the job?” Myra couldn’t help but hear what they thought, “I think so.” John answered her. She looked at mom and she nodded agreement, “He’ll get it.” She closed the door behind them and they all walked into the kitchen, all they had to do was follow the happy screams of Rose and Jessie to find where they were. Mom spoke, “Alright everyone go to the study and I’ll be there with your drinks.” My and John walked silently behind the chatting Rose and Jessie. They were talking in their baby voices, rose sounded like she was in charge, “Okays, just so you know Jessie, I am going to get my cocoa first, then you. Okays?” Jessie cried, “But you always get it first!” Rose shrugged, “You know I am one second older than yous!” Jessie sighed with his tiny lungs, “Fiiiine.” Now they were all sitting on the floor beside the fireplace, she lit the wood as John placed the logs in the fireplace. Rose and Jessie squealed with joy as the fire started, they all watched as the fire slowly speeded across the wood, until it was consuming the logs. The heat burned onto her skin, but it felt better than the cold. She turned her head as her mother walked in with a platter of hot cocoa. Smiling, she grabbed her cup carefully. Their mother helped Rose and Jessie drink theirs, they both complained about hot how it was over and over. John sat on a chair and watched us all, drinking his cup quietly. They all joked and laughed, all of them were content and happy. By the time their father came home, it was already dark outside. The glaring stars were back, and they seemed to stare into her soul as she walked down the hallway, past all the windows. Myra wasn’t sure why she felt so hostile to the stars, but she did. Sighing, she knew her father was too tired to spend much time with her, so she left him alone. Walking into the kitchen, she grabbed an apple and brought it into her room. Laying on her bed, she grabbed her diary and began to write. I don’t think I can stand my father being around… it brings back memories I don’t want to remember, I guess I’ll just write it down and see if that’ll help at all. My first memories were of my father and my mother, they had were in the kitchen and were screaming at each other. Both me and John were scared something was wrong, so I peered over the wall corner to see. I saw my father, Ryan, screaming at my mother who was pinned against the oven. She was crying, but her eyes were ablaze with fury. I looked at my father, his face was red with rage, and his voice was loud and booming, slightly echoing against the walls. I flinched when my father suddenly turned his head and looked me straight in the eyes, and his hand motioned for me to go away. I turned and ran, ran down the hallway and into my bedroom where John was hiding. Tears rolled down my plump cheeks while I told him what I saw. We both cried together until mother stormed in and grabbed our hands, she was angry, it was obvious. She half dragged both of us out the door, father rampaging after us. The three of us all climbed into the car and Ryan appeared at the driver’s window, mom rolled down the window to give him a sharp few words to part with when Ryan’s fist found its way to moms face, I let out a scream of terror. I was just a kid. Myra stopped; she had bitten into her apple when the juices spilled from the sides of her mouth. “Ugh.” She ducked away from her diary, the juices splattering across the pages. Sighing, Myra placed her diary in the bookshelf attached to her bed, I’ll write more later I guess. Myra yawned tiredly; sleep was starting to catch up with her. The darkness outside began to give her the chills, so she laid back on her bed, covered herself with her blankets, and fell into the darkness of sleep. Opening her eyes, Myra sighed lightly, every movement she made felt like a chore. Sitting up straight, she yawned and stretched tiredly, the sun glowing off her pale skin and golden eyes, warming her for the first moments of her morning. Standing, she walked into her bathroom and looked at her reflection. The bags under her eyes showed she was lacking sleep, yet she couldn’t rest another moment. She tried doing her hair, but couldn’t find the energy. Sighing heavily, she turned on her heels and walked into her room. Looking around, she continued walking, out of her room and down the stairs. Sadly, Myra was to tired to hear the nearly silent foot steps behind her. Turning the stair corner, and holding tightly to the rims, she continued down the stairs, now on the second floor. Myra breathed in deeply, shock pulsing through her as someone their arm in front of her face from behind her. The person pressed a cloth in front of her nose and mouth before she could react. Breathing heavily in shock, the stench of something in the little rag made her feel sick. Her eyes got droopy as her legs buckled, she hardly felt her attacker as it caught her limp body. Slowly she closed her eyes, but her eyes were open long enough to see the face of her father, an evil smile stretched across his face as he dragged her weakened body down the stairs and out the door. *** Myra gasped as she opened her eyes, What just happened? Where am I? Where’s Ryan? When she tried to move she felt chains tightly closed around her wrists and ankles. Her vision was foggy and unclear, but she felt the leather seats she was laying on and recognized them immediately, Ryan’s car? Trying to talk, Myra just realized there was duct tape pressed tightly over her mouth and wrapped around her head. Where am I going? Myra began to scream, but it was hardly audible from behind the duct tape. Struggling and kicking, her vision slowly returned to her. She was in the backseat on Ryan’s car, laying on her side and cramped in the tiny space. Tears of fear streamed down her face, drenching the leather under her head. Kicking more, Myra heard an irritated sigh come from the front seat. Myra’s heart turned cold with hate, why is he doing this to me? Eyes round with fear, Myra struggled to sit up, but the seatbelts were wrapped around her waist, chest, and legs. Myra let out another scream, and began her failing attempt to save herself by kicking again. She could see just a little view of the sky from the window, it completely black, even the stars didn’t dare show themselves in Ryan’s presence. A hopeless feeling made Myra cry more, he is going to kill me. Tears fell perilously from her cheeks as she cried silently. Narrowing her eyes, she thought, I can’t give up this easily, If he is going to kill me then I’ll fight till the end. Determination replaced the fear and anxiety in her heart, she began to kick, thrash, and scream. It took a little effort but slowly she felt the duct tape peeling off. As soon as it fell off she began to scream. The car swirled and she heard Ryan let out a yell of alarm. The car went to a sharp stop as Ryan slammed his foot on the breaks. Myra kept her scream going as he father turned, a large needle was in his hand. Myra’s eyes widened and she began to kick harder and scream louder, her determination dissolved as pure terror took over. Chapter 5 Waking up, Myra opened her eyes quickly. The horrid memory of seeing that evil smile on her father’s face was firmly stuck in her mind, the thought of her father hurting her made her feel queasy, or was it just the poison? Without much warning, she leaned over the chair and wretched. Once it was over, the foul taste remained in her mouth, the scent lingering in her nose. She tried to move her hands, but they were chained to her chair, along with her feet. She glared around the room; there was a smallish speaker in the right-hand ceiling corner. “What do you want with me Ryan?” She screamed angrily at the speaker. There was a moment of silence, then, “You know exactly what I want.” Money, Myra thought. A tear slid down her face, “How much?” “Three million.” Came Ryan’s immediate reply. Hearing those two words, Myra felt like she was going to pass out. Before she could reply Ryan’s voice came over the speaker once again, “On lighter terms, I have a surprise for you.” Suddenly the door flung open, as if on springs. The one person she didn’t expect walked into the room, “Ash?” The evil grimace on his face scared her, “Yea, I’m alive if you even bothered to think about it.” Myra’s heart stopped, “Your- you’re working with my father?” Sighing, Ash stood in front of her, he looked as if he was preparing to tell her a story, which he was, “Remember the last day you saw me? The day I “died”, well you asked me if all I cared about was money?” Her heart turned as cold as stone, she struggled to keep her voice calm, but she couldn’t speak. Ash snorted, “Let me explain, I hate your guts. Your very presence annoys me; I almost barfed whenever we kissed. The very sight of you make’s me want to puke, just to get that clear, and I don’t love you. Anyway, Two years ago I had met your father; we were both in need of money. So, his daughter was brought into the conversation, about how rich she was. Together we devised a plan; I would gain your trust, learn what you liked and what you were all about. Your father would use those to his advantage after I ‘died’. And then we would use you to get the money from your mother.” “I can’t believe I trusted you-“ “Well, it was a little to easy to gain your trust.” With that, he stood and turned, walking out of the room. She screamed before the door closed, “There has to be more! Why exactly did you need money? You’re only seventeen!” again he spoke quickly, “Fine, obviously I need to tell both you even more- you’re such a nosy bitch, another reason why I hate you.” Ash glared at her before he continued, “The real story is that my brother and Ryan met online. They devised a meeting in person, but my brother got into an accident before the date they set. I needed money to pay off his debt and hospital bills, so I saw the conversation and I said my name was Ash. I am really Zack, Zack Henderson.” Myra sat, jaw dropped in shock, then… I have never really met Ash? The rage she felt was beginning to build slowly inside of her, and it quickened once she found out the truth, “So you lied to me?” “Yes.” Zack spoke short and quickly as he stood. She attempted to scoot her chair forward desperately, when she was close enough to Zack she spat on his shoe and seemed to hiss, “Then you’re just as bad as Ryan.” Zack abruptly stopped and turned, his eyes glaring into hers, “No one spits on my father’s shoes.” Zack lashed out his hand and she felt an incredible pressure on the side of her face, causing her chair to fall on its side. She screamed in pain when the chair’s side landed on her fingers, she felt them break. Tears of agony slipped down her cheeks and onto the cold stone floor. She watched helplessly as Zack stepped forward and kicked her hard in her stomach. Her guts tightened from the force and she let out a pain filled screech. Now coughing and gasping for air, Myra struggled to get out of her chains. She struggled madly while Zack repeatedly kicked her with all his strength, over and over again in her stomach. Unbearable pain seared through her, the air escaped her lungs and Myra couldn’t breathe at all. Slowly her eyesight made black spots over her vision, and within seconds the spots consumed her sight for good. Myra sunk slowly into darkness. She felt her body as if she was awake, but couldn’t open her eyes… she couldn’t move. Trying desperately to let out a wail for help, her throat felt dry and brittle. Suddenly she felt like she was spinning, falling downwards into an endless pit letting out a scream that couldn’t be heard. Gasping in fear she opened her eyes, she was sitting upright again, her eyesight was fuzzy and she could taste her own blood. Grunting, she tried to move but every tiny movement she made sent pain surging throughout her entire body. As soon as her sight came back her eyes got blurry again, but this time with tears of pain filling within her eyes. Her stomach felt sore, as if she had been stabbed more than once times. She let out a moan and Ryan looked over at her, his eyes were hard with irritation. Zack looked also, he glared at her with equally as cold eyes… but to Myra it felt more heartless from him. She met their gazes and managed to rasp a few words, “Can I at least have a pain pill? I think my fingers are broken.” Just as she said that her finger twitched and she held back a shriek. The blazing agony in her eyes was unmistakable and Ryan nodded and pulled out a medication bottle with his name on it. He poured a glass of tap water from another room; she could hear the water running through the pipes in the walls around her. She watched her father re-enter the room and she opened her mouth, her eyes burning with desire for the water. She ignored the pill as it was placed in her mouth. As soon as the glass was pressed against her lips she began to gulp as fast as she could, not bothering to breathe. What lasted to long and ended to soon she finished the water. Suddenly Ryan’s phone rang and Ryan gave her a look, do not make a sound. Tightening her hands in a fist, she blinked away a few tears. He picked up his phone, “Y’ello?” Myra could hear the voice on the other line, it was her mother, and she sounded frantic, “Ryan I know you have her! Where are you! If you return her to me I will not press charges! Give me back my daughter!” Ryan spoke with not one emotion tinted to his voice, “Three Million.” Then he hung up just as Myra let out a scream, “Mom don’t!” Ryan’s eyes grew even colder, changing from irritation to impatience. If he doesn’t get the money soon he’ll kill me for sure, Myra thought, he is getting impatient. “Why would you do that? It’s just three million darling-“ “Do not call me darling, you disgust me, I would rather die chained to this chair and rot here for eternity then for you to lay a finger on my family’s money.” Finishing she lowered her head and spat on the ground before her father, that doesn’t sound like me… Suddenly the other side of her seemed to take over. The hatred and anger she felt for so long seemed to overwhelm her now, nothing mattered more to her then to see his blood spill, “Untie me, have some self-dignity let just let me go. You’re not getting my families money and that’s final.” She glared into her father’s eyes, her golden eyes sparked deeply into his grey. He hesitated, the hatred and impatience was gone now and replaced with confusion, “Untie me Ryan.” She glared him down, after a moment of meeting her gaze he snorted, “Nice try Myra, your little mind tricks aren’t going to work this time.” He turned and walked back to Zack, Myra watched them silently, her stare burning her father’s back as he walked away from her. Expectantly her father turned around, I knew he was going to do that… he glared her straight in the eyes, “There is a fine line between bravery and foolishness Myra, you’re still simply stuck on the foolish side.” He finished his words with a sneer and turned away to keep repairing the speaker. Zack snorted, “What is up with her and spitting today?” Narrowing her eyes at Zack Myra snapped, “What’s up with you being a heartless peace of shit today?” He glared at her but didn’t reply. She heard him mutter something but she didn’t catch it. She decided to ignore it and she leaned back with a sigh, she was getting awfully bored and her hands felt numb from being chained to the chair behind her back for so long. Sighing louder and exaggeratedly now, she growled, “I need to pee.” Zack sighed and said, “No you don’t you’re just bored.” “Ugh!” Myra groaned in annoyance, but she new he was right. The day dragged on for what seemed like years, the restlessness she felt tingling inside her seemed ready to burst, and Myra couldn’t stop twitching. Ever since she broke her fingers on the chair Ryan had set up a camera set straight towards her, but nowhere else. She glared at the camera, it was on a holder almost right in her face. Getting even more restless and annoyed, she thrashed out, smacking her face into the camera. The cam knocked over and shattered across the floor, some pieces even flying and hitting the walls. She smirked as Ryan came storming in. He didn’t pause like she expected he would, instead he was went straight towards her and laid a hard slap on her cheek, the sound of the slap echoed once or twice against the walls, and blood dripped from Myra’s mouth, “Thanks, dad.” Her eyes were cold with evil amusement, she had decided to turn the tables and irritate her two kidnapers until they had enough will her. I won’t go down without a fight… it’s not in my nature. The same thought kept itself in her head, making Myra all the more determined to anger them. Trying to move once again, the pain had dulled even more with the help of the pill, she felt it slowly flowing through her veins, spreading into every part of her body. Suddenly alarm pierced her heart like a needle, she had gone limp. Fear filled her eyes and she let out a muffled cry, Ryan looked at her and snorted, the amusement in his eyes we so gleeful she was furious with her thoughts, is this how he is planning to kill me? Make me temporarily paralyzed then slit my throat? Well that’s a coward move. Instead of moving a move to kill her, he simply looked away and kept up with cleaning up the camera pieces. “You know sweetie, if you keep ruining everything I buy to keep a check on you I am going to have to kill you.” She couldn’t reply due to the fact she couldn’t move at all so he kept talking, “You probably wouldn’t like that,” Ryan looked at her with challenge burning in his eyes, “ Or would you?” Every muscle in her body froze; he did not just say that. “I read your precious little diary, you’re just as pathetic as I thought you were.” Ryan stepped forward and slammed her diary in the little shelf beside her. She couldn’t breathe, it felt like her body was giving up on her. She let out a whimper, her eyes round with fear, her pupils were so large with terror that the gold coloring didn’t show. Suddenly Myra began to feel woozy, her head reeled and she couldn’t keep her eyes open. Before she blacked out once again she managed to mumble, “What have you done to me…” She hardly felt a few tears roll down her cheeks as her world turned to darkness once more. Opening her eyes, Myra’s pain had returned. The dim sunlight filled the cold stone walls of the room. Streams of light softly beamed through the tiny window. Closing her eyes, she breathed as slowly as she could; I wish I could die right here… right now. It wouldn’t be that hard, just have to focus on sleeping… no! I can’t die now! My family needs me, I have to get out of here! Summoning all her strength, she took in as much air as her lung capacity would hold. Tightening her eyes shut and slowly opening her mouth, she let out the loudest and most regretful screech she could. Within moments the door swung open, with it Zack and Ryan came running in, rage burning in their eyes as they stared her down, “Stop with the screaming!” Zack yelled. “Right now Myra!” When she didn’t stop Ryan grabbed a black object from a pouch attached to his belt, a gun! In a flash he raised it to her head, she kept screaming, her eyes wide open now staring at the trigger. Her father began to pull it back when suddenly the sound of a door being kicked down sounded from outside the room. Giving her strength and hope she kept up her scream, it slowly got louder. Ryan lowered the gun instantly and landed a hard punch in the middle of his daughters face. Myra went almost completely limp from the force. Her brain felt dead, she felt drool slowly dripping down her mouth, or was it blood, she couldn’t. Zack stood in the way of Myra’s vision of the door, and she saw him freeze with surprise when someone entered the room. She could hear the brisk footsteps as the mystery person sped into the room. “Ash? You’re… you’re okay!” Zack’s voice was full of relief and disbelief. The footsteps stopped and Zack walked forward and hugged him brother. It was then when my saw the true Ashes face for the first time, pale skin, jet black hair, brown eyes, a tiny mole beside his lip. Myra’s eyes were cold with agony as she looked at him, his face was over Zack’s shoulder, and she noticed his eyes were locked on her. Ash immediately shoved his brother backwards and he hit the wall, SLAM! Myra even heard a cracking sound from the stone wall from the force of the blow; Zack slowly fell to the floor gasping for air. Ryan stood, unmoving. Ash glared at Ryan, his brown eyes fierce with rage, “You said you wouldn’t hurt her.” “I didn’t.” “She is bleeding!” Ash stepped forward, his eyes blazing hatred into her fathers as he yelled, “Let. Her. Go.” Myra slowly lifted her head, she didn’t know what she looked like, but it was bad enough to send tears in Ash’s eyes. I don’t even know him… why does he seem to care so much? When Ryan hesitated Ash grabbed her father’s jacket and pushed him against the wall, lifting him up by his jacket, “Are you deaf, old man? I said let her go!” Ryan’s eyes burned with fear, “I can’t.” “Why not?” Ash snapped. “Because we already have her, Do you really want to give up on all that money? This is three million we are talking about!” Ash’s eyes gleamed with revolt, he pressed his face threateningly into her fathers, “You make me sick.” The words spat out of Ash’s mouth with pure disgust and he threw her father back to the ground, “Find another way to get money instead of trying to slaughter your own daughter.” A mumble of pain came from Zack and Ash kneeled down and spoke half gentle half madly, “Sorry brother, but your just as sick minded as him.” Ash struck out and punched him brother, breaking his nose. Zack let out a yowl of pain and held his hands to his nose, the blood gushed from between his fingers and Ash growled, “Give me the key.” Zack pointed to a small shelf almost right next to Myra. Stupidity smacked Myra across the face, why didn’t I look there! Ash stood and grabbed the key from the shelf, quickly he kneeled down behind her and she felt the pressure wrapped around her hands unbuckle. Letting out a sigh of relief, her eyes locked to her diaries and she quickly grasped it. Ash kneeled in front of her and unlocked the chains around her feet. She tried to stand but she collapsed at Ash’s feet. She felt the stranger’s arms gently wrap under her knees and waist as he picked her up, she used the bitter last of the willingness she had left to clench tighter to her diary. Ash carried her out of the stone room and into a narrow tunnel. It slopped up and Myra could see the bright light of outside up ahead, we must be in some underground cave or something. Frowning with exhaustion and fear, Ash carried her as he walked over a broken door laying on the ground. Myra half closed her eyes as he stepped out, into the light. Ash walked through the wilderness with Myra in his arms; she could feel his rock hard muscles as he tighten his grip around her. Myra looked into his eyes while he focused on the ground, they were narrowed and concentrated on the stones, but they were a beautiful dark brown. It felt like he had been carrying her for an hour. Myra felt drowsy from Ash’s warm scent, his arms felt like a protective blanket, hiding her from the horrible world. She just began to close her eyes when Ash stopped and lowered her down, laying her on the grass under a huge oak tree. She could hear a tiny stream not far off, her thirst forced her to stand abruptly. The quickness of her move made her legs shake, her head felt like a balloon, filled with air and tortured with pressure. She pressed a hand against the tree to steady herself; the other was gently placed on her throbbing head. Sighing with pain and exhaustion, she tried to sit down again slowly, but she just fell down with dead weight. Ash was laying nearby and he looked over at her, his eyes gleamed now with worry. Whimpering, she stretched her aching fingers in the grass, she stared at the small stream wanting it more then anything. She could hear footsteps, and then she felt as if someone was behind her. Glancing up, she was Ash walking over to the stream. He cupped his hands and they filled with water. His own lips were dry, but he kneeled down and pressed his fingers lightly against her lips. Widening her eyes, she gladly accepted the water as it rolled into her mouth. She gulped the mouthful and Ash turned away and refilled him hands. Ash repeated this a few times until Myra finally found the strength to stand. Sighing with relief she watched him get him own water now, “Thanks.” Ash stopped and looked at her, his brown eyes seemed so irresistible. “No problem.” Myra turned and slid down the tree until she sat on its roots. Ash soon joined her and together they leaned against the oak. “Ash-“What’s your-“ they both spoke at the same time, their eyes looking into the others with the urgency of a question. “You go first.” “No you, my question can wait.” “Alright, what’s your name?” Myra looked at him question filling her eyes. She looked into his eyes, they were burning with an urgency that she didn’t understand, “Didn’t my dad tell you already?” “He only said he had a daughter.” Nodding Myra replied to his question, “I’m Myra.” The intensity in his eyes burned more than ever and Myra hardly caught him whisper, “So it is you…” Hesitating now, she forced the question out, “What made you want to save me?” Now it is Ash’s turn to hesitate, once he did she asked another question, “And why did you care if my father hurt me or not?” Ash lowered his gaze to his feet as he turned his head away, “I had seen you before, in Arizona. We went to school together, from preschool to high school, I had… well, I watched over you. The girls you- uh.. killed, they were going to jump you a few more times than they did, but I stopped them.” Myra watched him with surprise, “You did that? Why…” her voice trailed off with curiousity “Cause I have a crush on you.” Ash sighed his reply and anger sparked in Myra’s heart, “Then why were you planning to steal from me with my father!” her voice was full of hurt now, another person who betrayed me! “Am I that easy of a target?” Myra half asked herself. “I didn’t know it was you. He told me he wouldn’t hurt you, you had never mentioned your father so I didn’t know his name…” “The last name then!” “He used a fake one.” Silence… that was all that followed after Ash’s reply. “No, you’re not an easy target.” Ash said as he broke the silence, “You proved that back there.” “I got hurt though.” “You’re alive, are you not?” He looked at her again, his hypnotizing brown eyes stared into hers, she seemed to get lost in them, wandering with happiness and wonder, “Yea, hardly though, I’m only alive because you came.” Myra replied. Ash smiled and leaned back on the trunk again, sighing he put his hands behind his head and closed his eyes, “Then you’re lucky I came to the rescue.”. Smiling slightly, Myra did the same and then she laughed lightly, “We are sleeping together.” “What?” Ash almost let out a hearty laugh and she smiled, “Well your asleep and I am about to go to sleep so… we are sleeping together, right?” Her eyes beamed with humor and Ash laughed and leaned back again, closing his eyes with a smile across his face. Myra yawned and laid under his arm, it felt strange that she was so comfortable with someone she didn’t know at all, but she didn’t care. He is so warm… Myra thought as she slowly closed her eyes and let herself go in Ash’s warmth. Chapter 6 By the time Myra woke up Ash was already standing, getting ready to leave and keep walking the rest of the way. Myra had to ask, “Where are we going anyway?” “I have a car about a mile away from here, we can get there and I can drive you home, do you have your phone or did they take it?” Feeling around all her pockets she sighed, “They took it.” Great it’s going to take forever for me to get another one… my mom is strict about this stuff; she hates buying things we ‘don’t need’. Ashes shoulders rose up then down as he shrugged, “I dropped mine in the stream…” “Wow.” Ash laughed, “Hey it wasn’t my fault!” Smiling she smirked, “Did a fish eat it?” He coolly smirked back, “Actually, yes.” They both laughed until they felt like they would pee their pants. While Myra was trying to get her breath back Ash yawned, he was obviously still tired, “We should probably head to my car now, we still have a long walk to go.” Finally regaining her breath she nodded, “Alright.” Myra kept close to Ash, either by his side or a little behind. Ash walked quicker than Myra liked, but she didn’t slow her stride. The forest around them helped keep the burning sun off their pale skin, along with keeping them cool. Soon Ashes car was in sight, it was a old brown and red truck, but it looked reliable. Myra reached out her hand to grab the handle, but Ash quickly opened it for her. Smiling back at his clever half smile, she climbed into the car and sat in the passenger’s seat. Ash climbed in beside her and started up the engine, Myra was surprised when the engine started with a small purr then began to roar to the point it hurt her ears. Myra turned her head to ash, her eyes brows raised and her eyes gleaming with surprise, I’m impressed. She watched him switch to reverse and he began to drive backwards, backing up to face the dirt road that she just noticed. “We were walking beside a road the whole time!” She half laughed half wailed. “Yes smart one.” He looked at her and gave her the most luring half smile she ever laid eyes on. His gorgeous glowing face nearly took her breath away and she tried to give him her best smile ever, he just laughed and began to race down the dirt road. It took hours to even get out of the town her father took her too. She had no idea where she was or if she was even in the same country. “Do you know where we are?” Ash nodded, “Uh, did they hit your head or something? We are in Arizona… so where is your house?” Widening her eyes Myra let out a screech, “What! I live in London!” Ash set the car to a sudden halt and Myra screamed and she slammed her side on the dash-board. Ash gasped, his eyes round with worry, “Are you okay? Sorry I didn’t mean to you just freaked me out for a second and I panicked.” Myra could hardly hear him, she couldn’t breathe. She looked at Ash panic deep in her eyes and she tried gasping for air. Coughing wildly, she couldn’t control her lungs enough to breathe. Suddenly she turned her body in panic and she let out a scream of agony, pain electrifying her entire body. “Oh my god you’re not okay, Stay still I am going to find a hospital. Do not look where it hurt, okay?” Wailing she looked down and saw why he didn’t want her to look, something was obviously wrong. Struggling to ignore the pain she lifted the side of her shirt up, she nearly passed out when she saw three of her ribs looked as if they were shoved inwards. Wailing again, she leaned back in her chair, her eyes streaming out tears of pain. By the time Ash was carrying her into the E.R Myra was hardly conscious. Sweat dripped off her forehead and rolled like bullets down her race. She screamed when they put her on the rolling bed and she struggled to keep her hand locked with Ashes. Even when the nurses started pushing him back she did nothing but hold tighter, “Don’t go…” was all Myra managed to cry as they injected her with sleeping liquids. When Myra woke up she couldn’t speak. Her entire left side felt more sore then she had ever felt before. Lifting only her head, the pain burning through her muscles and spine as she did so, Myra looked around the room. With a gasp she leaped off her bed and looked Ash straight in the eyes, his were filled with worry for her, “You’re awake?!?” Suddenly she got light headed and pain vibrated all over her body, her knees buckled and she began o fall. Faster then she could think she felt ashes arms wrap protectively around her, pulling her back up and onto her bed. Feeling her cheeks turn hot with embarrassment, Myra flicked her hair over her face, mainly only covering her eyes. Ash kneeled down beside her bed and smiling back at her, trying to peer through her hair, “Can I ask you something?” Myra heart skipped a beat when Ash placed his hand on hers, entwining his fingers between hers, “O-Okay.” “I know we haven’t talk much in the past… and we hardly know each other, but… if you’re willing to give it a try-“ Ash stopped midsentence as he chuckled with embarrassment of actually asking this, “Will you be my girlfriend?” Disappointment surprised her as she felt it pierce her heart, did I really just expect him to purpose to me?!? Myra shook her head, No way… me? Married? To a guy I hardly know? Wait.. he did ask me to be his girlfriend though… The questioning look in Ashes dark brown eyes made her flash back into reality, “Oh! Sorry I uh… spaced out.” Ash smiled and lightly laughed while Myra felt her heard pounding against her chest. The machine measuring her heart rate began to go off and Myra’s cheeks burned intensely with embarrassment, she laughed a little harder then she meant to, “Well I guess that means yes!” Myra pressed her hand over her mouth to stop her own obnoxious laughing. Ash laughed as hard as she did, but he didn’t stop himself, he just fell over backwards as he sprawled out laughing. Myra laughed even harder now, she propped herself up on her elbows and looked down at Ash while she laughed. Tears streamed down both their faces, “Did you just-“Ash couldn’t even finish his sentence he was laughing so hard. Myra felt as if her entire head was red as she laughed, “I think this machine is broken or something!” This just made Ash laugh even harder. As their laughing fit ended, they both sat up straight and began to regain their breath, “Wow… this should be interesting.” Ash spoke to Myra, his eyes gleaming with humor and even- no, Myra thought, is that… love? Suddenly the same feeling rushed through her, the emotion made her heart literally flutter, and the machine let out uneven beeps. Ash smiled and stood, Myra finally got a good look at him. He wasn’t tall, yet he was the perfect, average height of a male. His pale skin glowed slightly under the bright hospital lights, and his black hair made him look like a ghost. “I just realized, we are, well… together and I hardly know you-“Myra stopped when she heard the door to her room slide open, “Myra, is it?” “Myra looked away from Ash and at her doctor, “Yes, I’m Myra, I was wondering-“ The doctor cut her off and he looked down at his clipboard, he didn’t look at her at all as he spoke, “It seemed like you will be here for about a week or two. Your lungs need to heal as well as your ribs. You suffered a lot of damage but it seems as though you are going to be fine.” “A week!” Myra let out a shock filled screech, “Or two.” The doctor spoke with a smug on his face; he was obviously having a bad day and taking it out on her, “I can’t take that! I Live in London, I have a family to get back to and I need to get back to them now!” Myra was left wheezing and gasping for air. Ash spoke firmly, “We also need to contact the police.” Surprise and confusion filled the doctor’s eyes and he snorted, “Now is not the time for games-““Then give us a god damn phone!” Myra yelled on the top of her lungs, if he didn’t want games he should stop playing them! The doctor turned and walked out of the room, acting as if the two didn’t exist. “What the hell was that!” Myra was barely able to speak now. Frustration clouding her mind and judgment, she couldn’t think straight. Ash frowned and pressed a hand lightly on her shoulder, guiding her to lie back down again. Rage replaced frustration and Myra resisted Ashes help, “I want to go home! I can’t be here! Stop acting like your helping me and actually help me! Drive me home!” Her anger fumed, but abruptly turned to grief, “I want to go home…” By now she was lying down, curling in a ball and clutching to the thin white sheets that didn’t warm her at all. Sobbing heavily, Myra felt as if her entire world was collapsing around her. I want to go home… mother probably thinks I’m dead… why do I have to be here… I wish I died in the crash… All her thoughts raced through her mind at once, causing her head to throb. Pain lightly pressed against her temples, but it was enough to make her cringe. Tears leaked down onto the over-fluffy pillow that seemed to suffocate her, “I just… want to… go home.” Myra spoke between sobs. Slowly without realizing it, Myra cried herself to sleep. Long white and red streamers were thrown through the air, soaring over Myra’s head. Confetti got stuck in her dark brown hair, the one’s that managed to escape her hair crunched delicately under her feet. Smiling, Myra looked up and into dark brown eyes. A tear of happiness rolled down her cheek as Ash grasped her hand, his gentle touch making her shiver with anticipation. Her long flowing dress danced at her feet as he twirled her around, fear gripped her heart as she didn’t stop spinning. The world around her seemed to turn to darkness, the streamers and confetti burned then went black. The people she had just noticed sitting on benches in long rows, all frantically screamed and trashed as they lit into flames. Myra crashed down and onto her back, falling and falling until she opened her eyes. Gasping with fear, she sat straight up looking desperately around the room. As soon as she did her surrounding became clear once more, and Myra’s tense shoulders slowly relaxed. Sighing, Myra turned to the edge of her hospital bed and stood on her bare feet, the cold of the floor slowly seeped into her feet and it spread up her legs. Quickly she sat down, lifting her feet from the freezing floor. Frowning with sadness and frustration, Myra looked around and found two pairs of thin plastic shoes. Slipping them on, she climbed out of bed and made her way down the hallway, “Hello there Myra! Glad to see you awake, let me show you to the café.” The sound of the nurse’s voice made her jump; her voice was high and squeaky, great… just what I need for my newly found headache. “Come on, let me help you.” Came the annoying voice again, the nurse carefully guided her down the long hallway and into the café, “Here it is, feel free to take anything you like. It’s your lung that got injured not your stomach.” Thanks for the update…Myra thought as the nurse walked off back towards her station. “Hey there, what’s your name?” Myra turned seeing Ash, his voice was full of humor as he bowed in front of her and kissed her hand, “M’lady come, let us feast of chicken wings and fries.” The rest of that day was not as boring as Myra had thought she spent countless hours with Ash, they did whatever they wanted and no one could stop them. Sooner then she wanted the day was over, and Ash tucked her into bed like a child, “I don’t want to go to sleep…” Myra whined to Ash and he smiled, “We can have plenty of fun tomorrow, I promise.” A twinkle lit her eyes as she smirked, “Will you cuddle with me?” Ash smiled brightly and replied, “Glad to, its better then sleeping on a chair.” They both lightly laughed as Ash settled himself under the sheets, “Goodnight Myra.” Smiling like an idiot once again, she cuddled closely beside Ash and whispered, “Goodnight, Ash.” The two weeks flew by, only a few days were dull when she had to do testing. The doctor had told her she was bi polar, which made her mad, of course. Yet today was Myra’s last day in the hospital and this was when the final news about her lungs she would hear. Myra sat on her bed, crisscrossed, waiting as she looked at the door. Hope burned in her eyes as the door slid open and a female doctor slipped into the room, “Good morning Myra, Ash. I have come with the latest tests for your lungs and ribs.” Anticipation made the hairs on Myra’s neck rise, “Are they good?” “Well… you are allowed to leave today if you wish, but not for the purpose you may think.” Sadness gleamed in the doctor’s eyes as she sat down beside Myra, she felt the doctor’s hand on her own as she slowly spoke, “I must speak to you in private.” The doctor stood and led her out of the room, signaling for Ash to stay put. Closing the door behind her, Myra faced the doctor, “So, what’s going on?” Doom washed all throughout Myra’s nerves, grief for her own life and for the ones she is leaving. Myra could feel her head slam against her chest, panic replaced grief and her eyes blazed with fear, “Y-Your saying I am going to…” “There is always hope Myra-“ Suddenly fear glowed in the doctors blue eyes as she yelled, “We need more doctors in here, She’s having a severe panic attack!” Hearing this Myra’s entire feeling went numb, her eyes turned bloodshot with shock, and her hand began to shake lightly. Gasping for air now, Myra hardly felt the doctors as they guided her back into her room, Ash jumped to his feet as they all entered the room, his confusion and fear burning in his eyes, “Myra? What’s happening to her? Someone tell me what is going on!” Myra couldn’t speak, pure horror took over, all she could think about was her family. She collapsed on her bed while the doctors began to collect medicine. Mother, John, Jessie and Rose, Ash… I have failed them all. Myra stared into Ash’s worry filled eyes, and couldn’t help but feel guilty. She was putting him through pain, he doesn’t deserve it… I don’t deserve him. Myra cried out as a doctor injected a needle deep into her neck. It didn’t hurt, more like it felt strange. Coughing, Myra couldn’t move at all. She could feel the medication flow through her veins and throughout her body, and she couldn’t stop it. The fears of the world began to slip away. The rampaging beep sounds of the machine died off as well as Myra slowly closed her eyes. “Myra? Don’t fall asleep alright, it’s just numbing medicine, you’re fine now.” The doctor who had injected the needle shook her before she fell unconscious, “Wha-?” Shaking her head vigorously, Myra opened her eyes fully, “Oh…” “You know what, yea just go to sleep.” Wow… “Uh, okay?” Myra closed her eyes and slowly drifted off, “Wait no don’t-“ “Shut up!” Myra snapped at whoever kept teasing her with sleep. It was Ash of course, and angrily she opened one eye, giving him the death glare, “Wake me up. One more time. And I’ll be eating your toes for breakfast.” She heard Ash’s laugh as she began to doze off, into the oblivion of sleep. Yawning, Myra woke up to Ash packing up the little stuff he had brought out of his car. “Are we leaving?” Ash sighed and looked at her, a small smile on his face, “Yes, but you say you live in London… right?” Frowning Myra thought to herself, okay… I hardly know this guy and we are together. I live in London and I hate long distance relationships, so… I should end it. “Hey… we need to talk.” Ash halted his movement, he stood up straight and looked at her, “Already?” Myra knew he knew what she was going to say , but before she could utter a single word he spoke quickly, “I know you live in London, and I understand why you probably hate long distance… but that doesn’t mean we should give up this easily, right?” Frowning Myra sighed, “Wrong, I am sorry but I think… you should leave-““You’re kidding me, right?” Tear’s formed in her eyes as she looked into the betrayal blazing in Ash’s dark brown eyes, such beautiful eyes… Myra wanted to slap herself to snap out of it, and she did, Ash’s luring eyes turned to confusion, “Did you just slap yourself?” Frustration and restlessness made her heart pound, he breathing slightly quickened and she sighed and wailed in confusion, “No- well yea but, ugh! Just… please. I am saving us both from pain, so just…go.” A tear slipped down Ash’s face, falling to the floor. “I am sorry you feel that way, but I’m not going anywhere. What I will do is give you some space; I’ll get some food for us.” Ash looked numb as he dully left the room. Before the door closed he stopped and looked at her, his eyes looked full of hurt like she had just stabbed him, “No matter what you say, I am never going to leave you.” Myra watched helplessly as Ash closed the door behind him. Letting out a wail of grief she pushed her face into her oversized pillow, letting her tears flow as they left puddles where they fell. Why won’t he leave me, he hardly knows me, I’m so confused! Myra punched the wall her bed was attached to, that helped let some of her anger out, but now she had purple and blue knuckles. Sobbing with frustration and pain, Myra flopped her face back into the pillow, it was uncomfortable now since it was soaked in tears, but she didn’t care much about anything at the moment. Myra tried to cry, but no tears came anymore. Turning onto her back, she looked around desperately, my diary should help… Searching through Ash’s things, she found her diary beside his things. Frowning slightly she thought, he must have read it while I was passed out. Grabbing it once again, she layed out on her bed. Grasping the pen attatched to the side, she began to write. Well, A lot has happened since I last wrote in this thing. I am in a hospital in Arizona. My father tried to kidnap me but Ash, the real Ash, saved me. The Ash I knew before was really Zack, the real Ash’s brother. I feel so confused, everything is happening so fast! I wish I had someone to talk to about everything, I know I have Ash but… it’s different. Me and him are together now, a happy little couple. I tried breaking up with him, I am sort of glad he dodged the bullet and saved our relationship just now, he said he would give me some space, but he isn’t going to leave me. I feel happy that someone cares about me that much, usually I am alone and I can only trust myself. Now, I have someone to cherish my time with… or what time I have left. A few tears rolled down her cheeks after writing the last few words, I am going to die… Frowning she sat up, wiping away the tears as best she could. Placing her diary on the little white shelf beside her, she stood and walked out of her room. As soon as she stood in the lobby, she began to think, If I am going to die… what is going to happen to my family? Her family flashed across her eyes, and she was determined to find a phone. Narrowing her dark golden eyes, she began her search. She wandered down endless hallways, searched through pointless rooms, all for a phone that she couldn’t find. This is a fucking hospital, why the fuck can’t I find a phone! Isn’t that some kind of requirement or something? Suddenly her stomach tightened, she began to feel queasy. Grunting in surprise and pain, she crawled towards a door and slowly opened it. A supply closet? Perfect I guess… Closing the door behind her, she curled underneath an old desk; the stench of rotting wood filled her senses. Closing her eyes, she tried to relax but it didn’t help at all. Her eyes flashed open when the sound of screaming rang in her ears. Screaming from the sound, fear gripped Myra’s heart. Scrambling out from underneath the desk, she stumbled to her feet. Leaning against the door, she stared wide-eyed around the room. Screams and shrieks of agony and fear clouded her hearing. The sound of crunching bones and blood splattering against the ground seemed like torture. The fear and pain in the eyes of the girls she had killed seemed so clear she thought they were in front of her. Myra screamed, pressing her hands over her ears and tightening her eyes shut, she struggled to forget the memory. “Leave me alone!” Myra leaned forward and screamed as loud as she could, but the sounds only got louder. Wailing with fear and anger, Myra began to thrash around, her hands hitting random objects on the shelves and they flew, slamming against the walls and breaking open. Fumes released into the air around her, but the torture of the memory distracted her. Gasping for air, Myra fell to the ground, coughing madly. Blood streamed from her nose, falling into her mouth staining her teeth and tongue a dark red. Struggling to breathe, Myra felt her muscles numb as her vision began to turn a deep red, what’s happening to me… Myra fell limp to the ground, her throat tightened as her body began an even worse reaction to the fumes. Coughing weakly, blood flew from her mouth, splattering over her hand. I have to get out of here… Using the last of her strength, Myra turned and began to kick as hard as she could on the door. Within moments she heard footsteps outside, then the door flew open, the muscular and beautiful Ash stood in the opening, “Myra! We need some help down here!” Ash coughed lightly as the fumes faintly spread out of the closet and into the air, then it all dissolved. Quick as light, Ash had his arms wrapped around her, rushing her through the hallway and towards their room. Doctors filed after him, holding needles and bandages. Myra weakly turned her head back and forth, looking around her. When they ran past a mirror, her heart seemed to stop. Blood filled her eyes and leaked down her face, blood stained around her mouth and her nose, I look like a monster… Frowning, Myra looked away. When Ash carried her past their room confusion replaced her feelings. When she tried to talk blood gurgled in the back of her throat, and panic made her heart beat quicken. Her vision began to blacken from the confusion, pain, and fear, within a few moments she went limp in Ash’s arms. Chapter 7 The numb feeling that covered her body made her panic all over again. As Myra’s eyelids slowly slid open, the panic that sent her heart racing faded, she positioned herself to sit up as she looked around the room. She was in a slightly larger room, and she could pinpoint doctors standing, walking, and talking just outside. The memory of Ash coughing when he opened the door to save her flashed through her mind, Ash, he was exposed! Myra looked around franticly, and just beside her was another bed, and there laid Ash. Sighing with relief, she reached a hand forward and prodded his shoulder; worry filled her eyes when he didn’t stir. Frowning with concern, Myra turned on the bed and sat up, her legs hanging limply off the side of the tall cot-like bed. Slowly she slid down, her loose blue gown nearly fell off, and that was when she saw one of Ash’s eyes peer open, “Ash!” They both smiled, but Myra’s quickly faded when she remembered just what they were in right now, “I’m sor-““Don’t, just don’t say it alright? I told you I wasn’t going to leave you, but I did. I left you alone for ten minutes and look where it got us? From now on, if we make It out of this, you’re never leaving my sight. Understood?” His words made her happy, but her face showed nothing but guilt, “Understood.” A doctor opened the door leading into their room and walked straight towards her and Ash, “Myra, Ash, you’re both probably wondering what’s going on, yes?” the doctors blue green eyes looked from herself to Ash, burning with questioning. Glancing at Ash they both nodded, “Alright,” the doctor continued, “Myra, you had been in a supply closet that we had been planning to close off a few minutes before. When you began to break things the fumes of the chemicals inside them released into the air. Now, none of these had been dangerous on their own… but combined, well you probably know.” Myra frowned with guilt, “How long will we be in here?” The doctor nodded to her, “Not long, you can leave if you want. The toxin wasn’t deadly, but…” The doctor’s voice trailed off. Ash spoke harshly with his anger filled words, “But what?” The doctor didn’t reply to Ash’s question, he only turned to Myra and gave her a grave and knowing look before he walked out of the room. What have I done to my lungs… Turning to Ash guilt made her forget about herself, “I know it’s not worth anything, but I really am sorry, this is entirely fault.” Ash turned to her, anger blazing in those gorgeous brown eyes, “Why did you even leave? And why the supply closet?” Frowned she nearly busted out crying, “My family came to my mind, so I went to look for a phone…” “I could have gotten a phone!” Rage made Ash raise his voice. Myra flinched, “My stomach started hurting so I crawled towards the nearest room… then all that happened.” Ash stood sharply and began to pace, his eyes locked on the floor while his hands clenched open and shut repeatedly. Was this Ash, or were the fumes affecting him? “Ash, Ash please calm down. I was just scared… I just… I want to go home!” Sadness took over as she thought of her family; they probably think I’m dead! Ash ignored her, his pacing made her stop crying and become restless. “Ash, stop pacing.” He ignored her, his furious eyes looked directly at her, but he didn’t stop pacing, “What?” He spat angrily at her, “Do you not lick it when I pace, Hmm?” “No, I hate it, so stop.” “No.” Ash glared at her then locked his eyes once again on the floor, glaring as if the ground, but it didn’t take long for him to calm down. The hurt in Myra’s eyes burned as she watched Ash, when he caught her eye he sighed, his voice apologetic, “Look, I’m sorry alright… you just need to be more careful.” I know-““No, you don’t know.” Surprisingly Ash walked towards her and kneeled down, holding her hand while she sat on the edge of her bed, his deep brown eyes looking intensely and passionately into her own as they dimly glowed a gold, “From now on, you do nothing but be here beside me. Be yourself, be mine. I will do anything for you, I will use more than my strength can handle, I will run farther then the edge of the universe to the farthest star, I am never going to lose you.” Myra smiled, her heart beat quickened slightly by the sound of his kind words, “You would do that… for me?” ”I couldn’t think of any better prize.” Ash smiled then stood, his arms flowed so gracefully under hers. He lifted her to her feet and they stood, Myra breathed in his warm, honeysuckle scent as he embraced her. A tear of joy rolled down her red, blushing cheeks, this isn’t fake, he really does love me. Ash’s breath tickled her ear as he whispered ever so quietly, “I love you, Myra.” Closing her eyes, Myra took in his words like she would never hear them again, “I…I love you too Ash.” They hugged for what seemed like forever, but Myra didn’t mind. A tear rolled down her cheek as she remembered these would be her last days with Ash and her family. My family, I have to get back! Stepping back, letting go of his arms and exhaling his scent from her dying lungs, Myra frowned and spoke firmly and determinedly, “I have to get home.” “I know, I’ll drive you to the airport and we can fly together.” Tilting her head, Myra looked at Ash confusedly, “What about tickets?” Ash shrugged, “I can use my college savings, I’m probably never going anyway.” Myra frowned but gave Ash a short hug, “Thanks.” Ash turned when Myra stepped away again and began to grab his things, “No sweat.” Smiling, Myra turned and began pulling off the hospital gown and into her normal clothes, thankful to get out of that worn blue gown. Together they made their way down the halls, passing endless doorways until finally they walked outside. The large black doors of the hospital entrance swung open as Ash pushed them forward, the sunlight burned through the tree’s, shining in Myra’s eyes, blinding her to the point everything began glowing yellow for a few moments, “Wow… we were inside for a little longer then I thought.” Ash laughed in agreement, “Yea.” Looking around, Myra saw she was standing on a short stone stairway leading to the ten or fifteen story hospital, “Whoa…” Myra breathed out in shock as she looked up, staring at the huge building she had just been in. Ash grabbed her arm and gently pulled her along, through the small crowd of people making their way to the hospital entrance. They walked hand in hand to the parking lot, where Ash turned around and stood in front of her, his hands holding her back from continuing her walk, his eyes turned hard with seriousness as he spoke, “Myra, I have someone for you to meet-“ Myra raised her eye brows as he spoke continued, “She is the only women I will ever love, so don’t get jealous okay?” For a moment Myra’s heart stopped, another girl, what? Suddenly humor blazed in his eyes as he turned and ran to his old red Ford. Ash smiled and pressed his hand against the truck for a moment, and then he climbed in the front seat. Myra half ran forward and pulled her own door open, climbing in beside Ash. She glanced at him as he started the engine, Ash caught her eye and he smiled, “To London?” Myra nodded with a small smile, “To London… to home.” Hours passed, Myra refused to stop at the resting areas. Ash glanced at her worriedly, “Are you alright? You look like you’re in pain…” Myra couldn’t stop twitching, I need to pee… NO! Don’t think about it Myra, you have to get to London- Oh god I have to pee! “I have to pee!” Myra snapped and Ash laughed, “I told you we should have stopped, but you wanted to keep going!” Ash laughed while Myra’s patience ran out, “That’s it, pull over.” “Whoa, whoa, I’m not leaving you on the side of the road Myra.” Ash half laughed half spoke firmly. “I know that, I need to pee!” “Oh, oh right.” Ash brought the truck to a stop as he pulled in to the right side of the dirt road. “God damn, that took long enough!” Myra snapped while slamming the door open and rushing behind a tiny bush. Crouching, Myra shivered as a breeze buffeted her, perfect, just perfect! “Stop watching!” Myra spotted Ash peering over the bush, “Oh, oh sorry!” Myra felt flattered, violated, but more embarrassed then anything. “I see you blushing.” Ash’s whisper sounded on the other side of the bush, “Hey! Stop invading my privacy!” Myra half laughed half yelled. Finally she felt better and jumped over the bush, landing lightly on Ash’s back then running off, “Hey!” Ash laughed and stood to chase her, but Myra locked the door’s lock, “Hurry up slow-poke!” Rolling down her window she poked his face and laughed. He smirked, “Very clever.” He walked around then climbed into the truck, “Alright, London here we come.” Opening her eyes, Myra felt warmth coming in small waves off of Ash’s chest, “Oh!” Myra was sleeping nearly on top of him, he was sound asleep on the airport bench they had been sitting on, “Ash, Ash wake up the flight!” Ash grunted and tightened his eyes, then they flashed open, “The flight!” Suddenly a women’s booming voice sounded over the intercom, “Section 12 now boarding, last plane to London.” A shiver of terror and worry made the hair on her arms stand, “Come on, get up!” “Then get off!” Ash lightly nudged her off of him, “Oh yea, oops.” Myra jumped to her feet and stretched quickly. She watched as Ash grabbed their things, I don’t have much time left to spend with him… or my family for that matter. The thought of her death made her face go pale, I am going to die… and there is nothing I can do about it. Frowning, she wiped on a fake smile once Ash turned around, “Alright, let’s run.” The intercom woman sounded again, “Last warning, Section 12 boarding, last plane to London.” Myra smiled and grasped Ash’s hand, pulling him through the crowd she ran down a tunnel with large words above it, Section 12. Panting lightly, she began to walk, her lungs pulsed from the effort of breathing so hard while running, and she tried to hide the fact she couldn’t breathe that well from Ash, “Hurry up we sit in… Seat 7 and Seat 8!” Myra quickly walked down the aisle; people sat in almost every seat. Turning to Ash, she pointed to two open seats with the numbers 7 and 8 on them, “There.” Myra settled herself by the window while Ash stuffed his suitcase into a opening above them. He sat down, flopping like deadweight beside her, “So, watcha doin?” Myra smiled gazing out the window, “We should-“she stopped them a flight attendant walked through the aisle speaking in a lower toned voice, “Fasten your seatbelt. Fasten your seatbelt. Fasten your seatbelt.” The repetition of the same sentence made Myra feel irritable, that girl has the most annoying job ever. The woman stood beside Ash’s seat and looked at them, “Fasten your seatbelt.” She watched as Myra clicked the belt, Ash had trouble and the woman leaned over, her blond hair gently brushing ash’s cheek, “Here, let me help that for you.” Ugh, that bitch’s boobs are falling out of her shirt on purpose, whatever, they are obviously fake. Myra glanced at the wide-eyed and frozen Ash as the woman placed her hands just above his pelvis, fastening his seat belt as slowly as she could. Rage and jealousy pulsed through her blood, alright she is pushing it to far! Without thinking, Myra grabbed the collar of Ash’s shirt and pulled his face to hers. The woman stared, her eyes narrowed. Myra planted the best kiss she ever put on any guy on Ash’s lips, glaring at the flight attendant as she did so. Ash tensed up, then relaxed as if falling asleep. The flight attendant snorted and stomped off to the next passenger. Releasing Ash, Myra smiled at him as he leaned back on his chair, arms folded behind his head, “Wow…” Myra laughed, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Ash snorted, “You did that to make that girl back off, huh.” “No… okay maybe.” Myra smirked, “But, I liked it.” Ash smirked and closed his eyes; Myra couldn’t help but laugh when he licked his lips. I hope that is the last kiss we have before I… her thoughts trailed off and she looked back out her window, gazing out as the plane began to lift off until she fell asleep. Myra awoke to Ash’s hands gently nudging her awake, “Myra, Myra wake up we’re here!” Myra sighed, I just want to sleep… wait- did Ash just say what I think he said? Her eyes flew open and she leaped to her feet. Her head slammed on the little cabinet above her that held Ash’s suitcase, “Fuck!” Myra landed back on her seat, rubbing her sore head, “Myra?” Ash spoke like he was concerned, then he must have seen what she did and he started laughing, “You’re just full of fails aren’t you?” Myra shook her head, “I’m good, let’s go!” Myra felt a terrible pain inside her, and she knew her time was coming to a close. Tears filled her eyes and, looking into Ash’s eyes, she smiled and planted yet another passionate kiss on him. Once she finished Ash nearly fainted backwards, instead he fell forwards, and Myra had to steady him. Laughing, Myra hugged him tightly then pushed him upwards, making him stand straight, “Come on, my family is going to love you.” Ash smiled and he grabbed her hand as he helped her down the steps and out into the crisp, freezing air of London . Myra closed her eyes and smiled, I thought I hated it here… when really this is where I feel most at home. Smiling, she tightened her grip on Ash’s hand and they boarded a taxi. “Where to?” “3137 East Vectra street.” “That’s… far out there ma’am.” Ash spoke firmly, “Drive.” The taxi driver nodded and began to press on the gas, the speed of the car shocked Myra at first, but she knew this was good. The faster we are… the more time I can spend with my family. Myra kept her fingers entwined between Ash’s, the heat made her palm’s sweaty, but she didn’t care. After an hour and a half the taxi stopped, just outside of her home. Myra let out a gasp, pain stirred deep inside her, It’s coming quicker than I thought it would. Ash smiled at her and climbed out, he quickly opened her door and held out his hand. Myra’s eyes glazed with pain, it took a lot just to lift her hand and grasp his. He pulled her to her feet and they began to walk towards the large wooden stairway, up to the front door. Myra stared at the wooden planks as if she was about to climb a mountain, how am I going to make it up there… Wordlessly she lifted her foot, placing it on the first step. Breathing heavily already, Myra drew herself forward and took another step. Myra felt a piercing feeling slice through her body, gasping she collapsed, but quickly she caught herself. Ash ran up beside her, but she was already standing upright. He quickly grabbed her hand, leading her up the staircase. Nine more steps… eight, seven, six, Suddenly unbearable pain seemed to grip itself around her, crunching her from the inside out. With a scream, she began to fall again, But Ash kept her up, “Myra? Myra are you alright?” Her jaws parted in a silent screamed and tears of agony streamed down her face, clouded her vision. Myra lifted her head, hearing a shriek of joy and surprise coming from inside the house. Her family poured out of the door. Mother, Jessie, Rose, then last of all… John. Their eyes were filling with happiness and relief. Her mother stuttered, “M-Myra? My-My little baby girl!” Her mother charged down the six steps left. Unable to breathe, Myra crunched over, kneeling on the steps. Ash quickly kneeled beside her, his voice filled with concern, “Myra?” She knew he tried to catch her, but she was already on the floor. Feeling as if the world had slipped away, Myra struggled to keep her eyes open. She could see her entire family now, rushing down the stairs towards her. Coughing, gasping for air, clawing yet again at her skin. Her eyes stretched wide, filled with agony and horror. Searing pain ran through her lungs, every breath she took was torture. Myra looked at Ash, he was talking, but she couldn’t hear him, she couldn’t hear anything. The feeling of her lungs collapsing, her vision cleared of tears for a moment. Myra laid out on her back, trying to regain her breath, but she knew it was too late, it’s time for me to say goodbye…. She reached out a hand, brushing Ash’s cheek as he kneeled above her. Looking into his beautiful brown eyes she rasped, “P-Please take care of my family…” her voice trailed off when she heard her name being called. Ripping her eyes away from his, she stared into the distance, past her family, past Ash. She exhaled one last time as her body slowly went numb. *** Breathing in, Ash listened to Myra’s last wish as it echoed in his ears, take care of my family. His heart tightened when she brushed her hand gently across his cheek. Ash smiled, looking down into those gorgeous golden eyes he so easy fell for. He felt his heart turn cold as ice when her hand fell limply from his face, hitting the wooden stairs with a nearly silent, thump. Myra’s mother wailed, her two siblings began to scream and her older brother fell to his knees, his eyes emotionless and dull. Ash didn’t look away from his loves dead diming eyes, “Myra?” Placing his hand on her cheek, he shook her face lightly, “Myra, don’t do this to me… not now Myra, please no!” Tears fell down his face, dripping onto Myra’s beautiful and flawless face, “Please…” Feeling alone and helpless, Ash stuffed his face between Myra’s collar bone and shoulder, wailing into her shirt. Greif engulfed him, when he set up again, his brown eyes grew very dull, clouded with sadness. Myra, if you can hear me… I love you. Ash closed his eyes, not wanting to think his love was dead. Gently he picked her up, cradling her corpse in his arms. His eyes turned to Myra’s mother who was trying to hold herself up on the stair’s railing, “Call the police.” Ash carried her body up the stairs that she didn’t make it past, walked through the already opened door, and carefully placed Myra on the couch, laying her body down as if she would break if he dropped her. Greif struck his heart yet again, and he collapsed on the couch beside Myra. The sounds of sirens slowly grew louder and louder, but nothing mattered as he studied Myra’s perfect face for the last time, I lost you… Publication Date: March 8th 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-xxwolfgurluntamedxx

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William Shakespeare The Life and Death of King Richard III Persons Represented. KING EDWARD THE FOURTH Sons to the king EDWARD, PRINCE OF WALES afterwards KING EDWARD V RICHARD, DUKE OF YORK Brothers to the king GEORGE, DUKE OF CLARENCE RICHARD, DUKE OF GLOSTER, afterwards KING RICHARD III A YOUNG SON OF CLARENCE HENRY, EARL OF RICHMOND, afterwards KING HENRY VII CARDINAL BOURCHIER, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY THOMAS ROTHERHAM, ARCHBISHOP OF YORK JOHN MORTON, BISHOP OF ELY DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM DUKE OF NORFOLK EARL OF SURREY, his son EARL RIVERS, brother to King Edward's Queen MARQUIS OF DORSET and LORD GREY, her sons EARL OF OXFORD LORD HASTINGS LORD STANLEY LORD LOVEL SIR THOMAS VAUGHAN SIR RICHARD RATCLIFF SIR WILLIAM CATESBY SIR JAMES TYRREL SIR JAMES BLOUNT SIR WALTER HERBERT SIR ROBERT BRAKENBURY, Lieutenant of the Tower CHRISTOPHER URSWICK, a priest Another Priest LORD MAYOR OF LONDON SHERIFF OF WILTSHIRE ELIZABETH, Queen to King Edward IV MARGARET, widow to King Henry VI DUCHESS OF YORK, mother to King Edward IV, Clarence, and Gloster LADY ANNE, widow to Edward, Prince of Wales, son to King Henry VI; afterwards married to the Duke of Gloster A YOUNG DAUGHTER OF CLARENCE Lords, and other Attendants; two Gentlemen, a Pursuivant, Scrivener, Citizens, Murderers, Messengers, Ghosts, Soldiers, &c. SCENE: England ACT I. SCENE I. London. A street [Enter GLOSTER.] GLOSTER Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York; And all the clouds that lour'd upon our house In the deep bosom of the ocean buried. Now are our brows bound with victorious wreaths; Our bruised arms hung up for monuments; Our stern alarums chang'd to merry meetings, Our dreadful marches to delightful measures. Grim-visag'd war hath smooth'd his wrinkled front; And now, - instead of mounting barbed steeds To fright the souls of fearful adversaries, - He capers nimbly in a lady's chamber To the lascivious pleasing of a lute. But I, - that am not shap'd for sportive tricks, Nor made to court an amorous looking-glass; I, that am rudely stamp'd, and want love's majesty To strut before a wanton ambling nymph; I, that am curtail'd of this fair proportion, Cheated of feature by dissembling nature, Deform'd, unfinish'd, sent before my time Into this breathing world scarce half made up, And that so lamely and unfashionable That dogs bark at me as I halt by them; - Why, I, in this weak piping time of peace, Have no delight to pass away the time, Unless to spy my shadow in the sun, And descant on mine own deformity: And therefore, - since I cannot prove a lover, To entertain these fair well-spoken days, - I am determined to prove a villain, And hate the idle pleasures of these days. Plots have I laid, inductions dangerous, By drunken prophecies, libels, and dreams, To set my brother Clarence and the king In deadly hate the one against the other: And if King Edward be as true and just As I am subtle, false, and treacherous, This day should Clarence closely be mew'd up, - About a prophecy which says that G Of Edward's heirs the murderer shall be. Dive, thoughts, down to my soul: - here Clarence comes. [Enter CLARENCE, guarded, and BRAKENBURY.] Brother, good day: what means this armed guard That waits upon your grace? CLARENCE. His majesty, Tendering my person's safety, hath appointed This conduct to convey me to the Tower. GLOSTER. Upon what cause? CLARENCE. Because my name is George. GLOSTER. Alack, my lord, that fault is none of yours; He should, for that, commit your godfathers: - O, belike his majesty hath some intent That you should be new-christen'd in the Tower. But what's the matter, Clarence? may I know? CLARENCE. Yea, Richard, when I know; for I protest As yet I do not: but, as I can learn, He hearkens after prophecies and dreams; And from the cross-row plucks the letter G, And says a wizard told him that by G His issue disinherited should be; And, for my name of George begins with G, It follows in his thought that I am he. These, as I learn, and such like toys as these, Hath mov'd his highness to commit me now. GLOSTER. Why, this it is when men are rul'd by women: - 'Tis not the king that sends you to the Tower; My Lady Grey his wife, Clarence, 'tis she That tempers him to this extremity. Was it not she and that good man of worship, Antony Woodville, her brother there, That made him send Lord Hastings to the Tower, From whence this present day he is deliver'd? We are not safe, Clarence; we are not safe. CLARENCE. By heaven, I think there is no man is secure But the queen's kindred, and night-walking heralds That trudge betwixt the king and Mistress Shore. Heard you not what an humble suppliant Lord Hastings was to her for his delivery? GLOSTER. Humbly complaining to her deity Got my Lord Chamberlain his liberty. I'll tell you what, - I think it is our way, If we will keep in favour with the king, To be her men and wear her livery: The jealous o'er-worn widow, and herself, Since that our brother dubb'd them gentlewomen, Are mighty gossips in our monarchy. BRAKENBURY. I beseech your graces both to pardon me; His majesty hath straitly given in charge That no man shall have private conference, Of what degree soever, with your brother. GLOSTER. Even so; an't please your worship, Brakenbury, You may partake of any thing we say: We speak no treason, man; - we say the king Is wise and virtuous; and his noble queen Well struck in years, fair, and not jealous; - We say that Shore's wife hath a pretty foot, A cherry lip, a bonny eye, a passing pleasing tongue; And that the queen's kindred are made gentlefolks: How say you, sir? can you deny all this? BRAKENBURY. With this, my lord, myself have naught to do. GLOSTER. Naught to do with Mistress Shore! I tell thee, fellow, He that doth naught with her, excepting one, Were best to do it secretly alone. BRAKENBURY. What one, my lord? GLOSTER. Her husband, knave: - wouldst thou betray me? BRAKENBURY. I do beseech your grace to pardon me; and, withal, Forbear your conference with the noble duke. CLARENCE. We know thy charge, Brakenbury, and will obey. GLOSTER. We are the queen's abjects and must obey. - Brother, farewell: I will unto the king; And whatsoe'er you will employ me in, - Were it to call King Edward's widow sister, - I will perform it to enfranchise you. Meantime, this deep disgrace in brotherhood Touches me deeper than you can imagine. CLARENCE. I know it pleaseth neither of us well. GLOSTER. Well, your imprisonment shall not be long; I will deliver or else lie for you: Meantime, have patience. CLARENCE. I must perforce: farewell. [Exeunt CLARENCE, BRAKENBURY, and guard.] GLOSTER. Go tread the path that thou shalt ne'er return. Simple, plain Clarence! - I do love thee so That I will shortly send thy soul to heaven, If heaven will take the present at our hands. - But who comes here? The new-delivered Hastings? [Enter HASTINGS.] HASTINGS. Good time of day unto my gracious lord! GLOSTER. As much unto my good Lord Chamberlain! Well are you welcome to the open air. How hath your lordship brook'd imprisonment? HASTINGS. With patience, noble lord, as prisoners must; But I shall live, my lord, to give them thanks That were the cause of my imprisonment. GLOSTER. No doubt, no doubt; and so shall Clarence too; For they that were your enemies are his, And have prevail'd as much on him as you. HASTINGS. More pity that the eagles should be mew'd Whiles kites and buzzards prey at liberty. GLOSTER. What news abroad? HASTINGS. No news so bad abroad as this at home, - The king is sickly, weak, and melancholy, And his physicians fear him mightily. GLOSTER. Now, by Saint Paul, that news is bad indeed. O, he hath kept an evil diet long, And overmuch consum'd his royal person: 'Tis very grievous to be thought upon. What, is he in his bed? HASTINGS. He is. GLOSTER. Go you before, and I will follow you. [Exit HASTINGS.] He cannot live, I hope; and must not die Till George be pack'd with posthorse up to heaven. I'll in, to urge his hatred more to Clarence With lies well steel'd with weighty arguments; And, if I fail not in my deep intent, Clarence hath not another day to live; Which done, God take King Edward to his mercy, And leave the world for me to bustle in! For then I'll marry Warwick's youngest daughter: What though I kill'd her husband and her father? The readiest way to make the wench amends Is to become her husband and her father: The which will I; not all so much for love As for another secret close intent, By marrying her, which I must reach unto. But yet I run before my horse to market: Clarence still breathes; Edward still lives and reigns: When they are gone, then must I count my gains. [Exit.] SCENE II. London. Another street. [Enter the corpse of King Henry the Sixth, borne in an open coffin, Gentlemen bearing halberds to guard it; and Lady Anne as mourner.] ANNE. Set down, set down your honourable load, - If honour may be shrouded in a hearse, - Whilst I awhile obsequiously lament Th' untimely fall of virtuous Lancaster. - Poor key-cold figure of a holy king! Pale ashes of the house of Lancaster! Thou bloodless remnant of that royal blood! Be it lawful that I invocate thy ghost, To hear the lamentations of poor Anne, Wife to thy Edward, to thy slaughter'd son, Stabb'd by the self-same hand that made these wounds! Lo, in these windows that let forth thy life, I pour the helpless balm of my poor eyes: - O, cursed be the hand that made these holes! Cursed the heart that had the heart to do it! Cursed the blood that let this blood from hence! More direful hap betide that hated wretch That makes us wretched by the death of thee, Than I can wish to adders, spiders, toads, Or any creeping venom'd thing that lives! If ever he have child, abortive be it, Prodigious, and untimely brought to light, Whose ugly and unnatural aspect May fright the hopeful mother at the view; And that be heir to his unhappiness! If ever he have wife, let her be made More miserable by the death of him Than I am made by my young lord and thee! - Come, now towards Chertsey with your holy load, Taken from Paul's to be interred there; And still, as you are weary of this weight, Rest you, whiles I lament King Henry's corse. [The Bearers take up the Corpse and advance.] [Enter GLOSTER.] GLOSTER. Stay, you that bear the corse, and set it down. ANNE. What black magician conjures up this fiend, To stop devoted charitable deeds? GLOSTER. Villains, set down the corse; or, by Saint Paul, I'll make a corse of him that disobeys! FIRST GENTLEMAN. My lord, stand back, and let the coffin pass. GLOSTER. Unmanner'd dog! stand thou, when I command: Advance thy halberd higher than my breast, Or, by Saint Paul, I'll strike thee to my foot And spurn upon thee, beggar, for thy boldness. [The Bearers set down the coffin.] ANNE. What, do you tremble? are you all afraid? Alas, I blame you not; for you are mortal, And mortal eyes cannot endure the devil. - Avaunt, thou dreadful minister of hell! Thou hadst but power over his mortal body, His soul thou canst not have; therefore, be gone. GLOSTER. Sweet saint, for charity, be not so curst. ANNE. Foul devil, for God's sake, hence and trouble us not; For thou hast made the happy earth thy hell, Fill'd it with cursing cries and deep exclaims. If thou delight to view thy heinous deeds, Behold this pattern of thy butcheries. - O, gentlemen, see, see! dead Henry's wounds Open their congeal'd mouths and bleed afresh! Blush, blush, thou lump of foul deformity; For 'tis thy presence that exhales this blood From cold and empty veins, where no blood dwells; Thy deeds, inhuman and unnatural, Provokes this deluge most unnatural. - O God, which this blood mad'st, revenge his death! O earth, which this blood drink'st, revenge his death! Either, heaven, with lightning strike the murderer dead; Or, earth, gape open wide and eat him quick, As thou dost swallow up this good king's blood, Which his hell-govern'd arm hath butchered! GLOSTER. Lady, you know no rules of charity, Which renders good for bad, blessings for curses. ANNE. Villain, thou knowest nor law of God nor man: No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity. GLOSTER. But I know none, and therefore am no beast. ANNE. O wonderful, when devils tell the truth! GLOSTER. More wonderful when angels are so angry. - Vouchsafe, divine perfection of a woman, Of these supposed crimes to give me leave, By circumstance, but to acquit myself. ANNE. Vouchsafe, diffus'd infection of a man, Of these known evils but to give me leave, By circumstance, to accuse thy cursed self. GLOSTER. Fairer than tongue can name thee, let me have Some patient leisure to excuse myself. ANNE. Fouler than heart can think thee, thou canst make No excuse current but to hang thyself. GLOSTER. By such despair I should accuse myself. ANNE. And by despairing shalt thou stand excus'd; For doing worthy vengeance on thyself, That didst unworthy slaughter upon others. GLOSTER. Say that I slew them not? ANNE. Then say they were not slain: But dead they are, and, devilish slave, by thee. GLOSTER. I did not kill your husband. ANNE. Why, then he is alive. GLOSTER. Nay, he is dead; and slain by Edward's hand. ANNE. In thy foul throat thou liest: Queen Margaret saw Thy murderous falchion smoking in his blood; The which thou once didst bend against her breast, But that thy brothers beat aside the point. GLOSTER. I was provoked by her slanderous tongue That laid their guilt upon my guiltless shoulders. ANNE. Thou wast provoked by thy bloody mind, That never dreamt on aught but butcheries: Didst thou not kill this king? GLOSTER. I grant ye. ANNE. Dost grant me, hedgehog? then, God grant me too Thou mayst be damned for that wicked deed! O, he was gentle, mild, and virtuous. GLOSTER. The better for the king of Heaven, that hath him. ANNE. He is in heaven, where thou shalt never come. GLOSTER. Let him thank me that holp to send him thither, For he was fitter for that place than earth. ANNE. And thou unfit for any place but hell. GLOSTER. Yes, one place else, if you will hear me name it. ANNE. Some dungeon. GLOSTER. Your bed-chamber. ANNE. Ill rest betide the chamber where thou liest! GLOSTER. So will it, madam, till I lie with you. ANNE. I hope so. GLOSTER. I know so. - But, gentle Lady Anne, - To leave this keen encounter of our wits, And fall something into a slower method, - Is not the causer of the timeless deaths Of these Plantagenets, Henry and Edward, As blameful as the executioner? ANNE. Thou wast the cause and most accurs'd effect. GLOSTER. Your beauty was the cause of that effect; Your beauty, that did haunt me in my sleep To undertake the death of all the world, So I might live one hour in your sweet bosom. ANNE. If I thought that, I tell thee, homicide, These nails should rend that beauty from my cheeks. GLOSTER. These eyes could not endure that beauty's wreck; You should not blemish it if I stood by: As all the world is cheered by the sun, So I by that; it is my day, my life. ANNE. Black night o'ershade thy day, and death thy life! GLOSTER. Curse not thyself, fair creature; thou art both. ANNE. I would I were, to be reveng'd on thee. GLOSTER. It is a quarrel most unnatural, To be reveng'd on him that loveth thee. ANNE. It is a quarrel just and reasonable, To be reveng'd on him that kill'd my husband. GLOSTER. He that bereft thee, lady, of thy husband, Did it to help thee to a better husband. ANNE. His better doth not breathe upon the earth. GLOSTER. He lives that loves thee better than he could. ANNE. Name him. GLOSTER. Plantagenet. ANNE. Why, that was he. GLOSTER. The self-same name, but one of better nature. ANNE. Where is he? GLOSTER. Here. [She spits at him.] Why dost thou spit at me? ANNE. Would it were mortal poison, for thy sake! GLOSTER. Never came poison from so sweet a place. ANNE. Never hung poison on a fouler toad. Out of my sight! thou dost infect mine eyes. GLOSTER. Thine eyes, sweet lady, have infected mine. ANNE. Would they were basilisks to strike thee dead! GLOSTER. I would they were, that I might die at once; For now they kill me with a living death. Those eyes of thine from mine have drawn salt tears, Sham'd their aspects with store of childish drops: These eyes, which never shed remorseful tear, No, when my father York and Edward wept, To hear the piteous moan that Rutland made When black-fac'd Clifford shook his sword at him; Nor when thy warlike father, like a child, Told the sad story of my father's death, And twenty times made pause, to sob and weep, That all the standers-by had wet their cheeks, Like trees bedash'd with rain; in that sad time My manly eyes did scorn an humble tear; And what these sorrows could not thence exhale, Thy beauty hath, and made them blind with weeping. I never su'd to friend nor enemy; My tongue could never learn sweet smoothing word; But, now thy beauty is propos'd my fee, My proud heart sues, and prompts my tongue to speak. [She looks scornfully at him.] Teach not thy lip such scorn; for it was made For kissing, lady, not for such contempt. If thy revengeful heart cannot forgive, Lo, here I lend thee this sharp-pointed sword; Which if thou please to hide in this true breast And let the soul forth that adoreth thee, I lay it naked to the deadly stroke, And humbly beg the death upon my knee, Nay, do not pause; for I did kill King Henry, - [He lays his breast open; she offers at it with his sword.] But 'twas thy beauty that provoked me. Nay, now dispatch; 'twas I that stabb'd young Edward, - [She again offers at his breast.] But 'twas thy heavenly face that set me on. [She lets fall the sword.] Take up the sword again, or take up me. ANNE. Arise, dissembler: though I wish thy death, I will not be thy executioner. GLOSTER. Then bid me kill myself, and I will do it. ANNE. I have already. GLOSTER. That was in thy rage: Speak it again, and even with the word, This hand, which for thy love did kill thy love; Shall, for thy love, kill a far truer love; To both their deaths shalt thou be accessary. ANNE. I would I knew thy heart. GLOSTER. 'Tis figured in my tongue. ANNE. I fear me both are false. GLOSTER. Then never was man true. ANNE. Well, well, put up your sword. GLOSTER. Say, then, my peace is made. ANNE. That shalt thou know hereafter. GLOSTER. But shall I live in hope? ANNE. All men, I hope, live so. GLOSTER. Vouchsafe to wear this ring. ANNE. To take is not to give. [She puts on the ring.] GLOSTER. Look, how this ring encompasseth thy finger, Even so thy breast encloseth my poor heart; Wear both of them, for both of them are thine. And if thy poor devoted servant may But beg one favour at thy gracious hand, Thou dost confirm his happiness for ever. ANNE. What is it? GLOSTER. That it may please you leave these sad designs To him that hath most cause to be a mourner, And presently repair to Crosby Place; Where, - after I have solemnly interr'd At Chertsey monastery, this noble king, And wet his grave with my repentant tears, - I will with all expedient duty see you: For divers unknown reasons, I beseech you, Grant me this boon. ANNE. With all my heart; and much it joys me too To see you are become so penitent. - Tressel and Berkeley, go along with me. GLOSTER. Bid me farewell. ANNE. 'Tis more than you deserve; But since you teach me how to flatter you, Imagine I have said farewell already. [Exeunt Lady Anne, Tress, and Berk.] GLOSTER. Sirs, take up the corse. GENTLEMEN. Towards Chertsey, noble lord? GLOSTER. No, to White Friars; there attend my coming. [Exeunt the rest, with the Corpse.] Was ever woman in this humour woo'd? Was ever woman in this humour won? I'll have her; but I will not keep her long. What! I that kill'd her husband and his father, To take her in her heart's extremest hate; With curses in her mouth, tears in her eyes, The bleeding witness of her hatred by; Having God, her conscience, and these bars against me, And I no friends to back my suit withal, But the plain devil and dissembling looks, And yet to win her, - all the world to nothing! Ha! Hath she forgot already that brave prince, Edward, her lord, whom I, some three months since, Stabb'd in my angry mood at Tewksbury? A sweeter and a lovelier gentleman, - Fram'd in the prodigality of nature, Young, valiant, wise, and, no doubt, right royal, - The spacious world cannot again afford: And will she yet abase her eyes on me, That cropp'd the golden prime of this sweet prince, And made her widow to a woeful bed? On me, whose all not equals Edward's moiety? On me, that halt and am misshapen thus? My dukedom to a beggarly denier, I do mistake my person all this while: Upon my life, she finds, although I cannot, Myself to be a marvellous proper man. I'll be at charges for a looking-glass; And entertain a score or two of tailors, To study fashions to adorn my body: Since I am crept in favour with myself, I will maintain it with some little cost. But first I'll turn yon fellow in his grave; And then return lamenting to my love. - Shine out, fair sun, till I have bought a glass, That I may see my shadow as I pass. [Exit.] SCENE III. London. A Room in the Palace. [Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH, LORD RIVERS, and LORD GREY.] RIVERS. Have patience, madam: there's no doubt his majesty Will soon recover his accustom'd health. GREY. In that you brook it ill, it makes him worse: Therefore, for God's sake, entertain good comfort, And cheer his grace with quick and merry eyes. QUEEN ELIZABETH. If he were dead, what would betide on me? GREY. No other harm but loss of such a lord. QUEEN ELIZABETH. The loss of such a lord includes all harms. GREY. The heavens have bless'd you with a goodly son To be your comforter when he is gone. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Ah, he is young; and his minority Is put unto the trust of Richard Gloster, A man that loves not me, nor none of you. RIVERS. Is it concluded he shall be protector? QUEEN ELIZABETH. It is determin'd, not concluded yet: But so it must be, if the king miscarry. [Enter BUCKINGHAM and STANLEY.] GREY. Here come the Lords of Buckingham and Stanley. BUCKINGHAM. Good time of day unto your royal grace! STANLEY. God make your majesty joyful as you have been! QUEEN ELIZABETH. The Countess Richmond, good my Lord of Stanley, To your good prayer will scarcely say amen. Yet, Stanley, notwithstanding she's your wife, And loves not me, be you, good lord, assur'd I hate not you for her proud arrogance. STANLEY. I do beseech you, either not believe The envious slanders of her false accusers; Or, if she be accus'd on true report, Bear with her weakness, which I think proceeds From wayward sickness, and no grounded malice. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Saw you the king to-day, my Lord of Stanley? STANLEY. But now the Duke of Buckingham and I Are come from visiting his majesty. QUEEN ELIZABETH. What likelihood of his amendment, lords? BUCKINGHAM. Madam, good hope; his grace speaks cheerfully. QUEEN ELIZABETH. God grant him health! Did you confer with him? BUCKINGHAM. Ay, madam; he desires to make atonement Between the Duke of Gloster and your brothers, And between them and my lord chamberlain; And sent to warn them to his royal presence. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Would all were well! - but that will never be: I fear our happiness is at the height. [Enter GLOSTER, HASTINGS, and DORSET.] GLOSTER. They do me wrong, and I will not endure it: - Who are they that complain unto the king That I, forsooth, am stern and love them not? By holy Paul, they love his grace but lightly That fill his ears with such dissentious rumours. Because I cannot flatter and look fair, Smile in men's faces, smooth, deceive, and cog, Duck with French nods and apish courtesy, I must be held a rancorous enemy. Cannot a plain man live, and think no harm, But thus his simple truth must be abus'd With silken, sly, insinuating Jacks? GREY. To who in all this presence speaks your grace? GLOSTER. To thee, that hast nor honesty nor grace. When have I injur'd thee? when done thee wrong? - Or thee? - or thee? - or any of your faction? A plague upon you all! His royal grace, - Whom God preserve better than you would wish! - Cannot be quiet scarce a breathing while, But you must trouble him with lewd complaints. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Brother of Gloster, you mistake the matter. The king, on his own royal disposition, And not provok'd by any suitor else - Aiming, belike, at your interior hatred That in your outward action shows itself Against my children, brothers, and myself - Makes him to send; that thereby he may gather The ground of your ill-will, and so remove it. GLOSTER. I cannot tell: the world is grown so bad That wrens make prey where eagles dare not perch: Since every Jack became a gentleman, There's many a gentle person made a Jack. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Come, come, we know your meaning, brother Gloster; You envy my advancement, and my friends'; God grant we never may have need of you! GLOSTER. Meantime, God grants that we have need of you: Our brother is imprison'd by your means, Myself disgrac'd, and the nobility Held in contempt; while great promotions Are daily given to ennoble those That scarce, some two days since, were worth a noble. QUEEN ELIZABETH. By Him that rais'd me to this careful height From that contented hap which I enjoy'd, I never did incense his majesty Against the Duke of Clarence, but have been An earnest advocate to plead for him. My lord, you do me shameful injury Falsely to draw me in these vile suspects. GLOSTER. You may deny that you were not the mean Of my Lord Hastings' late imprisonment. RIVERS. She may, my lord; for, - GLOSTER. She may, Lord Rivers? - why, who knows not so? She may do more, sir, than denying that: She may help you to many fair preferments; And then deny her aiding hand therein, And lay those honours on your high desert. What may she not? She may, - ay, marry, may she, - RIVERS. What, marry, may she? GLOSTER. What, marry, may she! marry with a king, A bachelor, and a handsome stripling too: I wis your grandam had a worser match. QUEEN ELIZABETH. My Lord of Gloster, I have too long borne Your blunt upbraidings and your bitter scoffs: By heaven, I will acquaint his majesty Of those gross taunts that oft I have endur'd. I had rather be a country servant-maid Than a great queen with this condition, - To be so baited, scorn'd, and stormed at. [Enter old QUEEN MARGARET, behind.] Small joy have I in being England's queen. QUEEN MARGARET. And lessen'd be that small, God, I beseech Him! Thy honour, state, and seat, is due to me. GLOSTER. What! Threat you me with telling of the king? Tell him, and spare not: look what I have said I will avouch in presence of the king: I dare adventure to be sent to the Tower. 'Tis time to speak, - my pains are quite forgot. QUEEN MARGARET. Out, devil! I do remember them too well: Thou kill'dst my husband Henry in the Tower, And Edward, my poor son, at Tewksbury. GLOSTER. Ere you were queen, ay, or your husband king, I was a pack-horse in his great affairs; A weeder-out of his proud adversaries, A liberal rewarder of his friends; To royalize his blood I spilt mine own. QUEEN MARGARET. Ay, and much better blood than his or thine. GLOSTER. In all which time you and your husband Grey Were factious for the house of Lancaster; - And, Rivers, so were you: was not your husband In Margaret's battle at Saint Albans slain? Let me put in your minds, if you forget, What you have been ere this, and what you are; Withal, what I have been, and what I am. QUEEN MARGARET. A murderous villain, and so still thou art. GLOSTER. Poor Clarence did forsake his father, Warwick; Ay, and forswore himself, - which Jesu pardon! - QUEEN MARGARET. Which God revenge! GLOSTER. To fight on Edward's party for the crown; And for his meed, poor lord, he is mew'd up. I would to God my heart were flint, like Edward's, Or Edward's soft and pitiful, like mine: I am too childish-foolish for this world. QUEEN MARGARET. Hie thee to hell for shame and leave this world, Thou cacodemon! there thy kingdom is. RIVERS. My Lord of Gloster, in those busy days Which here you urge to prove us enemies, We follow'd then our lord, our sovereign king: So should we you, if you should be our king. GLOSTER. If I should be! - I had rather be a pedler: Far be it from my heart, the thought thereof! QUEEN ELIZABETH. As little joy, my lord, as you suppose You should enjoy, were you this country's king, - As little joy you may suppose in me, That I enjoy, being the queen thereof. QUEEN MARGARET. As little joy enjoys the queen thereof; For I am she, and altogether joyless. I can no longer hold me patient. - [Advancing.] Hear me, you wrangling pirates, that fall out In sharing that which you have pill'd from me! Which of you trembles not that looks on me? If not that, I am queen, you bow like subjects, Yet that, by you depos'd, you quake like rebels? Ah, gentle villain, do not turn away! GLOSTER. Foul wrinkled witch, what mak'st thou in my sight? QUEEN MARGARET. But repetition of what thou hast marr'd, That will I make before I let thee go. GLOSTER. Wert thou not banished on pain of death? QUEEN MARGARET. I was; but I do find more pain in banishment Than death can yield me here by my abode. A husband and a son thou ow'st to me, - And thou a kingdom, - all of you allegiance: This sorrow that I have, by right is yours; And all the pleasures you usurp are mine. GLOSTER. The curse my noble father laid on thee, When thou didst crown his warlike brows with paper, And with thy scorns drew'st rivers from his eyes; And then to dry them gav'st the Duke a clout Steep'd in the faultless blood of pretty Rutland; - His curses, then from bitterness of soul Denounc'd against thee, are all fallen upon thee; And God, not we, hath plagu'd thy bloody deed. QUEEN ELIZABETH. So just is God, to right the innocent. HASTINGS. O, 'twas the foulest deed to slay that babe, And the most merciless that e'er was heard of. RIVERS. Tyrants themselves wept when it was reported. DORSET. No man but prophesied revenge for it. BUCKINGHAM. Northumberland, then present, wept to see it. QUEEN MARGARET. What, were you snarling all before I came, Ready to catch each other by the throat, And turn you all your hatred now on me? Did York's dread curse prevail so much with heaven That Henry's death, my lovely Edward's death, Their kingdom's loss, my woeful banishment, Should all but answer for that peevish brat? Can curses pierce the clouds and enter heaven? - Why, then, give way, dull clouds, to my quick curses! - Though not by war, by surfeit die your king, As ours by murder, to make him a king! Edward thy son, that now is Prince of Wales, For Edward our son, that was Prince of Wales, Die in his youth by like untimely violence! Thyself a queen, for me that was a queen, Outlive thy glory, like my wretched self! Long mayest thou live to wail thy children's death; And see another, as I see thee now, Deck'd in thy rights, as thou art stall'd in mine! Long die thy happy days before thy death; And, after many lengthen'd hours of grief, Die neither mother, wife, nor England's queen! - Rivers and Dorset, you were standers by, - And so wast thou, Lord Hastings, - when my son Was stabb'd with bloody daggers: God, I pray Him, That none of you may live his natural age, But by some unlook'd accident cut off! GLOSTER. Have done thy charm, thou hateful wither'd hag. QUEEN MARGARET. And leave out thee? stay, dog, for thou shalt hear me. If heaven have any grievous plague in store Exceeding those that I can wish upon thee, O, let them keep it till thy sins be ripe, And then hurl down their indignation On thee, the troubler of the poor world's peace! The worm of conscience still be-gnaw thy soul! Thy friends suspect for traitors while thou liv'st, And take deep traitors for thy dearest friends! No sleep close up that deadly eye of thine, Unless it be while some tormenting dream Affrights thee with a hell of ugly devils! Thou elvish-mark'd, abortive, rooting hog! Thou that wast seal'd in thy nativity The slave of nature and the son of hell! Thou slander of thy heavy mother's womb! Thou loathed issue of thy father's loins! Thou rag of honour! thou detested - GLOSTER. Margaret. QUEEN MARGARET. Richard! GLOSTER. Ha! QUEEN MARGARET. I call thee not. GLOSTER. I cry thee mercy then; for I did think That thou hadst call'd me all these bitter names. QUEEN MARGARET. Why, so I did; but look'd for no reply. O, let me make the period to my curse! GLOSTER. 'Tis done by me, and ends in - Margaret. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Thus have you breath'd your curse against yourself. QUEEN MARGARET. Poor painted queen, vain flourish of my fortune! Why strew'st thou sugar on that bottled spider, Whose deadly web ensnareth thee about? Fool, fool! thou whett'st a knife to kill thyself. The day will come that thou shalt wish for me To help thee curse this poisonous bunch-back'd toad. HASTINGS. False-boding woman, end thy frantic curse, Lest to thy harm thou move our patience. QUEEN MARGARET. Foul shame upon you! you have all mov'd mine. RIVERS. Were you well serv'd, you would be taught your duty. QUEEN MARGARET. To serve me well, you all should do me duty, Teach me to be your queen, and you my subjects: O, serve me well, and teach yourselves that duty! DORSET. Dispute not with her, - she is lunatic. QUEEN MARGARET. Peace, master marquis, you are malapert: Your fire-new stamp of honour is scarce current: O, that your young nobility could judge What 'twere to lose it, and be miserable! They that stand high have many blasts to shake them; And if they fall they dash themselves to pieces. GLOSTER. Good counsel, marry: - learn it, learn it, marquis. DORSET. It touches you, my lord, as much as me. GLOSTER. Ay, and much more: but I was born so high, Our aery buildeth in the cedar's top, And dallies with the wind, and scorns the sun. QUEEN MARGARET. And turns the sun to shade; - alas! alas! - Witness my son, now in the shade of death; Whose bright out-shining beams thy cloudy wrath, Hath in eternal darkness folded up. Your aery buildeth in our aery's nest: - O God that seest it, do not suffer it; As it is won with blood, lost be it so! BUCKINGHAM. Peace, peace, for shame, if not for charity. QUEEN MARGARET. Urge neither charity nor shame to me: Uncharitably with me have you dealt, And shamefully my hopes by you are butcher'd. My charity is outrage, life my shame, - And in that shame still live my sorrow's rage! BUCKINGHAM. Have done, have done. QUEEN MARGARET. O princely Buckingham, I'll kiss thy hand, In sign of league and amity with thee: Now fair befall thee and thy noble house! Thy garments are not spotted with our blood, Nor thou within the compass of my curse. BUCKINGHAM. Nor no one here; for curses never pass The lips of those that breathe them in the air. QUEEN MARGARET. I will not think but they ascend the sky, And there awake God's gentle-sleeping peace. O Buckingham, take heed of yonder dog! Look, when he fawns he bites; and when he bites, His venom tooth will rankle to the death: Have not to do with him, beware of him; Sin, death, and hell have set their marks on him, And all their ministers attend on him. GLOSTER. What doth she say, my Lord of Buckingham? BUCKINGHAM. Nothing that I respect, my gracious lord. QUEEN MARGARET. What, dost thou scorn me for my gentle counsel? And soothe the devil that I warn thee from? O, but remember this another day, When he shall split thy very heart with sorrow, And say, poor Margaret was a prophetess! - Live each of you the subjects to his hate, And he to yours, and all of you to God's! [Exit.] BUCKINGHAM. My hair doth stand an end to hear her curses. RIVERS. And so doth mine: I muse why she's at liberty. GLOSTER. I cannot blame her: by God's holy mother, She hath had too much wrong; and I repent My part thereof that I have done to her. QUEEN ELIZABETH. I never did her any, to my knowledge. GLOSTER. Yet you have all the vantage of her wrong. I was too hot to do somebody good, That is too cold in thinking of it now. Marry, as for Clarence, he is well repaid; He is frank'd up to fatting for his pains; God pardon them that are the cause thereof! RIVERS. A virtuous and a Christian-like conclusion, To pray for them that have done scathe to us! GLOSTER. So do I ever being well advis'd; [Aside.] For had I curs'd now, I had curs'd myself. [Enter CATESBY.] CATESBY. Madam, his majesty doth can for you, - And for your grace, - and you, my noble lords. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Catesby, I come. - Lords, will you go with me? RIVERS. We wait upon your grace. [Exeunt all but GLOSTER.] GLOSTER. I do the wrong, and first begin to brawl. The secret mischiefs that I set abroach I lay unto the grievous charge of others. Clarence, - whom I indeed have cast in darkness, - I do beweep to many simple gulls; Namely, to Stanley, Hastings, Buckingham; And tell them 'tis the queen and her allies That stir the king against the duke my brother. Now they believe it; and withal whet me To be reveng'd on Rivers, Vaughn, Grey: But then I sigh; and, with a piece of Scripture, Tell them that God bids us do good for evil: And thus I clothe my naked villany With odd old ends stol'n forth of holy writ; And seem a saint when most I play the devil. - But, soft, here come my executioners. [Enter two MURDERERS.] How now, my hardy stout resolved mates! Are you now going to dispatch this thing? FIRST MURDERER. We are, my lord, and come to have the warrant, That we may be admitted where he is. GLOSTER. Well thought upon; - I have it here about me: [Gives the warrant.] When you have done, repair to Crosby Place. But, sirs, be sudden in the execution, Withal obdurate, do not hear him plead; For Clarence is well-spoken, and perhaps May move your hearts to pity, if you mark him. FIRST MURDERER. Tut, tut, my lord, we will not stand to prate; Talkers are no good doers: be assur'd We go to use our hands, and not our tongues. GLOSTER. Your eyes drop millstones when fools' eyes fall tears: I like you, lads; - about your business straight; Go, go, despatch. FIRST MURDERER. We will, my noble lord. [Exeunt.] SCENE IV. London. A Room in the Tower. [Enter CLARENCE and BRAKENBURY.] BRAKENBURY. Why looks your grace so heavily to-day? CLARENCE. O, I have pass'd a miserable night, So full of fearful dreams, of ugly sights, That, as I am a Christian faithful man, I would not spend another such a night Though 'twere to buy a world of happy days, - So full of dismal terror was the time! BRAKENBURY. What was your dream, my lord? I pray you tell me. CLARENCE. Methoughts that I had broken from the Tower, And was embark'd to cross to Burgundy; And, in my company, my brother Gloster; Who from my cabin tempted me to walk Upon the hatches: thence we look'd toward England, And cited up a thousand heavy times, During the wars of York and Lancaster, That had befall'n us. As we pac'd along Upon the giddy footing of the hatches, Methought that Gloster stumbled; and, in falling, Struck me, that thought to stay him, overboard Into the tumbling billows of the main. O Lord, methought what pain it was to drown! What dreadful noise of waters in my ears! What sights of ugly death within my eyes! Methoughts I saw a thousand fearful wrecks; A thousand men that fishes gnaw'd upon; Wedges of gold, great anchors, heaps of pearl, Inestimable stones, unvalued jewels, All scatt'red in the bottom of the sea: Some lay in dead men's skulls; and in the holes Where eyes did once inhabit there were crept, - As 'twere in scorn of eyes, - reflecting gems, That woo'd the slimy bottom of the deep, And mock'd the dead bones that lay scatter'd by. BRAKENBURY. Had you such leisure in the time of death To gaze upon these secrets of the deep? CLARENCE. Methought I had; and often did I strive To yield the ghost: but still the envious flood Stopp'd in my soul, and would not let it forth To find the empty, vast, and wandering air; But smother'd it within my panting bulk, Who almost burst to belch it in the sea. BRAKENBURY. Awak'd you not in this sore agony? CLARENCE. No, no, my dream was lengthen'd after life; O, then began the tempest to my soul! I pass'd, methought, the melancholy flood With that grim ferryman which poets write of, Unto the kingdom of perpetual night. The first that there did greet my stranger soul Was my great father-in-law, renowned Warwick; Who spake aloud, "What scourge for perjury Can this dark monarchy afford false Clarence?" And so he vanish'd: then came wandering by A shadow like an Angel, with bright hair Dabbled in blood; and he shriek'd out aloud "Clarence is come, - false, fleeting, perjur'd Clarence, - That stabb'd me in the field by Tewksbury; - Seize on him, Furies, take him to your torments!" With that, methoughts, a legion of foul fiends Environ'd me, and howled in mine ears Such hideous cries that, with the very noise, I trembling wak'd, and for a season after Could not believe but that I was in hell, - Such terrible impression made my dream. BRAKENBURY. No marvel, lord, though it affrighted you; I am afraid, methinks, to hear you tell it. CLARENCE. Ah, Brakenbury, I have done these things That now give evidence against my soul, For Edward's sake; and see how he requites me! - O God! If my deep prayers cannot appease Thee, But Thou wilt be aveng'd on my misdeeds, Yet execute Thy wrath in me alone, - O, spare my guiltless wife and my poor children! - Keeper, I prithee sit by me awhile; My soul is heavy, and I fain would sleep. BRAKENBURY. I will, my lord; God give your grace good rest! - [CLARENCE reposes himself on a chair.] Sorrow breaks seasons and reposing hours, Makes the night morning and the noontide night. Princes have but their titles for their glories, An outward honour for an inward toil; And, for unfelt imaginations, They often feel a world of restless cares: So that, between their tides and low name, There's nothing differs but the outward fame. [Enter the two MURDERERS.] FIRST MURDERER. Ho! who's here? BRAKENBURY. What wouldst thou, fellow, and how cam'st thou hither? FIRST MURDERER. I would speak with Clarence, and I came hither on my legs. BRAKENBURY. What, so brief? SECOND MURDERER. 'Tis better, sir, than to be tedious. - Let him see our commission and talk no more. [A paper is delivered to BRAKENBURY, who reads it.] BRAKENBURY. I am, in this, commanded to deliver The noble Duke of Clarence to your hands: - I will not reason what is meant hereby, Because I will be guiltless of the meaning. There lies the Duke asleep, - and there the keys; I'll to the king and signify to him That thus I have resign'd to you my charge. FIRST MURDERER. You may, sir; 'tis a point of wisdom: fare you well. [Exit BRAKENBURY.] SECOND MURDERER. What, shall we stab him as he sleeps? FIRST MURDERER. No; he'll say 'twas done cowardly, when he wakes. SECOND MURDERER. When he wakes! why, fool, he shall never wake until the great judgment-day. FIRST MURDERER. Why, then he'll say we stabb'd him sleeping. SECOND MURDERER. The urging of that word "judgment" hath bred a kind of remorse in me. FIRST MURDERER. What, art thou afraid? SECOND MURDERER. Not to kill him, having a warrant for it; but to be damned for killing him, from the which no warrant can defend me. FIRST MURDERER. I thought thou hadst been resolute. SECOND MURDERER. So I am, to let him live. FIRST MURDERER. I'll back to the Duke of Gloster and tell him so. SECOND MURDERER. Nay, I pr'ythee, stay a little: I hope my holy humour will change; it was wont to hold me but while one tells twenty. FIRST MURDERER. How dost thou feel thyself now? SECOND MURDERER. Faith, some certain dregs of conscience are yet within me. FIRST MURDERER. Remember our reward, when the deed's done. SECOND MURDERER. Zounds, he dies: I had forgot the reward. FIRST MURDERER. Where's thy conscience now? SECOND MURDERER. O, in the Duke of Gloster's purse. FIRST MURDERER. So, when he opens his purse to give us our reward, thy conscience flies out. SECOND MURDERER. 'Tis no matter; let it go; there's few or none will entertain it. FIRST MURDERER. What if it come to thee again? SECOND MURDERER. I'll not meddle with it, - it makes a man coward; a man cannot steal, but it accuseth him; a man cannot swear, but it checks him; a man cannot lie with his neighbour's wife, but it detects him: 'tis a blushing shame- faced spirit that mutinies in a man's bosom; it fills a man full of obstacles: it made me once restore a purse of gold that by chance I found; it beggars any man that keeps it: it is turned out of towns and cities for a dangerous thing; and every man that means to live well endeavours to trust to himself and live without it. FIRST MURDERER. Zounds,'tis even now at my elbow, persuading me not to kill the duke. SECOND MURDERER. Take the devil in thy mind, and believe him not; he would insinuate with thee but to make thee sigh. FIRST MURDERER. I am strong-framed; he cannot prevail with me. SECOND MURDERER. Spoke like a tall man that respects thy reputation. Come, shall we fall to work? FIRST MURDERER. Take him on the costard with the hilts of thy sword, and then throw him in the malmsey-butt in the next room. SECOND MURDERER. O excellent device! and make a sop of him. FIRST MURDERER. Soft! he wakes. SECOND MURDERER. Strike! FIRST MURDERER. No, we'll reason with him. CLARENCE. Where art thou, keeper? give me a cup of wine. SECOND MURDERER. You shall have wine enough, my lord, anon. CLARENCE. In God's name, what art thou? FIRST MURDERER. A man, as you are. CLARENCE. But not as I am, royal. SECOND MURDERER. Nor you as we are, loyal. CLARENCE. Thy voice is thunder, but thy looks are humble. FIRST MURDERER. My voice is now the king's, my looks mine own. CLARENCE. How darkly and how deadly dost thou speak! Your eyes do menace me; why look you pale? Who sent you hither? Wherefore do you come? SECOND MURDERER. To, to, to - CLARENCE. To murder me? BOTH MURDERERS. Ay, ay. CLARENCE. You scarcely have the hearts to tell me so, And therefore cannot have the hearts to do it. Wherein, my friends, have I offended you? FIRST MURDERER. Offended us you have not, but the king. CLARENCE. I shall be reconcil'd to him again. SECOND MURDERER. Never, my lord; therefore prepare to die. CLARENCE. Are you drawn forth among a world of men To slay the innocent? What is my offence? Where is the evidence that doth accuse me? What lawful quest have given their verdict up Unto the frowning judge? or who pronounc'd The bitter sentence of poor Clarence' death? Before I be convict by course of law, To threaten me with death is most unlawful. I charge you, as you hope to have redemption By Christ's dear blood shed for our grievous sins, That you depart, and lay no hands on me: The deed you undertake is damnable. FIRST MURDERER. What we will do, we do upon command. SECOND MURDERER. And he that hath commanded is our king. CLARENCE. Erroneous vassals! the great King of kings Hath in the table of his law commanded That thou shalt do no murder: will you then Spurn at His edict and fulfil a man's? Take heed; for He holds vengeance in His hand To hurl upon their heads that break His law. SECOND MURDERER. And that same vengeance doth He hurl on thee For false forswearing, and for murder too: Thou didst receive the sacrament to fight In quarrel of the house of Lancaster. FIRST MURDERER. And like a traitor to the name of God Didst break that vow; and with thy treacherous blade Unripp'dst the bowels of thy sovereign's son. SECOND MURDERER. Whom thou wast sworn to cherish and defend. FIRST MURDERER. How canst thou urge God's dreadful law to us, When thou hast broke it in such dear degree? CLARENCE. Alas! for whose sake did I that ill deed? For Edward, for my brother, for his sake: He sends you not to murder me for this; For in that sin he is as deep as I. If God will be avenged for the deed, O, know you yet He doth it publicly. Take not the quarrel from His powerful arm; He needs no indirect or lawless course To cut off those that have offended Him. FIRST MURDERER. Who made thee, then, a bloody minister When gallant-springing brave Plantagenet, That princely novice, was struck dead by thee? CLARENCE. My brother's love, the devil, and my rage. FIRST MURDERER. Thy brother's love, our duty, and thy faults, Provoke us hither now to slaughter thee. CLARENCE. If you do love my brother, hate not me; I am his brother, and I love him well. If you are hir'd for meed, go back again, And I will send you to my brother Gloster, Who shall reward you better for my life Than Edward will for tidings of my death. SECOND MURDERER. You are deceiv'd, your brother Gloster hates you. CLARENCE. O, no, he loves me, and he holds me dear: Go you to him from me. FIRST MURDERER. Ay, so we will. CLARENCE. Tell him when that our princely father York Bless'd his three sons with his victorious arm And charg'd us from his soul to love each other, He little thought of this divided friendship: Bid Gloster think of this, and he will weep. FIRST MURDERER. Ay, millstones; as he lesson'd us to weep. CLARENCE. O, do not slander him, for he is kind. FIRST MURDERER. Right, as snow in harvest. - Come, you deceive yourself: 'Tis he that sends us to destroy you here. CLARENCE. It cannot be; for he bewept my fortune, And hugg'd me in his arms, and swore, with sobs, That he would labour my delivery. FIRST MURDERER. Why, so he doth, when he delivers you From this earth's thraldom to the joys of heaven. SECOND MURDERER. Make peace with God, for you must die, my lord. CLARENCE. Have you that holy feeling in your souls, To counsel me to make my peace with God, And are you yet to your own souls so blind That you will war with God by murdering me? - O, sirs, consider, they that set you on To do this deed will hate you for the deed. SECOND MURDERER. What shall we do? CLARENCE. Relent, and save your souls. FIRST MURDERER. Relent! 'tis cowardly and womanish. CLARENCE. Not to relent is beastly, savage, devilish. Which of you, if you were a prince's son, Being pent from liberty, as I am now, - If two such murderers as yourselves came to you, - Would not entreat for life? - My friend, I spy some pity in thy looks; O, if thine eye be not a flatterer, Come thou on my side, and entreat for me, As you would beg, were you in my distress: A begging prince what beggar pities not? SECOND MURDERER. Look behind you, my lord. FIRST MURDERER. [Stabs him.] Take that, and that: if all this will not do, I'll drown you in the malmsey-butt within. [Exit with the body.] SECOND MURDERER. A bloody deed, and desperately dispatch'd! How fain, like Pilate, would I wash my hands Of this most grievous murder! [Re-enter FIRST MURDERER.] FIRST MURDERER. How now, what mean'st thou that thou help'st me not? By heavens, the duke shall know how slack you have been! SECOND MURDERER. I would he knew that I had sav'd his brother! Take thou the fee, and tell him what I say; For I repent me that the duke is slain. [Exit.] FIRST MURDERER. So do not I: go, coward as thou art. - Well, I'll go hide the body in some hole, Till that the duke give order for his burial: And when I have my meed, I will away; For this will out, and then I must not stay. [Exit.] ACT II. SCENE I. London. A Room in the palace. [Enter KING EDWARD, led in sick, QUEEN ELIZABETH, DORSET, RIVERS, HASTINGS, BUCKINGHAM, GREY, and others.] KING EDWARD. Why, so. Now have I done a good day's work: - You peers, continue this united league: I every day expect an embassage From my Redeemer, to redeem me hence; And more at peace my soul shall part to heaven, Since I have made my friends at peace on earth. Rivers and Hastings, take each other's hand; Dissemble not your hatred, swear your love. RIVERS. By heaven, my soul is purg'd from grudging hate; And with my hand I seal my true heart's love. HASTINGS. So thrive I, as I truly swear the like! KING EDWARD. Take heed you dally not before your king; Lest He that is the supreme King of kings Confound your hidden falsehood, and award Either of you to be the other's end. HASTINGS. So prosper I, as I swear perfect love! RIVERS. And I, as I love Hastings with my heart! KING EDWARD. Madam, yourself is not exempt from this; - Nor you, son Dorset; - Buckingham, nor you; - You have been factious one against the other. Wife, love Lord Hastings, let him kiss your hand; And what you do, do it unfeignedly. QUEEN ELIZABETH. There, Hastings; I will never more remember Our former hatred, so thrive I and mine! KING EDWARD. Dorset, embrace him; - Hastings, love lord marquis. DORSET. This interchange of love, I here protest, Upon my part shall be inviolable. HASTINGS. And so swear I. [Embraces Dorset.] KING EDWARD. Now, princely Buckingham, seal thou this league With thy embracements to my wife's allies, And make me happy in your unity. BUCKINGHAM. Whenever Buckingham doth turn his hate Upon your grace [to the queen], but with all duteous love Doth cherish you and yours, God punish me With hate in those where I expect most love! When I have most need to employ a friend, And most assured that he is a friend, Deep, hollow, treacherous, and full of guile, Be he unto me! - this do I beg of heaven When I am cold in love to you or yours. [Embracing Rivers &c.] KING EDWARD. A pleasing cordial, princely Buckingham, Is this thy vow unto my sickly heart. There wanteth now our brother Gloster here, To make the blessed period of this peace. BUCKINGHAM. And, in good time, here comes the noble duke. [Enter GLOSTER.] GLOSTER. Good morrow to my sovereign king and queen; And, princely peers, a happy time of day! KING EDWARD. Happy, indeed, as we have spent the day. Gloster, we have done deeds of charity; Made peace of enmity, fair love of hate, Between these swelling wrong-incensed peers. GLOSTER. A blessed labour, my most sovereign lord, - Among this princely heap, if any here, By false intelligence or wrong surmise, Hold me a foe; If I unwittingly, or in my rage, Have aught committed that is hardly borne To any in this presence, I desire To reconcile me to his friendly peace: 'Tis death to me to be at enmity; I hate it, and desire all good men's love. - First, madam, I entreat true peace of you, Which I will purchase with my duteous service; - Of you, my noble cousin Buckingham, If ever any grudge were lodg'd between us; - Of you, and you, Lord Rivers, and of Dorset, That all without desert have frown'd on me; Of you, Lord Woodville, and, Lord Scales, of you; - Dukes, earls, lords, gentlemen; - indeed, of all. I do not know that Englishman alive With whom my soul is any jot at odds More than the infant that is born to-night: I thank my God for my humility. QUEEN ELIZABETH. A holy day shall this be kept hereafter: - I would to God all strifes were well compounded. - My sovereign lord, I do beseech your highness To take our brother Clarence to your grace. GLOSTER. Why, madam, have I off'red love for this, To be so flouted in this royal presence? Who knows not that the gentle duke is dead? [They all start.] You do him injury to scorn his corse. KING EDWARD. Who knows not he is dead! Who knows he is? QUEEN ELIZABETH. All-seeing heaven, what a world is this! BUCKINGHAM. Look I so pale, Lord Dorset, as the rest? DORSET. Ay, my good lord; and no man in the presence But his red colour hath forsook his cheeks. KING EDWARD. Is Clarence dead? the order was revers'd. GLOSTER. But he, poor man, by your first order died, And that a winged Mercury did bear; Some tardy cripple bore the countermand That came too lag to see him buried. God grant that some, less noble and less loyal, Nearer in bloody thoughts, an not in blood, Deserve not worse than wretched Clarence did, And yet go current from suspicion! [Enter Stanley.] STANLEY. A boon, my sovereign, for my service done! KING EDWARD. I pr'ythee, peace: my soul is full of sorrow. STANLEY. I Will not rise unless your highness hear me. KING EDWARD. Then say at once what is it thou request'st. STANLEY. The forfeit, sovereign, of my servant's life; Who slew to-day a riotous gentleman Lately attendant on the Duke of Norfolk. KING EDWARD. Have I a tongue to doom my brother's death, And shall that tongue give pardon to a slave? My brother kill'd no man, - his fault was thought, And yet his punishment was bitter death. Who su'd to me for him? who, in my wrath, Kneel'd at my feet, and bid me be advis'd? Who spoke of brotherhood? who spoke of love? Who told me how the poor soul did forsake The mighty Warwick, and did fight for me? Who told me, in the field at Tewksbury, When Oxford had me down, he rescu'd me, And said "Dear brother, live, and be a king"? Who told me, when we both lay in the field Frozen almost to death, how he did lap me Even in his garments, and did give himself, All thin and naked, to the numb-cold night? All this from my remembrance brutish wrath Sinfully pluck'd, and not a man of you Had so much grace to put it in my mind. But when your carters or your waiting-vassals Have done a drunken slaughter, and defac'd The precious image of our dear Redeemer, You straight are on your knees for pardon, pardon; And I, unjustly too, must grant it you: - But for my brother not a man would speak, - Nor I, ungracious, speak unto myself For him, poor soul. The proudest of you all Have been beholding to him in his life; Yet none of you would once beg for his life. - O God, I fear Thy justice will take hold On me, and you, and mine, and yours, for this! Come, Hastings, help me to my closet. Ah, poor Clarence! [Exeunt KING, QUEEN, HASTINGS, RIVERS, DORSET, and GREY.] GLOSTER. This is the fruit of rashness! Mark'd you not How that the guilty kindred of the queen Look'd pale when they did hear of Clarence' death? O, they did urge it still unto the king! God will revenge it. - Come, lords, will you go To comfort Edward with our company? BUCKINGHAM. We wait upon your grace. [Exeunt.] SCENE II. Another Room in the palace. [Enter the DUCHESS OF YORK, with A SON and DAUGHTER of CLARENCE.] SON. Good grandam, tell us, is our father dead? DUCHESS. No, boy. DAUGHTER. Why do you weep so oft, and beat your breast, And cry "O Clarence, my unhappy son!" SON. Why do you look on us, and shake your head, And call us orphans, wretches, castaways, If that our noble father were alive? DUCHESS. My pretty cousins, you mistake me both; I do lament the sickness of the king, As loath to lose him, not your father's death; It were lost sorrow to wail one that's lost. SON. Then you conclude, my grandam, he is dead. The king mine uncle is to blame for this: God will revenge it; whom I will importune With earnest prayers all to that effect. DAUGHTER. And so will I. DUCHESS. Peace, children, peace! the king doth love you well: Incapable and shallow innocents, You cannot guess who caus'd your father's death. SON. Grandam, we can; for my good uncle Gloster Told me, the king, provok'd to it by the queen, Devis'd impeachments to imprison him: And when my uncle told me so, he wept, And pitied me, and kindly kiss'd my cheek; Bade me rely on him as on my father, And he would love me dearly as his child. DUCHESS. Ah, that deceit should steal such gentle shape, And with a virtuous visard hide deep vice! He is my son; ay, and therein my shame; Yet from my dugs he drew not this deceit. SON. Think you my uncle did dissemble, grandam? DUCHESS. Ay, boy. SON. I cannot think it. - Hark! what noise is this? [Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH, distractedly; RIVERS and DORSET following her.] QUEEN ELIZABETH. Ah, who shall hinder me to wail and weep, To chide my fortune, and torment myself? I'll join with black despair against my soul, And to myself become an enemy. DUCHESS. What means this scene of rude impatience? QUEEN ELIZABETH. To make an act of tragic violence: - Edward, my lord, thy son, our king, is dead. - Why grow the branches when the root is gone? Why wither not the leaves that want their sap? - If you will live, lament; if die, be brief, That our swift-winged souls may catch the king's; Or, like obedient subjects, follow him To his new kingdom of perpetual rest. DUCHESS. Ah, so much interest have I in thy sorrow As I had title in thy noble husband! I have bewept a worthy husband's death, And liv'd by looking on his images: But now two mirrors of his princely semblance Are crack'd in pieces by malignant death, And I for comfort have but one false glass, That grieves me when I see my shame in him. Thou art a widow, yet thou art a mother, And hast the comfort of thy children left; But death hath snatch'd my husband from mine arms, And pluck'd two crutches from my feeble hands, - Clarence and Edward. O, what cause have I, - Thine being but a moiety of my moan, - To overgo thy woes and drown thy cries? SON. Ah, aunt, you wept not for our father's death! How can we aid you with our kindred tears? DAUGHTER. Our fatherless distress was left unmoan'd, Your widow-dolour likewise be unwept! QUEEN ELIZABETH. Give me no help in lamentation; I am not barren to bring forth complaints: All springs reduce their currents to mine eyes, That I, being govern'd by the watery moon, May send forth plenteous tears to drown the world! Ah for my husband, for my dear Lord Edward! CHILDREN. Ah for our father, for our dear Lord Clarence! DUCHESS. Alas for both, both mine, Edward and Clarence! QUEEN ELIZABETH. What stay had I but Edward? and he's gone. CHILDREN. What stay had we but Clarence? and he's gone. DUCHESS. What stays had I but they? and they are gone. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Was never widow had so dear a loss! CHILDREN. Were never orphans had so dear a loss! DUCHESS. Was never mother had so dear a loss! Alas, I am the mother of these griefs! Their woes are parcell'd, mine is general. She for an Edward weeps, and so do I: I for a Clarence weep, so doth not she: These babes for Clarence weep, and so do I; I for an Edward weep, so do not they: - Alas, you three, on me, threefold distress'd, Pour all your tears! I am your sorrow's nurse, And I will pamper it with lamentation. DORSET. Comfort, dear mother: God is much displeas'd That you take with unthankfulness His doing: In common worldly things 'tis called ungrateful, With dull unwillingness to repay a debt Which with a bounteous hand was kindly lent; Much more to be thus opposite with heaven, For it requires the royal debt it lent you. RIVERS. Madam, bethink you, like a careful mother, Of the young prince your son: send straight for him; Let him be crown'd; in him your comfort lives. Drown desperate sorrow in dead Edward's grave, And plant your joys in living Edward's throne. [Enter GLOSTER, BUCKINGHAM, STANLEY, HASTINGS, RATCLIFF and others.] GLOSTER. Sister, have comfort: all of us have cause To wail the dimming of our shining star; But none can help our harms by wailing them. - Madam, my mother, I do cry you mercy; I did not see your grace: - humbly on my knee I crave your blessing. DUCHESS. God bless thee; and put meekness in thy breast, Love, charity, obedience, and true duty! GLOSTER. Amen! [Aside.] And make me die a good old man! - That is the butt end of a mother's blessing; I marvel that her grace did leave it out. BUCKINGHAM. You cloudy princes and heart-sorrowing peers, That bear this heavy mutual load of moan, Now cheer each other in each other's love: Though we have spent our harvest of this king, We are to reap the harvest of his son. The broken rancour of your high-swoln hearts, But lately splinter'd, knit, and join'd together, Must gently be preserv'd, cherish'd, and kept; Me seemeth good that, with some little train, Forthwith from Ludlow the young prince be fetched Hither to London, to be crown'd our king. RIVERS. Why with some little train, my Lord of Buckingham? BUCKINGHAM. Marry, my lord, lest by a multitude, The new-heal'd wound of malice should break out; Which would be so much the more dangerous By how much the estate is green and yet ungovern'd: Where every horse bears his commanding rein And may direct his course as please himself, As well the fear of harm as harm apparent, In my opinion, ought to be prevented. GLOSTER. I hope the king made peace with all of us; And the compact is firm and true in me. RIVERS. And so in me; and so, I think, in all: Yet, since it is but green, it should be put To no apparent likelihood of breach, Which haply by much company might be urg'd: Therefore I say with noble Buckingham, That it is meet so few should fetch the prince. HASTINGS. And so say I. GLOSTER. Then be it so; and go we to determine Who they shall be that straight shall post to Ludlow. Madam, - and you, my mother, - will you go To give your censures in this business? [Exeunt all but BUCKINGHAM and GLOSTER.] BUCKINGHAM. My lord, whoever journeys to the prince, For God'd sake, let not us two stay at home; For by the way I'll sort occasion, As index to the story we late talk'd of, To part the queen's proud kindred from the Prince. GLOSTER. My other self, my counsel's consistory, My oracle, my prophet! - my dear cousin, I, as a child, will go by thy direction. Toward Ludlow then, for we'll not stay behind. [Exeunt.] SCENE III. London. A street. [Enter two CITIZENS, meeting.] FIRST CITIZEN. Good morrow, neighbour: whither away so fast? SECOND CITIZEN. I promise you, I scarcely know myself: Hear you the news abroad? FIRST CITIZEN. Yes, - that the king is dead. SECOND CITIZEN. Ill news, by'r lady; seldom comes the better: I fear, I fear 'twill prove a giddy world. [Enter third CITIZEN.] THIRD CITIZEN. Neighbours, God speed! FIRST CITIZEN. Give you good morrow, sir. THIRD CITIZEN. Doth the news hold of good King Edward's death? SECOND CITIZEN. Ay, sir, it is too true; God help the while! THIRD CITIZEN. Then, masters, look to see a troublous world. FIRST CITIZEN. No, no; by God's good grace, his son shall reign. THIRD CITIZEN. Woe to that land that's govern'd by a child! SECOND CITIZEN. In him there is a hope of government, Which, in his nonage, council under him, And, in his full and ripen'd years, himself, No doubt, shall then, and till then, govern well. FIRST CITIZEN. So stood the state when Henry the Sixth Was crown'd in Paris but at nine months old. THIRD CITIZEN. Stood the state so? No, no, good friends, God wot; For then this land was famously enrich'd With politic grave counsel; then the king Had virtuous uncles to protect his grace. FIRST CITIZEN. Why, so hath this, both by his father and mother. THIRD CITIZEN. Better it were they all came by his father, Or by his father there were none at all; For emulation who shall now be nearest Will touch us all too near, if God prevent not. O, full of danger is the Duke of Gloster! And the queen's sons and brothers haught and proud: And were they to be rul'd, and not to rule, This sickly land might solace as before. FIRST CITIZEN. Come, come, we fear the worst; all will be well. THIRD CITIZEN. When clouds are seen, wise men put on their cloaks; When great leaves fall, then winter is at hand; When the sun sets, who doth not look for night? Untimely storms make men expect a dearth. All may be well; but, if God sort it so, 'Tis more than we deserve or I expect. SECOND CITIZEN. Truly, the hearts of men are fun of fear: You cannot reason almost with a man That looks not heavily and fun of dread. THIRD CITIZEN. Before the days of change, still is it so: By a divine instinct men's minds mistrust Ensuing danger; as, by proof, we see The water swell before a boisterous storm. But leave it all to God. - Whither away? SECOND CITIZEN. Marry, we were sent for to the justices. THIRD CITIZEN. And so was I; I'll bear you company. [Exeunt.] SCENE IV. London. A Room in the Palace. [Enter the ARCHBISHOP OF YORK, the young DUKE OF YORK, QUEEN ELIZABETH, and the DUCHESS OF YORK.] ARCHBISHOP. Last night, I hear, they at Northampton lay; And at Stony-Stratford they do rest to-night: To-morrow or next day they will be here. DUCHESS. I long with all my heart to see the prince: I hope he is much grown since last I saw him. QUEEN ELIZABETH. But I hear no; they say my son of York Has almost overta'en him in his growth. YORK. Ay, mother; but I would not have it so. DUCHESS. Why, my good cousin? it is good to grow. YORK. Grandam, one night as we did sit at supper, My uncle Rivers talk'd how I did grow More than my brother. "Ay," quoth my uncle Gloster, "Small herbs have grace: great weeds do grow apace." And since, methinks, I would not grow so fast, Because sweet flowers are slow and weeds make haste. DUCHESS. Good faith, good faith, the saying did not hold In him that did object the same to thee: He was the wretched'st thing when he was young, So long a growing and so leisurely, That, if his rule were true, he should be gracious. ARCHBISHOP. And so no doubt he is, my gracious madam. DUCHESS. I hope he is; but yet let mothers doubt. YORK. Now, by my troth, if I had been remember'd, I could have given my uncle's grace a flout To touch his growth nearer than he touch'd mine. DUCHESS. How, my young York? I pr'ythee let me hear it. YORK. Marry, they say my uncle grew so fast That he could gnaw a crust at two hours old: 'Twas full two years ere I could get a tooth. Grandam, this would have been a biting jest. DUCHESS. I pr'ythee, pretty York, who told thee this? YORK. Grandam, his nurse. DUCHESS. His nurse! why she was dead ere thou wast born. YORK. If 'twere not she, I cannot tell who told me. QUEEN ELIZABETH. A parlous boy! - go to, you are too shrewd. ARCHBISHOP. Good madam, be not angry with the child. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Pitchers have ears. ARCHBISHOP. Here comes a messenger. [Enter a MESSENGER.] What news? MESSENGER. Such news, my lord, as grieves me to report. QUEEN ELIZABETH. How doth the prince? MESSENGER. Well, madam, and in health. DUCHESS. What is thy news? MESSENGER. Lord Rivers and Lord Grey are sent to Pomfret, With them Sir Thomas Vaughan, prisoners. DUCHESS. Who hath committed them? MESSENGER. The mighty dukes, Gloster and Buckingham. ARCHBISHOP. For what offence? MESSENGER. The sum of all I can, I have disclos'd; Why or for what the nobles were committed Is all unknown to me, my gracious lady. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Ah me, I see the ruin of my house! The tiger now hath seiz'd the gentle hind; Insulting tyranny begins to jet Upon the innocent and aweless throne: - Welcome, destruction, blood, and massacre! I see, as in a map, the end of all. DUCHESS. Accursed and unquiet wrangling days How many of you have mine eyes beheld? My husband lost his life to get the crown; And often up and down my sons were toss'd For me to joy and weep their gain and loss: And being seated, and domestic broils Clean over-blown, themselves, the conquerors Make war upon themselves; brother to brother, Blood to blood, self against self: O, preposterous And frantic outrage, end thy damned spleen; Or let me die, to look on death no more! QUEEN ELIZABETH. Come, come, my boy; we will to sanctuary. - Madam, farewell. DUCHESS. Stay, I will go with you. QUEEN ELIZABETH. You have no cause. ARCHBISHOP. [To the queen.] My gracious lady, go. And thither bear your treasure and your goods. For my part, I'll resign unto your grace The seal I keep; and so betide to me As well I tender you and all of yours! Go, I'll conduct you to the sanctuary. [Exeunt.] ACT III. SCENE I. London. A street. [The trumpets sound. Enter the PRINCE OF WALES, GLOSTER, BUCKINGHAM, CATESBY, CARDINAL BOURCHIER, and others.] BUCKINGHAM. Welcome, sweet prince, to London, to your chamber. GLOSTER. Welcome, dear cousin, my thoughts' sovereign: The weary way hath made you melancholy. PRINCE. No, uncle; but our crosses on the way Have made it tedious, wearisome, and heavy: I want more uncles here to welcome me. GLOSTER. Sweet prince, the untainted virtue of your years Hath not yet div'd into the world's deceit: Nor more can you distinguish of a man Than of his outward show; which, God He knows, Seldom or never jumpeth with the heart. Those uncles which you want were dangerous; Your grace attended to their sugar'd words But look'd not on the poison of their hearts: God keep you from them and from such false friends! PRINCE. God keep me from false friends! but they were none. GLOSTER. My lord, the mayor of London comes to greet you. [Enter the LORD MAYOR and his train.] MAYOR. God bless your grace with health and happy days! PRINCE. I thank you, good my lord; - and thank you all. [Exeunt MAYOR, &c.] I thought my mother and my brother York Would long ere this have met us on the way: Fie, what a slug is Hastings, that he comes not To tell us whether they will come or no! BUCKINGHAM. And, in good time, here comes the sweating lord. [Enter HASTINGS.] PRINCE. Welcome, my lord: what, will our mother come? HASTINGS. On what occasion, God He knows, not I, The queen your mother and your brother York Have taken sanctuary: the tender prince Would fain have come with me to meet your grace, But by his mother was perforce withheld. BUCKINGHAM. Fie, what an indirect and peevish course Is this of hers? - Lord cardinal, will your grace Persuade the queen to send the Duke of York Unto his princely brother presently? If she deny, Lord Hastings, go with him, And from her jealous arms pluck him perforce. CARDINAL. My Lord of Buckingham, if my weak oratory Can from his mother win the Duke of York, Anon expect him here; but if she be obdurate To mild entreaties, God in heaven forbid We should infringe the holy privilege Of blessed sanctuary! not for all this land Would I be guilty of so deep a sin. BUCKINGHAM. You are too senseless-obstinate, my lord, Too ceremonious and traditional: Weigh it but with the grossness of this age, You break not sanctuary in seizing him. The benefit thereof is always granted To those whose dealings have deserv'd the place And those who have the wit to claim the place: This prince hath neither claim'd it nor deserv'd it; And therefore, in mine opinion, cannot have it: Then, taking him from thence that is not there, You break no privilege nor charter there. Oft have I heard of sanctuary-men; But sanctuary-children ne'er till now. CARDINAL. My lord, you shall o'errule my mind for once. - Come on, Lord Hastings, will you go with me? HASTINGS. I go, my lord. PRINCE. Good lords, make all the speedy haste you may. [Exeunt CARDINAL and HASTINGS.] Say, uncle Gloster, if our brother come, Where shall we sojourn till our coronation? GLOSTER. Where it seems best unto your royal self. If I may counsel you, some day or two Your highness shall repose you at the Tower: Then where you please and shall be thought most fit For your best health and recreation. PRINCE. I do not like the Tower, of any place. - Did Julius Caesar build that place, my lord? BUCKINGHAM. He did, my gracious lord, begin that place; Which, since, succeeding ages have re-edified. PRINCE. Is it upon record, or else reported Successively from age to age, he built it? BUCKINGHAM. Upon record, my gracious lord. PRINCE. But say, my lord, it were not register'd, Methinks the truth should live from age to age, As 'twere retail'd to all posterity, Even to the general all-ending day. GLOSTER. [Aside.] So wise so young, they say, do never live long. PRINCE. What say you, uncle? GLOSTER. I say, without characters, fame lives long. - [Aside.] Thus, like the formal vice, Iniquity, I moralize two meanings in one word. PRINCE. That Julius Caesar was a famous man; With what his valour did enrich his wit, His wit set down to make his valour live; Death makes no conquest of this conqueror; For now he lives in fame, though not in life. - I'll tell you what, my cousin Buckingham, - BUCKINGHAM. What, my gracious lord? PRINCE. An if I live until I be a man, I'll win our ancient right in France again, Or die a soldier as I liv'd a king. GLOSTER. [Aside.] Short summers lightly have a forward spring. BUCKINGHAM. Now, in good time, here comes the Duke of York. [Enter YORK, HASTINGS, and the CARDINAL.] PRINCE. Richard of York! how fares our loving brother? YORK. Well, my dread lord; so must I call you now. PRINCE. Ay brother, - to our grief, as it is yours: Too late he died that might have kept that title, Which by his death hath lost much majesty. GLOSTER. How fares our cousin, noble Lord of York? YORK. I thank you, gentle uncle. O, my lord, You said that idle weeds are fast in growth: The prince my brother hath outgrown me far. GLOSTER. He hath, my lord. YORK. And therefore is he idle? GLOSTER. O, my fair cousin, I must not say so. YORK. Then he is more beholding to you than I. GLOSTER. He may command me as my sovereign; But you have power in me as in a kinsman. YORK. I pray you, uncle, give me this dagger. GLOSTER. My dagger, little cousin? with all my heart! PRINCE. A beggar, brother? YORK. Of my kind uncle, that I know will give, And being but a toy, which is no grief to give. GLOSTER. A greater gift than that I'll give my cousin. YORK. A greater gift! O, that's the sword to it! GLOSTER. Ay, gentle cousin, were it light enough. YORK. O, then, I see you will part but with light gifts; In weightier things you'll say a beggar nay. GLOSTER. It is too heavy for your grace to wear. YORK. I weigh it lightly, were it heavier. GLOSTER. What, would you have my weapon, little lord? YORK. I would, that I might thank you as you call me. GLOSTER. How? YORK. Little. PRINCE. My Lord of York will still be cross in talk: - Uncle, your grace knows how to bear with him. YORK. You mean, to bear me, not to bear with me: - Uncle, my brother mocks both you and me; Because that I am little, like an ape, He thinks that you should bear me on your shoulders. BUCKINGHAM. With what a sharp-provided wit he reasons! To mitigate the scorn he gives his uncle, He prettily and aptly taunts himself: So cunning and so young is wonderful. GLOSTER. My lord, wil't please you pass along? Myself and my good cousin Buckingham Will to your mother, to entreat of her To meet you at the Tower and welcome you. YORK. What, will you go unto the Tower, my lord? PRINCE. My lord protector needs will have it so. YORK. I shall not sleep in quiet at the Tower. GLOSTER. Why, what should you fear? YORK. Marry, my uncle Clarence' angry ghost: My grandam told me he was murder'd there. PRINCE. I fear no uncles dead. GLOSTER. Nor none that live, I hope. PRINCE. An if they live, I hope I need not fear. But come, my lord; and with a heavy heart, Thinking on them, go I unto the Tower. [Sennet. Exeunt PRINCE, YORK, HASTINGS, CARDINAL, and Attendants.] BUCKINGHAM. Think you, my lord, this little prating York Was not incensed by his subtle mother To taunt and scorn you thus opprobriously? GLOSTER. No doubt, no doubt: O, 'tis a parlous boy; Bold, quick, ingenious, forward, capable: He is all the mother's, from the top to toe. BUCKINGHAM. Well, let them rest. - Come hither, Catesby. Thou art sworn as deeply to effect what we intend As closely to conceal what we impart: Thou know'st our reasons urg'd upon the way; - What think'st thou? is it not an easy matter To make William Lord Hastings of our mind, For the instalment of this noble duke In the seat royal of this famous isle? CATESBY. He for his father's sake so loves the prince That he will not be won to aught against him. BUCKINGHAM. What think'st thou then of Stanley? will not he? CATESBY. He will do all in all as Hastings doth. BUCKINGHAM. Well then, no more but this: go, gentle Catesby, And, as it were far off, sound thou Lord Hastings How he doth stand affected to our purpose; And summon him to-morrow to the Tower, To sit about the coronation. If thou dost find him tractable to us, Encourage him, and tell him all our reasons: If he be leaden, icy, cold, unwilling, Be thou so too; and so break off the talk, And give us notice of his inclination: For we to-morrow hold divided councils, Wherein thyself shalt highly be employ'd. GLOSTER. Commend me to Lord William: tell him, Catesby, His ancient knot of dangerous adversaries To-morrow are let blood at Pomfret Castle; And bid my lord, for joy of this good news, Give Mistress Shore one gentle kiss the more. BUCKINGHAM. Good Catesby, go, effect this business soundly. CATESBY. My good lords both, with all the heed I can. GLOSTER. Shall we hear from you, Catesby, ere we sleep? CATESBY. You shall, my lord. GLOSTER. At Crosby Place, there shall you find us both. [Exit CATESBY.] BUCKINGHAM. Now, my lord, what shall we do if we perceive Lord Hastings will not yield to our complots? GLOSTER. Chop off his head. man; - somewhat we will do: - And, look when I am king, claim thou of me The earldom of Hereford, and all the movables Whereof the king my brother was possess'd. BUCKINGHAM. I'll claim that promise at your grace's hand. GLOSTER. And look to have it yielded with all kindness. Come, let us sup betimes, that afterwards We may digest our complots in some form. [Exeunt.] SCENE II. Before LORD HASTING'S house. [Enter a MESSENGER.] MESSENGER. My lord, my lord! - [Knocking.] HASTINGS. [Within.] Who knocks? MESSENGER. One from the Lord Stanley. HASTINGS. [Within.] What is't o'clock? MESSENGER. Upon the stroke of four. [Enter HASTINGS.] HASTINGS. Cannot my Lord Stanley sleep these tedious nights? MESSENGER. So it appears by that I have to say. First, he commends him to your noble self. HASTINGS. What then? MESSENGER. Then certifies your lordship that this night He dreamt the boar had razed off his helm: Besides, he says there are two councils held; And that may be determin'd at the one Which may make you and him to rue at the other. Therefore he sends to know your lordship's pleasure, - If you will presently take horse with him, And with all speed post with him toward the north, To shun the danger that his soul divines. HASTINGS. Go, fellow, go, return unto thy lord; Bid him not fear the separated councils: His honour and myself are at the one, And at the other is my good friend Catesby; Where nothing can proceed that toucheth us Whereof I shall not have intelligence. Tell him his fears are shallow, without instance: And for his dreams, I wonder he's so simple To trust the mockery of unquiet slumbers: To fly the boar before the boar pursues Were to incense the boar to follow us, And make pursuit where he did mean no chase. Go, bid thy master rise and come to me; And we will both together to the Tower, Where, he shall see, the boar will use us kindly. MESSENGER. I'll go, my lord, and tell him what you say. [Exit.] [Enter CATESBY.] CATESBY. Many good morrows to my noble lord! HASTINGS. Good morrow, Catesby; you are early stirring: What news, what news, in this our tottering state? CATESBY. It is a reeling world indeed, my lord; And I believe will never stand upright Till Richard wear the garland of the realm. HASTINGS. How! wear the garland! dost thou mean the crown? CATESBY. Ay, my good lord. HASTINGS. I'll have this crown of mine cut from my shoulders Before I'll see the crown so foul misplac'd. But canst thou guess that he doth aim at it? CATESBY. Ay, on my life; and hopes to find you forward Upon his party for the gain thereof: And thereupon he sends you this good news, - That this same very day your enemies, The kindred of the queen, must die at Pomfret. HASTINGS. Indeed, I am no mourner for that news, Because they have been still my adversaries: But that I'll give my voice on Richard's side To bar my master's heirs in true descent, God knows I will not do it to the death. CATESBY. God keep your lordship in that gracious mind! HASTINGS. But I shall laugh at this a twelve month hence, - That they which brought me in my master's hate, I live to look upon their tragedy. Well, Catesby, ere a fortnight make me older, I'll send some packing that yet think not on't. CATESBY. 'Tis a vile thing to die, my gracious lord, When men are unprepar'd and look not for it. HASTINGS. O monstrous, monstrous! and so falls it out With Rivers, Vaughan, Grey: and so 'twill do With some men else that think themselves as safe As thou and I; who, as thou knowest, are dear To princely Richard and to Buckingham. CATESBY. The princes both make high account of you, - [Aside.] For they account his head upon the bridge. HASTINGS. I know they do, and I have well deserv'd it. [Enter STANLEY.] Come on, come on; where is your boar-spear, man? Fear you the boar, and go so unprovided? STANLEY. My lord, good morrow; and good morrow, Catesby: - You may jest on, but, by the holy rood, I do not like these several councils, I. HASTINGS. My lord, I hold my life as dear as you do yours; And never in my days, I do protest, Was it so precious to me as 'tis now; Think you, but that I know our state secure, I would be so triumphant as I am? STANLEY. The lords at Pomfret, when they rode from London, Were jocund and suppos'd their states were sure, - And they, indeed, had no cause to mistrust; But yet, you see, how soon the day o'ercast! This sudden stab of rancour I misdoubt; Pray God, I say, I prove a needless coward. What, shall we toward the Tower? the day is spent. HASTINGS. Come, come, have with you. - Wot you what, my lord? To-day the lords you talk'd of are beheaded. STANLEY. They, for their truth, might better wear their heads Than some that have accus'd them wear their hats. - But come, my lord, let's away. [Enter a Pursuivant.] HASTINGS. Go on before; I'll talk with this good fellow. [Exeunt STANLEY and CATESBY.] How now, sirrah! how goes the world with thee? PURSUIVANT. The better that your lordship please to ask. HASTINGS. I tell thee, man, 'tis better with me now Than when thou mett'st me last where now we meet: Then was I going prisoner to the Tower, By the suggestion of the queen's allies; But now, I tell thee, - keep it to thyself, - This day those enemies are put to death, And I in better state than e'er I was. PURSUIVANT. God hold it, to your honour's good content! HASTINGS. Gramercy, fellow: there, drink that for me. [Throwing him his purse.] PURSUIVANT. I thank your honour. [Exit.] [Enter a PRIEST.] PRIEST. Well met, my lord; I am glad to see your honour. HASTINGS. I thank thee, good Sir John, with all my heart. I am in your debt for your last exercise; Come the next Sabbath, and I will content you. [Enter BUCKINGHAM.] BUCKINGHAM. What, talking with a priest, lord chamberlain! Your friends at Pomfret, they do need the priest; Your honour hath no shriving work in hand. HASTINGS. Good faith, and when I met this holy man, The men you talk of came into my mind. - What, go you toward the Tower? BUCKINGHAM. I do, my lord, but long I cannot stay there; I shall return before your lordship thence. HASTINGS. Nay, like enough, for I stay dinner there. BUCKINGHAM. [Aside.] And supper too, although thou knowest it not. - Come, will you go? HASTINGS. I'll wait upon your lordship. [Exeunt.] SCENE III. Pomfret. Before the Castle. [Enter RATCLIFF, with Guard, conducting RIVERS, GREY, and VAUGHAN to execution.] RIVERS. Sir Richard Ratcliff, let me tell thee this, - To-day shalt thou behold a subject die For truth, for duty, and for loyalty. GREY. God bless the prince from all the pack of you! A knot you are of damned blood-suckers. VAUGHAN. You live that shall cry woe for this hereafter. RATCLIFF. Despatch; the limit of your lives is out. RIVERS. O Pomfret, Pomfret! O thou bloody prison, Fatal and ominous to noble peers! Within the guilty closure of thy walls Richard the Second here was hack'd to death: And, for more slander to thy dismal seat, We give to thee our guiltless blood to drink. GREY. Now Margaret's curse is fallen upon our heads, When she exclaim'd on Hastings, you, and I, For standing by when Richard stabb'd her son. RIVERS. Then curs'd she Richard, then curs'd she Buckingham, Then curs'd she Hastings: - O, remember, God, To hear her prayer for them, as now for us! And for my sister, and her princely sons, Be satisfied, dear God, with our true blood, Which, as Thou know'st, unjustly must be spilt. RATCLIFF. Make haste; the hour of death is expiate. RIVERS. Come, Grey; - come, Vaughan; - let us here embrace. Farewell, until we meet again in heaven. [Exeunt.] SCENE IV. London. A Room in the Tower. [BUCKINGHAM, STANLEY, HASTINGS, the BISHOP of ELY, RATCLIFF, LOVEL, and others sitting at a table: Officers of the Council attending.] HASTINGS. Now, noble peers, the cause why we are met Is to determine of the coronation. In God's name speak, - when is the royal day? BUCKINGHAM. Are all things ready for that royal time? STANLEY. Thery are, and wants but nomination. ELY. To-morrow, then, I judge a happy day. BUCKINGHAM. Who knows the lord protector's mind herein? Who is most inward with the noble duke? ELY. Your grace, we think, should soonest know his mind. BUCKINGHAM. We know each other's faces: for our hearts, He knows no more of mine than I of yours; Or I of his, my lord, than you of mine. - Lord Hastings, you and he are near in love. HASTINGS. I thank his grace, I know he loves me well; But for his purpose in the coronation I have not sounded him, nor he deliver'd His gracious pleasure any way therein: But you, my honourable lords, may name the time; And in the duke's behalf I'll give my voice, Which, I presume, he'll take in gentle part. ELY. In happy time, here comes the duke himself. [Enter GLOSTER.] GLOSTER. My noble lords and cousins all, good morrow. I have been long a sleeper; but I trust My absence doth neglect no great design Which by my presence might have been concluded. BUCKINGHAM. Had you not come upon your cue, my lord, William Lord Hastings had pronounc'd your part, - I mean, your voice, - for crowning of the king. GLOSTER. Than my Lord Hastings no man might be bolder; His lordship knows me well and loves me well. - My lord of Ely, when I was last in Holborn I saw good strawberries in your garden there: I do beseech you send for some of them. ELY. Marry, and will, my lord, with all my heart. [Exit.] GLOSTER. Cousin of Buckingham, a word with you. [Takes him aside.] Catesby hath sounded Hastings in our business, And finds the testy gentleman so hot That he will lose his head ere give consent His master's child, as worshipfully he terms it, Shall lose the royalty of England's throne. BUCKINGHAM. Withdraw yourself awhile; I'll go with you. [Exeunt GLOSTER and BUCKINGHAM.] STANLEY. We have not yet set down this day of triumph. To-morrow, in my judgment, is too sudden; For I myself am not so well provided As else I would be, were the day prolong'd. [Re-enter BISHOP OF ELY.] ELY. Where is my lord the Duke of Gloster? I have sent for these strawberries. HASTINGS. His grace looks cheerfully and smooth this morning; There's some conceit or other likes him well When that he bids good morrow with such spirit. I think there's ne'er a man in Christendom Can lesser hide his love or hate than he; For by his face straight shall you know his heart. STANLEY. What of his heart perceive you in his face By any livelihood he showed to-day? HASTINGS. Marry, that with no man here he is offended; For, were he, he had shown it in his looks. [Re-enter GLOSTER and BUCKINGHAM.] GLOSTER. I pray you all, tell me what they deserve That do conspire my death with devilish plots Of damned witchcraft, and that have prevail'd Upon my body with their hellish charms? HASTINGS. The tender love I bear your grace, my lord, Makes me most forward in this princely presence To doom the offenders: whosoe'er they be. I say, my lord, they have deserved death. GLOSTER. Then be your eyes the witness of their evil: Look how I am bewitch'd; behold, mine arm Is, like a blasted sapling, wither'd up: And this is Edward's wife, that monstrous witch, Consorted with that harlot-strumpet Shore, That by their witchcraft thus have marked me. HASTINGS. If they have done this deed, my noble lord, - GLOSTER. If! - thou protector of this damned strumpet, Talk'st thou to me of "ifs"? - Thou art a traitor: - Off with his head! - now, by Saint Paul I swear, I will not dine until I see the same. - Lovel and Ratcliff: - look that it be done: - The rest, that love me, rise and follow me. [Exeunt all except HASTINGS, LOVEL, and RATCLIFF.] HASTINGS. Woe, woe, for England! not a whit for me; For I, too fond, might have prevented this. Stanley did dream the boar did raze his helm; And I did scorn it, and disdain to fly. Three times to-day my foot-cloth horse did stumble, And started, when he look'd upon the Tower, As loth to bear me to the slaughter-house. O, now I need the priest that spake to me: I now repent I told the pursuivant, As too triumphing, how mine enemies To-day at Pomfret bloodily were butcher'd, And I myself secure in grace and favour. O Margaret, Margaret, now thy heavy curse Is lighted on poor Hastings' wretched head! RATCLIFF. Come, come, despatch; the duke would be at dinner: Make a short shrift; he longs to see your head. HASTINGS. O momentary grace of mortal men, Which we more hunt for than the grace of God! Who builds his hope in air of your good looks Lives like a drunken sailor on a mast, Ready, with every nod, to tumble down Into the fatal bowels of the deep. LOVEL. Come, come, despatch; 'tis bootless to exclaim. HASTINGS. O bloody Richard! - miserable England! I prophesy the fearfull'st time to thee That ever wretched age hath look'd upon. - Come, lead me to the block; bear him my head: They smile at me who shortly shall be dead. [Exeunt.] SCENE V. London. The Tower Walls. [Enter GLOSTER and BUCKINGHAM in rusty armour, marvellous ill-favoured.] GLOSTER. Come, cousin, canst thou quake and change thy colour, Murder thy breath in middle of a word, And then again begin, and stop again, As if thou were distraught and mad with terror? BUCKINGHAM. Tut, I can counterfeit the deep tragedian; Speak and look back, and pry on every side, Tremble and start at wagging of a straw, Intending deep suspicion: ghastly looks Are at my service, like enforced smiles; And both are ready in their offices, At any time to grace my stratagems. But what, is Catesby gone? GLOSTER. He is; and, see, he brings the mayor along. [Enter the LORD MAYOR and CATESBY.] BUCKINGHAM. Lord mayor, - GLOSTER. Look to the drawbridge there! BUCKINGHAM. Hark! a drum. GLOSTER. Catesby, o'erlook the walls. BUCKINGHAM. Lord Mayor, the reason we have sent, - GLOSTER. Look back, defend thee, - here are enemies. BUCKINGHAM. God and our innocency defend and guard us! GLOSTER. Be patient; they are friends, - Ratcliff and Lovel. [Enter LOVEL and RATCLIFF, with HASTINGS' head.] LOVEL. Here is the head of that ignoble traitor, The dangerous and unsuspected Hastings. GLOSTER. So dear I lov'd the man that I must weep. I took him for the plainest harmless creature That breath'd upon the earth a Christian; Made him my book, wherein my soul recorded The history of all her secret thoughts: So smooth he daub'd his vice with show of virtue That, his apparent open guilt omitted, - I mean, his conversation with Shore's wife, - He liv'd from all attainder of suspects. BUCKINGHAM. Well, well, he was the covert'st shelter'd traitor That ever liv'd. - Would you imagine, or almost believe, - Were't not that by great preservation We live to tell it you, - that the subtle traitor This day had plotted, in the council-house, To murder me and my good Lord of Gloster! MAYOR. Had he done so? GLOSTER. What! think you we are Turks or Infidels? Or that we would, against the form of law, Proceed thus rashly in the villain's death, But that the extreme peril of the case, The peace of England and our persons' safety, Enforc'd us to this execution? MAYOR. Now, fair befall you! he deserv'd his death; And your good graces both have well proceeded, To warn false traitors from the like attempts. I never look'd for better at his hands After he once fell in with Mistress Shore. BUCKINGHAM. Yet had we not determin'd he should die Until your lordship came to see his end; Which now the loving haste of these our friends, Something against our meanings, have prevented: Because, my lord, we would have had you heard The traitor speak, and timorously confess The manner and the purpose of his treasons; That you might well have signified the same Unto the citizens, who haply may Misconster us in him, and wail his death. MAYOR. But, my good lord, your grace's word shall serve As well as I had seen and heard him speak: And do not doubt, right noble princes both, But I'll acquaint our duteous citizens With all your just proceedings in this case. GLOSTER. And to that end we wish'd your lordship here, To avoid the the the censures of the carping world. BUCKINGHAM. But since you come too late of our intent, Yet witness what you hear we did intend: And so, my good lord mayor, we bid farewell. [Exit LORD MAYOR.] GLOSTER. Go, after, after, cousin Buckingham. The Mayor towards Guildhall hies him in all post: - There, at your meet'st advantage of the time, Infer the bastardy of Edward's children: Tell them how Edward put to death a citizen, Only for saying he would make his son Heir to the crown; - meaning, indeed, his house, Which, by the sign thereof, was termed so. Moreover, urge his hateful luxury, And bestial appetite in change of lust; Which stretch'd unto their servants, daughters, wives, Even where his raging eye or savage heart, Without control, listed to make a prey. Nay, for a need, thus far come near my person: - Tell them, when that my mother went with child Of that insatiate Edward, noble York, My princely father, then had wars in France And, by true computation of the time, Found that the issue was not his begot; Which well appeared in his lineaments, Being nothing like the noble duke my father. Yet touch this sparingly, as 'twere far off; Because, my lord, you know my mother lives. BUCKINGHAM. Doubt not, my lord, I'll play the orator As if the golden fee for which I plead Were for myself: and so, my lord, adieu. GLOSTER. If you thrive well, bring them to Baynard's Castle; Where you shall find me well accompanied With reverend fathers and well learned bishops. BUCKINGHAM. I go; and towards three or four o'clock Look for the news that the Guildhall affords. [Exit.] GLOSTER. Go, Lovel, with all speed to Doctor Shaw. - Go thou [to CATESBY] to Friar Penker; - bid them both Meet me within this hour at Baynard's Castle. [Exeunt LOVEL and CATESBY.] Now will I in, to take some privy order To draw the brats of Clarence out of sight; And to give order that no manner person Have any time recourse unto the princes. [Exit.] SCENE VI. London. A street. [Enter a SCRIVENER.] SCRIVENER. Here is the indictment of the good Lord Hastings; Which in a set hand fairly is engross'd, That it may be to-day read o'er in Paul's. And mark how well the sequel hangs together: - Eleven hours I have spent to write it over, For yesternight by Catesby was it sent me; The precedent was full as long a-doing: And yet within these five hours Hastings liv'd, Untainted, unexamin'd, free, at liberty. Here's a good world the while! Who is so gross That cannot see this palpable device! Yet who so bold but says he sees it not! Bad is the world; and all will come to naught, When such ill dealing must be seen in thought. [Exit.] SCENE VII. London. Court of Baynard's Castle. [Enter GLOSTER and BUCKINGHAM, meeting.] GLOSTER. How now, how now! what say the citizens? BUCKINGHAM. Now, by the holy mother of our Lord, The citizens are mum, say not a word. GLOSTER. Touch'd you the bastardy of Edward's children? BUCKINGHAM. I did; with his contract with Lady Lucy, And his contract by deputy in France; The insatiate greediness of his desires, And his enforcement of the city wives; His tyranny for trifles; his own bastardy, - As being got, your father then in France, And his resemblance, being not like the duke: Withal I did infer your lineaments, - Being the right idea of your father, Both in your form and nobleness of mind; Laid open all your victories in Scotland, Your discipline in war, wisdom in peace, Your bounty, virtue, fair humility; Indeed, left nothing fitting for your purpose Untouch'd or slightly handled in discourse: And when mine oratory drew toward end I bid them that did love their country's good Cry "God save Richard, England's royal king!" GLOSTER. And did they so? BUCKINGHAM. No, so God help me, they spake not a word; But, like dumb statues or breathing stones, Star'd each on other, and look'd deadly pale. Which when I saw, I reprehended them; And ask'd the mayor what meant this wilful silence: His answer was - the people were not us'd To be spoke to but by the recorder. Then he was urg'd to tell my tale again, - "Thus saith the duke, thus hath the duke inferr'd;" But nothing spoke in warrant from himself. When he had done, some followers of mine own, At lower end of the hall hurl'd up their caps, And some ten voices cried, "God save King Richard!" And thus I took the vantage of those few, - "Thanks, gentle citizens and friends," quoth I; "This general applause and cheerful shout Argues your wisdoms and your love to Richard:" And even here brake off and came away. GLOSTER. What, tongueless blocks were they! would they not speak? Will not the mayor, then, and his brethren, come? BUCKINGHAM. The mayor is here at hand. Intend some fear; Be not you spoke with but by mighty suit: And look you get a prayer-book in your hand, And stand between two churchmen, good my lord; For on that ground I'll make a holy descant: And be not easily won to our requests; Play the maid's part, - still answer nay, and take it. GLOSTER. I go; and if you plead as well for them As I can say nay to thee for myself, No doubt we bring it to a happy issue. BUCKINGHAM. Go, go, up to the leads; the lord mayor knocks. [Exit GLOSTER.] [Enter the LORD MAYOR, ALDERMEN, and Citizens.] Welcome, my lord. I dance attendance here; I think the duke will not be spoke withal. [Enter, from the Castle, CATESBY.] Now, Catesby, - what says your lord to my request? CATESBY. He doth entreat your grace, my noble lord, To visit him to-morrow or next day: He is within, with two right reverend fathers, Divinely bent to meditation: And in no worldly suit would he be mov'd, To draw him from his holy exercise. BUCKINGHAM. Return, good Catesby, to the gracious duke; Tell him, myself, the mayor and aldermen, In deep designs, in matter of great moment, No less importing than our general good, Are come to have some conference with his grace. CATESBY. I'll signify so much unto him straight. [Exit.] BUCKINGHAM. Ah, ha, my lord, this prince is not an Edward! He is not lolling on a lewd day-bed, But on his knees at meditation; Not dallying with a brace of courtezans, But meditating with two deep divines; Not sleeping, to engross his idle body, But praying, to enrich his watchful soul: Happy were England would this virtuous prince Take on his grace the sovereignty thereof: But, sure, I fear, we shall not win him to it. MAYOR. Marry, God defend his grace should say us nay! BUCKINGHAM. I fear he will. Here Catesby comes again. [Re-enter CATESBY.] Now, Catesby, what says his grace? CATESBY. He wonders to what end you have assembled Such troops of citizens to come to him: His grace not being warn'd thereof before, He fears, my lord, you mean no good to him. BUCKINGHAM. Sorry I am my noble cousin should Suspect me, that I mean no good to him: By heaven, we come to him in perfect love; And so once more return and tell his grace. [Exit CATESBY.] When holy and devout religious men Are at their beads, 'tis much to draw them thence, - So sweet is zealous contemplation. [Enter GLOSTER in a Galery above, between two BISHOPS. CATESBY returns.] MAYOR. See where his grace stands 'tween two clergymen! BUCKINGHAM. Two props of virtue for a Christian prince, To stay him from the fall of vanity: And, see, a book of prayer in his hand, - True ornaments to know a holy man. - Famous Plantagenet, most gracious prince, Lend favourable ear to our requests; And pardon us the interruption Of thy devotion and right Christian zeal. GLOSTER. My lord, there needs no such apology: I rather do beseech you pardon me, Who, earnest in the service of my God, Deferr'd the visitation of my friends. But, leaving this, what is your grace's pleasure? BUCKINGHAM. Even that, I hope, which pleaseth God above, And all good men of this ungovern'd isle. GLOSTER. I do suspect I have done some offence That seems disgracious in the city's eye; And that you come to reprehend my ignorance. BUCKINGHAM. You have, my lord: would it might please your grace, On our entreaties, to amend your fault! GLOSTER. Else wherefore breathe I in a Christian land? BUCKINGHAM. Know then, it is your fault that you resign The supreme seat, the throne majestical, The scepter'd office of your ancestors, Your state of fortune and your due of birth, The lineal glory of your royal house, To the corruption of a blemish'd stock: Whilst, in the mildness of your sleepy thoughts, - Which here we waken to our country's good, - The noble isle doth want her proper limbs; Her face defac'd with scars of infamy, Her royal stock graft with ignoble plants, And almost shoulder'd in the swallowing gulf Of dark forgetfulness and deep oblivion. Which to recure, we heartily solicit Your gracious self to take on you the charge And kingly government of this your land; - Not as protector, steward, substitute, Or lowly factor for another's gain; But as successively, from blood to blood, Your right of birth, your empery, your own. For this, consorted with the citizens, Your very worshipful and loving friends, And, by their vehement instigation, In this just cause come I to move your grace. GLOSTER. I cannot tell if to depart in silence Or bitterly to speak in your reproof Best fitteth my degree or your condition: If not to answer, you might haply think Tongue-tied ambition, not replying, yielded To bear the golden yoke of sovereignty, Which fondly you would here impose on me; If to reprove you for this suit of yours, So season'd with your faithful love to me, Then, on the other side, I check'd my friends. Therefore, - to speak, and to avoid the first, And then, in speaking, not to incur the last, - Definitively thus I answer you. Your love deserves my thanks; but my desert Unmeritable shuns your high request. First, if all obstacles were cut away, And that my path were even to the crown, As the ripe revenue and due of birth, Yet so much is my poverty of spirit, So mighty and so many my defects, That I would rather hide me from my greatness, - Being a bark to brook no mighty sea, - Than in my greatness covet to be hid, And in the vapour of my glory smother'd. But, God be thank'd, there is no need of me, - And much I need to help you, were there need; - The royal tree hath left us royal fruit, Which, mellow'd by the stealing hours of time, Will well become the seat of majesty, And make, no doubt, us happy by his reign. On him I lay that you would lay on me, - The right and fortune of his happy stars; Which God defend that I should wring from him! BUCKINGHAM. My lord, this argues conscience in your grace; But the respects thereof are nice and trivial, All circumstances well considered. You say that Edward is your brother's son: So say we too, but not by Edward's wife; For first was he contract to Lady Lucy, - Your mother lives a witness to his vow, - And afterward by substitute betroth'd To Bona, sister to the King of France. These both put off, a poor petitioner, A care-craz'd mother to a many sons, A beauty-waning and distressed widow, Even in the afternoon of her best days, Made prize and purchase of his wanton eye, Seduc'd the pitch and height of his degree To base declension and loath'd bigamy: By her, in his unlawful bed, he got This Edward, whom our manners call the prince. More bitterly could I expostulate, Save that, for reverence to some alive, I give a sparing limit to my tongue. Then, good my lord, take to your royal self This proffer'd benefit of dignity; If not to bless us and the land withal, Yet to draw forth your noble ancestry From the corruption of abusing time Unto a lineal true-derived course. MAYOR. Do, good my lord; your citizens entreat you. BUCKINGHAM. Refuse not, mighty lord, this proffer'd love. CATESBY. O, make them joyful, grant their lawful suit! GLOSTER. Alas, why would you heap those cares on me? I am unfit for state and majesty: - I do beseech you, take it not amiss: I cannot nor I will not yield to you. BUCKINGHAM. If you refuse it, - as, in love and zeal, Loath to depose the child, your brother's son - As well we know your tenderness of heart And gentle, kind, effeminate remorse, Which we have noted in you to your kindred, And equally, indeed, to all estates, - Yet know, whe'er you accept our suit or no, Your brother's son shall never reign our king; But we will plant some other in the throne, To the disgrace and downfall of your house: And in this resolution here we leave you. - Come, citizens, we will entreat no more. [Exeunt BUCKINGHAM, the MAYOR and citizens retiring.] CATESBY. Call them again, sweet prince, accept their suit: If you deny them, all the land will rue it. GLOSTER. Will you enforce me to a world of cares? Call them again. [CATESBY goes to the MAYOR, &c., and then exit.] I am not made of stone, But penetrable to your kind entreaties, Albeit against my conscience and my soul. [Re-enter BUCKINGHAM and CATESBY, MAYOR, &c., coming forward.] Cousin of Buckingham, - and sage grave men, Since you will buckle fortune on my back, To bear her burden, whe'er I will or no, I must have patience to endure the load: But if black scandal or foul-fac'd reproach Attend the sequel of your imposition, Your mere enforcement shall acquittance me From all the impure blots and stains thereof; For God doth know, and you may partly see, How far I am from the desire of this. MAYOR. God bless your grace! we see it, and will say it. GLOSTER. In saying so, you shall but say the truth. BUCKINGHAM. Then I salute you with this royal title, - Long live King Richard, England's worthy king! ALL. Amen. BUCKINGHAM. To-morrow may it please you to be crown'd? GLOSTER. Even when you please, for you will have it so. BUCKINGHAM. To-morrow, then, we will attend your grace: And so, most joyfully, we take our leave. GLOSTER. [To the BISHOPS.] Come, let us to our holy work again. - Farewell, my cousin; - farewell, gentle friends. [Exeunt.] ACT IV. SCENE I. London. Before the Tower [Enter, on one side, QUEEN ELIZABETH, DUCHESS of YORK, and MARQUIS of DORSET; on the other, ANNE DUCHESS of GLOSTER, leading LADY MARGARET PLANTAGENET, CLARENCE's young daughter.] DUCHESS. Who meets us here? - my niece Plantagenet, Led in the hand of her kind aunt of Gloster? Now, for my life, she's wandering to the Tower, On pure heart's love, to greet the tender princes. - Daughter, well met. ANNE. God give your graces both A happy and a joyful time of day! QUEEN ELIZABETH. As much to you, good sister! Whither away? ANNE. No farther than the Tower; and, as I guess, Upon the like devotion as yourselves, To gratulate the gentle princes there. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Kind sister, thanks; we'll enter all together: - And in good time, here the lieutenant comes. [Enter BRAKENBURY.] Master Lieutenant, pray you, by your leave, How doth the prince, and my young son of York? BRAKENBURY. Right well, dear madam. By your patience, I may not suffer you to visit them. The king hath strictly charg'd the contrary. QUEEN ELIZABETH. The king! who's that? BRAKENBURY. I mean the lord protector. QUEEN ELIZABETH. The Lord protect him from that kingly title! Hath he set bounds between their love and me? I am their mother; who shall bar me from them? DUCHESS. I am their father's mother; I will see them. ANNE. Their aunt I am in law, in love their mother: Then bring me to their sights; I'll bear thy blame, And take thy office from thee on my peril. BRAKENBURY. No, madam, no, - I may not leave it so: I am bound by oath, and therefore pardon me. [Exit.] [Enter STANLEY.] STANLEY. Let me but meet you, ladies, one hour hence, And I'll salute your grace of York as mother And reverend looker-on of two fair queens. - [To the DUCHESS OF GLOSTER.] Come, madam, you must straight to Westminster, There to be crowned Richard's royal queen. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Ah, cut my lace asunder, That my pent heart may have some scope to beat, Or else I swoon with this dead-killing news! ANNE. Despiteful tidings! O unpleasing news! DORSET. Be of good cheer: mother, how fares your grace? QUEEN ELIZABETH. O Dorset, speak not to me, get thee gone! Death and destruction dog thee at thy heels; Thy mother's name is ominous to children. If thou wilt outstrip death, go cross the seas, And live with Richmond, from the reach of hell: Go, hie thee, hie thee from this slaughter-house, Lest thou increase the number of the dead; And make me die the thrall of Margaret's curse, Nor mother, wife, nor England's counted queen. STANLEY. Full of wise care is this your counsel, madam. - Take all the swift advantage of the hours; You shall have letters from me to my son In your behalf, to meet you on the way: Be not ta'en tardy by unwise delay. DUCHESS. O ill-dispersing wind of misery! - O my accursed womb, the bed of death! A cockatrice hast thou hatch'd to the world, Whose unavoided eye is murderous. STANLEY. Come, madam, come; I in all haste was sent. ANNE. And I with all unwillingness will go. - O, would to God that the inclusive verge Of golden metal that must round my brow Were red-hot steel, to sear me to the brain ! Anointed let me be with deadly venom, And die ere men can say God save the queen! QUEEN ELIZABETH. Go, go, poor soul; I envy not thy glory; To feed my humour, wish thyself no harm. ANNE. No, why? - When he that is my husband now Came to me, as I follow'd Henry's corse; When scarce the blood was well wash'd from his hands Which issued from my other angel husband, And that dear saint which then I weeping follow'd; O, when, I say, I look'd on Richard's face, This was my wish, - "Be thou," quoth I, "accurs'd For making me, so young, so old a widow! And when thou wedd'st, let sorrow haunt thy bed; And be thy wife, - if any be so mad, - More miserable by the life of thee Than thou hast made me by my dear lord's death!" Lo, ere I can repeat this curse again, Within so small a time, my woman's heart Grossly grew captive to his honey words, And prov'd the subject of mine own soul's curse, - Which hitherto hath held my eyes from rest; For never yet one hour in his bed Did I enjoy the golden dew of sleep, But with his timorous dreams was still awak'd. Besides, he hates me for my father Warwick; And will, no doubt, shortly be rid of me. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Poor heart, adieu! I pity thy complaining. ANNE. No more than with my soul I mourn for yours. DORSET. Farewell, thou woeful welcomer of glory! ANNE. Adieu, poor soul, that tak'st thy leave of it! DUCHESS. [To DORSET.] Go thou to Richmond, and good fortune guide thee! - [To ANNE.] Go thou to Richard, and good angels tend thee! - [To QUEEN ELIZABETH.] Go thou to sanctuary, and good thoughts possess thee! I to my grave, where peace and rest lie with me! Eighty odd years of sorrow have I seen, And each hour's joy wreck'd with a week of teen. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Stay yet, look back with me unto the Tower. - Pity, you ancient stones, those tender babes Whom envy hath immur'd within your walls! Rough cradle for such little pretty ones! Rude ragged nurse, old sullen playfellow For tender princes, use my babies well! So foolish sorrows bids your stones farewell. [Exeunt.] SCENE II. London. A Room of State in the Palace. [Flourish of trumpets. RICHARD, as King, upon his throne; BUCKINGHAM, CATESBY, RATCLIFF, LOVEL, a Page, and others.] KING RICHARD. Stand all apart - Cousin of Buckingham, - BUCKINGHAM. My gracious sovereign? KING RICHARD. Give me thy hand. Thus high, by thy advice And thy assistance, is King Richard seated: - But shall we wear these glories for a day? Or shall they last, and we rejoice in them? BUCKINGHAM. Still live they, and for ever let them last! KING RICHARD. Ah, Buckingham, now do I play the touch, To try if thou be current gold indeed: - Young Edward lives; - think now what I would speak. BUCKINGHAM. Say on, my loving lord. KING RICHARD. Why, Buckingham, I say I would be king. BUCKINGHAM. Why, so you are, my thrice-renowned lord. KING RICHARD. Ha! am I king? 'tis so: but Edward lives. BUCKINGHAM. True, noble prince. KING RICHARD. O bitter consequence, That Edward still should live, - true, noble Prince! - Cousin, thou wast not wont to be so dull: - Shall I be plain? - I wish the bastards dead; And I would have it suddenly perform'd. What say'st thou now? speak suddenly, be brief. BUCKINGHAM. Your grace may do your pleasure. KING RICHARD. Tut, tut, thou art all ice, thy kindness freezes: Say, have I thy consent that they shall die? BUCKINGHAM. Give me some little breath, some pause, dear lord, Before I positively speak in this: I will resolve your grace immediately. [Exit.] CATESBY. [Aside.] The king is angry: see, he gnaws his lip. KING RICHARD. I will converse with iron-witted fools [Descends from his throne.] And unrespective boys; none are for me That look into me with considerate eyes: High-reaching Buckingham grows circumspect. Boy! - PAGE. My lord? KING RICHARD. Know'st thou not any whom corrupting gold Will tempt unto a close exploit of death? PAGE. I know a discontented gentleman Whose humble means match not his haughty spirit: Gold were as good as twenty orators, And will, no doubt, tempt him to anything. KING RICHARD. What is his name? PAGE. His name, my lord, is Tyrrel. KING RICHARD. I partly know the man: go, call him hither, boy. [Exit PAGE.] The deep-revolving witty Buckingham No more shall be the neighbour to my counsels: Hath he so long held out with me untir'd, And stops he now for breath? - well, be it so. [Enter STANLEY.] How now, Lord Stanley! what's the news? STANLEY. Know, my loving lord, The Marquis Dorset, as I hear, is fled To Richmond, in the parts where he abides. KING RICHARD. Come hither, Catesby: rumour it abroad That Anne, my wife, is very grievous sick; I will take order for her keeping close: Inquire me out some mean poor gentleman, Whom I will marry straight to Clarence' daughter; - The boy is foolish, and I fear not him. - Look how thou dream'st! - I say again, give out That Anne, my queen, is sick and like to die: About it; for it stands me much upon, To stop all hopes whose growth may damage me. [Exit CATESBY.] I must be married to my brother's daughter, Or else my kingdom stands on brittle glass: - Murder her brothers, and then marry her! Uncertain way of gain! But I am in So far in blood that sin will pluck on sin: Tear-falling pity dwells not in this eye. [Re-enter PAGE, with TYRREL.] Is thy name Tyrrel? TYRREL. James Tyrrel, and your most obedient subject. KING RICHARD. Art thou, indeed? TYRREL. Prove me, my gracious lord. KING RICHARD. Dar'st thou resolve to kill a friend of mine? TYRREL. Please you. But I had rather kill two enemies. KING RICHARD. Why, then thou hast it: two deep enemies, Foes to my rest, and my sweet sleep's disturbers, Are they that I would have thee deal upon: - Tyrell, I mean those bastards in the Tower. TYRREL. Let me have open means to come to them, And soon I'll rid you from the fear of them. KING RICHARD. Thou sing'st sweet music. Hark, come hither, Tyrrel: Go, by this token: - rise, and lend thine ear: [Whispers.] There is no more but so: - say it is done, And I will love thee, and prefer thee for it. TYRREL. I will despatch it straight. [Exit.] [Re-enter BUCKINGHAM.] BUCKINGHAM. My lord, I have consider'd in my mind The late request that you did sound me in. KING RICHARD. Well, let that rest. Dorset is fled to Richmond. BUCKINGHAM. I hear the news, my lord. KING RICHARD. Stanley, he is your wife's son: - well, look to it. BUCKINGHAM. My lord, I claim the gift, my due by promise, For which your honour and your faith is pawn'd: The earldom of Hereford, and the movables Which you have promised I shall possess. KING RICHARD. Stanley, look to your wife: if she convey Letters to Richmond, you shall answer it. BUCKINGHAM. What says your highness to my just request? KING RICHARD. I do remember me: - Henry the Sixth Did prophesy that Richmond should be king, When Richmond was a little peevish boy. A king! - perhaps, - BUCKINGHAM. My lord, - KING RICHARD. How chance the prophet could not at that time Have told me, I being by, that I should kill him? BUCKINGHAM. My lord, your promise for the earldom, - KING RICHARD. Richmond! - When last I was at Exeter, The mayor in courtesy show'd me the castle And call'd it Rougemount; at which name I started, Because a bard of Ireland told me once I should not live long after I saw Richmond. BUCKINGHAM. My lord - KING RICHARD. Ay, what's o'clock? BUCKINGHAM. I am thus bold to put your grace in mind Of what you promis'd me. KING RICHARD. Well, but what's o'clock? BUCKINGHAM. Upon the stroke of ten. KING RICHARD. Well, let it strike. BUCKINGHAM. Why let it strike? KING RICHARD. Because that, like a Jack, thou keep'st the stroke Betwixt thy begging and my meditation. I am not in the giving vein to-day. BUCKINGHAM. Why then, resolve me whether you will or no. KING RICHARD. Thou troublest me; I am not in the vein. [Exeunt KING RICHARD and Train.] BUCKINGHAM. And is it thus? repays he my deep service With such contempt? made I him king for this? O, let me think on Hastings, and be gone To Brecknock while my fearful head is on! [Exit.] SCENE III. London. Another Room in the Palace. [Enter TYRREL.] TYRREL. The tyrannous and bloody act is done, - The most arch deed of piteous massacre That ever yet this land was guilty of. Dighton and Forrest, who I did suborn To do this piece of ruthless butchery, Albeit they were flesh'd villains, bloody dogs, Melted with tenderness and mild compassion, Wept like two children in their deaths' sad story. "O, thus," quoth Dighton, "lay the gentle babes," - "Thus, thus," quoth Forrest, "girdling one another Within their alabaster innocent arms: Their lips were four red roses on a stalk, And in their summer beauty kiss'd each other. A book of prayers on their pillow lay; Which once," quoth Forrest, "almost chang'd my mind; But, O, the devil," - there the villain stopp'd; When Dighton thus told on: - "We smothered The most replenished sweet work of nature That from the prime creation e'er she framed." - Hence both are gone; with conscience and remorse They could not speak; and so I left them both, To bear this tidings to the bloody king: - And here he comes: - [Enter KING RICHARD.] All health, my sovereign lord! KING RICHARD. Kind Tyrrel, am I happy in thy news? TYRREL. If to have done the thing you gave in charge Beget your happiness, be happy then, For it is done. KING RICHARD. But didst thou see them dead? TYRREL. I did, my lord. KING RICHARD. And buried, gentle Tyrrel? TYRREL. The chaplain of the Tower hath buried them; But where, to say the truth, I do not know. KING RICHARD. Come to me, Tyrrel, soon, at after supper, When thou shalt tell the process of their death. Meantime, but think how I may do thee good, And be inheritor of thy desire. Farewell till then. TYRREL. I humbly take my leave. [Exit.] KING RICHARD. The son of Clarence have I pent up close; His daughter meanly have I match'd in marriage; The sons of Edward sleep in Abraham's bosom, And Anne my wife hath bid the world good-night. Now, for I know the Britagne Richmond aims At young Elizabeth, my brother's daughter, And by that knot looks proudly on the crown, To her go I, a jolly thriving wooer. [Enter RATCLIFF.] RATCLIFF. My lord, - KING RICHARD. Good or bad news, that thou com'st in so bluntly? RATCLIFF. Bad news, my lord: Morton is fled to Richmond; And Buckingham, back'd with the hardy Welshmen, Is in the field, and still his power increaseth. KING RICHARD. Ely with Richmond troubles me more near Than Buckingham and his rash-levied strength. Come, - I have learn'd that fearful commenting Is leaden servitor to dull delay; Delay leads impotent and snail-pac'd beggary: Then fiery expedition be my wing, Jove's Mercury, and herald for a king! Go, muster men: my counsel is my shield; We must be brief when traitors brave the field. [Exeunt.] SCENE IV. London. Before the Palace. [Enter QUEEN MARGARET.] QUEEN MARGARET. So, now prosperity begins to mellow, And drop into the rotten mouth of death. Here in these confines slily have I lurk'd To watch the waning of mine enemies. A dire induction am I witness to, And will to France; hoping the consequence Will prove as bitter, black, and tragical. - Withdraw thee, wretched Margaret: who comes here? [Retires.] [Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH and the DUCHESS OF YORK.] QUEEN ELIZABETH. Ah, my poor princes! ah, my tender babes! My unblown flowers, new-appearing sweets! If yet your gentle souls fly in the air And be not fix'd in doom perpetual, Hover about me with your airy wings And hear your mother's lamentation! QUEEN MARGARET. Hover about her; say that right for right Hath dimm'd your infant morn to aged night. DUCHESS. So many miseries have craz'd my voice That my woe-wearied tongue is still and mute. - Edward Plantagenet, why art thou dead? QUEEN MARGARET. Plantagenet doth quit Plantagenet, Edward for Edward pays a dying debt. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Wilt thou, O God, fly from such gentle lambs, And throw them in the entrails of the wolf? When didst Thou sleep when such a deed was done? QUEEN MARGARET. When holy Harry died, and my sweet son. DUCHESS. Dead life, blind sight, poor mortal living ghost, Woe's scene, world's shame, grave's due by life usurp'd, Brief abstract and record of tedious days, Rest thy unrest on England's lawful earth, [Sitting down.] Unlawfully made drunk with innocent blood. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Ah, that thou wouldst as soon afford a grave As thou canst yield a melancholy seat! Then would I hide my bones, not rest them here. Ah, who hath any cause to mourn but we? [Sitting down by her.] QUEEN MARGARET. [Coming forward.] If ancient sorrow be most reverent, Give mine the benefit of seniory, And let my griefs frown on the upper hand. If sorrow can admit society, [Sitting down with them.] Tell o'er your woes again by viewing mine: - I had an Edward, till a Richard kill'd him; I had a Henry, till a Richard kill'd him: Thou hadst an Edward, till a Richard kill'd him; Thou hadst a Richard, till a Richard kill'd him. DUCHESS. I had a Richard too, and thou didst kill him; I had a Rutland too, thou holp'st to kill him. QUEEN MARGARET. Thou hadst a Clarence too, and Richard kill'd him. From forth the kennel of thy womb hath crept A hell-hound that doth hunt us all to death: That dog, that had his teeth before his eyes, To worry lambs and lap their gentle blood; That foul defacer of God's handiwork; That excellent grand tyrant of the earth, That reigns in galled eyes of weeping souls, - Thy womb let loose to chase us to our graves. - O upright, just, and true-disposing God, How do I thank Thee that this carnal cur Preys on the issue of his mother's body, And makes her pew-fellow with others' moan! DUCHESS. O Harry's wife, triumph not in my woes! God witness with me, I have wept for thine. QUEEN MARGARET. Bear with me; I am hungry for revenge, And now I cloy me with beholding it. Thy Edward he is dead, that kill'd my Edward; The other Edward dead to quit my Edward; Young York he is but boot, because both they Match not the high perfection of my loss: Thy Clarence he is dead that stabb'd my Edward; And the beholders of this frantic play, The adulterate Hastings, Rivers, Vaughan, Grey, Untimely smother'd in their dusky graves. Richard yet lives, hell's black intelligencer; Only reserv'd their factor to buy souls, And send them thither: but at hand, at hand, Ensues his piteous and unpitied end: Earth gapes, hell burns, fiends roar, saints pray, To have him suddenly convey'd from hence. - Cancel his bond of life, dear God, I pray, That I may live to say "The dog is dead." QUEEN ELIZABETH. O, thou didst prophesy the time would come That I should wish for thee to help me curse That bottled spider, that foul bunch-back'd toad! QUEEN MARGARET. I call'd thee then, vain flourish of my fortune; I call'd thee then, poor shadow, painted queen; The presentation of but what I was, The flattering index of a direful pageant; One heav'd a-high to be hurl'd down below, A mother only mock'd with two fair babes; A dream of what thou wast; a garish flag, To be the aim of every dangerous shot; A sign of dignity, a breath, a bubble; A queen in jest, only to fill the scene. Where is thy husband now? where be thy brothers? Where be thy two sons? wherein dost thou joy? Who sues, and kneels, and says, "God save the queen?" Where be the bending peers that flatter'd thee? Where be the thronging troops that follow'd thee? Decline all this, and see what now thou art: For happy wife, a most distressed widow; For joyful mother, one that wails the name; For one being su'd to, one that humbly sues; For queen, a very caitiff crown'd with care; For she that scorn'd at me, now scorn'd of me; For she being fear'd of all, now fearing one; For she commanding all, obey'd of none. Thus hath the course of justice wheel'd about And left thee but a very prey to time; Having no more but thought of what thou wast, To torture thee the more, being what thou art. Thou didst usurp my place, and dost thou not Usurp the just proportion of my sorrow? Now thy proud neck bears half my burden'd yoke; From which even here I slip my weary head, And leave the burden of it all on thee. Farewell, York's wife, and queen of sad mischance: - These English woes shall make me smile in France. QUEEN ELIZABETH. O thou well skill'd in curses, stay awhile, And teach me how to curse mine enemies! QUEEN MARGARET. Forbear to sleep the night, and fast the day; Compare dead happiness with living woe; Think that thy babes were sweeter than they were, And he that slew them fouler than he is; Bettering thy loss makes the bad-causer worse; Revolving this will teach thee how to curse. QUEEN ELIZABETH. My words are dull; O, quicken them with thine! QUEEN MARGARET. Thy woes will make them sharp, and pierce like mine. [Exit.] DUCHESS. Why should calamity be full of words? QUEEN ELIZABETH. Windy attorneys to their client woes, Airy succeeders of intestate joys, Poor breathing orators of miseries! Let them have scope: though what they do impart Help nothing else, yet do they ease the heart. DUCHESS. If so, then be not tongue-tied: go with me, And in the breath of bitter words let's smother My damned son, that thy two sweet sons smother'd. [Drum within.] I hear his drum: - be copious in exclaims. [Enter KING RICHARD and his Train, marching.] KING RICHARD. Who intercepts me in my expedition? DUCHESS. O, she that might have intercepted thee, By strangling thee in her accursed womb, From all the slaughters, wretch, that thou hast done! QUEEN ELIZABETH. Hidest thou that forehead with a golden crown, Where should be branded, if that right were right, The slaughter of the prince that ow'd that crown, And the dire death of my poor sons and brothers? Tell me, thou villain-slave, where are my children? DUCHESS. Thou toad, thou toad, where is thy brother Clarence? And little Ned Plantagenet, his son? QUEEN ELIZABETH. Where is the gentle Rivers, Vaughan, Grey? DUCHESS. Where is kind Hastings? KING RICHARD. A flourish, trumpets! strike alarum, drums! Let not the heavens hear these tell-tale women Rail on the Lord's anointed: strike, I say! [Flourish. Alarums.] Either be patient and entreat me fair, Or with the clamorous report of war Thus will I drown your exclamations. DUCHESS. Art thou my son? KING RICHARD. Ay, I thank God, my father, and yourself. DUCHESS. Then patiently hear my impatience. KING RICHARD. Madam, I have a touch of your condition That cannot brook the accent of reproof. DUCHESS. O, let me speak! KING RICHARD. Do, then; but I'll not hear. DUCHESS. I will be mild and gentle in my words. KING RICHARD. And brief, good mother; for I am in haste. DUCHESS. Art thou so hasty? I have stay'd for thee, God knows, in torment and in agony. KING RICHARD. And came I not at last to comfort you? DUCHESS. No, by the holy rood, thou know'st it well Thou cam'st on earth to make the earth my hell. A grievous burden was thy birth to me; Tetchy and wayward was thy infancy; Thy school-days frightful, desperate, wild, and furious; Thy prime of manhood daring, bold, and venturous; Thy age confirm'd, proud, subtle, sly, and bloody, More mild, but yet more harmful, kind in hatred: What comfortable hour canst thou name That ever grac'd me with thy company? KING RICHARD. Faith, none but Humphrey Hour, that call'd your grace To breakfast once forth of my company. If I be so disgracious in your eye, Let me march on and not offend you, madam. - Strike up the drum. DUCHESS. I pr'ythee hear me speak. KING RICHARD. You speak too bitterly. DUCHESS. Hear me a word; For I shall never speak to thee again. KING RICHARD. So. DUCHESS. Either thou wilt die by God's just ordinance Ere from this war thou turn a conqueror; Or I with grief and extreme age shall perish And never more behold thy face again. Therefore take with thee my most grievous curse; Which in the day of battle tire thee more Than all the complete armour that thou wear'st! My prayers on the adverse party fight; And there the little souls of Edward's children Whisper the spirits of thine enemies, And promise them success and victory. Bloody thou art; bloody will be thy end: Shame serves thy life and doth thy death attend. [Exit.] QUEEN ELIZABETH. Though far more cause, yet much less spirit to curse Abides in me; I say amen to her. [Going.] KING RICHARD. Stay, madam, I must talk a word with you. QUEEN ELIZABETH. I have no more sons of the royal blood For thee to slaughter: for my daughters, Richard, - They shall be praying nuns, not weeping queens; And therefore level not to hit their lives. KING RICHARD. You have a daughter call'd Elizabeth. Virtuous and fair, royal and gracious. QUEEN ELIZABETH. And must she die for this? O, let her live, And I'll corrupt her manners, stain her beauty: Slander myself as false to Edward's bed; Throw over her the veil of infamy: So she may live unscarr'd of bleeding slaughter, I will confess she was not Edward's daughter. KING RICHARD. Wrong not her birth; she is of royal blood. QUEEN ELIZABETH. To save her life I'll say she is not so. KING RICHARD. Her life is safest only in her birth. QUEEN ELIZABETH. And only in that safety died her brothers. KING RICHARD. Lo, at their births good stars were opposite. QUEEN ELIZABETH. No, to their lives bad friends were contrary. KING RICHARD. All unavoided is the doom of destiny. QUEEN ELIZABETH. True, when avoided grace makes destiny: My babes were destined to a fairer death, If grace had bless'd thee with a fairer life. KING RICHARD. You speak as if that I had slain my cousins. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Cousins, indeed; and by their uncle cozen'd Of comfort, kingdom, kindred, freedom, life. Whose hand soever lanc'd their tender hearts, Thy head, all indirectly, gave direction: No doubt the murderous knife was dull and blunt Till it was whetted on thy stone-hard heart, To revel in the entrails of my lambs. But that still use of grief makes wild grief tame, My tongue should to thy ears not name my boys Till that my nails were anchor'd in thine eyes; And I, in such a desperate bay of death, Like a poor bark, of sails and tackling reft, Rush all to pieces on thy rocky bosom. KING RICHARD. Madam, so thrive I in my enterprise And dangerous success of bloody wars, As I intend more good to you and yours Than ever you or yours by me were harm'd! QUEEN ELIZABETH. What good is cover'd with the face of heaven, To be discover'd, that can do me good? KING RICHARD. Advancement of your children, gentle lady. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Up to some scaffold, there to lose their heads? KING RICHARD. Unto the dignity and height of honour, The high imperial type of this earth's glory. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Flatter my sorrows with report of it; Tell me what state, what dignity, what honour, Canst thou demise to any child of mine? KING RICHARD. Even all I have; ay, and myself and all Will I withal endow a child of thine; So in the Lethe of thy angry soul Thou drown the sad remembrance of those wrongs Which thou supposest I have done to thee. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Be brief, lest that the process of thy kindness Last longer telling than thy kindness' date. KING RICHARD. Then know, that from my soul I love thy daughter. QUEEN ELIZABETH. My daughter's mother thinks it with her soul. KING RICHARD. What do you think? QUEEN ELIZABETH. That thou dost love my daughter from thy soul: So from thy soul's love didst thou love her brothers; And from my heart's love I do thank thee for it. KING RICHARD. Be not so hasty to confound my meaning: I mean that with my soul I love thy daughter, And do intend to make her Queen of England. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Well, then, who dost thou mean shall be her king? KING RICHARD. Even he that makes her queen: who else should be? QUEEN ELIZABETH. What, thou? KING RICHARD. I, even I: what think you of it, madam? QUEEN ELIZABETH. How canst thou woo her? KING RICHARD. That would I learn of you, As one being best acquainted with her humour. QUEEN ELIZABETH. And wilt thou learn of me? KING RICHARD. Madam, with all my heart. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Send to her, by the man that slew her brothers, A pair of bleeding hearts; thereon engrave "Edward" and "York." Then haply will she weep: Therefore present to her, - as sometimes Margaret Did to thy father, steep'd in Rutland's blood, - A handkerchief; which, say to her, did drain The purple sap from her sweet brothers' bodies, And bid her wipe her weeping eyes withal. If this inducement move her not to love, Send her a letter of thy noble deeds; Tell her thou mad'st away her uncle Clarence, Her uncle Rivers; ay, and for her sake Mad'st quick conveyance with her good aunt Anne. KING RICHARD. You mock me, madam; this is not the way To win your daughter. QUEEN ELIZABETH. There is no other way; Unless thou couldst put on some other shape, And not be Richard that hath done all this. KING RICHARD. Say that I did all this for love of her? QUEEN ELIZABETH. Nay, then indeed she cannot choose but hate thee, Having bought love with such a bloody spoil. KING RICHARD. Look, what is done cannot be now amended: Men shall deal unadvisedly sometimes, Which after-hours gives leisure to repent. If I did take the kingdom from your sons, To make amends I'll give it to your daughter. If I have kill'd the issue of your womb, To quicken your increase I will beget Mine issue of your blood upon your daughter. A grandam's name is little less in love Than is the doating title of a mother; They are as children but one step below, Even of your mettle, of your very blood; Of all one pain, - save for a night of groans Endur'd of her, for whom you bid like sorrow. Your children were vexation to your youth; But mine shall be a comfort to your age. The loss you have is but a son being king, And by that loss your daughter is made queen. I cannot make you what amends I would, Therefore accept such kindness as I can. Dorset your son, that with a fearful soul Leads discontented steps in foreign soil, This fair alliance quickly shall call home To high promotions and great dignity: The king, that calls your beauteous daughter wife, Familiarly shall call thy Dorset brother; Again shall you be mother to a king, And all the ruins of distressful times Repair'd with double riches of content. What! we have many goodly days to see: The liquid drops of tears that you have shed Shall come again, transform'd to orient pearl, Advantaging their loan with interest Of ten times double gain of happiness. Go, then, my mother, to thy daughter go; Make bold her bashful years with your experience; Prepare her ears to hear a wooer's tale: Put in her tender heart the aspiring flame Of golden sovereignty; acquaint the princess With the sweet silent hours of marriage joys: And when this arm of mine hath chastised The petty rebel, dull-brain'd Buckingham, Bound with triumphant garlands will I come, And lead thy daughter to a conqueror's bed; To whom I will retail my conquest won, And she shall be sole victoress, Caesar's Caesar. QUEEN ELIZABETH. What were I best to say? her father's brother Would be her lord? or shall I say her uncle? Or he that slew her brothers and her uncles? Under what title shall I woo for thee, That God, the law, my honour, and her love Can make seem pleasing to her tender years? KING RICHARD. Infer fair England's peace by this alliance. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Which she shall purchase with still-lasting war. KING RICHARD. Tell her the king, that may command, entreats. QUEEN ELIZABETH. That at her hands which the king's King forbids. KING RICHARD. Say she shall be a high and mighty queen. QUEEN ELIZABETH. To wail the title, as her mother doth. KING RICHARD. Say I will love her everlastingly. QUEEN ELIZABETH. But how long shall that title, "ever," last? KING RICHARD. Sweetly in force unto her fair life's end. QUEEN ELIZABETH. But how long fairly shall her sweet life last? KING RICHARD. As long as heaven and nature lengthens it. QUEEN ELIZABETH. As long as hell and Richard likes of it. KING RICHARD. Say I, her sovereign, am her subject low. QUEEN ELIZABETH. But she, your subject, loathes such sovereignty. KING RICHARD. Be eloquent in my behalf to her. QUEEN ELIZABETH. An honest tale speeds best being plainly told. KING RICHARD. Then plainly to her tell my loving tale. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Plain and not honest is too harsh a style. KING RICHARD. Your reasons are too shallow and too quick. QUEEN ELIZABETH. O, no, my reasons are too deep and dead; - Too deep and dead, poor infants, in their graves. KING RICHARD. Harp not on that string, madam; that is past. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Harp on it still shall I till heartstrings break. KING RICHARD. Now, by my George, my garter, and my crown, - QUEEN ELIZABETH. Profan'd, dishonour'd, and the third usurp'd. KING RICHARD. I swear, - QUEEN ELIZABETH. By nothing; for this is no oath: Thy George, profan'd, hath lost his lordly honour; Thy garter, blemish'd, pawn'd his knightly virtue; Thy crown, usurp'd, disgrac'd his kingly glory. If something thou wouldst swear to be believ'd, Swear then by something that thou hast not wrong'd. KING RICHARD. Now, by the world, - QUEEN ELIZABETH. 'Tis full of thy foul wrongs. KING RICHARD. My father's death, - QUEEN ELIZABETH. Thy life hath that dishonour'd. KING RICHARD. Then, by myself, - QUEEN ELIZABETH. Thy self is self-misus'd. KING RICHARD. Why, then, by God, - QUEEN ELIZABETH. God's wrong is most of all. If thou hadst fear'd to break an oath by Him, The unity the king thy brother made Had not been broken, nor my brother slain: If thou hadst fear'd to break an oath by Him, The imperial metal, circling now thy head, Had grac'd the tender temples of my child; And both the princes had been breathing here, Which now, two tender bedfellows for dust, Thy broken faith hath made a prey for worms. What canst thou swear by now? KING RICHARD. The time to come. QUEEN ELIZABETH. That thou hast wronged in the time o'erpast; For I myself have many tears to wash Hereafter time, for time past wronged by thee. The children live whose fathers thou hast slaughter'd, Ungovern'd youth, to wail it in their age; The parents live whose children thou hast butcher'd, Old barren plants, to wail it with their age. Swear not by time to come: for that thou hast Misus'd ere used, by times ill-us'd o'erpast. KING RICHARD. As I intend to prosper and repent! So thrive I in my dangerous attempt Of hostile arms! myself myself confound! Heaven and fortune bar me happy hours! Day, yield me not thy light; nor, night, thy rest! Be opposite all planets of good luck To my proceeding! - if, with pure heart's love, Immaculate devotion, holy thoughts, I tender not thy beauteous princely daughter! In her consists my happiness and thine; Without her, follows to myself and thee, Herself, the land, and many a Christian soul, Death, desolation, ruin, and decay: It cannot be avoided but by this; It will not be avoided but by this. Therefore, dear mother, - I must call you so, - Be the attorney of my love to her: Plead what I will be, not what I have been; Not my deserts, but what I will deserve: Urge the necessity and state of times, And be not peevish found in great designs. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Shall I be tempted of the devil thus? KING RICHARD. Ay, if the devil tempt you to do good. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Shall I forget myself to be myself? KING RICHARD. Ay, if your self's remembrance wrong yourself. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Yet thou didst kill my children. KING RICHARD. But in your daughter's womb I bury them: Where, in that nest of spicery, they shall breed Selves of themselves, to your recomforture. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Shall I go win my daughter to thy will? KING RICHARD. And be a happy mother by the deed. QUEEN ELIZABETH. I go. - Write to me very shortly, And you shall understand from me her mind. KING RICHARD. Bear her my true love's kiss; and so, farewell. [Kissing her. Exit QUEEN ELIZABETH.] Relenting fool, and shallow, changing woman! [Enter RATCLIFF; CATESBY following.] How now! what news? RATCLIFF. Most mighty sovereign, on the western coast Rideth a puissant navy; to the shore Throng many doubtful hollow-hearted friends, Unarm'd, and unresolv'd to beat them back: 'Tis thought that Richmond is their admiral; And there they hull, expecting but the aid Of Buckingham to welcome them ashore. KING RICHARD. Some light-foot friend post to the Duke of Norfolk: - Ratcliff, thyself, - or Catesby; where is he? CATESBY. Here, my good lord. KING RICHARD. Catesby, fly to the duke. CATESBY. I will my lord, with all convenient haste. KING RICHARD. Ratcliff, come hither: post to Salisbury: When thou com'st thither, - [To CATESBY.] Dull, unmindful villain, Why stay'st thou here, and go'st not to the duke? CATESBY. First, mighty liege, tell me your highness' pleasure, What from your grace I shall deliver to him. KING RICHARD. O, true, good Catesby: - bid him levy straight The greatest strength and power that he can make, And meet me suddenly at Salisbury. CATESBY. I go. [Exit.] RATCLIFF. What, may it please you, shall I do at Salisbury? KING RICHARD. Why, what wouldst thou do there before I go? RATCLIFF. Your highness told me I should post before. [Enter STANLEY.] KING RICHARD. My mind is chang'd. - Stanley, what news with you? STANLEY. None good, my liege, to please you with the hearing; Nor none so bad but well may be reported. KING RICHARD. Hoyday, a riddle! neither good nor bad! What need'st thou run so many miles about, When thou mayest tell thy tale the nearest way? Once more, what news? STANLEY. Richmond is on the seas. KING RICHARD. There let him sink, and be the seas on him! White-liver'd runagate, what doth he there? STANLEY. I know not, mighty sovereign, but by guess. KING RICHARD. Well, as you guess? STANLEY. Stirr'd up by Dorset, Buckingham, and Morton, He makes for England here, to claim the crown. KING RICHARD. Is the chair empty? is the sword unsway'd? Is the king dead? the empire unpossess'd? What heir of York is there alive but we? And who is England's king but great York's heir? Then tell me, what makes he upon the seas? STANLEY. Unless for that, my liege, I cannot guess. KING RICHARD. Unless for that he comes to be your liege, You cannot guess wherefore the Welshman comes. Thou wilt revolt and fly to him, I fear. STANLEY. No, mighty leige; therefore mistrust me not. KING RICHARD. Where is thy power, then, to beat him back? Where be thy tenants and thy followers? Are they not now upon the western shore, Safe-conducting the rebels from their ships? STANLEY. No, my good lord, my friends are in the north. KING RICHARD. Cold friends to me: what do they in the north, When they should serve their sovereign in the west? STANLEY. They have not been commanded, mighty king: Pleaseth your majesty to give me leave, I'll muster up my friends, and meet your grace Where and what time your majesty shall please. KING RICHARD. Ay, ay, thou wouldst be gone to join with Richmond; But I'll not trust thee. STANLEY. Most mighty sovereign, You have no cause to hold my friendship doubtful: I never was nor never will be false. KING RICHARD. Go, then, and muster men. But leave behind Your son, George Stanley: look your heart be firm, Or else his head's assurance is but frail. STANLEY. So deal with him as I prove true to you. [Exit.] [Enter a MESSENGER.] MESSENGER. My gracious sovereign, now in Devonshire, As I by friends am well advertised, Sir Edward Courtney, and the haughty prelate, Bishop of Exeter, his elder brother, With many more confederates, are in arms. [Enter a second MESSENGER.] SECOND MESSENGER. In Kent, my liege, the Guilfords are in arms; And every hour more competitors Flock to the rebels, and their power grows strong. [Enter a third MESSENGER.] THIRD MESSENGER. My lord, the army of great Buckingham, - KING RICHARD. Out on you, owls! Nothing but songs of death? [He strikes him.] There, take thou that till thou bring better news. THIRD MESSENGER. The news I have to tell your majesty Is, that by sudden floods and fall of waters, Buckingham's army is dispers'd and scatter'd; And he himself wander'd away alone, No man knows whither. KING RICHARD. I cry you mercy: There is my purse to cure that blow of thine. Hath any well-advised friend proclaim'd Reward to him that brings the traitor in? THIRD MESSENGER. Such proclamation hath been made, my liege. [Enter a fourth MESSENGER.] FOURTH MESSENGER. Sir Thomas Lovel and Lord Marquis Dorset, 'Tis said, my liege, in Yorkshire are in arms. But this good comfort bring I to your highness, - The Britagne navy is dispers'd by tempest: Richmond, in Dorsetshire, sent out a boat Unto the shore, to ask those on the banks If they were his assistants, yea or no; Who answer'd him they came from Buckingham Upon his party. He, mistrusting them, Hois'd sail, and made his course again for Britagne. KING RICHARD. March on, march on, since we are up in arms; If not to fight with foreign enemies, Yet to beat down these rebels here at home. [Re-enter CATESBY.] CATESBY. My liege, the Duke of Buckingham is taken, - That is the best news: that the Earl of Richmond Is with a mighty power landed at Milford Is colder tidings, yet they must be told. KING RICHARD. Away towards Salisbury! while we reason here A royal battle might be won and lost: - Some one take order Buckingham be brought To Salisbury; the rest march on with me. [Flourish. Exeunt.] SCENE V. A Room in LORD STANLEY'S house. [Enter STANLEY and SIR CHRISTOPHER URSWICK.] STANLEY. Sir Christopher, tell Richmond this from me: - That in the sty of the most deadly boar My son George Stanley is frank'd up in hold: If I revolt, off goes young George's head; The fear of that holds off my present aid. So, get thee gone: commend me to thy lord; Withal say that the queen hath heartily consented He should espouse Elizabeth her daughter. But tell me, where is princely Richmond now? CHRISTOPHER. At Pembroke, or at Ha'rford-west in Wales. STANLEY. What men of name resort to him? CHRISTOPHER. Sir Walter Herbert, a renowned soldier; Sir Gilbert Talbot, Sir William Stanley; Oxford, redoubted Pembroke, Sir James Blunt, And Rice ap Thomas, with a valiant crew; And many other of great name and worth: And towards London do they bend their power, If by the way they be not fought withal. STANLEY. Well, hie thee to thy lord; I kiss his hand; My letter will resolve him of my mind. Farewell. [Gives papers to SIR CHRISTOPHER. Exeunt.] ACT V. SCENE I. Salisbury. An open place. [Enter the Sheriff and Guard, with BUCKINGHAM, led to execution.] BUCKINGHAM. Will not King Richard let me speak with him? SHERIFF. No, my good lord; therefore be patient. BUCKINGHAM. Hastings, and Edward's children, Grey, and Rivers, Holy King Henry, and thy fair son Edward, Vaughan, and all that have miscarried By underhand corrupted foul injustice, - If that your moody discontented souls Do through the clouds behold this present hour, Even for revenge mock my destruction! - This is All-Souls' day, fellow, is it not? SHERIFF. It is, my lord. BUCKINGHAM. Why, then All-Souls' day is my body's doomsday. This is the day which in King Edward's time I wish'd might fall on me, when I was found False to his children and his wife's allies; This is the day wherein I wish'd to fall By the false faith of him whom most I trusted; This, this All-Souls' day to my fearful soul Is the determin'd respite of my wrongs: That high All-Seer which I dallied with Hath turn'd my feigned prayer on my head And given in earnest what I begg'd in jest. Thus doth He force the swords of wicked men To turn their own points in their masters' bosoms: Thus Margaret's curse falls heavy on my neck, - "When he," quoth she, "shall split thy heart with sorrow, Remember Margaret was a prophetess." - Come lead me, officers, to the block of shame; Wrong hath but wrong, and blame the due of blame. [Exeunt.] SCENE II. Plain near Tamworth. [Enter with drum and colours, RICHMOND, OXFORD, SIR JAMES BLUNT, SIR WALTER HERBERT, and others, with Forces, marching.] RICHMOND. Fellows in arms, and my most loving friends, Bruis'd underneath the yoke of tyranny, Thus far into the bowels of the land Have we march'd on without impediment; And here receive we from our father Stanley Lines of fair comfort and encouragement. The wretched, bloody, and usurping boar That spoil'd your summer fields and fruitful vines, Swills your warm blood like wash, and makes his trough In your embowell'd bosoms, - this foul swine Lies now even in the centre of this isle, Near to the town of Leicester, as we learn: From Tamworth thither is but one day's march. In God's name cheerly on, courageous friends, To reap the harvest of perpetual peace By this one bloody trial of sharp war. OXFORD. Every man's conscience is a thousand swords, To fight against that bloody homicide. HERBERT. I doubt not but his friends will turn to us. BLUNT. He hath no friends but what are friends for fear, Which in his dearest need will fly from him. RICHMOND. All for our vantage. Then in God's name, march: True hope is swift, and flies with swallow's wings; Kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings. [Exeunt.] SCENE III. Bosworth Field. [Enter KING RICHARD and Forces; the DUKE OF NORFOLK, the EARL of SURREY, and others.] KING RICHARD. Here pitch our tents, even here in Bosworth field. - My Lord of Surrey, why look you so sad? SURREY. My heart is ten times lighter than my looks. KING RICHARD. My Lord of Norfolk, - NORFOLK. Here, most gracious liege. KING RICHARD. Norfolk, we must have knocks; ha! must we not? NORFOLK. We must both give and take, my loving lord. KING RICHARD. Up With my tent! Here will I lie to-night; [Soldiers begin to set up the King's tent.] But where to-morrow? Well, all's one for that. - Who hath descried the number of the traitors? NORFOLK. Six or seven thousand is their utmost power. KING RICHARD. Why, our battalia trebles that account: Besides, the king's name is a tower of strength, Which they upon the adverse faction want. - Up with the tent! - Come, noble gentlemen, Let us survey the vantage of the ground; - Call for some men of sound direction: - Let's lack no discipline, make no delay; For, lords, to-morrow is a busy day. [Exeunt.] [Enter, on the other side of the field, RICHMOND, SIR WILLIAM BRANDON, OXFORD, and other Lords. Some of the Soldiers pitch RICHMOND'S tent.] RICHMOND. The weary sun hath made a golden set, And by the bright tract of his fiery car Gives token of a goodly day to-morrow. Sir William Brandon, you shall bear my standard. - Give me some ink and paper in my tent: I'll draw the form and model of our battle, Limit each leader to his several charge, And part in just proportion our small power. - My Lord of Oxford, - you, Sir William Brandon, - And you, Sir Walter Herbert, - stay with me. - The Earl of Pembroke keeps his regiment: - Good Captain Blunt, bear my good night to him, And by the second hour in the morning Desire the earl to see me in my tent: Yet one thing more, good captain, do for me, - Where is Lord Stanley quarter'd, do you know? BLUNT. Unless I have mista'en his colours much, - Which well I am assur'd I have not done, - His regiment lies half a mile at least South from the mighty power of the king. RICHMOND. If without peril it be possible, Sweet Blunt, make some good means to speak with him And give him from me this most needful note. BLUNT. Upon my life, my lord, I'll undertake it; And so, God give you quiet rest to-night! RICHMOND. Good night, good Captain Blunt. - Come, gentlemen, Let us consult upon to-morrow's business: In to my tent; the air is raw and cold. [They withdraw into the tent.] [Enter, to his tent, KING RICHARD, NORFOLK, RATCLIFF, and CATESBY.] KING RICHARD. What is't o'clock? CATESBY. It's supper-time, my lord; It's six o'clock. KING RICHARD. I will not sup to-night. - Give me some ink and paper. - What, is my beaver easier than it was? And all my armour laid into my tent? CATESBY. It is, my liege; and all things are in readiness. KING RICHARD. Good Norfolk, hie thee to thy charge; Use careful watch, choose trusty sentinels. NORFOLK. I go, my lord. KING RICHARD. Stir with the lark to-morrow, gentle Norfolk. NORFOLK. I warrant you, my lord. [Exit.] KING RICHARD. Ratcliff, - RATCLIFF. My lord? KING RICHARD. Send out a pursuivant-at-arms To Stanley's regiment; bid him bring his power Before sunrising, lest his son George fall Into the blind cave of eternal night. - Fill me a bowl of wine. - Give me a watch. - Saddle white Surrey for the field to-morrow. - Look that my staves be sound, and not too heavy. - Ratcliff, - RATCLIFF. My lord? KING RICHARD. Saw'st thou the melancholy Lord Northumberland? RATCLIFF. Thomas the Earl of Surrey and himself, Much about cock-shut time, from troop to troop Went through the army, cheering up the soldiers. KING RICHARD. So, I am satisfied. - Give me a bowl of wine: I have not that alacrity of spirit Nor cheer of mind that I was wont to have. Set it down. - Is ink and paper ready? RATCLIFF. It is, my lord. KING RICHARD. Bid my guard watch; leave me. Ratcliff, about the mid of night come to my tent And help to arm me. Leave me, I say. [KING RICHARD retires into his tent. Exeunt RATCLIFF and CATESBY.] [RICHMOND's tent opens, and discovers him and his Officers, &c.] STANLEY. Fortune and victory sit on thy helm! RICHMOND. All comfort that the dark night can afford Be to thy person, noble father-in-law! Tell me, how fares our loving mother? STANLEY. I, by attorney, bless thee from thy mother, Who prays continually for Richmond's good. So much for that. - The silent hours steal on, And flaky darkness breaks within the east. In brief, - for so the season bids us be, - Prepare thy battle early in the morning, And put thy fortune to the arbitrement Of bloody strokes and mortal-staring war. I, as I may, - that which I would I cannot, - With best advantage will deceive the time, And aid thee in this doubtful stroke of arms: But on thy side I may not be too forward, Lest, being seen, thy brother, tender George, Be executed in his father's sight. Farewell: the leisure and the fearful time Cuts off the ceremonious vows of love And ample interchange of sweet discourse, Which so-long-sunder'd friends should dwell upon: God give us leisure for these rites of love! Once more, adieu: be valiant, and speed well! RICHMOND. Good lords, conduct him to his regiment: I'll strive with troubled thoughts to take a nap, Lest leaden slumber peise me down to-morrow, When I should mount with wings of victory: Once more, good night, kind lords and gentlemen. [Exeunt Lords, &c., with STANLEY.] O Thou Whose captain I account myself, Look on my forces with a gracious eye; Put in their hands Thy bruising irons of wrath, That they may crush down with a heavy fall The usurping helmets of our adversaries! Make us Thy ministers of chastisement, That we may praise Thee in Thy victory! To Thee I do commend my watchful soul Ere I let fall the windows of mine eyes: Sleeping and waking, O, defend me still! [Sleeps.] [The Ghost of PRINCE EDWARD, son to HENRY THE SIXTH, rises between the two tents.] GHOST. [To KING RICHARD.] Let me sit heavy on thy soul to-morrow! Think how thou stabb'dst me in my prime of youth At Tewksbury: despair, therefore, and die! - [To RICHMOND.] Be cheerful, Richmond; for the wronged souls Of butcher'd princes fight in thy behalf: King Henry's issue, Richmond, comforts thee. [The Ghost of HENRY THE SIXTH rises.] GHOST. [To KING RICHARD.] When I was mortal, my anointed body By thee was punched full of deadly holes: Think on the Tower and me: despair, and die, - Harry the Sixth bids thee despair and die. - [To RICHMOND.] Virtuous and holy, be thou conqueror! Harry, that prophesied thou shouldst be king, Doth comfort thee in thy sleep: live, and flourish! [The Ghost of CLARENCE rises.] GHOST. [To KING RICHARD.] Let me sit heavy in thy soul to-morrow! I that was wash'd to death with fulsome wine, Poor Clarence, by thy guile betray'd to death! To-morrow in the battle think on me, And fall thy edgeless sword: despair, and die! - [To RICHMOND.] Thou offspring of the house of Lancaster, The wronged heirs of York do pray for thee: Good angels guard thy battle! live, and flourish! [The Ghosts of RIVERS, GREY, and VAUGHAN rise.] GHOST OF RIVERS. [To KING RICHARD.] Let me sit heavy in thy soul to-morrow, Rivers that died at Pomfret! despair and die! GHOST OF GREY. [To KING RICHARD.] Think upon Grey, and let thy soul despair! GHOST OF VAUGHAN. [To KING RICHARD.] Think upon Vaughan, and, with guilty fear, Let fall thy lance: despair and die! - ALL THREE. [To RICHMOND.] Awake, and think our wrongs in Richard's bosom Will conquer him! - awake, and win the day! [The GHOST of HASTINGS rises.] GHOST. [To KING RICHARD.] Bloody and guilty, guiltily awake, And in a bloody battle end thy days! Think on Lord Hastings: despair and die! - [To RICHMOND.] Quiet untroubled soul, awake, awake! Arm, fight, and conquer, for fair England's sake! [The Ghosts of the two young PRINCES rise.] GHOSTS. [To KING RICHARD.] Dream on thy cousins smothered in the Tower: Let us be lead within thy bosom, Richard, And weigh thee down to ruin, shame, and death! Thy nephews' souls bid thee despair and die! - [To RICHMOND.] Sleep, Richmond, sleep in peace, and wake in joy; Good angels guard thee from the boar's annoy! Live, and beget a happy race of kings! Edward's unhappy sons do bid thee flourish. [The GHOST of QUEEN ANNE rises.] GHOST. [To KING RICHARD.] Richard, thy wife, that wretched Anne thy wife, That never slept a quiet hour with thee, Now fills thy sleep with perturbations: To-morrow in the battle think on me, And fall thy edgeless sword: despair and die! - [To RICHMOND.] Thou quiet soul, sleep thou a quiet sleep; Dream of success and happy victory: Thy adversary's wife doth pray for thee. [The Ghost of BUCKINGHAM rises.] GHOST. [To KING RICHARD.] The first was I that help'd thee to the crown; The last was I that felt thy tyranny: O, in the battle think on Buckingham, And die in terror of thy guiltiness! Dream on, dream on of bloody deeds and death: Fainting, despair; despairing, yield thy breath! - [To RICHMOND.] I died for hope ere I could lend thee aid: But cheer thy heart and be thou not dismay'd: God and good angels fight on Richmond's side; And Richard falls in height of all his pride. [The GHOSTS vanish. KING RICHARD starts out of his dream.] KING RICHARD. Give me another horse, - bind up my wounds, - Have mercy, Jesu! - Soft! I did but dream. - O coward conscience, how dost thou afflict me! - The lights burn blue. - It is now dead midnight. Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh. What, do I fear myself? there's none else by: Richard loves Richard; that is, I am I. Is there a murderer here? No; - yes, I am: Then fly. What, from myself? Great reason why, - Lest I revenge. What, - myself upon myself! Alack, I love myself. Wherefore? for any good That I myself have done unto myself? O, no! alas, I rather hate myself For hateful deeds committed by myself! I am a villain: yet I lie, I am not. Fool, of thyself speak well: - fool, do not flatter. My conscience hath a thousand several tongues, And every tongue brings in a several tale, And every tale condemns me for a villain. Perjury, perjury, in the high'st degree; Murder, stern murder, in the dir'st degree; All several sins, all us'd in each degree, Throng to the bar, crying all "Guilty! guilty!" I shall despair. There is no creature loves me; And if I die no soul will pity me: And wherefore should they, - since that I myself Find in myself no pity to myself? Methought the souls of all that I had murder'd Came to my tent; and every one did threat To-morrow's vengeance on the head of Richard. [Enter RATCLIFF.] RATCLIFF. My lord, - KING RICHARD. Who's there? RATCLIFF. Ratcliff, my lord; 'tis I. The early village-cock Hath twice done salutation to the morn; Your friends are up, and buckle on their armour. KING RICHARD. O Ratcliff, I have dream'd a fearful dream! - What think'st thou, - will our friends prove all true? RATCLIFF. No doubt, my lord. KING RICHARD. O Ratcliff, I fear, I fear, - RATCLIFF. Nay, good my lord, be not afraid of shadows. KING RICHARD By the apostle Paul, shadows to-night Have stuck more terror to the soul of Richard Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers Armed in proof and led by shallow Richmond. It is not yet near day. Come, go with me; Under our tents I'll play the eaves-dropper, To see if any mean to shrink from me. [Exeunt KING RICHARD and RATCLIFF.] [RICHMOND wakes. Enter OXFORD and others.] LORDS. Good morrow, Richmond! RICHMOND. Cry mercy, lords and watchful gentlemen, That you have ta'en a tardy sluggard here. LORDS. How have you slept, my lord? RICHMOND. The sweetest sleep and fairest-boding dreams That ever enter'd in a drowsy head Have I since your departure had, my lords. Methought their souls whose bodies Richard murder'd Came to my tent and cried on victory: I promise you, my heart is very jocund In the remembrance of so fair a dream. How far into the morning is it, lords? LORDS. Upon the stroke of four. RICHMOND. Why, then 'tis time to arm and give direction. - [He advances to the Troops.] More than I have said, loving countrymen, The leisure and enforcement of the time Forbids to dwell on: yet remember this, - God and our good cause fight upon our side; The prayers of holy saints and wronged souls, Like high-rear'd bulwarks, stand before our faces; Richard except, those whom we fight against Had rather have us win than him they follow: For what is he they follow? truly, gentlemen, A bloody tyrant and a homicide; One rais'd in blood, and one in blood establish'd; One that made means to come by what he hath, And slaughter'd those that were the means to help him; A base foul stone, made precious by the foil Of England's chair, where he is falsely set; One that hath ever been God's enemy. Then, if you fight against God's enemy, God will, in justice, ward you as His soldiers; If you do sweat to put a tyrant down, You sleep in peace, the tyrant being slain; If you do fight against your country's foes, Your country's fat shall pay your pains the hire; If you do fight in safeguard of your wives, Your wives shall welcome home the conquerors; If you do free your children from the sword, Your children's children quit it in your age. Then, in the name of God and all these rights, Advance your standards, draw your willing swords. For me, the ransom of my bold attempt Shall be this cold corpse on the earth's cold face; But if I thrive, the gain of my attempt The least of you shall share his part thereof. Sound drums and trumpets boldly and cheerfully; God and Saint George! Richmond and victory! [Exeunt.] [Re-enter KING RICHARD, RATCLIFF, Attendants, and Forces.] KING RICHARD. What said Northumberland as touching Richmond? RATCLIFF. That he was never trained up in arms. KING RICHARD. He said the truth; and what said Surrey then? RATCLIFF. He smil'd, and said, "the better for our purpose." KING RICHARD. He was in the right; and so indeed it is. [Clock strikes.] Tell the clock there. - Give me a calendar. - Who saw the sun to-day? RATCLIFF. Not I, my lord. KING RICHARD. Then he disdains to shine; for by the book He should have brav'd the east an hour ago: A black day will it be to somebody. - Ratcliff, - RATCLIFF. My lord? KING RICHARD. The sun will not be seen to-day; The sky doth frown and lower upon our army. I would these dewy tears were from the ground. Not shine to-day! Why, what is that to me More than to Richmond? for the selfsame heaven That frowns on me looks sadly upon him. [Enter NORFOLK.] NORFOLK. Arm, arm, my lord; the foe vaunts in the field. KING RICHARD. Come, bustle, bustle; caparison my horse; - Call up Lord Stanley, bid him bring his power: I will lead forth my soldiers to the plain, And thus my battle shall be ordered: - My foreward shall be drawn out all in length, Consisting equally of horse and foot; Our archers shall be placed in the midst: John Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Earl of Surrey, Shall have the leading of this foot and horse. They thus directed, we will follow In the main battle; whose puissance on either side Shall be well winged with our chiefest horse. This, and Saint George to boot! - What think'st thou, Norfolk? NORFOLK. A good direction, warlike sovereign. - This found I on my tent this morning. [Giving a scroll.] KING RICHARD. [Reads.] "Jockey of Norfolk, be not too bold, For Dickon thy master is bought and sold." A thing devised by the enemy. - Go, gentlemen, every man unto his charge: Let not our babbling dreams affright our souls; Conscience is but a word that cowards use, Devis'd at first to keep the strong in awe: Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law. March on, join bravely, let us to't pell-mell; If not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell. - What shall I say more than I have inferr'd? Remember whom you are to cope withal; - A sort of vagabonds, rascals, and runaways, A scum of Britagnes, and base lackey peasants, Whom their o'er-cloyed country vomits forth To desperate adventures and assur'd destruction. You sleeping safe, they bring to you unrest; You having lands, and bless'd with beauteous wives, They would restrain the one, distain the other. And who doth lead them but a paltry fellow, Long kept in Britagne at our mother's cost? A milk-sop, one that never in his life Felt so much cold as over shoes in snow? Let's whip these stragglers o'er the seas again; Lash hence these over-weening rags of France, These famish'd beggars, weary of their lives; Who, but for dreaming on this fond exploit, For want of means, poor rats, had hang'd themselves: If we be conquered, let men conquer us, And not these bastard Britagnes, whom our fathers Have in their own land beaten, bobb'd, and thump'd, And, on record, left them the heirs of shame. Shall these enjoy our lands? lie with our wives, Ravish our daughters? - Hark! I hear their drum. [Drum afar off.] Fight, gentlemen of England! fight, bold yeomen! Draw, archers, draw your arrows to the head! Spur your proud horses hard, and ride in blood; Amaze the welkin with your broken staves! [Enter a MESSENGER.] What says Lord Stanley? will he bring his power? MESSENGER. My lord, he doth deny to come. KING RICHARD. Off with his son George's head! NORFOLK. My lord, the enemy is pass'd the marsh: After the battle let George Stanley die. KING RICHARD. A thousand hearts are great within my bosom: Advance our standards, set upon our foes; Our ancient word of courage, fair Saint George, Inspire us with the spleen of fiery dragons! Upon them! Victory sits on our helms. [Exeunt.] SCENE IV. Another part of the Field. [Alarum; excursions. Enter NORFOLK and forces; to him CATESBY.] CATESBY. Rescue, my Lord of Norfolk, rescue, rescue! The king enacts more wonders than a man, Daring an opposite to every danger: His horse is slain, and all on foot he fights, Seeking for Richmond in the throat of death. Rescue, fair lord, or else the day is lost! [Alarum. Enter KING RICHARD.] KING RICHARD. A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse! CATESBY. Withdraw, my lord! I'll help you to a horse. KING RICHARD. Slave, I have set my life upon a cast, And I will stand the hazard of the die: I think there be six Richmonds in the field: Five have I slain to-day instead of him. - A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse! [Exeunt.] SCENE V. Another part of the Field. [Alarums. Enter, from opposite sides, KING RICHARD and RICHMOND; and exeunt fighting. Retreat and flourish. Then re-enter RICHMOND, with STANLEY bearing the crown, and divers other Lords and Forces.] RICHMOND. God and your arms be prais'd, victorious friends; The day is ours, the bloody dog is dead. STANLEY. Courageous Richmond, well hast thou acquit thee! Lo, here, this long-usurped royalty From the dead temples of this bloody wretch Have I pluck'd off, to grace thy brows withal. Wear it, enjoy it, and make much of it. RICHMOND. Great God of heaven, say Amen to all! - But, tell me is young George Stanley living? STANLEY. He is, my lord, and safe in Leicester town, Whither, if it please you, we may now withdraw us. RICHMOND. What men of name are slain on either side? STANLEY. John Duke of Norfolk, Walter Lord Ferrers, Sir Robert Brakenbury, and Sir William Brandon. RICHMOND. Inter their bodies as becomes their births: Proclaim a pardon to the soldiers fled That in submission will return to us: And then, as we have ta'en the sacrament, We will unite the white rose and the red: - Smile heaven upon this fair conjunction, That long have frown'd upon their emnity! What traitor hears me, and says not Amen? England hath long been mad, and scarr'd herself; The brother blindly shed the brother's blood, The father rashly slaughter'd his own son, The son, compell'd, been butcher to the sire: All this divided York and Lancaster, Divided in their dire division, - O, now let Richmond and Elizabeth, The true succeeders of each royal house, By God's fair ordinance conjoin together! And let their heirs, - God, if Thy will be so, - Enrich the time to come with smooth'd-fac'd peace, With smiling plenty, and fair prosperous days! Abate the edge of traitors, gracious Lord, That would reduce these bloody days again, And make poor England weep in streams of blood! Let them not live to taste this land's increase That would with treason wound this fair land's peace! Now civil wounds are stopp'd, peace lives again: That she may long live here, God say Amen! [Exeunt.] Publication Date: May 29th 2008 https://www.bookrix.com/-bx.shakespeare

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John Habberton All He Knew(@@) CHAPTER I. PAGE 1 The Project Gutenberg EBook of All He Knew, by John Habberton This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Title: All He Knew A Story Author: John Habberton Release Date: February 4, 2005 [EBook #14895] Language: English Character set encoding: ASCII *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ALL HE KNEW ***   Produced by Audrey Longhurst, Diane Monico and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net   ALL HE KNEW       A Story BY JOHN HABBERTON AUTHOR OF "HELEN'S BABIES," "BRUETON'S BAYOU," ETC. MEADVILLE PENN'A FLOOD AND VINCENT Chautauqua=Century Press 1890 MATTHEWS, NORTHRUP & CO., ART-PRINTING WORKS, BUFFALO AND NEW YORK.   CHAPTER I. PAGE 2 ALL HE KNEW. CHAPTER I. As the Capital Express train dashed into the village of Bruceton one bright afternoon, a brakeman passing through a car was touched on the shoulder by a man, who said,-- "The man that left this in the seat in front got out three stations back. You don't s'pose he'll want it again an' send back for it, do you?" The brakeman looked at an object which the speaker held up as he spoke: it was a small fig-box, such as train-boys sometimes succeed in imposing upon the traveling public, and it still contained several figs. "Want it again?" said the brakeman, with a scornful curl of the lip that gave his black moustache a Mephistophelian twist, "of course not. He left it there so's to get rid of it, like most of 'em do. I wouldn't buy one of them boxes of--" CHAPTER I. PAGE 3 The brakeman suddenly ceased talking, and put both hands on the passenger's shoulders with the movement peculiar to train-men whose duty it is to rouse sleeping passengers, the effect always being to make the victim throw his head slightly backward. Then the brakeman looked a moment into the face before him,--it was small, weak-eyed, and characterless,--and continued,-- "Why, Sam Kimper, I didn't know you from Adam! That broad-brimmed low hat makes you look like somebody else. When did you get out?" "This mornin'," said the passenger, dropping his eyes. "Did, eh? Well, you needn't feel so bad about it, old man. Anybody's likely to get in trouble once in a while, you know. You got catched; some other folks 'most always don't; that's about the difference. Let's see; how long was you--how long have you been away?" "I was sent for two years an' a half," said the passenger, raising his head again and looking almost manly, "but, Mr. Briggs, I got all the shortenin' of time that's allowed for good conduct,--ev'ry day of it. If you don't believe it, I'll prove it to you. My term begun on the 11th of August, eighteen hundred an'--" "Never mind the figures, old man: I'll take your word for it." "But I wanted you to be sure; I thought mebbe you'd tell other folks about it, seein' you're a good-hearted feller, an' know ev'rybody, an' I never done you no harm." "I'll tell 'em anyway," said the brakeman, cheerily; "I ain't no saint, but I'm always ready to help a fellow up when he's down. I've got to get to the rear now, to uncouple a car we have to leave here. S'long, Sam." "Say, Mr. Briggs," said the passenger, hurrying along behind the brakeman, "you don't s'pose there's any chance for me to get a job in the railroad-company's yard, do you?" The brakeman turned with a sharp look which speedily softened as he saw an earnest appeal in the little man's face. CHAPTER I. PAGE 4 "Well, Sam," he replied, his words dragging slowly along, "the yard's always full, an' men a-waitin'. You'd have to give bonds for good behavior, an' honesty, an'--" "Never mind the rest, Mr. Briggs," said the ex-convict, shrinking an inch or two in stature. "I didn't know about that, indeed I didn't, or I--" "Well, you needn't be a-Mr.-Briggs-in' me, anyhow," said the brakeman. "I was only Jim before--you left town, Sam, an' I want you to go on callin' me Jim, just the same. Do you understand that, confound you?" "Yes, Mr.--Jim, I do; an' may God bless you for sayin' it!" "Here we are; good luck by the car-load to you, Sam." Then the brakeman looked back into the car and roared,-- "Bruceton." The discharged prisoner consumed a great deal of time and distributed many furtive glances as he alighted, though he got off the train on the side opposite the little station. The train remained so long that when finally it started there was no one on the station platform but the agent, whose face was not familiar to the last passenger. A gust of wind brought to the platform a scrap of a circus-poster which had been loosened by recent rain from a fence opposite the station. The agent kicked the paper from the platform; Sam picked it up and looked at it; it bore a picture of a gorgeously-colored monkey and the head and shoulders of an elephant. "Ain't you goin' to put it back?" he asked. "Not much," said the agent. "I don't rent that fence to the circus, or menagerie, or whatever it is." "Can I have it?" "Findings are keepings," said the agent, "especially when they ain't worth looking for; that's railroad rule, and I guess circus-companies haven't got a better one." CHAPTER I. PAGE 5 The finder sat down on the platform, took a knife from his pocket, and carefully cut the monkey and the elephant's head from the paper. Then he walked to the end of the platform and looked cautiously in the direction of the town. A broad road, crossed by a narrow street, led from the station; into the street the little man hurried, believing himself secure from observation, but just then the door of a coal-yard office opened, and Judge Prency, who had been county judge, and Deacon Quickset emerged. Both saw the new arrival, who tried to pass them without being recognized. But the deacon was too quick for him; planting himself in the middle of the sidewalk, which was as narrow as the deacon was broad, he stopped the wayfarer and said,-- "Samuel, I hope you're not going back to your old ways again,--fighting, drinking, loafing, and stealing?" "No, deacon, I ain't. I'm a changed man." "That's what they all say, Samuel," the deacon replied, not unkindly, "but saying isn't doing. Human nature's pretty weak when it don't lean on a stronger one." "That's how I'm leanin', deacon." "I'm glad to hear it, Samuel," said the deacon, offering his hand, though in a rather conservative manner. "Sam," said the judge, "I sentenced you, but I don't want you to think hard of me and take it out of my orchard and chicken-coop. It wasn't your first offence, you know." "Nor the tenth, judge. You did just right. I hope 'twas a warnin' to others." "I think it was," said the judge, thrusting both hands into his pockets and studying the wall of the station as if it were the record of his own court. "I think it was; and here's my hand, Sam, and my best wishes for a square start in life." CHAPTER I. PAGE 6 As the judge withdrew his hand he left behind a little wad of paper which Sam recognized by sense of touch as the customary American substitute for the coin of the realm. The poor fellow did not know what to say: so he said nothing. "Hurry along to your family, Sam. I hope you'll find them all well. I've told my wife to see to it that they didn't suffer while you were away, and I guess she's done it: she's that kind of woman." Sam hurried away. The deacon followed him with his eyes, and finally said,-- "I wonder how much truth there was in him--about leaning on a higher power?" "Oh, about as much as in the rest of us, I suppose." "What do you mean?" The deacon snapped out this question; his words sounded like a saw-file at work. "Merely what I say," the judge replied. "We all trust to our religion while things go to suit us, but as soon as there's something unusual to be done--in the way of business--we fall back on our old friend the Devil, just as Sam Kimper used to do." "Speak for yourself, judge, and for Sam, if you want to," said the deacon with fine dignity, "but don't include me among 'the rest of us.' Good-morning, judge." "Good-morning, deacon. No offence meant." "Perhaps not; but some men give it without meaning to. Good-morning." "I guess the coat fits him," murmured the judge to himself, as he sauntered homeward. CHAPTER II.page 7 Sam Kimper hurried through a new street, sparsely settled, crossed a large vacant lot, tramped over the grounds of an unused foundry, and finally went through a vacancy in a fence on which there were only enough boards to show what the original plan had been. A heap of ashes, a dilapidated chicken-coop, and a forest of tall dingy weeds were the principal contents of the garden, which had for background a small unpainted house in which were several windows which had been repaired with old hats and masses of newspaper. As he neared the house he saw in a cove in the weeds a barrel lying on its side, and seated in the mouth of the barrel was a child with a thin, sallow, dirty, precocious face and with a cat in her arms. The child stared at the intruder, who stopped and pushed his hat to the back of his head. "Pop!" exclaimed the child, suddenly, without moving. "Mary!" exclaimed the man, dropping upon his knees and kissing the dirty face again and again. "What are you doin' here?" "Playin' house," said the child, as impassively as if to have had her father absent two years was so common an experience that his return did not call for any manifestation of surprise or affection. "Stand up a minute, dear, and let me look at you. Let's see,--you're twelve years old now, ain't you? You don't seem to have growed a bit. How's the rest?" "Mam's crosser an' crosser," said the child; "Joe's run away, 'cause the constable was after him for stealin' meat from--" "My boy a thief! Oh, Lord!" "Well, we didn't have nothin' to eat; he had to do it." The father dropped his head and shuddered. The child continued: "Billy's goin' to school now; Jane's servant-gal at the hotel; Tom plays hookey all the time, an' the baby squalls so much that nobody likes her but Billy." The man looked sad, then thoughtful; finally he put his arm around his child, and said, as he kissed and caressed her,-- CHAPTER II.page 8 "You're to have a better dad after this, darlin'; then maybe the mother'll feel pleasanter, an' the baby'll be happier, an' Tom'll be a good boy, an' we'll get Joe back somehow." "How's you goin' to be better?" asked the child. "Goin' to give us money to buy candy an' go to all the circuses?" "Maybe," said the father. "I must go see the mother now." The child followed her father to the house; there was not much excitement in the life of the Kimper family, except when there was a quarrel, and Mary seemed to anticipate some now, for she drawled, as she walked along,-- "Mam's got it in for you; I heerd her say so many a time sence you war took away." "The poor thing's had reason enough to say it, the Lord knows," said the man. "An'," he continued, after a moment, "I guess I've learned to take whatever I'm deservin' of." As Sam entered his house, a shabbily dressed, unkempt, forlorn looking woman sat at a bare pine table, handling some dirty cards. When she looked up, startled by the heavy tread upon the floor, she exclaimed,-- "I declare! I didn't expect you till--" "Wife!" shouted Sam, snatching the woman into his arms and covering her face with kisses. "Wife," he murmured, bursting into tears and pressing the unsightly head to his breast,--"wife, wife, wife, I'm goin' to make you proud of bein' my wife, now that I'm a man once more." The woman did not return any of the caresses that had been showered upon her; neither did she repel them. Finally she said,-- "You do appear to think somethin' of me, Sam." "Think somethin' of you? I always did, Nan, though I didn't show it like I ought. I've had lots of time to think since then, though, an' I've had somethin' else, too, that I want to tell you about. Things is goin' to be different, the Lord willin', Nan, dear--wife." CHAPTER II.page 9 Mrs. Kimper was human; she was a woman, and she finally rose to the occasion to the extent of kissing her husband, though immediately afterward she said, apparently by way of apology,-- "I don't know how I come to do that." "Neither do I, Nan; I don't know how you can do anythin' but hate me. But you ain't goin' to have no new reason for doin' it. I'm goin' to be different ev'ry way from what I was." "I hope so," said Mrs. Kimper, releasing herself from her husband's arms and taking up the cards again. "I was just tellin' my fortune by the keerds, havin' nothin' else to do, an' they showed a new man an' some money,--though not much." "They showed right both times, though keerds ain't been friends to this family, confound 'em, when I've fooled with 'em at the saloon. Where's the baby, though, that I ain't ever seen?" "There," said the woman, pointing to a corner of the room. Sam looked, and saw on the floor a bundle of dingy clothes from one end of which protruded a head of which the face, eyes, and hair were of the same tint as the clothing. The little object was regarding the new arrival in a listless way, and she howled and averted her head as her father stooped to pick her up. "She's afraid you're goin' to hit her, like most ev'ry one does when they go nigh her," said the mother. "If I'd knowed you was comin' to-day, I'd have washed her, I guess." "I'll do it myself now," said the father, "I've got the time." "Why, you ain't ever done such a thing in your life, Sam!" said Mrs. Kimper, with a feeble giggle. "More's the shame to me; but it's never too late to mend. When'll Billy get home, an' Tom?" CHAPTER II.page 10 "Goodness knows; Billy gets kep' in so much, an' Tom plays hookey so often, that I don't ever expect either of 'em much 'fore supper-time. They talk of sendin' Tom to the Reform School if he don't stop." "I'll have to stop him, then. I'll try it, anyway." "It needs somebody that can wollup him harder'n I can; he's gettin' too big for my stren'th. Well, if here they don't both come! I don't know when I've seen them two boys together before, 'less they was fightin'. I wonder what's got into 'em to-day." The two boys came through the back yard, eying the house curiously, Billy with wide open eyes, and Tom with a hang-dog leer from under the brim of his hat. Their father met them at the door and put his arms around both. "Don't do that," said Tom, twitching away, "that sort o' thing's for women, an' gals an' babies." "But I'm your dad, boy." "Needn't make a baby of me, if you be," growled the cub. "I'd give a good deal, old as I am, if I had a dad to make a baby of me that way, if 'twas only for a minute." "Oh, don't be an old fool," said Tom. "I heerd in the village you'd been let out," said Billy, "an' so I found Tom an' told him, an' he said I lied, an' so we come home to see. Did you bring us anythin'?" "Yes," said the father, his face brightening, as he thrust his hand into his pocket and took out the fig box. "Here," as he gave a fig to each of the children and one to his wife, "how do you like that?" "Good enough," growled Tom, "only I don't care for 'em unless I have a whole box. I lift one out of a train-boy's basket at the station once in a while." "Don't ever do it again," said the father. "If you want 'em any time so bad you can't do without 'em, let me know, an' I'll find some way to get 'em for you." CHAPTER II.page 11 "An' get sent up again for more'n two year?" sneered the boy. "I don't mean to get 'em that way" said the father. "But I've got somethin' else for you." Here he took the circus pictures from his breast, where they had been much flattened during the several demonstrations of family affection in which they had been involved. "Here's a picture for each of you." Billy seemed to approve of the monkey, but Tom scowled and said,-- "What do I care for an elephant's head, when I seen the whole animal at the show, an' everythin' else besides?" "S'pose I might as well get supper, though there ain't much to get," said the wife. "There's nothin' in the house but corn-meal, so I'll bile some mush. An'," she continued, with a peculiar look at her husband, "there ain't anythin' else for breakfast, though Deacon Quickset's got lots of hens layin' eggs ev'ry day. I've told the boys about it again an' again, but they're worth less than nothin' at helpin' things along. The deacon don't keep no dog. Now you've got home, I hope we'll have somethin'." "Not if we have to get it that way," said Sam, gently. "No more stealin'; I'll die first." "I guess we'll all die, then," moaned Mrs. Kimper. "I didn't s'pose bein' sent up was goin' to skeer all the spirit out of you." "It didn't, Nan, but it's been the puttin' of a new kind of spirit into me. I've been converted, Nan." "What?" gasped Mrs. Kimper. "Thunder!" exclaimed Tom, after a hard laugh. "You goin' to be a shoutin' Methodist? Won't that be bully to tell the fellers in the village?" "I'm not goin' to shout, or be anythin' I know of, except an honest man: you can tell that to all the fellers you like." "An' be told I'm a blamed liar? Not much." CHAPTER II.page 12 Mrs. Kimper seemed to be in a mournful revery, and when finally she spoke it was in the voice of a woman talking to herself, as she said,-- "After all I've been layin' up in my mind about places where there was potatoes an' chickens an' pigs an' even turkeys that could be got an' nobody'd be any the wiser! How will we ever get along through the winter?" "The Lord will provide," croaked Tom, who had often sat under the church window during a revival meeting. "If He don't, we'll do without," said Sam, "but I guess we won't suffer while I can work." "Dad converted!" muttered Tom. "Dad converted! d'ye hear that?" said he, hitting his brother to attract attention. "I must go down to the hotel an' tell Jane; she'll steal me a glass of beer for it. Converted! I'll be ashamed to look the boys in the face." CHAPTER III.page 13 The Kimper family thinned out, numerically, as soon as the frugal evening meal was despatched. Tom and Billy disappeared separately without remark; Mary put on a small felt hat which added a rakish air to her precocious face, and said she was going to the hotel to see if sister Jane had any news. Half an hour later, the cook, all the chamber-maids, waiters, bar-keepers, and stable-boys at the hostelry were laughing and jeering, in which they were led by Jane, as Mary told of her father's announcement that he had been converted and would have no more stealing done in the interest of the family larder. The fun became so fast and furious that it was obliged to end in sheer exhaustion; so when Tom came in an hour later, he was unable to revive it sufficiently to secure the stolen glass of beer which he had coveted. Sam Kimper did not seem to notice the disappearance of the more active portion of the family. Taking the baby in his arms, he sat with closed eyes while his wife cleared the table. Finally he said,-- CHAPTER III.page 14 "Nan, ain't you got nothin' else to do?" "Nothin', that I know of," said the wife. "Come an' set down alongside o' me, then, an' let me tell you about somethin' that come about while I was in the penitentiary. Nan, a man that used to come there Sundays found me a-cryin' in my cell one Sunday; I couldn't help it, I felt so forlorn an' kind o' gone like. I'd felt that way lots o' times before, when I was out an' around, but then I could get over it by takin' a drink. There's always ways of gettin' a drink,--sweepin' out a saloon, or cuttin' wood agin' winter, when the saloon'll need it. But there wasn't no chance to get a drink in jail, an' I was feelin' as if the under-pinnin' of me was gone. "Well, the man said he knowed a friend that would stand by me an' cheer me up. His name was Jesus. I told him I'd heerd of Him before, 'cause I'd been to revival meetin's an' been preached to lots by one man an' another. He said that wasn't exactly the way he wanted me to think about Him,--said Jesus used to be alive and go around bein' sorry for folks that was in trouble, an' He once comforted a thief that was bein' killed in a most uncomfortable way, though Jesus was havin' a hard time of it Himself about that time. "That hit me where I lived, for I--well, you know what I was sent up for. He said Jesus was God, but he came here to show men how to live, an' he wanted me to think about Him only as a man, while I was in trouble. He said the worse off a man was, the more sorry Jesus was for him: so I said,-- "'I wish He was here now, then.' "'He is here, my friend,' said the man. 'He's here, though you can't see Him. He ain't got nothin' to make out of you: neither have I: so you needn't be afraid to take my word for it. I'll tell you some of the things he said.' Then he read me a lot of things that did make me feel lots better. Why, Nan, that man Jesus was so sorry for men in jail that He went back on some high-toned folks that didn't visit 'em: just think of that! "After a while the man said, 'You seem to be feelin' better.' "'So I am,' said I. "'Then believe in him,' says he, 'an' you'll feel better always.' CHAPTER III.page 15 "'I've been told that before,' says I, 'but I don't know how.' "The man looked kind o' puzzled like, an' at last says he,-- "'What's yer politics?' "'I'm a Jackson Democrat,' says I. "'All right,' says he, 'but Andrew Jackson's dead, ain't he?' "'So I've heerd,' said I. "'But you still believe in him?' says he. "'Of course,' said I. "'Well,' says he, 'just believe in Jesus like you do in Andrew Jackson, and you'll be all right in the course of time. Believe that what He said was true, an' get your mind full of what He said, an' keep it full, remindin' yourself over an' over again for fear you forget it or other things'll put it out of your mind, an' you'll be happier while you're in jail, an' you won't get back here again, nor in any other jail, after you've been let out.' "Well, that was encouragin', for I didn't want to get in no jails no more. When the man went away he left me a little book that didn't have nothin' in it but things Jesus Himself said. I read it lots; some of it I didn't understand, an' I can't get it through my head yet, but what I did get done me so much good that I found myself kind o' changin' like, an' I've been changin' ever since. Nan, I want you to read it too, an' see if it don't do you good. We ain't been what we ought to be; it's all my fault. The children ain't had no show; that's all my fault too, but it'll take all that two of us can do to catch up with 'em. I want you to be always 'side o' me, Nan." "We can't let 'em starve," said the wife; "an' if what you're believin' is goin' to keep you from pickin' up a livin' for 'em when you get a chance, what are we goin' to do?" "I'm goin' to work," said Sam. CHAPTER III.page 16 "Sho! You never done three days' work hand-runnin' in your life." Then Mrs. Kimper gave a hard laugh. "I've done it over two years now, an' I guess I can keep on, if I get the chance. I can stick to it if you'll back me up, Nan." "There ain't much to me nowaday," said Mrs. Kimper, after a moment or two of blank staring as she held her chin in her hands and rested her elbows on her knees. "Once I had an idee I was about as lively as they make 'em, but things has knocked it out of me,--a good many kind of things." "I know it, poor gal," said Sam; "I know it: I feel a good deal the same way myself sometimes; but it helps me along an' stren'thens me up, like, to know that Him that the visitor in jail told me about didn't have no home a good deal of the time, an' not overmuch to eat, an' yet was cheerful like, an' always on His nerve. It braces a fellow up to think somebody's who's been as bad off as himself has pulled through, an' not stole nothin', nor fit with nobody, nor got drunk, but always was lookin' out for other folks. Say, Nan, 'pears to me it's gettin' dark all of a sudden--oh!" The exclamation was called out by the cause of the sudden darkness, which was no other than Deacon Quickset, who had reached the door-way without being heard. The deacon's proportions were generous; those of the door were not. "Samuel," said the deacon, "you said this afternoon that you were a changed man, and that you were leaning on a strength greater than your own. I want to see you make a new start and a fair one; and, as there's a prayer- and experience-meeting around at the church to-night, I thought I'd come around and tell you that 'twould be a sensible thing to go there and tell what the Lord's done for you. It will put you on record, and make you some friends; and you need them, you know." Sam was pallid by nature, more so through long confinement, but he looked yet more pale as he stammered,-- CHAPTER III.page 17 "Me--speak--in meetin'? Before folks that--that's always b'longed to the church?" "You must acknowledge Him, Samuel, if you expect Him to bless you." "I hain't no objections to acknowledgin' Him, deacon, only--I'm not the man to talk out much before them that I know is my betters. I ain't got the gift o' gab. I couldn't never say much to the fellers in the saloon along around about election-times, though I b'lieved in the party with all my might." "It doesn't take any gift to tell the plain truth," said the deacon. "Come along. Mrs. Kimper, you come too, so Samuel will have no excuse to stay home." "Me?" gasped Mrs. Kimper. "Me?--in meetin'? Goodness, deacon, it gives me the conniptions to think of it! Besides,"--here she dragged her scanty clothing about her more closely,--"I ain't fit to be seen among decent folks." "Clothes don't count for anything in the house of the Lord," said the deacon, stoutly, though he knew he was lying. "Meeting begins at half-past seven, and the sun's down now." "Nan," whispered Sam, "come along. You can slip in a back seat an' nobody'll see nothin' but your face. Stand by me, Nan: I'm your husband. Stand by me, so I can stand by my only friend." "Deacon ain't no friend o' yourn," whispered the trembling woman in reply. "I'm not talkin' about the deacon, Nan. Don't, go back on me. You're my wife, Nan; you don't know what that means to me now,--you reelly don't." Mrs. Kimper stared, then she almost smiled. "I mean it, Nan," whispered the man. Mrs. Kimper rummaged for a moment in the drawers of a dilapidated bureau, and finally folded a red handkerchief and tied it over her head. "Good!" said the deacon, who had been watching the couple closely. "We'll go around by the back way, so nobody'll see either of you, if you don't want them to. I'll take Samuel along with me, and you can drop in wherever you think best, Mrs. Kimper. I'm not going back on any man who is going to turn over a new leaf. Come along." CHAPTER IV.page 18 The church at which Deacon Quickset worshipped was not large, nor was it ever well filled when prayer and experience were the only attractions. When Sam Kimper entered, however, the place seemed so immense and the throng so great that nothing but the bulk of the deacon, which had been prudently placed in the rear of the new convert, kept him from turning about and escaping into the darkness. Even when placed in a seat the outer end of which was occupied by the deacon, the frightened man cast his eyes appealingly towards his keeper,--for such was the relation he felt the deacon bore towards him. Finally he slipped slowly along the seat and whispered,-- "Deacon, I can't speak; I can't think of a word to say. It's a shame to have a fellow like me talkin' to good church-members about what they know more about than him." "You'll have to acknowledge Him before men, Samuel, if you expect Him to acknowledge you." "Well, I hain't any objections to ownin' up to ev'rybody I know. Didn't I tell you an' the judge? Didn't I tell Nan and the children? I ain't seen anybody else yet, or I'd told them too. But I can't say nothin' to a crowd like this; I don't know how." "He'll give you words, Samuel, if you've got the right heart in you." "Is that a dead-sure thing?" "Certainly." Further argument and protest were ended by the formal opening of the meeting. It appeared to the deacon that the first hymn was sung with more sound and spirit than usual, and on looking around he saw the cause: it was literally a "packed house,"--the first one the church had ever known on a prayer-meeting night. The deacon immediately let his own voice out a little more, for he felt personally complimented by the large attendance. CHAPTER IV.page 19 He had told a number of persons of Sam's conversion and of his own intention to have the man "put himself on record" before a number of witnesses; evidently this word had gone about and caused the great gathering. Prayers, hymns, and short speeches and confessions succeeded one another for a little while, and the deacon, glancing aside frequently, saw his charge look more and more uncomfortable, helpless, and insignificant as the exercises continued. This would not do; should the fellow become thoroughly frightened, he might not be able to say anything; this would be disappointing to the assemblage, and somewhat humiliating to him who had announced the special attraction of the evening. Sam's opportunity must come at once; he, the deacon, did not doubt that his own long experience in introducing people to the public in his capacity of chairman of the local lecture committee would enable him to present Sam in a manner which would strengthen the weak knees and lift up the feeble heart. "Brethren," said the deacon, arising during the closing cadence of a hymn, "the consolations of our blessed religion often reach a man in most unexpected ways, and we have among us to-night a living example of it. One of our fellow-citizens who left us, against his will, I may say, about two years ago, found the pearl of great price in the cell of a prison. He has come here to-night to testify to the hope that is within him. He feels that he is weak and halting of speech, but, blessed be the spirit of our Master, that makes all of us brothers, it does not take eloquence or superfluity of words to let out anything that the heart is full of. I ask the attention and sympathy of all present for our brother Samuel Kimper." As the deacon sat down he put his powerful arm under the shoulder of his companion, and Sam Kimper found himself upon his feet. The frightened man looked down at the cushion of the seat in front of him; then he tried to look around, but there was so much hard curiosity in each face upon which his eyes fell that he speedily looked down again and leaned heavily upon the back of the bench upon which his hands rested. Finally he cleared his throat and said,-- "Ladies an' gentlemen, I've been in State prison nearly two years. I deserved it. Lots of folks talked kind to me before I went; some of 'em's here to-night, an' I thank 'em for what they done. A good many of 'em talked religion to me, but the more they talked the less I understood 'em. I guess 'twas my fault; I never had much head-piece, while some of them had. CHAPTER IV.page 20 But when I was in the prison a man come along that talked to me about Jesus like I never was talked to before. Somehow I could understand what he was drivin' at. He made me feel that I had a friend that I could foller, even if I didn't keep up with him all the time, owin' to things in the road that I hadn't knowed about. He told me if I'd b'lieve in Jesus as I b'lieved in Andrew Jackson, I'd pull through in the course of time. I've been tryin' to do it, an' while I was in the jail I got lots of new idees of how I ort to behave myself, all from a little book that man left me, that didn't have nothin' in it but Jesus' own words. I'm a-goin' to keep on at it, an' if I can't live that way I'm goin' to die a-tryin'. I b'lieve that's all I've got to say, ladies and gentlemen." There was an awkward silence for a moment after Sam sat down. The minister in charge of the meeting said afterwards that the remarks were not exactly what he had expected, and he did not know, at such short notice, how to answer them. Suddenly a hymn was started by a voice which every one knew, though they seldom heard it in prayer-meeting. It belonged to Judge Prency's wife, who for years had been the mainstay of every musical entertainment which had been dependent upon local talent. The hymn began,-- Am I a soldier of the cross, and the assemblage sang it with great force and spirit. The meeting was closed soon afterwards; and as Sam, in spite of an occasional kind greeting, was endeavoring to escape from the hard stare of curious eyes, Mrs. Judge Prency, who was the handsomest and most distinguished woman in the village, stopped him, grasped his hand, and said,-- "Mr. Kimper, you gave the most sensible speech I ever heard in an experience meeting. I'm going to believe in you thoroughly." Deacon Quickset, who was closely following his new charge, listened with fixed countenance to the lady's remark. He followed Sam from the church, snatched him away from the wife who had joined him, and said,-- "Samuel, that experience of yours rather disappointed me. It wasn't all there. There was something left out,--a good deal left out." CHAPTER IV.page 21 "I guess not, deacon. I said all I knowed." "Then you ought to know a good deal more. You've only got at the beginning of things. No church'll take you into membership if you don't believe more than that." "Maybe I'll know it in the course of time, deacon, if I keep on a-learnin'." "Maybe you will,--if you do keep on. But you didn't say anything about your hope of salvation, nor the atonement, nor your being nothing through your own strength." "I couldn't say it if I didn't know about it," Sam replied. "All my troubles an' wrong doin's have come of not livin' right: so right livin' is all I've had time to think about an' study up." "You need to think about dying as well as living," said the deacon. "Him that took care of another thief that was dyin' 'll take care of me if I get in that fix, I guess, if I hang on to Him tight." "Not unless you hang on in the right way," said the deacon. "You must believe what all Christians believe, if you want to be saved. You don't feel that you're prepared to die, do you?" "I felt it a good many times, deacon, when I was in that jail; an' sometimes I half wished I could die right away." "Pshaw!" muttered the deacon. "You don't understand. You're groping in darkness. You don't understand." "That's so, deacon, if you mean I don't understand what you're drivin' at." CHAPTER IV.page 22 "Don't you feel Christ in you the hope of glory?" "I don't know what you mean, deacon?" "Don't you feel that a sacrifice has been made to atone for your sins?" "I can't follow you, deacon." "I thought not. You haven't got things right at all. You haven't been converted: that's what's the matter with you." "Do you mean, Deacon," said Sam, after a moment, "that what I'm believin' about Jesus is all wrong an' there ain't nothin' in it?" "Why, no; I can't say that," the deacon replied, "but--but you've begun wrong end first. What a sinner needs most of all is to know about his hereafter." "It's what's goin' on now, from day to day, that weighs hardest on me, deacon. There's nothin' hard about dyin'; leastways, you'd think so if you was built like me, an' felt like I have to feel sometimes." "You're all wrong," said the deacon. "If you can't understand these things for yourself, you ought to take the word of wiser men for it." "S'posin' I was to do that about everythin': then when Judge Prency, who's a square man an' a good deal smarter than I be, talks politics to me, I ought to be a Republican instead of a Jackson Democrat." "No," said the deacon, sharply, for he was a Jackson Democrat himself. "I'll have to talk more to you about this, Samuel. Good night." "Good night, deacon." "He knows more'n you do about religion," said Mrs. Kimper, who had followed closely behind, and who rejoined her husband as soon as the deacon departed. "He ought to, seein' his head-piece an' chances; an' yet I've heerd some pooty hard things said about him." When the couple reached home, Sam looked at the long heap of straw and rags on which his children should have been sleeping, but which was without occupant except the baby. Then, by the light of the coals still remaining in the fire-place, he looked through some leaves of the little book which the prison visitor had given him. When he arose from the floor, he said to himself,-- CHAPTER IV.page 23 "I'll stick to Him yet, deacon or no deacon,--stick to Him as if He was Andrew Jackson." CHAPTER V.page 24 Sam Kimper spent several days in looking about his native town for work. He found many sympathetic assurances, some promises, and no work at all. Everybody explained to everybody else that they were sorry for the poor wretch, but they couldn't afford to have a jail-bird around. Meanwhile, Sam's stock of money, accumulated by overwork in the State prison, and augmented by Judge Prency's present, was running low. He kept his family expenses as low as possible, buying only the plainest of food-material and hesitating long to break a bill, though it were only of the denomination of one dollar. Nevertheless the little wad of paper money in his pocket grew noticeably thinner to his touch. His efforts to save the little he had in his possession were not assisted by his family. His wife, thanks and perhaps blame to the wifely sense of dependence upon her husband, had fallen back upon him entirely after what he had said about his intention as to the future of the family, and she not only accepted his assurances as bearing upon the material requirements of several mouths from day to day, but she also built some air-castles which he was under the unpleasant necessity of knocking down. The poor woman was not to blame. She never had seen a ten-dollar bill since the day of her marriage, when, in a spasm of drunken enthusiasm, her husband gave a ten-dollar Treasury note to the clergyman who officiated on that joyous occasion. One evening Sam took his small change from his pocket to give his son Tom money enough to buy a half-bushel of corn-meal in the village. As he held a few pieces of silver in one hand, touching them rapidly with the forefinger of the other, his son Tom exclaimed,-- "You're just overloaded with money, old man! Say, gi' me a quarter to go to the ball game with? I'm in trainin', kind o' like, an' I ain't afeard to say that mebbe I'll turn out a first-class pitcher one of these days." CHAPTER V.page 25 "Tom," said his father, trying to straighten his feeble frame, as his eyes brightened a little, "I wish I could: I'd like you to go into anything that makes muscle. But I can't afford it. You know I'm not workin' yet, an' until I do work the only hope of this family is in the little bit of money I've got in my pocket." "Well," said Tom, thrusting out his lower lip, slouching across the room, and returning again, "I don't think a quarter's enough to trouble anybody's mind about what'll happen to his family afterwards. I've heard a good deal from the mother about you bein' converted, and changin' into a different sort of a man, but I don't think much of any kind of converted dad that don't care enough for his boy to give him a quarter to go to a ball game." "Food before fun, Tom," said the father, resolutely closing his hand upon such remaining silver as he had, and then thrusting the fistful into his pocket,--"food before fun. Ball isn't business to this family just now, an' money means business ev'ry time. When I was away an' couldn't help it, things mebbe didn't go as they ort to have gone, but now that I'm back again, there shan't be any trouble if I know how to stand in the way of it." This expression of principle and opinion did not seem to impress favorably the eldest male member of the second generation. Master Tom thrust out his lower lip again, glared at his father, took his hat, and abruptly departed. There was no dinner at the Kimper table that day, except for such members of the family as could endure slices of cold boiled pork with very little lean to it. Late in the afternoon, however, Tom returned, with an air of bravado, indulged in a number of reminiscences of the ball game, and at last asked why supper was not ready. "Tom," asked the father, "why didn't you come back to-day with what I gave you money to buy?" "Well," said the young man, dipping his spoon deeply into a mixture of hasty pudding, milk, and molasses, "I met some of the boys on the street, an' they told me about the game, an' it seemed to me that I wouldn't 'pear half a man to 'em if I didn't go 'long, so I made up my mind that you an' the mother would get along some way, an' I went anyhow. CHAPTER V.page 26 From what's in front of me, I guess you got along, didn't you?" "Tom," said the father, leaving his seat at the table and going around to his son's chair, on the top bar of which he leaned,--"Tom, of course we got along; there'll be somethin' to eat here ev'ry day just as long as I have any money or can get any work. But, Tom, you're pretty well grown up now; you're almost a man; I s'pose the fellers in town think you are a man, don't they? An' you think you're one yourself too, don't you?" The young man's face brightened, and he engulfed several spoonfuls of the evening meal before he replied,-- "Well, I guess I am somebody now'days. The time you was in jail, I thought the family had a mighty slim chance o' countin'; but I tumbled into base-ball, an' I was pretty strong in my arms an' pretty spry on my feet, an' little by little I kind o' came to give the family a standin'." "I s'pose that's all right," said the father; "but I want you to understan' one thing, an' understan' it so plain that you can't ever make any mistake about it afterwards. When I put any money into your hands to be used for anythin', it don't matter what, you must spend it for that, or you must get an awful thrashin' when you come back home again. Do you understan' me?" The feeding motions of the eldest male of the Kimper collection of children stopped for an instant, and Master Tom leered at his father as he said,-- "Who's goin' to give the thrashin'?" "I am, Tom,--your father is,--an' don't make any mistake about it. He'll do it good an' brown, too, if he's to die used up right away afterwards. This family is goin' to be decent from this time on; there ain't to be no more thieves in it, an' any member of it that tries to make it diff'rent is goin' to feel so bad that he'll wish he'd never been born. Do you understan'? Don't go to thinkin' I'm ugly: I'm only talkin' sense." The cub of the family looked upward at his father from the corners of his eyes, and then he clinched his fists and turned slightly in the chair. Before he could do more, his parent had him by both shoulders, had shaken him out of the chair, thrown him upon the floor, and was resting upon him with both knees. CHAPTER V.page 27 "Tom," said Sam to his astonished son, "you was the first boy I ever had, an' I'd give away my right hand rather than have any real harm come to you, but you've got to mind me now, an' you've got to do it until you're of age, an' if you don't promise to do it now, right straight along, from this time forth, I'll give you the thrashin' now. That ain't all, either, you've got to be man enough to stand by your dad an' say somethin to the fellers, an' explain that you're goin' to stop bein' a town loafer, an' are goin' into decent ways." Tom was so astonished by this demonstration of spirit that he made all the desired promises at once, and was released. But Tom was not the only juvenile member of the family who was in need of reformation. Mary, little Mary, not far beyond twelve years of age, demanded money to replenish her own wardrobe. "Mary," said her father, "we're poor; we can't afford fancy fixin's. This ain't very cold weather. You've good enough clothes on you to keep you warm: what d'you want o' somethin' else?" "What do I want o' somethin' else?" echoed the child, going to the door and tossing an imitation doll into the ash-heap, "why, I want better clothes, so't the fellers about town'll pay some 'tention to me, like they do to sister Jane." The slight, bent form of the father straightened up, as he asked, quickly,-- "Does the fellers around town pay attention to your sister Jane?" "Why, of course they do," said little Mary, entirely unable to translate the gaze which her father bent upon her. "Jane never gets through her work at the hotel before there's a lot o' fellers hangin' round the door an' wantin' to see her, an' takin' her out to get ice-cream or sody-water, or to go to the circus if there's one in town, or to go to the dramatic representation,--that's what they call it on the bills,--if there happens to be one in the village that night." "Wife," said Sam, turning to his helpmate, "what wages does Jane get?" "Six dollars a month," said the wife. CHAPTER V.page 28 "Does she bring any of it home? Does the family get the good of any of it?" "Not one cent," said Mrs. Kimper, with a pitiful whine. "She says she has to wear decent clothes at the hotel or they won't keep her there any more." Sam Kimper stayed awake all that night, although his manners to his family next morning were those of a staid and respectable citizen who had nothing upon his mind but the ordinary duties of the day. Nevertheless, he was out and about soon after breakfast, and he wandered through every street of the village in which any business was being done. Again and again he asked for work, and as often the offer was refused or declined or relegated into the uncertain future for a decision. The surplus in his pocket had grown lamentably small. As he made his way homeward in a physical and mental condition which made it impossible for him either to argue to himself or to express a sense of hope to any extent, he passed the shop of Larry Highgetty. Larry was a shoemaker. Sam had worked at shoemaking while he was in State prison. He felt, although Larry might have been offended at the imputation, that there ought to be a fellow-feeling between them; so he ventured into the shop. Larry was sitting at his bench with a lady's shoe in one hand and with his head leaning against the wall of the room. From the stertorous noise which escaped his nostrils, it was quite evident that he was asleep, and an odor which filled the room left the visitor in no doubt as to the nature of the opiate which had induced Larry's mid-day nap. "You seem to be takin' business very easy, Mr. Highgetty," said Sam, with an apologetic air, as he closed the door behind him, and Larry awoke. "Pay must be gettin' better?" "Better?" said Larry, rubbing his eyes. "I don't want it to be any better than it is now. Besides, people's comin' in all the time faster than I can tend to 'em; ev'rybody wants his work done first an' is willin' to pay extra price to get it. Better, is it? Well, yes; I should say that no such luck had struck shoemakers in this town in a long while." "You haven't half finished what you're on now, Larry," said Sam, taking the shoe from the cobbler's hand and looking at it. CHAPTER V.page 29 "That isn't all of it," said the cobbler, with a maudlin wink at his visitor. "I don't know when I'll have it finished, if I keep on feelin' as I do now. It's pretty tough, too, bekase that shoe belongs to Mrs. Judge Prency, an' she's comin' for it this afternoon; but I'm that sleepy that--" Larry's head gently sought the wall again. "An' a very good woman she is, Larry. Brace up, my boy, why don't you, an' finish your work?" "Eh? Say 'Brace up' to somebody that's not got anythin' in him to brace him down. She kin wait for her shoe while I'm havin' my aise an' forgettin' all about work." "When did you promise the shoe to her?" asked Sam. "Oh, sometime this afternoon," said Larry, "an' she hasn't come in here yet. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof, ye know the good book says, Sam. Maybe she won't come in till to-morrow; she's a busy woman; nobody knows where she's goin' or what she's doin' throughout the day, an', to tell ye the truth, I thought to myself I'd shut up the shop an' go home, so if she came there'd not be anybody here to tell a loie about it." "Well, Larry, wouldn't it do just as well if there was somebody here to tell the truth about it?" "Oh, there, now, Sam," said the shoemaker, rallying himself for an instant; "they tould me that you was converted in jail, an' that sounds a good deal like it. Now, Sam, I want to tell ye if ye want to argy on the subject of the truth, or any other of the moral sintiments, with any man whatsoever, ye don't want to come to a shoemaker's shop an' find a fellow who's just had three drinks in him at somebody else's expense. Now go 'way; come 'round here to-morrow when I'm sober, an' I'll own up to everything you say, no matter what it is." "That won't get Mrs. Prency her shoes," said Sam. "Go home an' go to bed, an' let me finish that shoe in your hand, an' if she comes here it'll be ready for her, an' if she don't you won't have anything on your conscience,--not so far as she's concerned." CHAPTER V.page 30 The cobbler took possession of himself with a tremendous effort, and looked sharply from his bleared eyes for an instant as he said,-- "An' what do you know about shoemakin'?" "As much as two years in State prison could learn me, Larry; though I don't think you need to have asked me." "It's all right, me boy; I take it back; an' if ever I'm sent to State prison myself you may ask it of me ten times over; that's the Bible rule, I belave. Now I'll go home to my wife an' family, an' if you choose to finish that shoe an' stay here until Mrs. Judge Prency comes in to get it, why, you're quite welcome to do the work an' keep the pay; I tould her fifty cints." Sam began work upon the bit of repairing which he had taken from the shoemaker's hands, and although it was not of the routine nature which all of his jail-work had placed in his hands, he knew enough of the requirements of an ordinary shoe to do what was necessary. While he was working, the room suddenly darkened, and as he looked up he saw Mrs. Judge Prency herself. "Why it's Mr. Kimper! Are you working here?" "Only to finish a job that was promised for this afternoon, Mrs. Prency." "Where's Larry?" "He felt very badly," said Sam, "an' he wanted to go home, an' I promised to finish his work for him. I believe this is your job, ma'am?" said he, holding the shoe in the air for an instant. "Yes," said the judge's wife. "I will sit down for a moment, if you will allow me, while you finish it." "Certainly, ma'am," said Sam, plying the needle and awl vigorously. He looked up only for a second at a time during the next few moments, but what he saw impressed him very favorably. CHAPTER V.page 31 Mrs. Prency was not a young woman, but apparently she had a clear conscience and a good digestion, for she sat with an entirely satisfied and cheerful air, with her shoulders against the back of the chair, as if it were a real pleasure to rest against something, while her cheeks flushed, probably from the exertion of a rapid walk from some other portion of the town. Like any other woman of good health, good character, and good principles, she was a pleasing object to look upon, and the ex-convict looked at her as often as he dared, with undisguised and respectful admiration. But suddenly the uplifting of his eyes was stopped by a remark from the lady herself, as she said,-- "Sam--Mr. Kimper, I've heard some remarks about your speech at the experience-meeting the other night. You know I was there myself; you remember I spoke to you as you came out?" "Mrs. Prency, I know it; an' that isn't all; I'll remember it just as long as I live. I'd rather have been the dyin' thief on the cross than said what I said in that church that night, but I was asked to do it, an' the more I thought about it the more I thought I couldn't say no. But I didn't know what else to say." "You did quite right, Mr. Kimper: you spoke like a real, true, honest man. If it's any comfort to know it, I can tell you that my husband, the judge, thinks as I do. I told him what you said,--I remembered it all, word for word,--and he said to me,--these are exactly his words,--'I believe that is an honest man, and that he is going to remain an honest man.'" Sam bent over the shoe a little closer, and said, in a faint voice, as if he were talking to himself,-- "What Judge Prency says about human natur ort to be true. If there's any other man in this county that's had more opportunities of knowin' all about it, I don't know who he can be." There was silence for a moment or two. Sam quickened his labors upon the shoe, and the lady bent her gaze closely upon the shoemaker. At last she said,-- CHAPTER V.page 32 "Mr. Kimper, don't mistake the meaning of what I am going to ask you. I am a member of the church, myself, and I have as hearty an interest in you and sympathy for you as the best friend you have. But I want to ask you one thing, merely out of curiosity. Has any one questioned you, since, about what you said that evening?" "Nobody but Deacon Quickset, ma'am." "Ah? Deacon Quickset? Did he say anything that annoyed you in any way?" "I can't say that he did, ma'am; though he kind o' filled my mind with doubts an' gave me a sort o' sleepless evenin'." "I'm very sorry for that. There's some one else who may trouble you somewhat, and I'm sorry to say that if he does I shall be to blame for it. He is a young lawyer. His name is Reynolds Bartram." "I know him, ma'am; at least, I know him by sight. He's of very good stock, ma'am. His folks have been in this county a longtime, from what I've heerd, off an' on." "Very true," replied Mrs. Prency; "but he has peculiar views, and when he hears of any one who believes--believes in religion as you do, he is quite likely to visit him and to ask a great many questions." "Well, ma'am, if he comes in on me anywhere, an' asks any questions, an' they're on the subject I talked about that night at the church meetin', why, I'll say anythin' I know an' everythin' I believe, an' if he says anythin' on the other side, why, all I've got to say is, he can't change my mind the least bit." "I'm very glad to hear you say so," said Mrs. Prency. "Ah, is the shoe done, entirely done? Good. Very much obliged. It's quite as good as Mr. Highgetty himself could have made it. Fifty cents, I believe? Is that satisfactory?" "Quite satisfact'ry, ma'am," said the substitute, as he rose from his bench and removed his hat, which had been on his head during the interview. Mrs. Prency started towards the door, but stopped suddenly and turned back. CHAPTER V.page 33 "Mr. Kimper, the young man, Mr. Bartram, of whom I spoke to you,--I really believe he is inclined to come and talk to you, and perhaps talk a great deal, about what you seem to believe very sincerely and what he doesn't believe at all. I hope you won't change your mind through anything that can be said to you by a person of that kind, or by any person whatever?" "Mrs. Prency," said the cobbler's substitute, taking his hat from the bench on which he had placed it and circling it in his hand as if he were endeavoring to stimulate his mental faculties, "whatever I believe on that subject I'm goin' to stick to, an' nobody, not even if he is the best lawyer in the county, or your husband himself, or the judge of the biggest court in the United States, is goin' to change my mind about it." "Thank you, Mr. Kimper. I might have known as much from what I heard during your remarks the other night. I only wanted to say to you that Mr. Bartram is a very smart talker and very quick to see whatever mistakes any one else may make." "If I make any mistakes," said Sam, "it's because of somebody who's a great deal smarter than I am, who don't back me up as much as I need for the time-bein'." "Good-day, Mr Kimper," said the lady. "Good-day, ma'am," said the ex-convict. He stood in the dingy shop looking out of the window at the retreating form of the lady, and then at the gathering clouds over the evening sunset, and at the houses on the opposite side of the street, apparently that he might divert his mind from something. Then he looked at the coin which he had received for the work, as if it were an amulet or a charm. Suddenly his attention was distracted by the appearance, on the other side of the street, of a very pretty young woman, accompanied by a young man in good attire and of fine bearing. "Well, well," said the ex-convict, "I wonder if that's what it means? That's Bartram himself, as sure as I'm born, an' with him is Mrs. Prency's only daughter an' only child. Well, well!" CHAPTER VI.page 34 As the summer lengthened into early autumn, Sam Kimper became more and more troubled by the necessities of his family. He had been working day after day in the shop of his acquaintance the shoemaker, when there was work enough for two, and earned enough to pay for the plainest food. But casual pay was not sufficient to all the necessities of a family as large as that for which Sam was responsible, particularly as the return of the head of the family had reminded every one, from the mother down to the youngest child except the baby, of a number of needs of which no one seemed to have thought before. Mrs. Kimper herself, who was a feeble creature at best, shivered at every wind that penetrated the broken windows, and insisted that unless she had some warm clothing very soon she would fall into a decline. Tom, who had not yet got his growth, was protruding physically from the ends of his shirts and trousers, and assured his father that he never again could get into his last winter's jacket without subjecting himself to a series of remarks by the boys in the town, which would make him feel very uncomfortable. Billy, who had gone barefooted all summer, as was the custom with the boys in town, came home late one evening and announced triumphantly,-- "Dad, you needn't bother yourself about me any more about shoes. I've got a pair. See here!" The head of the family took the new shoes into his hand and examined them. Then he dropped them with a sort of shiver, for they were of a well-remembered pattern,--that upon which he had worked for two years in the penitentiary. "How did you get 'em, Billy?" the father asked, at length. "Oh, I found 'em," said the boy, with a wink at his elder brother,--a wink which was returned to him in the shape of an evil leer. "Found 'em! Where? Tell me all about it," said the father, very sharply and sternly, for he remembered a time when he had "found" things himself. CHAPTER VI.page 35 Billy looked appealingly at his brother Tom, but the elder brother put on a hang-dog look and sauntered out of the room and was afterwards seen disappearing rapidly through the back yard. "Well," said Billy, at last, with the air of one who was entirely unbosoming himself, "I'll tell you how it was, dad. Down at Price's store there's a long string of shoes out at the door. They use 'em as a sign, don't you know?" "Yes," said the father carelessly; "I've seen such signs. Go on." "Well, I need shoes awfully, you know, an' I've been tellin' the mother about it for a week or ten days, an' she said she was tellin' you. But my feet gets awful cold late at nights and early in the mornin's. An' I didn't want to bother you, knowin' that you hadn't any money to spare, 'cause the mother told me 'bout that too, an' cried about it. Well, it blowed like ev'rythin' this afternoon as I was goin' towards Price's, an' that string of shoes just whirled around like a kite-tail, an' at last the bottom pair flew off into the street. An' I picked 'em up." "Findin's is keepin's," said Mrs. Kimper. "Give me them shoes, my boy," said the ex-convict. "You're goin' to take 'em away from me? Have I got to have cold feet some more?" said Billy, appealingly. Sam thrust his hand into his trousers-pocket, took out a very thin wad of green paper, looked at it, and finally said, "No, I s'pose not." Nevertheless he and the shoes disappeared from the house. In a short time Mr. Price, the owner of one of the village stores, received a call from the ex-convict, who said,-- CHAPTER VI.page 36 "Mr. Price, one o' my boys found a pair o' shoes in the street in front o' your store this afternoon durin' the hard blow, an', as they just fitted him, I came around to pay you for them. How much are they?" Several men were standing about the stove in Price's store, the fire having just started for the autumn and winter season, and, as they heard Sam's remark, one of them uttered a long combination of word and whistle that sounded very much like "Whew-w?" Sam turned quickly, recognized the man as one whom he knew to be not over-honest, and said,-- "When you pay for ev'rythin' you get it'll be time to make fun of somebody else. But, Mr. Price, what I asked you was, what's the price o' them shoes?" The storekeeper was so astonished at such a question from a member of the Kimper family that, looking at shoes of the same quality which were lying in a box behind the counter, he actually mistook the cost-mark for the selling-price, and replied, "Only a dollar and a quarter, Mr. Kimper." Sam laid down the money, received some change, and departed, while the men who were lounging about the store began an active conversation as to whether that man was the fool he looked or whether he was not perhaps a regular sharper whose natural abilities and inclinations had been cultivated during the two years he was in State prison. They understood, those evening loafers, that prisons were nominally for the purpose of reforming criminals, but they had known a great many criminals themselves, and their astonishment at seeing one who apparently desired to do better than in his past life, and to make amends for the misdeeds of his family, was so great that the conversation which ensued after the exit of the ex-convict was very fragmentary and not at all to the point. The next morning Sam appeared bright and early at the shoe-shop of Larry Highgetty. He had made an arrangement with the cobbler to do whatever work might be assigned him and to accept as full payment one-half the money which would be charged, most of it being for repairs. As nearly as he could discover by a close questioning of the proprietor of the establishment, the entire receipts did not exceed two dollars per day, and the owner had so few responsibilities and so much surplus that he would be quite glad if he might lounge at one or other of the local places of entertainment while some one else should do the work and keep the establishment open. Consequently Sam went at the work with great energy, and little by little nearly all the work came to be done by him. He had hammered away for a few minutes on a sole to be placed on the bottom of a well-worn shoe belonging to a workingman, when a new customer entered the shop. Sam looked up at him and saw Reynolds Bartram. CHAPTER VI.page 37 He offered a short, spasmodic, disjointed prayer to heaven, for he remembered what the judge's wife had said, and he had known Reynolds Bartram as a young man of keen wit and high standing as a debater before Sam's enforced retirement; now, he knew, Bartram had become a lawyer. "Well, Sam," said Bartram, as he seated himself in the only chair and proceeded to eye the new cobbler, while the blows of the hammer struck the sole more rapidly and vigorously than before,--"well, Sam, I understand that you have been turning things upside down, and instead of coming out of the penitentiary a great deal worse man than when you went in, as most other men do, you have been converted." "That's my understandin' of it, Mr. Bartram," said the ex-convict, continuing his inflictions upon the bit of leather. "Sam," said Bartram, "I am a man of business, and I suppose you are from what I see you doing. I wish to make you a proposition: I will pay you cash for two or three hours' time if you will tell me--so that I can understand it--what being converted really amounts to." The new cobbler did not cease an instant his attention to the work in his hand. He merely said,-- "Mr. Bartram, you're a very smart man, an' I'm a very stupid one. If there's a stupider man in town the Democratic local committee has never yet been able to find him. You want to know what bein' converted means? You'd better go to Deacon Quickset, or the minister of some one of the churches hereabouts. I can't explain anythin', I don't know anythin' but what I feel myself, an' the more I feel it the more I don't know how to talk about it. Deacon Quickset says it don't 'mount to much. I s'pose it don't--to him, he bein' so much smarter than me. But, so far as it goes, I can't be paid for talkin' about it, for it didn't cost me nothin'." This was not what the visitor had expected; nevertheless, it is a lawyer's business to know more than one way of putting a thing. CHAPTER VI.page 38 "See here, Sam; I need a new pair of shoes,--soft leather, thin soles, good cut; do you suppose you know how to measure me for them?" "Well, I guess I've found out that much, Mr. Bartram." "Go ahead, then; don't let me interfere with the measurement; but I want to ask you some questions; tell me what you can as you go along. You've been converted, they say, and you say so too." "Yes, sir," said Sam, dropping the tape-line for a moment; "what other people say I'm not responsible for, but I say it myself that I'm a different man. That's all I can say, Mr. Bartram; an', as I said before, if you want to know more, you'd better ask somebody that's been in that sort o' life longer than I have." "Nonsense, Sam! you are too modest. As they say in churches, the newest convert has the strongest opinions. Now, you know what my business is. Strong opinions amount to everything in the legal business, and so I have come to you, just as squarely as I could go to any man in the world about anything else that he understood, to ask you plainly what you know about this new life that you are said to be leading now. Tell it to me, out and out. Don't be afraid to keep back anything. Take all the time you like at it. If you can't say just what you want to, try to put it as clearly as you can. I didn't come in to worry you. Remember that I really want some distinct information on the subject." Sam looked up keenly, and said, "Mr. Bartram, are you in earnest?" "Sam Kimper," said the young lawyer, "if I were not in earnest do you suppose I'd come into this shop during the business hours of the day and ask questions of this kind, when there are plenty of other people I could go to and get the information I want, and perhaps a good deal more? No, sir; I have come here to ask you because I thought that whatever you could say you would say in the fewest possible words and say it right to the point." "But, Mr. Bartram, I'm not used to talkin' to lawyers. I never talked to any but once, you know, an' then I don't think they had very much respect for what I said. I wasn't in a fix where anybody could have any respect for me." "This hasn't anything to do with those times, Sam," said the lawyer. "A friend of yours, who is a friend of mine, has told me that you talked very straightforward and honestly on this subject a few nights ago. CHAPTER VI.page 39 That's more than I have been able to find anybody do in this town in a long time. I don't mind saying to you that, according to what the people who are the most prominent in the church say, I'm a pretty hard character. Therefore whatever you have to say you needn't be afraid to put very plainly. I simply want to know about myself; that's all." "Mr. Bartram," said the cobbler, "as I've already said, you had a good deal better talked to somebody else. But, seem' you've come to me, I've only this to say to you, an' I hope you can make somethin' out of it, because I give you my word I've made more out of it than ever I did out of anythin' else on the face of the earth. I went to jail for stealin'. I hadn't ever been an honest man in my life. The only reason I hadn't been in jail all my life was that I hadn't been caught. At last I was caught, an' I was sent up, an' I don't mind sayin' that I think my sentence was mighty light, considerin' all the heavy mischief that I'd done durin' my life. While I was in jail I was talked to by a man that used to come through there to talk to the prisoners on Sundays. An' about all he said to me was to read me a lot o' things that Jesus Christ said when He was alive in this world, an' told me to go ahead an' do all them things just as well as I knowed how to, an' if I did 'em all well as far as I could I'd find out a good deal more in the course of time." "Go on," said the lawyer. "I haven't anything to go on with, Mr. Bartram," said the cobbler, "except that I took his advice, an' ain't ever been sorry for it, an' I wish I'd got it a good deal sooner. I'm just the same old two-an'-sixpence that I was before I went away. That is, I'm always tired an' always poor an' always wishin' I didn't have to do any work. But when there comes a time when I get a chance to do somethin' wrong an' make somethin' by it, I don't do it, although there was a time when I would have done it. I don't keep from doin' it for anything that I can make, 'cause I always go home a good deal worse off than I might have been. I hope you get something out of what I'm tellin' you, Mr. Bartram?" "But, Sam, my dear fellow," said the young man, "all this doesn't mean anything; that is, so far as religion goes. You are simply trying to live right, whereas you used to live wrong. CHAPTER VI.page 40 Haven't you learned any more than that?" "Well, Mr. Bartram," said Sam, ceasing to jot down measurements, and looking at his stubby pencil as if he had a question to ask, "that's all I've learned. An' I s'pose you bein' the kind o' man you are,--that is, well born an' well brought up, plenty o' money an' never done nothin' wrong that you know of,--I s'pose that don't seem much to you; but I tell you, Mr. Bartram, it's a complete upset to my old life, an' it's such a big one that I've not been able to get any further since, an' I don't mind talkin' honestly to any fellow-man that talks about it to me. I don't mind sayin' honestly that it's so much more than I'm equal to livin' up to yet that I haven't had any time to think about goin' any further along. See here, Mr. Bartram, can you tell me somethin' I can do besides that?" "Why, Sam," said the lawyer, "that's an odd question to ask me. I have seen you in church frequently since you were first a young man, ten years older than I. You have been told frequently what else you ought to do; and what I came in particular to ask you was as to how far you've done it, or been able to do it, or were trying to do it." "You come to the wrong shop, then, Mr. Bartram," said the cobbler. "When a man's been livin' wrong all his life an' has had somethin' put into him to make him feel like turnin' round an' livin' right, the change that's gone on in him is so big that it'll take him about half a lifetime to get to where he can think about anythin' else." "Pshaw!" said the lawyer. "You said you wanted these shoes made out of soft leather an' with pretty thin soles, Mr. Bartram?" "Yes, yes; make them any way you please." Then the lawyer left the room and closed the door with a crash that caused the new cobbler to look up apprehensively. CHAPTER VII page 41 Little by little the Kimper family was made more comfortable and put in better condition for the coming winter. Broken window-panes were mended, though frequently only with bits of board closely wedged, cracks in the wall were stuffed with dried grass and plastered with mud, and clean straw replaced the dirty substitutes for beds and mattresses. The head of the family worked hard at the cobbler's shop, yet did not cease working when he reached home. Yet week by week Sam looked better than in old times. Conrad Weitz, the manager of the most popular drinking-place in the town, predicted that there would soon have to be a change for the worse. "He ain't drinkin' noding," said Conrad; "and a feller dat's been drinkin' all his life can't get along midout it afterwards." The vender of stimulants said this to Deacon Quickset, for the two men were incessantly arguing over the liquor question, and never lost an opportunity of bringing up a new point about it when they met by any chance. Weitz was a public-spirited and intelligent citizen, and the deacon believed that if his opinions about the moral nature of his business could be changed there would be a great gain for the temperance cause in Bruceton. Besides, Weitz was a well-to-do man and saved a great deal of money, some of which the deacon had invested for him, and all of which the deacon desired to handle, for he was a man of many enterprises, and, like most other men of the kind, always had more ways than money. "You're all wrong about that, Weitz," said the deacon, sitting upon an empty beer-barrel in front of the liquor-store. The deacon was accustomed to say, with a grim smile, that he was one of the very few men in business whose reputation would allow him to sit upon a beer-barrel without giving rise to any suspicions. "Deacon," said the liquor-dealer, "you hadn't ought to talk about vat you don't understand. How long since you stopped drinkin'?" "Now, see here, Weitz, what do you mean, to ask me a question like that? You ought to know well enough that I never drank in my life. If I haven't told you so again and again, I should think other people could have done it." CHAPTER VII page 42 "Never drank anyding, eh? never in your life? Vell, vell!" said the proprietor, caressing the beer-shop cat for a moment, "dat explains a good many dings about you dat I never understood before. I tell you vat I tink, deacon: if you'd been brought up in my country, mit all de brains you've got in your head, and yoost could'a'had a lot of German beer put inside of you besides, you'd been about de finest man in de United States now. Den, besides dat, of course, you ought to belong to my shurch, too." "Your church!" sneered the deacon. "Come, now, deacon," said the shopkeeper, abruptly dropping the cat, "you can turn up your nose at my ideas all you vant, but you mustn't turn it up at my shurch. I don't do dat to you, and don't you forget it, eider." "That's all right, Conrad; I didn't mean to do it. Of course, every man will believe the way he is brought up. But I hope you won't go to telling anybody else in this town that that poor convict ought to be drinking and will have to do it again; because it might get to his ears, you know, and if it did it might break him down, and then he'd go to lying and stealing and loafing and fighting again, and there is no knowing whose chicken-coops and wood-piles would have to suffer. Yours might be one of the first of the lot." "Vell," said the German, "is dat de vay you look at the question?" "It's a fact, isn't it?" "Yes, I s'pose it is. But I didn't tink dat vas de first ding for a man like you to tink about ven you vas talkin' about a feller dat has broke off all his bad habits and is tryin' to be yoost right." The deacon felt awkward for a moment. He did not like to be reminded of any of his faults by a neighbor, much less by one who belonged to a church so widely different from his own. "Why, of course not," said he; "of course, I am thinking about the man's eternal salvation and about his future; but, to tell you the truth, I haven't got much faith in his professions. A man that don't get any further than he has done, and that don't seem willing to learn from them that's his betters and has gone into such things a good deal deeper than he has, ain't very likely to hold out. And the last condition of that man will be worse than the first." CHAPTER VII page 43 "Vell," said the shop-keeper, "a good deal depends on dat. You vas a member of von shurch and I vas a member of anoder, deacon, and we can talk togeder like brudders,--a little vay, anyhow. Now, I tell you vat it is: dere's a good many men in dis town dat's behavin' very decent dat don't belong to any shurch at all, and you'd yoost as lief discount deir notes as you vould any oder man's, and you'd go into business mit dem yoost as qvick, and you'd take deir word for anyding yoost as qvick. If dat's de vay mit dem men, vy isn't it true dat Sam Kimper is a good deal better off mit vat he's got dan he vould be midout anyding at all in de vay of religion?" "Oh, Conrad," said the deacon, "you were brought up in darkness and error! You don't understand. I've got that Sam Kimper on my mind so much that I'm just keeping our minister after him all the time." "Vell," said the shopkeeper, "I tell you vat I'll do, deacon. You let your minister do all he can mit him, and ven he finds he can't do noding yoost you come an' tell me, an' den I'll send our priest after him. He's a good man. You can't say noding against him; you know you can't. Neider can anybody else in dis town." "No," said the deacon, "I don't mind saying, for I've said it a good many times before, that if Father Black belonged to my church, instead of the one he does, I couldn't find a single thing to say or think against him. He is certainly a very good man, and doing a great deal of good among a lot of people that I didn't suppose ever could be kept out of mischief; but--" "But he didn't keep 'em out of mischief in your vay. Dat's de trouble, isn't it? Come now, own up, like an honest man, and I von't go tell nobody else about vat you say. Own up, now; isn't dat de trouble? Dem people dat you talk about as behavin' demselves is a good deal better dan some dat's smarter and has got more money an' more advantages an' more friends, an' dey don't make nobody any trouble, an' yet you ain't satisfied mit 'em; an' mit deir shurch, yoost because dey don't do everyding your vay." "Conrad," said the deacon, putting on a lofty air, "you're a good man to do business with; you're a respectable citizen, except that you sell rum. But there's some things you can't understand, and it's no use for me to waste time talking to you about them. CHAPTER VII page 44 If your mind was clearer, if it had been enlightened in the true way, you would not be selling rum, for instance." "Vouldn't I, dough? Vell, I yoost vant you to understand dere's no better business in dis town dan I am a-doin' right in dis shop. But if I didn't tink it vas right, I vouldn't be doin' it at all. You talk in dis country as if de rum-sellers vas de very vorst people in de vorld. I vant you to understand over in my country, dat's a good deal older dan dis, and vere de peoples has had a good deal more experience, a man don't get no right to sell liquor unless he is a first-class citizen in every respect. It's a sign dat a man is honest an' sensible an' knows how to manage oder men, if he gets de right to sell liquor. Dat's more dan you can say about your business, Deacon Quickset. Any rascal can go in de business dat you is doin' now." "Well," said the deacon, beginning to feel that he was on dangerous ground, "this wasn't what we were talking about, anyhow. We began to talk about Sam Kimper; and I want you to promise me that you won't talk to anybody else about his needing liquor, and about his breaking down in the course of time unless he gets it." "Of course I von't talk about it, deacon. Do you s'pose I'm a fool? Do you s'pose I vant to see people get drunk? No, sir; people dat gets drunk don't come to my shop. Dey know dey couldn't get anyding if dey did." Meanwhile Sam Kimper went on, after the humble manner in which he had begun, to try to bring his family to his new standard of respectability. He introduced family prayers, much to the disgust of his son Tom and the amusement of his daughter Mary. The privacy of family affairs was not entirely respected by the Kimper family, for Sam soon heard remarks from street loafers, as he passed along, which indicated that the devotional exercises of the family had been reported, evidently by his own children, and he heard quotations from some of his weak and halting prayers pass from mouth to mouth and elicit peals of coarse laughter. Nevertheless he found some encouragement. His son Tom was not quite so much of a cub at home as he had been, and actually took to trying, in a desultory way, to find work, although his father's offer to teach him the trade which had been learned in the penitentiary was declined very sharply and without any thanks whatever. CHAPTER VII page 45 Billy, the younger boy, had an affectionate streak in his nature, which his father succeeded in touching to such an extent that complaints of Billy's truancy were nowhere near so numerous as they had been just after his father's return. Mary, the youngest daughter, was a less promising subject. Her precocity was of a very unpleasant order, and caused her father a great deal of annoyance. When everything else failed him, Sam had the baby for consolation. The little wretch had been so utterly uncared for since its appearance that it seemed surprised for some time by its father's demonstrations of affection, but finally the meaning of this seemed made known to it, probably in the way the same meanings are translated to babies everywhere else, and from being a forlorn and fretful child it gradually became so cheerful that its own mother began to display some interest in it and make a plaything of it, to her own manifest advantage. But Jane, the elder daughter, who was a woman in stature and already knew more of the world than is good for women in general, was a constant source of anxiety to Sam. Many a night the unhappy father lingered in the neighborhood of the hotel, seeking for an opportunity to see his daughter and talk with her; not that he had much to say, but that he hoped by his presence to keep more congenial company away from her. When he heard any village gossip in the house, he always could trace it to his daughter Jane. Whenever Mary broke out with some new and wild expression of longing, he understood who put it into her mind. Whenever his wife complained that she was not so well dressed as some other women whose husbands were plain workmen, and expressed a wish for some tawdry bit of finery, Sam could trace the desire, by very little questioning, back to his daughter Jane. He prayed about it, thought about it, groaned over it, wept over it, and still saw no means within his power to bring the girl back to an interest in her family and to bring her up so that she should not disgrace the name which he was trying to rehabilitate. But the more thought and effort he gave to the subject, the less seemed his chance of success. CHAPTER VIII.page 46 Eleanor Prency was the handsomest girl in all Bruceton. Indeed, she so far distanced all other girls in brilliancy and manners, as well as in good looks, that no other young woman thought of being jealous of her. Among her sex she occupied the position of a peerless horse or athlete among sporting men; she was "barred" whenever comparisons were made. As she was an only child, she was especially dear to her parents, who had bestowed upon her every advantage which their means, intelligence, and social standing could supply, and she had availed herself of all of them apparently to the fullest extent. She was not lacking in affection, sense, self-control, and a number of virtues which some girls entirely satisfactory to their parents possessed in less measure. Nevertheless the judge and his wife were deeply anxious about their daughter's future. She was good--as girls go; she attended regularly the church of which the family, including herself, were members; she had no bad habits or bad tastes; her associates were carefully selected; and yet the judge and his wife spent many hours, which should have been devoted to sleep, in endeavoring to forecast her future. It was all a matter of heredity. At middle age the judge and his wife were fully deserving of the high esteem in which they were held by the entire community. They were an honest, honorable, Christian couple, living fully up to the professions they made. In their youthful days they had been different--in some respects. Well off, handsome, and brilliant, they had both been among the most persistent and successful of pleasure-seekers. Reviewing those days, Mrs. Prency could say that utter selfishness and self-love had been her deepest sins. Her husband, looking back at his own life, could truthfully say the same, but the details were different. He had looked upon the wine-cup and every other receptacle in which stimulants were ever served. He had tried every game of chance and gone through all other operations collectively known as "sowing one's wild oats." Respect for his wife caused him to break from all his bad habits and associations, at first haltingly and with many relapses, but afterwards by joining the church and conforming his life to his faith. But the inheritance of the child was from her parents, as they were, not as they afterwards became. CHAPTER VIII.page 47 Therefore the couple became anxious anew when they discovered that their daughter had become very fond of Reynolds Bartram, for the young man forcibly reminded both of them of the judge himself in his early days, yet without Prency's strong and natural basis of character, while the daughter was entirely devoted to the pleasures of the day. If Bartram were to remain as he was, and his self-satisfaction to continue so strong as to be manifest upon all occasions and in all circumstances they foresaw a miserable life for their daughter. Hence Mrs. Prency's solicitude about young Bartram. One day Mrs. Prency made a business excuse to call again on the cobbler's assistant. "Mr. Kimper," said she after leaving a dainty boot with some instructions about repairs, "Reynolds Bartram came to see you, I suppose, as I warned you he would?" "Yes, ma'am, he came," said the cobbler, selecting some buttons from a box and beginning to affix them to one of the lady's boots. "Did he talk with you on the subject that I supposed he would." "Yes," said Sam, "he did; quite a long time." "Did you change your views at all under his arguments?" "Oh, no, ma'am," said the man, looking up with an eager expression of countenance. "How could I?" "I'm so glad," murmured the woman. "Well, what did he say?" "I can't repeat all his words, Mrs. Prency, because he talks a good deal better than I do, you know, an' maybe I wouldn't give them the sense that they had,--the way that he meant them." "How did he seem to take what you said to him?" "I'm afraid, ma'am," said Sam, "that what I said didn't entirely suit him; because when I got through all he said was, 'Pshaw!'" Mrs. Prency looked at the shoe through which the needle was rapidly passing back and forth, and finally said,-- CHAPTER VIII.page 48 "He hasn't come again, I suppose?" "Oh, yes, ma'am, he has,--several times. I never knew any other man to be so much interested in the makin' of one pair of shoes as he has been about them that he ordered of me that day. He says they're not in any hurry, an' yet he comes in every day or two to talk about them." "Indeed!" said Mrs. Prency, her face brightening. "Doesn't he talk of anything but his shoes?" "Yes, ma'am," sighed Sam; "he comes back to the old subject always; an' it does seem to me as if the one thing he was thinkin' about an' tryin' to do was to break me down in what I've learned to believe. It don't seem, ma'am, to me that it's very big business for a smart feller like him to be in, when he knows what a common sort of a feller I am, an' what little I've got, an' how much I need all that I've got, if I'm goin' to keep straight any more." "Mr. Kimper," said the lady, "try not to look at it in that way. He is not trying to break you down; he is trying to satisfy himself. Don't give way, and he dare not. If he did not believe a great deal of what you have been saying to him, he would not keep up his interest in it. Mr. Kimper, it may not seem possible to you, but there is a chance of your doing better work in the missionary cause for that young man than anybody and everybody else in this town has yet been able to do." "Oh, nonsense, Mrs. Prency!" said the cobbler, dropping the shoe and looking up incredulously. "He's got a thousand times as much head-piece as I have, an' if he can't learn what he wants to from other people there ain't the slightest likelihood of my ever learnin' him anythin'." "Sam," said Mrs. Prency, earnestly, "in the book that you have been reading so industriously, from which you have learned so much, and from which I hope you will continue to learn a great deal, don't you remember something that is said about the Lord having selected the feeble ones of this world to confound the wise?" Sam looked down meditatively at the dropped shoe, and replied in a moment,-- CHAPTER VIII.page 49 "Well, now you speak of it, ma'am, I think I do." "You certainly will believe that as much as everything else you have read there?" "Why, of course; I'll have to." "Very well, then; apply it to yourself, and try to be patient the next time that young man comes to annoy you." Sam rested his elbows on his knees and dropped the shoe again for a moment, and at last, resuming his work, said,-- "Well, I'll take your word for it, ma'am: you know a good deal more about such things than I do." Gradually the cobbler's face began to contract. His needle and thread moved more and more rapidly through the buttons and the leather. At last he laid the shoe aside with an air of desperation, looked up defiantly, and said,-- "Mrs. Prency, I don't mean no offence, an' I ain't the kind of person that meddles with other people's business, an' I hope you won't feel hurt or angry at anythin' that I'm goin' to say to you, because there is somethin' behind it. So I hope you won't think I'm meddlin' with your affairs, if you'll listen to me just a little while. I--I--" "Well?" said the lady, for Sam seemed to be hesitating about what he wanted to say. "I don't hardly know how to say it, ma'am, an' I'm awfully afraid to say it at all; but--well, there, Mrs. Prency, I guess I know why you are so very much interested in the religious welfare of that young lawyer." The judge's wife had naturally a very good complexion, but her face flushed deeper as she looked inquiringly at the cobbler but said nothing. "I've seen him," said Sam,--"I can't help seein' things when I'm goin' along in the street, you know, or happen to look out through the windows,--I've seen him in company once in a while with that daughter of yours, Mrs. Prency,-- CHAPTER VIII.page 50 with that young lady that seems to me to be too good to talk to any young man that lives in this town. He is very fond of her, though; nobody can help seein' that." "I suppose he is," said Mrs. Prency, with an embarrassed manner. "Young men have very quick perceptions and correct tastes in matters of that kind, you know." "Yes, ma'am," said the cobbler, "and they don't differ much from young women. Seems to me your daughter, ma'am, seems to think a good deal of him, too. Well, I don't wonder at it, for he's the finest lookin' young feller anywhere about here; an' if they go to thinkin' more and more of each other as they go on, you would like him to be a good deal better man than he is." The judge's wife dropped her eyes and seemed in doubt for an instant as to whether to be angry or only amused. Finally she looked up frankly and said, "Mr. Kimper, you're a parent and so am I. I see you have been putting yourself in my place. It is quite natural that you should do so, and it is very creditable to you that you have done it in the way you have. You are quite right in your surmise; but may I ask why you have spoken to me about it in this way?" "That's just what I was comin' to, ma'am," said the cobbler. "I've got a daughter, too. I suppose you think she ain't fit to be mentioned in the same day with that glorious gal of yours." "Oh, Mr. Kimper!" murmured the lady. "Well if you don't, I don't see how you can help doin' it; that's all. Your daughter is a lady. She shows in her everythin' that there is in her father and mother, an' everybody knows that they're the finest people hereabouts. My child is the daughter of a thief an' a brawler an' a loafer, an' she's a servant in a common hotel, which is about as low down, I s'pose, as any gal can get in this town that don't go to the bad entirely. Mrs. Prency, that gal has broke my heart. I don't have no influence over her at all. You want me to help you out about your daughter. CHAPTER VIII.page 51 I am goin' to do it just as far as heaven will give me the strength to do it. Now I want to throw myself right at your feet an' beg you, for the love of God, to try to do somethin' for my child." "Why, Mr. Kimper, certainly," said the judge's wife. "I am very glad you spoke to me about her. But, really, I have tried to do a great deal for her. While you were away I used to send clothing to your wife for her, so that the child might be able always to make a proper appearance at school." "Yes, ma'am, so you did," said the cobbler, "an' it's a shame that I should ask anythin' else of you, for I know you're generous-hearted, an' the Lord knows there's enough other poor an' wretched people in this town that needs lookin' after, an' I know you're doin' a good deal for all of 'em. But this ain't a matter of poverty, Mrs. Prency; it goes a good deal deeper than that. I'm not thinkin' about her appearance; she's better dressed now than she ort to be, though I don't think she shows much good taste in what she buys to put on her. But I want to have somebody take some interest in her that'll make her change her thoughts an' feelin's about the way she's livin' an' the kind o' company she's keepin'." The judge's wife looked thoughtful, and Sam contemplated her with wistful eyes. There was a long silence. When at last Mrs. Prency spoke she said,-- "Mr. Kimper, I think I know what you mean, but I am puzzled as to what I can do and how I can do it. Can you suggest anything?" "That's just the trouble, ma'am," said Sam; "I can't; I don't know how. I've thought an' cried an' prayed about that gal more than anybody'd ever believe, I s'pose,--anybody that knows me an' knows her too. But I can't get no light nor no sense about it. But I'm only a man, Mrs. Prency, an' you're a woman. She's a woman too, an' it did seem to me that maybe you, with all you're good sense an' all your good-heartedness, could think of somethin', some way, that would bring that gal back to what she ort to be before she goes an' does what her mother done--marry some worthless fool before she's old enough to marry at all, an' then be helpless and downcast all the rest of her life." "I might," said the lady, after musing a little while, "I might possibly make her a place among my own servants, but I imagine she would not care for such a position, for I have always discovered that the servants who have been in hotels are dissatisfied with any other sort of service. CHAPTER VIII.page 52 Besides, you probably do not wish her to associate with the servant class, and it would be far better for her if she did not." "She'd have to go, ma'am, if you was willin' to take her," said the cobbler, "but, as you say, whether she'd stay or not is a question. Oh, Mrs. Prency," said he, resuming his work again with violent energy, "it's the hardest question that ever come up to me in all my life. It's harder than bein' in jail or breakin' off drinkin' or anythin' else that I ever tried. It's even harder than goin' to work; I give you my word it is." "Mr. Kimper," said the lady, "I'll tell you what I'll do. I give you my word that I will think earnestly on the subject, and do it at once, and give myself no rest until I have devised some plan to do what you have asked me." "God bless you, ma'am! God bless you!" said the cobbler, dropping a tear upon one of the grimy hands at work upon the shoe. CHAPTER IX.page 53 Reynolds Bartram was greatly annoyed by the results of the several interviews he had imposed upon the new assistant cobbler at Bruceton. He had silenced, if not conquered, all the other religious controversialists of the town, and found the weak spots in the armor of many good people not given to controversy, whom he had beguiled into talking on religious themes. Why he should want to converse at all upon such subjects puzzled the people of the town, all of whom had known him from boyhood as a member of a family so entirely satisfied with itself that it never desired any aid from other people, to say nothing of higher powers. Sometimes the Bartrams went to church for social purposes, but always with an air of conferring a favor upon the power in whose honor the edifice was erected. But Bartram had good enough reasons for his sudden interest in religion. He was in love with Eleanor Prency, and, after the manner of his family regarding everything that interested them, he was tremendously in earnest with his wooing. CHAPTER IX.page 54 Like a judicious lawyer, he had endeavored to make his way easier by prepossessing the girl's parents in his favor; but when he began to pass the lines of pleasing civility, within which he had long known the judge and his wife, he was surprised to find an undercurrent of seriousness, the existence of which in the Prency family he never had suspected. The judge appeared to estimate everything from the stand-point of religion and righteousness; so did his wife; so, though in less measure, did the daughter. Such nonsense, as the self-sufficient youth regarded it, was annoying. To visit a pleasant family with the intention of making a general conquest and find himself confronted by a line of obstacles which he always had regarded as trifling, yet which he was unable to overcome, and to be told that religion was a reality because it had changed Sam Kimper, one of the most insignificant wretches in town, from a lazy, thievish drunkard to an honest, sober, industrious citizen,--all this was to make war upon Reynolds Bartram's constitutional opinions as to the fitness of things. A change of opinion somewhere was necessary: so it must occur in the Prency family, and as soon as it could be brought about. This was Bartram's first conclusion, after an hour of deep thought. He had started upon a love-making enterprise, and he objected to a complication of interests. If the Prencys chose to talk theology in the privacy of their family life, they were welcome to do so, but he wished none of it, and, unless his head had lost its cunning, he believed he could devise a method of preventing further inflictions of it. He convinced himself that his best method would be to discover and expose the weakness, perhaps hypocrisy, of the wretched cobbler's professions. Maybe Kimper meant all he said, and thought he believed something which was essential to religion; but had not scores of other common fellows in the town done likewise, during "revivals" and other seasons of special religious effort, only to fall back into their old ways soon afterwards? It was all a matter of birth and training, argued Bartram to himself: the feeblest and most excitable intellects, the world over, were the first to be impressed by whatever seemed supernatural, whether it were called religion, spiritualism, mesmerism, or anything else. It was merely a matter of mental excitement: the stronger the attack, the sooner the relapse. CHAPTER IX.page 55 Sam Kimper would lose faith in his fancies sooner or later; it might be somewhat cruel to hasten this result, but what was a little more or less of the life of such a fellow, compared with the lifelong happiness of one of the Bartrams,--the last of the family, and, as the young man fully believed, the best? Should the cobbler's fall be hastened, Bartram would make it right; indeed, he would volunteer in his defense the first time he should again be arrested for fighting or stealing. But his plan did not work. Day after day he had made excuses to drop into the cobbler's shop and worry the ex-convict into a discussion, but not once did he depart without a sense of defeat. As he said to himself,-- "What can be done with a man who only believes, and won't argue or go to the bottom of things? It's confoundedly ridiculous." During his last visit, he said,-- "Sam, if the power you profess to believe in can really work such a change as you think He has done in you, He ought to be able to do almost anything else. Don't you think so?" "That I do," said the cobbler, working away. "You believe He has power to any extent, I suppose?" "You're right again, Mr. Bartram." "Of course you think he loves you dearly?" "I'm ashamed to think it,--that any such bein' should love a good-for-nothin' feller like me. But what else can I think, Mr. Bartram, after all that's gone on in me, an' what He's said Himself?" "Very well; then, if He is so powerful and cares so much for you, I suppose He brings you more work and better prices than any one else in your business?" Sam did not reply to this at once, but after a while he said,-- "It amounts to the same thing: He makes me work harder than I ever knowed how to do before. That brings me more money an' gives me a hope of gettin' along better after a while." CHAPTER IX.page 56 "Oh, well, you have a family,--quite a large family, I believe. Does He do as much for your wife and children as for you?" "Whatever He's doin' for me is done for all of us, Mr. Bartram." "Just so. But do you mean to say that what you're making enables you to do for your family all that you should?" The cobbler's face contracted, under the shade he wore over his eyes. An evil smile overspread the lawyer's countenance. A little time passed; the discussion was becoming sport,--such sport as the angler feels when a wounded fish, a hundred times smaller than he, is struggling and writhing in agony on his hook. "You don't seem certain about it, Sam," the tormentor finally said. "Mr. Bartram," the cobbler answered in a little while, "what He done for me came about so quiet an' unknown like that I don't know what he may be doin' for the wife an' children. God knows they need it; an', as He came to look after them that was needy, I don't believe He can make a mistake an' pass by my house." "But I should think you would be sure about it. You're so sure about your own affairs, you know,--what are called your spiritual affairs." "I don't know, though," said Sam, simply. "Have all the children got good shoes and stockings and warm clothes? Winter is almost here, you know." "No, sir, they haven't," Sam sharply replied. The lawyer quickly caught the change of tone, and made haste to explain: "I didn't mean to disturb your peace of mind, Sam; I asked only in order to learn how much foundation there was to your faith. They haven't them, you say. How will they get them?" "I'll earn 'em," said the cobbler, with a savage dash of his awl which one of his fingers barely escaped. CHAPTER IX.page 57 "But suppose you can't; suppose trade slackens, or Larry takes a notion to a new helper." "Then I'll beg, rather than have 'em suffer." "And if folks won't give?" "Then my folks'll have to go without." "In spite of your new, loving, strong friend,--your Saviour? If He's all you take Him to be, aren't you sure He'll look out for your family?" "Mr. Bartram," said the cobbler, resting for a moment, and straightening his weary back, "if I was in trouble,--been doin' somethin' wrong, for instance, an' was hauled into court, an' had you for my lawyer,--though of course I couldn't expect to have so smart a man,--I'd ort to believe that you'd do everythin' that could be done an' ort to be done, ortn't I?" "Certainly, Sam, certainly," said the lawyer, with his customary professional look of assurance. "But I wouldn't know all about it in advance, would I? Even if you was to tell me all you meant to do an' how you'd do it, I couldn't take it in. If I could, I'd be just as smart as you,--the idee!--an' wouldn't need you at all." Both suppositions were so wildly improbable that the lawyer indulged in a sarcastic smile. "Well, then," continued Sam, "here's somebody helpin' me more than any man ever could,--somebody that's smarter than any lawyer livin'. I s'pose you'll own up to that?" The idea that any being, natural or supernatural, could be wiser than one of the Bartrams was not pleasing to the lawyer, when suggested so abruptly, but it was conceded, after a moment of thought, by a condescending nod of the head. CHAPTER IX.page 58   "Then," Sam continued, "how am I goin' to be supposed to know all that He's doin' an' not doin' for me, an' when He's goin' to do somethin' else, or whether He's goin' to do it at all. If I was as smart as a lawyer, I wouldn't need one; if I was as smart an' good as Him that's lookin' after me, there wouldn't need to be any God or Saviour, would there?" "Then you are satisfied He is God and Saviour, eh? Some wiser men have believed differently." "I only know what I was told an' what I've read for myself, sir. The man that put me up to it told me not to try to believe everythin' that everybody else did, but to believe as much as I could an' live up to it, bein' extra particular about the livin' up." "But you ought to know something--have some distinct idea--as to whom you're believing in. What do you know about Him, after all?" "I know," said the cobbler, "just what I've told you before, when you've asked me the same question. I know He was once in the world, an' didn't do anybody any harm, an' done a good deal of good, an' taught folks to do right an' how to do it. Everybody believes that, don't they?" "I suppose it's safe to admit that much." "Well, sir, I'm tryin' to foller Him an' learn of Him. I'm believin' in Him just like I believe in old Andrew Jackson." "Is that all?" "That's enough,--as far as I've got. You're a good deal smarter than I be, sir: won't you tell me how to go further?" The lawyer shook his head and departed. The cobbler fell on his knees and buried his face in his hands. The lawyer, chancing to look in the window, saw the movement; then he drew his hat down over his eyes and sauntered off. CHAPTER X.page 59 The genuineness of the change which had come over Sam Kimper slowly became the subject of general conversation in Bruceton. Judge Prency frequently spoke of it; so did his wife; and, as the Prencys were leaders of village society, whatever interested them became the fashion. People with shoes which needed repairing visited the new cobbler in great numbers, each prompted as much by curiosity as by business, for they seldom haggled about prices. Sam's family, too, began to receive some attention. Mrs. Prency, having first secured a promise from Sam that the children should go to Sunday-school if they could be decently clad, interested several ladies to the extent of bestowing some old clothing, which she hired a sewing woman to make over into becoming garments for Billy and Mary. Mrs. Kimper, too, was enabled to dress well enough to appear in church, though she stipulated that she should go only to evening services. "I don't 'mount to much, Mrs. Prency," said she to the family's benefactor; "there ain't much left of me as I once was, but I ain't goin' to have people look at me the way they do, any more than I can help." "The feeling does you credit, Mrs. Kimper," said the lady, "but you won't long be troubled that way. The oftener you let people see you, the less curious they'll be." Sam's new way of life, too, began to be discussed where men most congregated. Loungers at stores, the railway station, and the post-office talked of the town's only ex-convict who had not yet gone back to his old ways. Most of the men who talked of him did it in about the manner of spectators of the gladiatorial combats in ancient Rome: they admired the endurance and courage of the man, but seldom did it occur to them to stretch out a hand to help him. There were exceptions to this rule, however. An old farmer who had brought a load of wheat to the station listened to the tale, asked a great many questions about the case, and said, finally,-- "I s'pose you're all doin' all you can to help him along?" The by-standers looked at one another, but no one answered in the affirmative. CHAPTER X.page 60 One man at last found words to say, "Why, he's tryin' to help hisself along, and we're watchin' to see how he'll succeed. Now, I was along by his place this mornin', an' seen him carryin' in the last wood from his wood-pile. 'Sam,' I hollered, 'don't you want to buy a load of wood? I've got some I want to sell.' 'I need it,' said Sam, 'but I ain't got a cent.' Well, mebbe I'd have trusted him for a load if he'd asked me, but it occurred to me to stand off an' see how he'd manage it. It's cold weather now, an' if he don't get it some way, his family'll go cold. I went by there again at noon-time, but he hadn't got none yit." "He's as independent like," said another, "as if he hadn't never been in jail." "You're a pack of heartless hogs!" roared the farmer, getting into his wagon and driving off. "Can't see that he's any different from the rest of us," muttered one of the by-standers. Could the group have known the trouble in the new cobbler's heart, as he bent all day over his work and thought of the needed wood, their interest in the subject would have been enhanced. Sam's wife was a cold-blooded creature; the baby was somewhat ailing; it would not do for the fire to go out, yet the fuel he had carried in at morn could not more than last until evening. The little money that had come into the shop during the day would barely purchase some plain food, of which there was never in the house a day's supply. He had not the courage to ask credit for wood; his occasional attempts to "get trusted" had all failed, no matter how small the article wanted. He looked for Larry Highgetty, his employer, to beg a small loan, but Larry, though he came into the shop every morning for his share of the previous day's earnings, could not be found that afternoon. Suddenly, when the sun was almost down, Sam remembered that a house was being built several squares away. Carpenters always left many scraps behind them, which village custom allowed anyone to pick up. The cobbler devoutly thanked heaven for the thought, closed the shop, and hurried away to the new building. The men were still at work, and there was a great deal of waste lying about. "May I have some of these leavin's?" asked Sam of the master builder. CHAPTER X.page 61   The man looked down from the scaffolding on which he stood, recognized the questioner, turned again to his work, and at last answered, with a scowl,-- "Yes, I suppose so. It would be all the same, I guess, if I didn't say so. You'd come after dark and help yourself." Sam pocketed the insult, though the weight of it was heavy. So was that of the bits of board he gathered; but he knew that such thin wood burned rapidly, so he took a load that made him stagger. As he entered the yard behind his house, he saw, through the dusk which was beginning to gather, a man rapidly tossing cord-wood from a wagon to a large pile which already lay on the ground. "My friend," gasped Sam, dropping his own load and panting from his exertion, "I guess--you've made a--mistake. I ain't ordered a load of wood from nobody. Guess you've come to the wrong house." "Guess not," replied the man, who was the farmer that had freed his mind at the railway station during the afternoon. "This is Sam Kimper's," explained the cobbler. "Just where I was told to come," said the farmer, tossing out the last sticks and stretching his arms to rest upon them. "Who was it told you to bring it?" asked the resident. The farmer stooped and took a large package from the front of the wagon and threw it on the ground; then he threw another. "Won't you tell me who sent it?" Sam asked again. The farmer turned his head and shouted,-- "God Almighty, if you must know; and He told me to bring that bag of flour and shoulder of bacon, too." Then the farmer drove off, at a gait quite unusual in farm-teams. The cobbler burst into tears and fell upon his knees. CHAPTER X.page 62 When he arose he looked in the direction from which came the rattle of the retreating wheels, and said to himself,-- "I wonder if that man was converted in the penitentiary?" The story, when Sam told it in the house, amazed the family, though little Mary giggled long on hearing the name of the supposed giver. No sooner was supper ended than the child slipped out of the house and hurried to the hotel to tell her sister Jane all about it. Within half an hour the story had passed, through the usual channels, to all lounging-places that were open, and at one of them--the post-office--it was heard by Deacon Quickset. It troubled the good man a great deal, and he said,-- "There's no knowing how much harm'll be done the fellow by that speech. If he thinks the Lord is going to take care of him in such unexpected ways, he'll go to loafing and then get back into his old ways." "Didn't the Lord ever help you in any unexpected way, deacon?" asked Judge Prency, who nearly every evening spent a few moments in the post-office lobby. "Why, yes,--of course; but, judge, Sam and I aren't exactly the same kind of men, I think you'll allow." "Quite right," said the judge. "You're a man of sense and character. But when Jesus was on earth did He give much attention to men of your general character and standing? According to my memory of the record,--and I've re-read it several times since Sam Kimper's return,--He confined His attentions quite closely to the poor and wretched, apparently to the helpless, worthless class to whom the Kimper family would have belonged had it lived at that time. 'They that are whole need no physician,'--you remember?--'but they that are sick.'" "According to the way you seem to be thinking, Judge Prency," said the deacon, coldly, "them that's most deserving are to be passed by for them that's most shiftless." CHAPTER X.page 63 "Those who deserve most are those who need most, aren't they, deacon?--that is, if anyone is really 'deserving,' as we use the word." "Your notions would break up business entirely, if they were carried out," asserted the deacon. "Not at all; though I've never discovered that business is the first interest of the Almighty." "You mean to say that because I work hard and get a little fore-handed I ought to take a lot of shiftless folks and teach them to be lazy and dependent on me?" "Certainly not, deacon. How you do jump at conclusions! There aren't a lot of shiftless people in this town; there are very few; and even they might be helped, and shamed into taking care of themselves, if you and I and some more fore-handed people were to follow our Master's example." "I've spoken to every unbeliever in this town about his soul's salvation," said the deacon; "I've always made it a matter of duty. Christ came to preach salvation, and I'm following His example, in my humble way." "Didn't He do anything else?" asked the judge. "You remember what answer He sent to John in prison, when the Baptist seemed to have lost heart and wondered whether Jesus were really He who should come? He said that to the poor the gospel was preached, but He gave half a dozen other proofs, each of them showing special care for men's bodies." "Judge, you're talking materialism," said the deacon. "It's a spirit that's getting too common everywhere." "Oh, no, I'm not; I'm talking the words of Jesus Himself. Aren't they good enough for you? or are you like children at the table who will take only what suits them, and ignore everything else?" "Such talks never do any good, judge," said the deacon, buttoning his overcoat and turning up the collar. "I've spent a good deal of my life thinking about sacred subjects and trying to lead my fellow-men in the right way. CHAPTER X.page 64 You're not going to make me believe at my time of life that I've been all wrong, and that Jesus Christ came on earth only to start a charity society." "Nor to teach people to live right?" "He wants them first to know how to die right. I should think, judge, that Sam Kimper had been converting you over again and doing it backwards. That fellow has only got hold of one end of the Scripture--one little jag end of it." "Too small an end to be worthy of your attention, I suppose, deacon?" "This is all wasted time and idle talk, Judge Prency," said the deacon, leaving the place so quickly that he forgot to ask for his letters. CHAPTER XI.page 65 One bright, breezy October afternoon, Sam Kimper's daughter Jane got "an hour off" from her duties at the hotel, and proceeded to devote it to her highest ideal of possible enjoyment. There were many other pleasures for which she longed, but, as they were unattainable just then, she made the most of that which was within her reach for the time being. It was to array herself in her best and saunter to and fro in the principal streets, look into shop windows, and exchange winks and rude remarks with young men and women with whom she was acquainted. Although her attire was about what one would expect of a drunkard's child who had spent her later years in the kitchen and corridors of a hotel, Jane was not an unsightly creature. There must have been good physical quality in one side or other of her family, in past generations, which was trying to reappear, for Jane had a fine figure, expressive eyes, and a good complexion. Had any one followed her during her afternoon stroll, and observed her closely during her successive chance meetings with young men and women of her acquaintance, he would have seen hard lines, coarse lines, ugly lines, in her face; yet when in repose the same face was neither unwomanly nor without an occasional suggestion of soul. It was a face like many others that one may see on the streets,--entirely human, yet entirely under the control of whatever influence might be about it for the time being,--the face of a nature untrained and untaught, which would have followed either Jesus or Satan, or both by turns, had both appeared before it in visible shape. CHAPTER XI.page 66 During a moment or two of her afternoon out, Jane found herself approaching Mrs. Prency and Eleanor, those ladies being out on one of those serious errands known collectively as "shopping." "Do see that dreadfully dowdy girl!" exclaimed Miss Eleanor, whose attire was always selected with correct taste. "She has never had any one to teach her to dress properly, my dear," suggested the mother. "She might have some one who cared enough for her to keep her from appearing in public in red hair and a blue ribbon," said the daughter. "Such girls have no one to keep them from doing anything they like, my dear. Let us try to be sorry for them, instead of being disgusted." "But, mother--" "Sh-h! she'll hear you. I'm going to bow to her; I wish you'd do the same." "Mother!" "To oblige me; I'll explain afterwards." The couple were now within several steps of Jane, who, with an odd mixture of wistfulness and scare, had been studying Eleanor's attire. When she saw both women looking at her, she began to take a defiant attitude, but the toss of her head was met by one of Mrs. Prency's heartiest smiles, accompanied by a similar recognition from Eleanor. Short as was the time that could elapse before the couple had passed her, it was long enough to show a change in Jane's face,--a change so notable that Eleanor whispered,-- "Did you ever see any one alter looks so quickly?" "Never; but I sha'n't lose any opportunity to see it again," said Mrs. Prency. "Mother, dear," said Eleanor, "I hope you're not suddenly going to recognize every common person you may meet on the street. You're so enthusiastic." CHAPTER XI.page 67 "And so different from my daughter in that respect,--eh, dear?" "But, mother, you've always been so careful and fastidious about your associations and mine. I remember the time, only a year or two ago, while I was at school, when you would have been horrified if I'd had anything to do with a creature like that." "You were a child then, my dear; you're a woman now. That girl is the daughter of the poor fellow--" "Sam Kimper?--that you and father talk of so frequently? Yes, I know; she was a horrid little thing in school, two classes below me. But, mother, I don't see why we ought to recognize her just because her father has been in the penitentiary and behaved himself since he came back." "Because she needs recognition, dear child; because she gets it from plenty of people of her own class, and if she has it from no others she never will be any better than she is; perhaps she will become worse." "Oh, mother!" exclaimed Eleanor, with a toss of her handsome head, "such people never change. There were plenty of such girls in the same class with me in the public school, and they've all gone off and married common low fellows. Some of them were real pretty girls while they were young, too." "All the more reason why others of the same kind should have some encouragement to do better, my child." "But, mother," persisted Eleanor, "what possible good will it do that Kimper girl for us merely to recognize her in the street?" "You may do as much more for her as you choose, if you think mere courtesy is not enough. Eleanor, you are a healthy, happy girl; you know--and I remember--all a girl's natural fancies and longings. Do you imagine that being badly born and reared can keep that girl from having the same feelings? She probably wishes she could dress as well as the best, attract attention, be respected, have a real fine fellow fall in love with her--" "The idea!" exclaimed Eleanor, laughing merrily. CHAPTER XI.page 68 "But suppose it were all true; how can mere notice from us help her? I'm sure the minute we passed her she made a face and envied me my better clothes." "You will think differently when you have more experience, my dear. When I was as young as you, I thought--" "Oh, mother, there she is again," said Eleanor, "crossing the street; she's turning right towards us. And," murmured the young lady, after assuring herself that it was really the same combination of red hair and blue ribbon, "how different she looks!" "Because two women of some standing and position chanced to notice her. Let's help the good work along, daughter." Then, before Miss Eleanor had time to object, and just as the cobbler's daughter was in front of them, Mrs. Prency stopped, extended her neatly gloved hand, and said, with a pleasant smile,-- "How these girls do grow! You were little Jane only a year or two ago, Miss Kimper." Never before had Jane Kimper been addressed as "Miss." The appellation sent color flying into her face and brightness into her eyes as she stammered out something about growing being natural. "You haven't grown fast enough, though, to neglect good looks," continued Mrs. Prency, while Eleanor, endeavoring to act according to her mother's injunctions, drawled,-- "No, indeed!" Then the cobbler's daughter flushed deeper and looked grateful, almost modest, for girls read girls pretty fairly, and Jane saw that Eleanor was regarding her face with real admiration. "You girls of the new generation can't imagine how much interest we women who used to be girls have in you," said the judge's wife. "I'm afraid you'd be vain if you knew how much Eleanor and I have looked at you and talked about you." CHAPTER XI.page 69 "I didn't s'pose any lady that was anybody ever thought anything about girls like me," Jane finally managed to say. "You're greatly mistaken, my dear girl," said the lady. "Nearly every one in this world talks a good deal about every one else whom they know by sight. You really can't imagine how much good it does me to see you looking so well and pretty. Keep right on looking so, won't you? The girls of to-day must be our women a few years hence; that's what I keep impressing upon my daughter day by day,--don't I, dear." "Indeed you do, mother." Eleanor said it with a look at Jane which was almost a signal for sympathy: the cobbler's daughter was greatly mystified by it. "I don't see," said Jane, after standing awkwardly for a moment in meditation, "how a girl's goin' to be much of a woman that amounts to anything one of these days if she's nothin' to do now but dirty work at a hotel." "Maybe she could change her work," suggested the lady. Jane's lips parted into some hard and ugly lines, and she replied,-- "Some things is easier sayin' than doin'." "Should you like a different position?" asked Mrs. Prency. "I'm sure it could be had if people knew you wanted it. For instance, I need some one every day for weeks to come to help my daughter and me with our sewing and fitting. There are always so many things to be done as winter approaches. I sometimes feel as if I were chained to my sewing-machine, and have so much to do. But I'm afraid such work would seem very stupid to you. It would mean sitting still all day, you know, with no one to talk to but Eleanor and me." Jane looked wonderingly at the two women before her. No one but them to talk to! She never had imagined an opportunity to talk to such people at all. CHAPTER XI.page 70 She supposed all such women regarded her as part of the scum of the earth, yet here they were speaking pleasantly to her,--Mrs. Prency, a woman who naturally would fill the eye of an impulsive animal like Jane,--Eleanor, the belle of the town,--two women whom no one could look at without admiration. No one but them to talk to! All her associates faded from Jane's mind like a fleck of mist under a sunburst, as she answered,-- "If there's anything you want done that I can do, Mrs. Prency, I'd rather work for you for nothin' than for anybody else for any money." "Come to my house as soon as you like, then, and we'll promise to keep you busy: won't we, daughter?" "Yes, indeed," murmured Eleanor, who saw, in her mind's eye, a great deal of her work being done without effort of her own. "You sha'n't do it for nothing, however; you shall earn fully as much as you do now. Good day," Mrs. Prency said, as she passed on, and Eleanor gave Jane a nod and a smile. The hotel drudge stood still and looked after the couple with wondering eyes. The judge's wife dropped something as she walked. Jane hurried after her and picked it up. It was a glove. The girl pressed it to her lips again and again, hurried along for a few steps to return it, stopped suddenly, thrust it into her breast, and then, passing the back of her ungloved hand across her eyes, returned to the hotel, her eyes cast down and her ears deaf to occasional remarks intended specially for them. CHAPTER XII page 71 Deacon Quickset was entirely truthful when he said to the keeper of the beer saloon that he had worried his pastor again and again to call on the repentant thief and try to bring him into the fold of the church; but he probably did not know that the said pastor had opinions of his own as to the time and manner in which such work should be done. Dr. Guide, under whose spiritual ministrations the deacon had sat every Sunday for many years, was a man of large experience in church work of all kinds, and, although he was extremely orthodox, to the extent of believing that those who already had united with his church were on the proper road to heaven, he nevertheless realized, as a practical man, that frequently there is more trouble with sheep in the road than with those who are straying about. CHAPTER XII page 72 He had devoted no little of his time since he had been settled over the Bruceton church to the reclamation of doubtful characters of all kinds, but he frequently confided to his wife that one of the most satisfactory proofs to him of the divine origin of the church was that those already inside it were those most in need of spiritual ministrations. He had reclaimed some sad sinners of the baser sort from time to time with very little effort, but people concerning whom he frequently lay awake nights were men and women who were nominally in good standing in his own denomination and in the particular flock over which he was shepherd. He had therefore made no particular haste to call on Sam Kimper, being entirely satisfied, as he told his wife, his only confidante, that so long as the man was following the course which he was reported to have laid down for himself he was not likely to go far astray, whereas a number of members of the congregation, men of far more influence in the community, seemed determined to break from the straight and narrow way at very slight provocation, and among these, the reverend doctor sadly informed his wife, he feared Deacon Quickset was the principal. The deacon was a persistent man in business,--"diligent in business" was the deacon's own expression in justification of whatever neglect his own wife might chance to charge him with,--but it seemed to some business-men of the town, as well as to his own pastor, that the deacon's diligence was overdoing itself, and that, in the language of one of the store-keepers, he had picked up a great deal more than he could carry. He was a director in a bank, agent for several insurance companies, manager of a land-improvement company, general speculator in real estate, and a man who had been charged with the care of a great deal of property which had belonged to old acquaintances now deceased. That he should be very busy was quite natural, but that his promises sometimes failed of fulfilment was none the less annoying, and once in a while unpleasant rumors were heard in the town about the deacon's financial standing and about his manner of doing business. Still, Dr. Guide did not drop Sam Kimper from his mind, and one day when he chanced to be in the vicinity of Larry Highgetty's shop he opened the door, bowed courteously to the figure at the bench, accepted a chair, and sat for a moment wondering what he should say to the man whom he was expected by the deacon to bring into his own church. CHAPTER XII page 73 "Mr. Kimper," said the reverend gentleman, finally, "I trust you are getting along satisfactorily in the very good way in which I am told you have started." "I can't say that I've any fault to find, sir," said the shoemaker, "though I've no doubt that a man of your learnin' an' brains could see a great deal wrong in me." "Don't trouble yourself about that, my good fellow," said the minister: "you will not be judged by my learning or brains or those of any one else except yourself. I merely called to say that at any time that you are puzzled about any matter of belief, or feel that you should go further than you already have done, I would be very glad to be of any service to you if I can. You are quite welcome to call upon me at my home at almost any time, and of course you know where I can always be found on Sundays." "I am very much obliged to you, sir," said the cobbler, "but somehow when I go to thinkin' much about such things I don't feel so much like askin' other people questions or about learnin' anythin' else as I do about askin' if it isn't a most wonderful thing, after all, that I've been able to change about as I have, an' that I haven't tumbled backwards again into any of my old ways. You don't know what those ways is, I s'pose, Dr. Guide, do you?" "Well, no," said the minister, "I can't say that my personal experience has taught me very much about them." "Of course not, sir; that I might know. Of course I didn't mean anything of that kind. But I sometimes wonder whether gentlemen like you, that was born respectable an' always was decent, an' has had the best of company all your lives, an' never had any bad habits, can know what an awful hole some of us poor common fellows sometimes get down into, an' don't seem to know how to get out of. I s'pose, sir, there must have been lots of folks of that kind when Jesus was around on the world alive: don't you think so?" "No doubt, no doubt," said the minister, looking into his hat as if with his eyes he was trying to make some notes for remarks on the succeeding Sunday. CHAPTER XII page 74 "You know, sir, that in what's written about Him they have a good deal to say about the lots of attention that He gave to the poor. I s'pose, if poor folks was then like they are now, most of them was that way through some faults of their own; because every body in this town that behaves himself an' always behaved himself manages to get along well enough. It does seem to me, sir, that He must have gone about among folks a good deal like me." "That view of the matter never occurred to me," said the reverend gentleman, "and yet possibly there is a great deal to it. You know, Mr. Kimper, that was a long time ago. There was very little education in those times, and the people among whom He moved were captives of a stronger nation, and they seem to have been in a destitute and troubled condition." "Yes," said Sam, interrupting the speaker, "an' I guess a good many of them were as bad off as me, because, if you remember, He said a good deal about them that was in prison an' that was visited there. Now, sir, it kind o' seems to me in this town--I think I know a good deal about it, because I've never been able to associate with anybody except folks like myself--it seems to me that sort of people don't get any sort of attention nowadays." The minister assumed his conventional air of dignity, and replied, quickly,-- "I assure you, you are very much mistaken, so far as I am concerned. I think I know them all by name, and have made special visits to all of them, and tried to make them feel assured of the sympathy of those who by nature or education or circumstance chance to be better off than they." "That ain't exactly what I meant, sir," said the cobbler. "Such folks get kind words pretty often, but somehow nobody ever takes hold of them an' pulls them out of the hole they are in, like Jesus used to seem to do. I s'pose ministers an' deacons an' such folks can't work miracles like He did, an' if they haven't got it in 'em to pull 'em out, why, I s'pose they can't do it. But I do assure you, sir, that there's a good deal of chance to do that kind of work in this town, an' if there had been any of it done when I was a boy, I don't believe I'd ever have got into the penitentiary." CHAPTER XII page 75 Just then Dr. Brice, one of the village physicians, dropped into the shop, and the minister, somewhat confused, arose, and said,-- "Well, Mr. Kimper, I am very much obliged to you for your views. I assure you that I shall give them careful thought. Good day, sir." "Sam," said Dr. Brice, who was a slight, nervous, excitable man, "I'm not your regular medical attendant, and I don't know that it's any of my business, but I've come in here in a friendly way to say to you that, if all I hear about your working all day and most of the night too, is true, you are going to break down. You can't stand it, my boy: human nature isn't made in that way. You have got a wife and family, and you seem to be trying real hard to take care of them. But you can't burn the candle at both ends without having the fire flicker out in the middle all of a sudden, and perhaps just when you can least afford it. Now, do take better care of yourself. You have made a splendid start, and there are more people than you know of in this town who are looking at you with a great deal of respect. They want to see you succeed, and if you want any help at it I am sure you can get it; but don't kill the goose that lays the golden egg. Don't break yourself up, or there won't be anybody to help. Don't you see?" The shoemaker looked up at the good-natured doctor with a quick expression, and said,-- "Doctor, I'm not doin' any more than I have to, to keep soul and body together in the family. If I stop any of it, I've got to stop carryin' things home." "Oh well," said the doctor, "that may be, that may be. But I'm simply warning you, as a fellow-man, that you must look out for yourself. It's all right to trust the Lord, but the Lord isn't going to give any one man strength enough to do two men's work. I have been in medical practice forty years, and I have never seen a case of that kind yet. That's all. I'm in a hurry,--got half a dozen people to see. Don't feel offended at anything I've said to you. It's all for your good, you know. Good day." The doctor departed as rapidly as he had entered, and the cobbler stole a moment or two from his work to think. CHAPTER XII page 76 How his thoughts ran he could scarcely have told afterwards, for again the door opened, and the room darkened slightly, for the person who was entering was Father Black, the Catholic priest, a man whose frame was as big as his heart, he being reputed to be one of the largest-hearted men in all Bruceton. Everybody respected him. The best proof of it was that no one in any of the other churches ever attempted to do any proselyting in Father Black's flock. "My son," said the priest, seating himself in the chair and spreading a friendly smile over his large, expressive features, "I have heard a great deal of you since you came back from your unfortunate absence, and I merely dropped in to say to you that if it's any comfort to you to know that every day you have whatever assistance there can be in the prayers of an old man who has been in this world long enough to love most those who need most, you may be sure that you have them." "God bless you, sir! God bless you!" said the cobbler, quickly. "Have you connected yourself with any church here as yet?" asked the priest. "No, sir," sighed the cobbler: "one an' another has been pullin' an' haulin' at me one way an' another, tellin' me that it was my duty to go into a church. But how can I do it, sir, when I'm expected to say that I believe this an' that, that I don't know nothin' about? Some of 'em has been very good tryin' to teach me what they seem to understand very well, but I don't know much more than when they begun, an' sometimes it seems to me that I know a good deal less, for, with what one tells me in one way, an' another tells me in another way, my mind--and there's not very much of it, sir--my mind gets so mixed up that I don't know nothin' at all." "Ah, my son," said the good old priest, "if you could only understand, as a good many millions of your fellow-men do, that it's the business of some men to understand and of others to faithfully follow them, you would not have such trouble." "Well, sir," said the cobbler, "that's just what Larry's been sayin' to me here in the shop once in a while in the mornin', before he started out to get full; an' there's a good deal of sense in what he says, I've no doubt. But what I ask him is this,--an' he can't tell me, an' perhaps you can, sir. It's only this: while my heart's so full that it seems as if it couldn't hold the little that I already believe an' am tryin' to live up to, where's the sense of my tryin' to believe some more?" CHAPTER XII page 77 Father Black was so unprepared to answer the question put thus abruptly, accompanied as it was with a look of the deepest earnestness, that there ensued an embarrassing silence in the shop for a moment or two. "My son," said the priest, at last, "do you fully believe all that you have read in the good book that I am told you were taught to read while you were in prison?" "Of course I do, sir; I can't do anything else." "You believe it all?" "Indeed I do, sir." "And are you trying to live according to it?" "That I am, sir." "Then, my son," said the priest, rising, "God bless you and keep you in your way! Far be it from me to try to unsettle your mind or lead you any further until you feel that you need leading. If ever you want to come to me, you are welcome at any time of the day or night, and what you cannot understand of what I tell you I won't expect you to believe. Remember, my son, the Father of us all knows us just as we are, and asks no more of any of us than we can do and be. Good day, my son, and again--God bless you!" When the priest went out, Sam rested again for a moment, and then murmured to himself,-- "Two ministers an' one doctor, all good people, tryin' to show me the way I should go, an' to tell me what I should do, an' me a-makin' only about a dollar a day! I s'pose it's all right, or they wouldn't do it." CHAPTER XIII.page 78 Reynolds Bartram and Eleanor Prency rapidly became so fond of each other that the people of the village predicted an early engagement. The young man had become quite a regular attendant at church,--not that he had any religious feeling whatever, but that it enabled him to look at his sweetheart for an hour and a half every Sunday morning and walk home with her afterwards. Although he had considerable legal practice, it was somehow always his fortune to be on the street when the young lady chanced to be out shopping, and after he joined her there generally ensued a walk which had nothing whatever to do with shopping or anything else except an opportunity for two young people to talk to each other for a long time on subjects which seemed extremely interesting to both. Nevertheless, there were occasional clouds upon their sky. The young man who loves his sweetheart better than he loves himself occasionally appears in novels, but in real life he seems to be an unknown quantity, and young Bartram was no exception to the general rule. In like manner, the young woman who loses sight of her own will, even when in the society of the man whom she thinks the most adorable in the world, is not easy to discover in any ordinary circle of acquaintances. Bartram and Eleanor met one afternoon, in their customary manner, on the principal street of the village, and walked along side by side for quite a way, finally turning and sauntering through several residence streets, talking with each other on a number of subjects, probably of no great consequence, but apparently very interesting to both of them. Suddenly, however, it was the young man's misfortune to see the two Kimper boys on the opposite side of the street, and as he eyed them, his lip curled, and he said,-- "Isn't it somewhat strange that your estimable parents are so greatly interested in the father of those wretched scamps?" "Nothing that my father and mother do, Mr. Bartram," said Miss Prency, "is at all strange. They are quite as intelligent as anyone of my acquaintance, I am sure, and more so than most people whom I know, and I have no doubt that their interest in the poor fellow has very good grounds." "Perhaps so," said the young man, with another curl of his lip, which exasperated his companion. "I sometimes wonder, however, whether men and women, when they reach middle life and have been reasonably successful and happy in their own affairs, are not likely to allow their sympathies to run away with their intelligence." CHAPTER XIII.page 79 "It may be so," said Eleanor, "among people of your acquaintance, as a class, but I wish you distinctly to except my parents from the rule." "But, my dear girl," said the young man, "your parents are exactly the people to whom I am alluding." "Then do me the favor to change the subject of conversation," said the young lady proudly: "I never allow my parents to be criticised in my hearing by anyone but myself." "Oh, well," said the young man, "if you choose to take my remarks in that way, I presume you are at liberty to do so; but I am sure you are misunderstanding me." "I don't see how it is possible to misunderstand anything that is said so very distinctly: you lawyers have a faculty, Mr. Bartram, of saying exactly what you mean--when you choose to." "Well, I can't deny that I meant exactly what I said." "But you can at least change the subject, can't you?" "Certainly, if you insist upon it; but the subject has been interesting me considerably of late, and I am really wondering whether my estimable friend, the judge, and his no less estimable wife may not be making a mistake which their daughter would be the most effective person in rectifying." "You do me altogether too much honor, sir. Suppose you attempt to rectify their mistakes yourself, since you seem so positive about their existence. To give you an opportunity of preparing yourself to do so, I will bid you good day." Saying which, the young woman abruptly turned into the residence of an acquaintance to make an afternoon call, leaving the young man rather more disconcerted than he would have liked to admit to any of his acquaintances. CHAPTER XIII.page 80 He retraced his steps, moodily muttering to himself, and apparently arguing also, for the forefinger of one hand was occasionally touching the palm of the other, and, apparently without knowing in what direction he was walking, he found himself opposite the shop of the shoemaker who had been the indirect cause of his quarrel with his sweetheart. "Confound that fellow!" muttered Bartram, "he's in my way wherever I move. I've heard too much of him in the stores and the courts and everywhere else that I have been obliged to go. I have to hear of him at the residence of my own sweetheart whenever I call there, and now I find Eleanor herself, who has never been able to endure any of the commoner specimens of humanity, apparently taking up the cudgels in his defence. I wish I could understand the fascination that fellow exerts over a number of people so much better than himself. Hang it! I am going to find out. He is a fool, if ever there was one, and I am not. If I can't get at the secret of it, it will be the first time that I have ever been beaten in examining and cross-examining such a common specimen of humanity." Thus speaking, the lawyer crossed the street and entered the shop, but, to his disgust, found both the cobbler's sons there with their father. The boys, with a curiosity common to all very young people, and particularly intense among the classes who have nothing in particular to think of, stared at him so fixedly that he finally rose abruptly and departed without saying a word. The boys went out soon after, and Billy remarked to Tom, as the two sauntered homeward,-- "Tom, what do you s'pose is the reason that feller comes in to see dad so much?" "Gettin' a pair of shoes made, I s'pose," said Tom, sulkily, for he had just failed in an attempt to extract a quarter of a dollar from his father. "The shoes that dad was makin' for him," said Billy, "was done two or three weeks ago, 'cause I took 'em to his office myself. But he comes to the shop over an' over again, 'cause I've seen him there, an' whenever he comes he manages to get talkin' with dad about religion. He always begins it, too, 'cause dad never says nothin' about it unless the lawyer starts it first." "Well," said Tom, "seems to me that if he wants to know anythin' on that subject he could go to some of the preachers, that ought to know a good deal more about it than dad does." CHAPTER XIII.page 81 "Can't tell so much about that sort o' thing," said Billy. "There's lots of men in this town that don't know much about some things that knows a good deal about some others. You know when that dog we stole last summer got sick, there was nobody in town could do anythin' for him except that old lame nigger down in the holler." "Well, you're a sweet one, ain't you?" said Tom. "What's dogs got to do with religion, I'd like to know? You ought to be ashamed o' yourself, even if you ain't never been to church." "Well," said Billy, "what I was meanin' is, some folks seem to know a good deal about things without bein' learned, that other folks will give their whole time to, an' don't know very much about. Every place that I go to, somebody says somethin' to me about dad an' religion. Say, Tom, do you know dad's mighty different to what he used to be before he got took up?" "Of course I do. He's always wantin' folks to work, an' always findin' fault with everythin' we do that ain't right. He didn't use to pay no attention to nothin'; we could do anythin' we wanted to; and here I am, a good deal bigger, an' just about as good as a man, an' he pays more attention to me than he ever did, an' fusses at me as if I was little bit of a kid. An' I don't like it, either." "Well, as he said to me t'other day, Tom, he's got to be pretty lively to make up for lost time." "Well, I wish, then," said Tom, meditatively, "that he hadn't never lost no time, 'cause it's takin' all the spirit out o' me to be hammered at all the time in the way he's a-doin'. I just tell you what it is, Billy," said Tom, stopping short and smiting the palm of one hand with the fist of the other, "I've half a mind, off and on, to go to steady work of some kind, an' I'll be darned if I don't do it, if dad don't let me alone." CHAPTER XIII.page 82 "Mis' Prency was talkin' to me the other day about dad," said Billy, "an' she asked me whether he wasn't workin' awful hard at home after he left the shop, an' I said, 'Yes,' an' she said, 'I hope you all do all you can to help him?' an' I kind o' felt ashamed, an' all I could say was that I didn't see nothin' I could help him about, an' she said she guessed if I'd think a little while I could find out. Say, Tom, let's go to work a-thinkin', an' see if there ain't some way to give dad a lift. Seems to me he's doin' everythin' for us all the whole time, an' we ain't doin' nothin' at all for him." "Oh, now, quit your preachin'," said the elder brother, contemptuously. "If you don't, I'll lamm you." The younger brother prudently lapsed into entire silence, and the couple soon reached home. Tom strolled about the room, his lower lip hanging down, bestowing glares of different intensity upon every individual and object present, and even making a threatening motion with his foot towards the baby, who had crawled about the floor until it was weary and fretful and was uttering plaintive cries from time to time. His mother was out of the house somewhere, and the baby continued to protest against its physical discomforts until Tom indulged in a violent expletive, which had the effect of temporarily silencing the child and causing it to look up at him with wondering eyes. Tom returned the infant's stare for a moment or two, and then, moved by some spirit which he was not able to identify, he stooped and picked up the infant and sat down in a chair. When his mother returned, she was so astonished at what she saw that she hurried out of the house, down to the shop, and dragged her husband away and back to his home. When the door was opened, Sam Kimper was almost paralyzed to see his big son rocking the youngest member of the family to and fro over the rough floor, and singing, in a hoarse and apparently ecstatic voice,-- "I'm Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines." CHAPTER XIV page 83 "Well, doctor," said Deacon Quickset to his pastor one morning, "I hope you have persuaded that wretched shoemaker to come into the ark of safety and to lay hold of the horns of the altar." "My dear sir," said Dr. Guide to his deacon, "the conversation I had with that rather unusual character has led me to believe that he is quite as safe at present as any of the members of my own congregation." "Oh, doctor, doctor!" groaned the deacon, "that will never do! What is the church to come to if everybody is to be allowed to believe just what he wants to, and stop just when he gets ready, and not go any further unless he understands everything before him? I don't need to tell you, a minister of the gospel and a doctor of divinity, that we have to live by faith and not by sight. I don't have to go over all the points of belief to a man of your character to show you what a mistake you are making, thinking that way about a poor common fellow that's only got one idea in his head,--one that might be shaken out of it very easily." "Deacon," said the minister, "I am strongly of the impression that any belief of any member of my congregation could be as easily shaken as the one article of faith to which that poor fellow has bound himself. I don't propose to disturb his mind any further. 'Milk for babes,' you know the apostle says, 'and strong meat for men.' After he has proved himself to be equal to meat, there will be ample time to experiment with some of the dry bones which you seem anxious that I should force upon him." "Dr. Guide," said the deacon, with considerable dignity, "I didn't expect this kind of talk from you. I have been sitting under your ministrations a good many years, and, though sometimes I didn't think you were as sharp-set as you ought to be, still I knew you were a man of level head and good education and knew everything that was essential to salvation; otherwise, why did the best college of our own denomination make you a doctor of divinity? But I've got to let out what is in my heart, doctor, and it is this, that there is no stopping-place for any one that begins to walk the straight and narrow way; he has got to keep on as long as he lives, and if he don't he is going to be crowded off to one side." "You are quite right, deacon," said the minister; "and therefore I object to putting any stumbling-blocks in any such person's way." CHAPTER XIV page 84 "Do you mean to say, Dr. Guide," asked the deacon, earnestly, "that all the articles of faith that you have always taught us were essential to salvation are to be looked at as stumbling-blocks when they are offered to somebody like that poor dying sinner?" "I mean exactly that, deacon," said the minister, "and I mean still more, and I mean to preach earnestly on the subject in a short time, and at considerable length, that they have been stumbling-blocks to a great many members of my congregation who should by this time be better men and women than they are. For instance, deacon," said the minister, suddenly, looking very stern and judicial, "Mrs. Poynter has been to me several times to explain that the reason that she does not pay her subscription to the last collection for the Missionary Association is that she cannot get the interest on the mortgage that you have been holding for her for a long time, and which, she says, you have collected." "Dr. Guide," said the deacon, icily, "religion is religion, and business is business. You understand religion--to a certain extent; though I must own that I don't think you understand it as far as I once thought you did. But about business, you must excuse me if I say you don't know anything, especially if it's business that somebody else has to carry on. If Mrs. Poynter don't like the way I'm doing business for her, she knows a way to get rid of me, and she can do it easily enough." "Deacon," said the minister, "I don't wish to offend you, but matters of this sort may develop into a scandal, and injure the cause for which both of us profess to be working with all our hearts. And, by the way, the Browning children are likely to be sent away from the academy at which they are boarding, because their expenses are not paid, according to the terms of the trust reposed in you by their father. I have been written to several times by the principal, who is an old friend of mine. Can't the matter be arranged in some way so that I shall not hear any more about it? I have no possible method of replying in a manner that will satisfy the principal." "Tell him to write to me, doctor; tell him to write to me. He has no business to put such affairs before anybody else. He will get his money. If he didn't believe it, he wouldn't have taken the children in the first place. But I will see that you don't hear any more about either of these matters, and, as I am pretty busy and don't get a chance to see you as often as I'd like, I want to say that it seems to me that now is just the time to get up a warmer feeling in the church. It's getting cold weather, and folks are glad to get together in a warm room where there's anything going on. CHAPTER XIV page 85 Now, if you will just announce next Sunday that there's going to be a series of special meetings to awaken religious interest in this town, I think you will do a good deal more good among those who need it than by worrying members of your own congregation about things that you don't understand. I don't mean any offence, and I hope you won't take any; but when a man is trying to do business for a dozen other folks and they are all at him at once, there are many things happening that he can't very well explain." "I already had determined on a special effort at an early date," said the pastor. "And still more: after two or three conversations with the man whom you were so desirous that I should call upon, I have determined to invite him to assist me in the conduct of the meetings." "What?" exclaimed the deacon, "bring in that thief and drunkard and ignorant fellow, that is only just out of jail, to teach the way of life to people that need to know it? Why, Dr. Guide, you must be losing your mind!" "As you intimated about your own business affairs, deacon, that is a subject upon which I am better qualified to judge than you. The meetings will be held, and Mr. Kimper will be asked to assist. In fact, I already have asked him. I trust that his presence will not cause us to lose such valuable assistance as you yourself may be able to give." "Well, I never!" exclaimed the deacon; "I never did! It beats all! Why, if there was another church of our denomination in this town, I believe I'd take my letters and go to it. I really would!" Nevertheless, the special meetings were immediately announced, and they began directly afterwards, and, according to the pastor's announcement, the ex-convict was asked to assist. His assistance did not seem to amount to much to those who came through curiosity to listen. But after he had made a speech, which, at the suggestion of Dr. Guide, had been carefully prepared, but which was merely a rehearsal of what he already had said to numerous individual questioners, there was impressive silence in the lecture-room, in which the meetings were to be conducted. "My friends," said the pastor, rising soon afterwards, "when our Lord was on earth, He once raised His eyes to heaven and said, 'I thank thee, Father, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them unto babes. CHAPTER XIV page 86 ' I confess to you that I never was able to understand the full meaning of this expression; but, as I have become more and more acquainted with our friend who has just spoken to you, and have learned how fully his faith is grounded, and how entirely his life has been changed by what seems to us the mere beginnings of a religious belief, I am constrained to feel that I have yet a great deal to learn about my own profession and my own duty as a minister. What has just been said to you contains the essence of everything which I have tried to preach from my pulpit in twenty years. I wish it were in my power to re-state it all as clearly as you have heard it this evening, but I confess it is not. I fear to add anything to what you have already heard, for I do not see how in any way I could make this important subject any more clear to your comprehension. I will therefore say no more, but ask, as is the custom, that anyone here present who desires to change his life and wishes the assistance of the prayers of God's people will please rise." As is usual in all such meetings, there was a general turning of heads from one side to the other. In an instant a single figure in the midst of the little congregation arose, and a second later a hoarse voice from one of the back seats, a voice which most persons present could identify as that of Sam Kimper's son Tom, exclaimed,-- "Great Lord! it's Reynolds Bartram!" CHAPTER XV.page 87 The story that Reynolds Bartram had "stood up for prayers" went through Bruceton and the surrounding country like wildfire. Scarcely anyone believed it, no matter by whom he was told: the informer might be a person of undoubted character, but the information was simply incredible. People would not believe such a thing unless they could see it with their own eyes and hear it with their own ears: so the special meetings became at once so largely attended that they were held in the body of the church instead of the little basement called the "lecture-room." The most entirely amazed person in the town was Deacon Quickset. CHAPTER XV.page 88 Never before had he been absent, unless sick, from any special effort of his church to persuade the sinners to flee from the wrath to come; but when Dr. Guide announced that he should ask Sam Kimper to assist him in the special meetings, the deacon's conscience bade him halt and consider. Dr. Guide was wrong,--there could be no doubt of that: would it be right, then, merely for the sake of apparent peace and unity, for him, the deacon, to seem to agree with his pastor's peculiar views? The deacon made it a matter of prayer, and the result was that he remained at home. That Reynolds Bartram had been the first-fruits of the new special effort was a statement which the deacon denied as soon as he heard it. Frequent repetition of the annoying story soon began to impress him with its probability, and finally a brother deacon, who had been present, set all doubt at rest by the assertion that Bartram had not only been converted, but was assisting at the meetings. When, however, the attending deacon went on to inform his absentee brother that Bartram had attributed his awakening and conversion to the influence of Sam Kimper, Deacon Quickset lost his temper, and exclaimed,-- "It's all a confounded lie! It's a put-up job!" "Brother Quickset!" exclaimed the astonished associate, with a most reproving look. "Oh, I don't mean that you lie ," explained the angry defender of the faith. "If you heard Bartram say it, he did say it, of course. But there's something wrong somewhere. The minister's rather lost his head over Sam Kimper, just because the wretch isn't back in his old ways again, and he's got a new notion in his head about how the gospel ought to be preached. New notions have been plenty enough ever since true religion started; there's always some man or men thinking out things for themselves and forgetting everything else on account of them. There were meddlers of that kind back to the days of the apostles, and goodness knows the history of the church is full of them. They've been so set in their ways that no sort of discipline would cure them; they've even had to be hanged or burned, to save the faith from being knocked to pieces." "But, brother Quickset," pleaded the other deacon, "every one knows our pastor isn't that sort of a person. He is an intelligent, thoughtful, unexcitable man, that--" CHAPTER XV.page 89 "That's just the kind that always makes the worst heretics," roared the deacon. "Wasn't Servetus that kind of a person? And didn't Calvin have to burn him at the stake? I tell you, deacon, it takes a good deal of the horror out of those times when you have a case of the kind come right up before your eyes." "What? Somebody being burned?" exclaimed the other deacon, raising his hands in horror. "No, no," testily replied the defender of the faith. "Only somebody that ought to be." "But where does the lying come in, that you were talking about?" "I tell you just what I believe," said Deacon Quickset, dropping his voice and drawing closer to his associate; "I believe Dr. Guide believes just what he says,--of course nobody's going to doubt that he's sincere,--but when it's come to the pinch he's felt a little shaky. What does any other man do when he finds himself shaky about an important matter of opinion? Why, he consults a lawyer, and gets himself pulled through." "But you don't mean to say that you think Dr. Guide would go to a rank, persistent disbeliever in anything--but himself--like Ray Bartram, do you, in a matter of this kind?" "Why not? Ministers have often got lawyers to help them when they've been muddled on points of orthodoxy. What the lawyer believes or don't believe hasn't got anything to do with it: it's his business to believe as his client does, and make other folks believe so, too. Ray Bartram is just the sort of a fellow a man would want in such a case. He's got that way of looking as if he knew everything, just like his father had before him, that makes folks give in to him in spite of themselves. Besides, he'll say or do anything to carry his point." "Isn't that putting it rather strong, Brother Quickset?" "Of course it isn't. Don't I know, I should like to ask? Don't I always hire him myself?" CHAPTER XV.page 90 "Oh!" That was the only word the other deacon spoke, but his eyes danced, and he twisted his lips into an odd grin. "Oh, get out!" exclaimed the pillar of orthodoxy. "You needn't take it that way. Of course what I ask him to do is only right: if I didn't think so, I wouldn't ask him." "Of course not, brother. But think a moment: do you really believe that any form of professional pride would persuade that young man--proud as Lucifer, and just as conceited and headstrong, a young man who always has argued against religion and against every belief you and I hold dear--to rise for prayers in an inquiry meeting, and afterwards say it was the Christian life of Sam Kimper,--a man whom a high-born fellow like Bartram must believe as near the animals as humanity ever is,--to say it was the Christian life of Sam Kimper that convinced him of the supernatural origin and saving power of Christianity?" "I can't believe he put it that way: there must be something else behind it. I'm going to find out for myself and do it at once, too. This sort of nonsense must be stopped. Why, if men go to taking everything Jesus Christ said just as He said it, everything in the world in the way of business is going to be turned upside down." Away went Deacon Quickset to Bartram's office, and was so fortunate as to find the lawyer in. He went right at his subject: "Well, young man, you've been in nice business, haven't you?--trying to go up to the throne of grace right behind a jail-bird, while the leaders and teachers whom the Lord has selected have been spurned by you for years!" Reynolds Bartram was too new a convert to have changed his old self and manner to any great extent: so he flushed angrily, and retorted,-- "One thief is about as good as another, Deacon Quickset." Then it was the deacon's turn to look angry. The two men faced each other for a moment with flashing eyes, lowering brows, and hard-set jaws. CHAPTER XV.page 91 The deacon was the first to recover himself: he took a chair, and said,-- "Maybe I haven't heard the story rightly. What I came around for was to get it from first hands. Would you mind telling me?" "I suppose you allude to my conversion?" "Yes," said the deacon, with a look of doubt, "I suppose that's what we will have to call it, for want of a better word." "It is a very short story," said Bartram, now entirely calm, as he leaned against his desk and folded his arms. "Like every other man with any brains, I've always been interested in religion, intellectually, and have had to believe that if it was right, as I heard it talked, it had sometimes got away from its Founder in a manner for which there seemed to be no excuse. Everything was being taught by the servants, nothing by the Master. When I want to know your wishes, deacon, about any matter in which we are mutually interested, I do not go to your back door and inquire of your servants: I go to you, direct. But when people--you among the number--have talked to me about religion, they've always talked Peter and Paul and James and John,--never Jesus." "The Apostle Paul--" began the deacon, but the lawyer snatched the words from his lips, and continued: "The Apostle Paul was the ablest lawyer that ever lived. I've studied him a good deal, in past days, for style." "Awful!" groaned the deacon. "Not in the least," said the lawyer, with fine earnestness. "He was just the man for his place and his time; 'twas his business to explain the new order of things to the hard-headed Jews, of whom he had been so notable a representative, that to convert him it was necessary that he should be knocked senseless and remain so for the space of three days: you remember the circumstance? He was just the man, too, to explain the new religion to the heathens and pagans of his day, for those Greeks and Romans were a brainy lot of people. But why should he have been quoted to me, or any other man in the community? We don't have to be convinced that Jesus lived: we believe it already. The belief has been born in us; it has run through our blood for hundreds of years. CHAPTER XV.page 92 Do you know what I've honestly believed for years about a lot of religious men in this town, you among the number? I've believed that Jesus was so good that you've all been making hypocritical excuses, through your theology, to get away from this!" "Get away from my Saviour!" gasped the deacon. "Oh, no; you wanted enough of Him to be saved by,--enough to die by; but when it comes to living by him--well, you know perfectly well that you don't." "Awful!" again groaned the deacon. "When I heard of that wretched convict taking his Saviour as an exemplar of daily life and conduct, it seemed ridiculous. If better men couldn't do it, how could he? I had no doubt that while he was under lock and key, with no temptations about him, and nothing to resist, he had succeeded; but that he could do it in the face of all his old influences I did not for an instant believe. I began to study him, as I would any other criminal, and when he did not break down as soon as I had expected, I was mean enough--God forgive me!--to try to shake his faith. The honest truth is, I did not want to be a Christian myself, and had resisted all the arguments I had heard; but I was helpless when dear friends told me that nothing was impossible to me that was being accomplished by a common fellow like Sam Kimper." "Nothing is impossible to him that believes," said the deacon, finding his tongue for a moment. "Oh, I believe; there was no trouble about that: 'the devils also believe,'--you remember that passage, I suppose? Finally, I began to watch Sam closely, to see if perhaps he wasn't as much of a hypocrite, on the sly, as some other people I know. He can't make much money on the terms he has with Larry, no matter how much work reaches the shop. I've passed his shop scores of times, early and late, and found him always at work, except once or twice when I've seen him on his knees. I've hung about his wretched home nights, to see if he did not sneak out on thieving expeditions; I've asked store-keepers what he bought, and have found that his family lived on the plainest food. That man is a Christian, deacon. When I heard that he was to make an exhortation at the meeting, I went there to listen--only for that purpose. CHAPTER XV.page 93 But as he talked I could not help recalling his mean, little, insignificant face as I'd seen it again and again when I was a younger man, dropping into justices' courts for a chance to get practice at pleading, and he was up for fighting or stealing. It was the same face: nothing can ever make his forehead any higher or broader, or put a chin where nature left one off. But the expression of countenance was so different--so honest, so good--that I got from it my first clear idea of what was possible to the man who took our Saviour for a model of daily life. It took such hold of me that when the pastor asked those who wanted the prayers of God's people to rise, I was on my feet in an instant; I couldn't keep my seat." "Then you do admit that there are some God's people besides Sam Kimper?" sneered the deacon. "I never doubted it," replied the lawyer. "Oh, well," said the deacon, "if you'll go on, now you've begun, you'll see you've only made a beginning. By the way, have you got that Bittles mortgage ready yet?" "No," said the lawyer, "and I won't have it ready, either. To draw a mortgage in that way, so the property will fall into your hands quickly and Bittles will lose everything, is simple rascality, and I'll have nothing to do with it." "It's all right if he's willing to sign it, isn't it?" asked the deacon, with an ugly frown. "His signature is put on by his own free will, isn't it?" "You know perfectly well, Deacon Quickset," said the lawyer, "that fellows like Bittles will sign anything without looking at it, if they can get a little money to put into some new notion. A man's home should be the most jealously guarded bit of property in the world: I'm not going to deceive any man into losing it." "I didn't suppose," said the deacon, "that getting religious would take away your respect for the law, and make you above the law." "It doesn't: it makes me resolve that the law shan't be used for purposes of the devil." CHAPTER XV.page 94 "Do you mean to call me the devil?" screamed the deacon. "I'm not calling you anything: I'm speaking of the unrighteous act you want done. I won't do it for you; and, further, I'll put Bittles on his guard against any one else who may try it." "Mr. Bartram," said the deacon, rising, "I guess I'll have to take all my law-business to somebody else. Good-morning." "I didn't suppose I should have to suffer for my principles so soon," said the lawyer, as the deacon started; "but when you want to be converted, come see me and you'll learn I bear you no grudge. Indeed, you'll be obliged to come to me, as you'll learn after you think over all your affairs a little while." The deacon stopped: the two men stood face to face a moment, and then parted in silence. CHAPTER XVI page 95 When Eleanor Prency heard that her lover had not only been converted but was taking an active part in the special religious meetings, she found herself in what the old women of the vicinity called a "state of mind." She did not object to young men becoming very good; that is, she did object to any young man of whom she happened to be very fond becoming very bad. But it seemed to her that there was a place where the line should be drawn, and that Reynolds Bartram had overstepped it. That he might sometime join the church was a possibility to which she had previously looked forward with some pleasurable sense of anticipation. She belonged to the church herself, so did her father and mother, and she had long been of the opinion that a little religion was a very good thing for a young man who was in business and subject to temptation. But, as she regarded the events of the past few evenings as reported by people who had been to the meetings, she became more than ever of the opinion that a little religion would go a long way, and that Reynolds Bartram had more than was necessary. CHAPTER XVI page 96 To add to her annoyance, some of her intimate acquaintances who knew that if the two young people were not engaged they certainly were very fond of each other, and who regarded the match as a matter of course in the near future, began to twit her on the possibility of her lover becoming a minister should he go on in his present earnest course of trying to save lost souls. The more they talked about her, in her presence, as a minister's wife, the less she enjoyed the prospect. Minister's wives in Bruceton were sometimes pretty, but they never dressed very well, and Miss Eleanor was sure, from what she saw of their lives, that they never had any good times. Fuel was added to the fire of her discontent when her mother announced one morning that Jane Kimper had arrived and would assist the couple at their sewing. To Eleanor, Jane represented the Kimper family, the head of which was the cause of Reynolds Bartram's extraordinary course. Eleanor blamed Sam for all the discomfort to which she had been subjected on account of Bartram's religious aspirations, and she was inclined to visit upon the new seamstress the blame for all the annoyances from which she had suffered. Like a great many other girls who are quite affectionate daughters, she neglected to make a confidante of her mother; and Mrs. Prency was therefore very much surprised, on entering the room after a short shopping-tour, to discover the two young women in utter silence, Eleanor looking greatly vexed and the new sewing-woman very much distressed about something. The older lady endeavored to engage the couple in conversation. After waiting a little while for the situation to make itself manifest, but getting only very short replies, she left the room and made an excuse to call her daughter after her. "My dear child, what is the matter? Doesn't Jane know how to sew?" "Yes," said Eleanor, "I suppose so; but she knows how to talk, too, and she has done it so industriously and made me feel so uncomfortable that I have not had any opportunity to examine her sewing." "My daughter, what can she have said to annoy you so much?" "Oh," exclaimed Eleanor, savagely snatching to pieces a bit of delicate silk she held in her hand, "what every one else is talking about. CHAPTER XVI page 97 What does any one in this town have to talk about just now, I wonder, except Reynolds Bartram and the church? Why is it that they all think it necessary to come and talk to me about it? I am sure I am not specially interested in church work, and I don't believe any one who has talked to me about it is, but I hear nothing else from morning till night when any visitor comes in. I was congratulating myself that I had an excuse to-day, so that I need not see any one who might call, but that dreadful girl is worse than all the rest put together. She seems to think, as her folks at home haven't anything else to talk about, and as her father is so delighted at the 'blessed change,' as she expresses it, that has come over Bartram, that I should feel just as happy about it." "Well, daughter, don't you?" "No, mother, I don't. I suppose it's perfectly dreadful in me to say so, but I don't feel anything of the kind. It's just horrid; and I wish you and father would take me away for a little while, or else let me go off on a visit. People talk as if Ray belonged entirely to me,--as if I had something to do about it; and you know perfectly well I haven't." "Well, dear, is that any reason why you should be jealous of poor Sam Kimper?" "Jealous!" exclaimed Eleanor, her eyes flashing: "he is the worst enemy I ever had. I haven't had so much annoyance and trouble in all my life as have come to me during the past two or three days through that wretched man. I wish him almost any harm. I even wish he had never gone to the penitentiary" Mrs. Prency burst out laughing. The young woman saw the blunder she had committed, and continued, quickly,-- "I mean that I wish he had never got out again. The idea of a fellow like that coming back to this town and talking and working on people's sympathies in such a way as to carry intelligent people right off their feet! Here you and father have been talking about him at the table almost every day for a long time!" "Well, daughter, you seemed interested in everything we said, and thought he might do a great deal of good if he were sincere and remained true to his professions." CHAPTER XVI page 98 "Great deal of good? Yes; but, of course, I supposed he'd do it among his own set of people. I had no idea that he was going to invade the upper classes of society and make a guy out of the very young man that--" Then Eleanor burst into tears. "My dear child," said the mother, "you are making altogether too much of very little. Of course, it's impossible that everybody in the town sha'n't be surprised at the sudden change that has come over Mr. Bartram, but it ought to comfort you to know that all the better people in the town are very glad to learn of it, and that his example is making them very much ashamed of themselves, and that, instead of the meetings being conducted almost entirely by him and Sam Kimper, hereafter--" "Him and Sam Kimper! Mother! the idea of mentioning the two persons in the same day!--in the same breath! How can you?" "Well, dear, they will no longer manage the meetings by themselves, but a number of the older citizens, who have generally held aloof from such affairs, have resolved that it is time for them to do something, so Reynolds will very soon be a less prominent figure, and I trust you will hear less about him. But don't--I beg of you, don't visit your displeasure on that poor girl. You can't imagine that she had anything to do with her father's conversion, can you, still less with that of Mr. Bartram? Now, do dry your eyes and try to come back to your work and be cheerful. If you can't do more, you at least can be human. Don't disgrace your parentage, my dear. She has not even done that as yet." Then Mrs. Prency returned to the sewing-room and chatted a little while with the new seamstress about the work in hand. Eleanor joined them in a few moments, and the mental condition of the atmosphere became somewhat less cloudy than before, when suddenly a stupid servant, who had only just been engaged and did not entirely know the ways of the house, ushered directly into the sewing-room Mr. Reynolds Bartram. Eleanor sprang to her feet, spreading dress-goods, and needles, and spools of silk, and thread, and scissors, and thimbles, all over the floor. Jane looked up timidly for an instant, and bent her head lower over her work. CHAPTER XVI page 99 But Mrs. Prency received him as graciously as if she were the Queen of England sitting upon her throne, with her royal robes upon her. "I merely dropped in to see the judge, Mrs. Prency. I beg pardon for intruding upon the business of the day." "I don't suppose he is at home," said the lady. "You have been at the office?" "Yes, and I was assured he was here. I was anxious to see him at once. I suspect I have a very heavy case on my hands, Mrs. Prency. What do you suppose I have agreed to do? I have promised, actually promised, to persuade him to come down to the church this evening and take part in the meetings." Eleanor, who had just reseated herself, flashed an indignant look at him. The young man saw it; but if the spirit of regeneration had worked upon him to a sufficient extent to make him properly sensitive to the looks and manners of estimable young women, he showed no sign of it at the moment. "I am sure I wish you well in your effort," said the judge's wife; "and, if it is of any comfort to you, I promise that I will do all in my power to assist you." Then Eleanor's eyes flashed again, as she said,-- "Mother, the idea of father--" "Well?" "The idea of father taking part in such work!" "Do you know of any one, daughter, whose character more fully justifies him in doing so? If you do, I shall not hesitate to ask Mr. Bartram to act as substitute until some one else can be found." Then Eleanor's eyes took a very different expression, and she began to devote herself intensely to her sewing. "If you are very sure," said Bartram, "that your husband is not at home, I must seek him elsewhere, I suppose. Good day! Ah, I beg pardon. CHAPTER XVI page 100 I did not notice--I was not aware that it was you, Miss Kimper. I hope if you see your father to-day you will tell him that the good work that he began is progressing finely, and that you saw me in search to-day of Judge Prency to help him on with his efforts down at the church." And then, with another bow, Bartram left the room. If poor Jane could have been conscious of the look that Eleanor bent upon her at that instant, she certainly would have been inclined to leave the room and never enter it again. But she knew nothing of it, and the work went on amid oppressive silence. Mrs. Prency had occasion to leave the room for an instant soon after, and Jane lifted her head and said,-- "Who would have thought, Miss, that that young man was going to be so good, and all of a sudden, too?" "He always was good," said Eleanor, "that is, until now." "I'm sorry I mentioned it, ma'am, but I s'pose he won't be as wild as he and some of the young men about this town have been." "What do you mean by wild? Do you mean to say that he ever was wild in any way?" "Oh, perhaps not," said the unfortunate sewing-girl, wishing herself anywhere else as she tried to find some method of escaping from the unfortunate remark. "What do you mean, then? Tell me: can't you speak?" "Oh, only you know, ma'am, some of the nicest young men in town come down to the hotel nights to chat, and they take a glass of wine once in a while, and smoke, and have a good time, and--" Eleanor looked at Jane very sharply, but the sewing-girl's face was averted, so that questioning looks could elicit no answers. Eleanor's gaze, however, continued to be fixed. She was obliged to admit to herself, as she had said to her mother several days before, that Jane had a not unsightly face and quite a fine figure. CHAPTER XVI page 101 She had heard that there were sometimes "great larks," as the young men called them, at the village hotel, and she wondered how much the underlings of the establishment could know about them, and what stories they could tell. Jane suddenly became to her more interesting than she had yet been. She wondered what further questions to ask, and could not think of any that she could put into words. Finally, she left the room, sought her mother, and exclaimed,-- "Mother, I'm not going to marry Reynolds Bartram. If hotel servants know all about his goings-on evenings, what stories may they not tell if they choose? That sort of people will say anything they can of him. I don't suppose they know the difference between the truth and a lie; at least they never do when we hire them." The mother looked at the daughter tenderly and shrewdly. Then she smiled, and said,-- "Daughter, I can see but one way for you to relieve your mind on that subject." "What is that?" asked the daughter. "It is only this: convert Jane." CHAPTER XVII.page 102 As the special meetings at the church went on, Deacon Quickset began to fear that he had made a mistake. He had taken an active part in all previous meetings of the same kind for more than twenty-five years. The results of some of them had been very satisfactory, and the deacon modestly but nevertheless with much self-gratulation had recounted his own services in all of them. "Whoso converteth a sinner from the error of his ways shall save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins; that is what the good book says," said the deacon to himself one day, as he walked from his house to his place of business; "and considering the number of people that I have helped to snatch as brands from the burning, it does seem to me that I must have covered a good many sins of my own,--such as they are. CHAPTER XVII.page 103 I'm only a human being, and a poor, weak, and sinful creature, but there's certainly a good many folks in this town that would not have started in the right way when they did if it hadn't been for what I said to them. Now, here's the biggest movement of the kind going on that ever was known in this town, and I'm out of it. What for? Just because I don't agree with Sam Kimper. I mean, just because Sam Kimper don't agree with me. I don't suppose the thing would have come to anything, anyhow, if it hadn't been for that fool of a young lawyer setting his foot in it in the way he did. Everybody likes excitement, and it's a bigger thing for him to have gone into this protracted meeting than it would be for a circus to come to town with four new elephants. It's rough." The deacon took a few papers from his pocket, looked them over, his face changing from grave to puzzled and from puzzled to angry and back again through a whole gamut of facial expressions. Finally, he thrust the entire collection back into his pocket, and said to himself,-- "If he keeps on at that work, I may have as much trouble as he let on that I would. I don't see how some of these things are going to be settled unless I have him to help me; and if he's going to be as particular as he makes out, or as he did make out the other day, there's going to be trouble, just as sure as both of us are alive. Of course, the more prominent he is before the public, the less he'll want to be in any case in court that takes hard fighting, particularly when he don't think he's on the popular side. And there's that Mrs. Poynter that's been bothering me to death about the interest on her mortgage: I keep hearing that she's at the meetings every night, and that she never lets an evening pass without speaking to Bartram. Maybe all she's talking about is some sinner or other that she wants to have saved; but if she acts with him as she does with me, I'm awfully afraid that she's consulting him about that interest. "I didn't think it was the right time of the year to start special meetings, anyhow; and I don't know what our minister did it for without consulting the deacons. He never did such a thing in his life before. It does seem to me that once in a while everything goes crosswise, and it all happens just when I need most of all to have things go along straight and smooth. Gracious! if some of these papers in my pocket don't work the way they ought to, I don't know how things are going to come out." CHAPTER XVII.page 104 The deacon had almost reached the business street as this soliloquy went on, but he seemed inclined to carry on his conversation with himself: so he deliberately turned about and slowly paced the way backward towards his home. "I shouldn't wonder," said he, after a few moments of silence, in which his mind seemed busily occupied,--"I shouldn't wonder if that was the best way out, after all. I do believe I'll do it. Yes, I will do it. I'll go and buy out that shoe-shop of Larry Highgetty's, and I'll let Sam Kimper have it at just what it costs, and trust him for all the purchase-money. I don't believe the good-will of the place and all the stock that is in it will cost over a couple of hundred dollars; and Larry would take my note at six months almost as quick as he'd take anybody else's money. If things go right I can pay the note, and if they don't he can get the property back. But in the meantime folks won't be able to say anything against me. They can't say then that I'm down on Sam, like some of them say now, and if anybody talks about Bartram and the upper-crust folks that have been helping the meetings along, I can just remind them that talk is cheap and that it's money that tells. I'll do it, as sure as my name's Quickset; and the quicker I do it the better it will be for me, if I'm not mistaken." The deacon hurried off to the shoe-store. As usual, the only occupant of the shop was Sam. "Where's Larry, Sam?" asked the deacon, briskly. "I don't know, sir," said Sam, "but I'm afraid he's at Weitz's beer-shop." "Well, Sam," said the deacon, trying to be pleasant, though his mouth was very severely set, "while you're in the converting line,--which I hear you're doing wonders at, and I'm very glad to hear it,--why don't you begin at home and bring about a change in Larry?" "Do you know, deacon," said Sam, "I was thinkin' about the same thing? and I'm goin' to see that priest of his about--" CHAPTER XVII.page 105 "Oh, Sam!" groaned the deacon. "The idea of going to see a Catholic priest about a fellow-man's salvation, when there's a special meeting running in our own church and you've taken such an interest in it!" "Every man for his own, deacon," said Sam. "I don't believe Larry cares anythin' about the church that you belong to, an' that I've been goin' to for some little time, an' I know he thinks a good deal of Father Black. I've found out myself, after a good deal of trouble in this world, that it makes a good deal of difference who talks to you about such things. Now, he thinks Father Black is the best man there is in the world. I don't know anythin' about that, though I don't know of anybody in this town I ever talked to that left me feelin' more comfortable an' looked more like a good man himself than that old priest did one day when he come in here an' talked to me very kindly. Why, deacon, he didn't put on any airs at all. He talked just as if he was a good brother of mine, an' he left me feelin' that if I wasn't good I was a brother of his anyhow. That's more than I can say most other folks in this town ever did, deacon." The deacon was so horrified at this unexpected turn of the conversation that for a little while he entirely forgot the purpose for which he had come. But he was recalled to his senses by the entrance of Reynolds Bartram. His eyes met the lawyer's, and at once the deacon looked defiant. Then he pulled himself together, and, with a mighty effort, remarked,-- "Sam, some folks say I am down on you, and that I don't sympathize with you. Some folks talk a good deal for you, and to you, and don't do anything for you. But I just came in this morning for the sole purpose of saying this: You've had a hard row to hoe, and you've worked at it first rate ever since you got out of jail. I've been watching you, though perhaps you don't know it, and I came here to say that I believe so much in your having had a change--though I do insist you haven't gone far enough--I came around to say that I was going to buy out this place from Larry, and give it to you at your own terms, so that you can make all the money that comes in." Sam looked up in astonishment at the lawyer. The lawyer looked down smilingly at the deacon, who was seated on a very low bench, and said,-- "Deacon, we're all a good, deal alike in this world in one respect: our best thoughts come too late. CHAPTER XVII.page 106 I don't hesitate to say that some good thoughts, which I have heard you urge upon other people but which you never mentioned to me, have come to me a deal later than they should. But, on the other hand, this matter of making Sam the master of this shop has already been attended to. I've bought it for him myself, and made him a free and clear present of it last night in token of the immense amount of good which he has done me by personal example." "Bless my soul!" exclaimed the deacon. "I don't mind saying," continued the lawyer, "that if you will go to work and do me half as much good, I will buy just as much property and make you a free and clear present of it. I am open to all possible benefits of that kind nowadays, and willing to pay for them, so far as money will go, to the full extent of my income and capital." The deacon arose and looked about him in a dazed sort of fashion. Then he looked at the lawyer inquiringly, put his hand in his pocket, drew forth a mass of business papers, shuffled them over once more, looked again at the lawyer, and said,-- "Mr. Bartram, I've got some particular business with you that I would like to talk about at once. Would you mind coming to my office, or taking me around to yours?" "Not at all. Good luck, Sam," said the lawyer. "Good day." The two men went out together. No sooner were they outside the shop than the deacon said, rapidly,-- "Reynolds Bartram, my business affairs are in the worst possible condition. You know more about them than anybody else. You have done as much as anybody else to put them in the muddle that they're in now. You helped me into them, and now, church or no church, religion or no religion, you've got to help me out of them, or I've got to go to the devil. Now, what are you going to do about it?" "Is it as bad as that?" murmured the lawyer. "Yes, it's as bad as that, and I could put it a good deal stronger if it was necessary. Everything has been going wrong. CHAPTER XVII.page 107 That walnut timber tract over on the creek, that I expected to get about five thousand dollars out of, isn't worth five thousand cents. Since the last time I was over there some rascal stole every log that was worth taking, and the place wouldn't bring under the hammer half what I gave for it. I have been trying to sell it, but somehow everybody that wanted it before has found out what has been going on. This is an awfully mean world on business-men that don't look out for themselves all the time." "I should not think you had ever any right to complain of it, deacon," said the lawyer. "Come, come, now," said the deacon, "I'm not in any condition to be tormented to-day, Reynolds,--I really ain't. I'm almost crazy. I suppose old Mrs. Poynter has been at you to get her interest-money out of me, hasn't she?" "Hasn't spoken a word to me about it," said the lawyer. "Well, I heard she was after you every night in the meeting--" "She was after me, talking about one sinner or another of her acquaintance, but she didn't mention you, deacon. It's a sad mistake, perhaps, but in a big town like this a person can't think of everybody at once, you know." "For heaven's sake, Bartram, shut up, and tell me what I have to do. Time is passing. I must have a lot of ready cash to-day, somehow, and here are all these securities; the minute I try to sell them people go to asking questions, and you're the only man they can come to. Now, you know perfectly well what the arrangements and understandings were when these papers were drawn, because you drew them all yourself. Now, if people come to you I want you to promise me that you're not going to go back on me." The deacon still held the papers in his hand, gesticulating with them. As he spoke, the lawyer took them, looked at them, and finally said,-- "Deacon, how much money do you need?" "I can't get through," said the deacon, "with less than nine hundred dollars ready cash, or first-class checks and notes, this very day." CHAPTER XVII.page 108 "Humph!" said the lawyer, still handling the papers. "Deacon, I'll make you a straightforward proposition concerning that money. If you will agree that I shall be agent of both parties in any settlement of these agreements which I hold in my hand, and that you will accept me as sole and final arbitrator in any differences of opinion between you and the signers, I will agree personally to lend you the amount you need, on your simple note of hand, renewable from time to time until you are ready to pay it." "Ray Bartram," exclaimed the deacon, stopping short and looking the lawyer full in the face, "what on earth has got into you?" "Religion, I guess, deacon," said the lawyer. "Try it yourself: it'll do you good." The lawyer walked off briskly, and left the deacon standing alone in the street. As the deacon afterwards explained the matter to his wife, he felt like a stuck pig. CHAPTER XVIII.page 109 "Tom," said Sam Kimper to his eldest son one morning after breakfast, "I wish you'd walk along to the shop with me. There's somethin' I want to talk about." Tom wanted to go somewhere else; what boy doesn't, when his parents have anything for him to do? Nevertheless, the young man finally obeyed his father, and the two left the house together. "Tom," said the father, as soon as the back door had closed behind them, "Tom, I'm bein' made a good deal more of than I deserve, but 'tain't any of my doin's, and men that ort to know keep tellin' me that I'm doin' a lot o' good in town. Once in a while, though, somebody laughs at me,--laughs at somethin' I say. It's been hurtin' me, an' I told Judge Prency so the other day; but he said, 'Sam, it isn't what you say, but the way you say it.' You see, I never had no eddication; I was sent to school, but I played hookey most of the time." CHAPTER XVIII.page 110 "Did you, though?" asked Tom, with some inflections that caused the cobbler to look up in time to see that his son was looking at him admiringly; there could be no doubt about it. Sam had never been looked at that way before by his big boy, and the consequence was an entirely new and pleasurable sensation. After thinking it over a moment, he replied,-- "Yes, I did, an' any fun that was to be found I looked after in them days. I don't mind tellin' you that I don't think I found enough to pay for the trouble; but things was as they was. Now I wish I'd done diff'rent; but it's too late to get back what I missed by dodgin' lessons. Tom, if I could talk better, it would be a good thing for me; but I ain't got no time to go to school. You've been to school a lot: why can't you come to the shop with me, an' sit down an' tell me where an' how I don't talk like other folks?" Tom indulged in a long and convulsive chuckle. "When you've done laughin' at your father, Tom," continued Sam, "he'll be glad to have you say somethin' that'll show him that you ain't as mean an' low down as some folks think you be." "I ain't no school-teacher," said Tom, "an' I ain't learned no fancy ways of talkin'!" "I don't expect you to tell me mor'n you know," said the parent, "but if you've got the same flesh an' blood as me, you'll stand by me when I'm bothered. The puppies of a dog would do that much for their parent in trouble." Tom did not answer; he sulked a little while, but finally entered the shop with his father and sat down, searched his mind a few moments, and then recalled and repeated two injunctions which his last teacher had most persistently urged upon her pupils,--that they should not drop letters from the ends of words, nor say "ain't" or "hain't." Then Sam devoted himself to practice by talking aloud, and Tom became so amused by the changes in his father's intonation that he finally was obliged to go home and tell his mother and Mary. "Stop that,--right away!" exclaimed Mrs. Kimper, as soon as Tom got fairly into his story. "Your father ain't goin' to be laughed at in his own house, by his own family, while I'm around to stand up for him." CHAPTER XVIII.page 111 "Oh, stuff!" exclaimed Tom, in amazement. Then he laughed as he reverted to his father's efforts at correct pronunciation, and continued his story. Suddenly he was startled by seeing his mother snatch a stump of a fire-shovel from the hearth and brandish it over his head. "You give up that talk right away!" exclaimed the woman. "Your father is astonishin' the life out of me ev'ry day by the new way he's talkin' an' livin'. He's the best man in this town; I don't care if he has been in the penitentiary, I'm not goin' to hear a bit of fun made of him, not even by one of his own young ones." All the brute in Tom's nature came to the surface in an instant, yet his amazement kept him silent and staring. It was such a slight, feeble, contemptible figure, that of the woman who was threatening to punish him,--him, Tom Kimper, whom few men in town would care to meet in a trial of strength. It set Tom to thinking; he said afterwards the spectacle was enough to make a brickbat wake up and think. At last he exclaimed, tenderly,-- "Mother!" The woman dropped her weapon and burst into tears, sobbing aloud,-- "You never said it that way before." Tom was so astonished by what he saw and heard that he shuffled up to his mother and awkwardly placed his clumsy hand upon her cheek. In an instant his mother's arms were around his neck so tight that Tom feared he was being strangled. "Oh, Tom, Tom! what's got into me? What's got into both of us? Ev'rythin's diff'rent to what it used to be. It's carryin' me right off my feet sometimes. I don't know how to stand it all, an' yet I wouldn't have it no other way for nothin'." CHAPTER XVIII.page 112 Tom could not explain, but he did something a great deal better; for the first time since he ceased being a baby and his mother began to tire of him, he acted affectionately to the woman who was leaning upon him. He put his strong arm around her, and repeated the single word "Mother" often and earnestly. As for Mrs. Kimper, no further explanation seemed necessary. After mother and son had become entirely in accord, through methods which only Heaven and mothers understand, Mrs. Kimper began to make preparations for the family's mid-day meal. While she worked, her daughter Jane appeared, and threw cold water upon a warm affectional glow by announcing,-- "I'm fired." "What do you mean, child?" asked her mother. "Just what I say. That young Ray Bartram, that's the Prency gal's feller, has been comin' to the house almost ev'ry day while I've been workin' there, an' he's been awful polite to me. He never used to be that way when him an' the other young fellers in town used to come down to the hotel an' drink in the big room behind the saloon. Miss Prency got to askin' me questions about him this morning, an' the less I told her the madder she got, an' at last she said somethin' that made me get up an' leave." "What's he ever had to do with _you_?" asked Mrs. Kimper, after a long, wondering stare. "Nothin', except to talk impudent. Mother, what's the reason a poor gal that don't ever look for any company above her always keeps findin' it when she don't want it?" Mrs. Kimper got the question so mixed with her culinary preparations that she was unable to answer, or to remember that she already had salted the stew which she was preparing for dinner. As she wondered and worked, her husband came in. "Wife," said Sam, "everything seems turning upside down. Deacon Quickset came into the shop a while ago. What do you suppose he wanted? Wanted me to pray for him! I said I would, and I did; but I was so took aback by it that I had to talk to somebody, so I came home." CHAPTER XVIII.page 113 "Why didn't you go talk to the preacher or Ray Bartram?" asked Mrs. Kimper, after the natural expressions of astonishment had been made. "Well," said Sam, "I suppose it was because I wanted to talk to somebody that I was better acquainted with." Mrs. Kimper looked at her husband in astonishment. Sam returned his wife's gaze, but with a placid expression of countenance. "I don't amount to much, Sam," Mrs. Kimper finally sighed, with a helpless look. "You're my wife; that's much--to me. Some day I hope it will be the same to you." There was a knock at the door, and as soon as Sam shouted "Come in!" Judge Prency entered. "Sam," said he, "ever since I saw you were in earnest about living a new life, I've been trying to arrange matters so that your boy Joe--I suppose you know why he ran away--could come back without getting into trouble. It was not easy, for the man from whom he--took something seemed to feel very ugly. But he has promised not to prosecute." "Thank God!" exclaimed Sam. "If now I knew where the boy was--" "I've attended to that, too. I've had him looked up and found and placed in good hands for two or three weeks, and I don't believe you will be ashamed of him when he returns." Sam Kimper lapsed into silence, and the judge felt uncomfortable. At last Sam exclaimed,-- "I feel as if it would take a big prayer and thanksgiving meeting to tell all that's in my mind." "A very good idea," said the judge; "and, as you have the very people present who should take part in it, I will make haste to remove all outside influence." So saying, the judge bowed in his most courtly manner to Mrs. Kimper and Jane, and departed. CHAPTER XVIII.page 114 "Let us all pray," said Sam, dropping upon his knees. CHAPTER XIX.page 115 Eleanor Prency was a miserable young woman during most of the great revival season which followed the special meetings at Dr. Guide's church. She did not see Ray Bartram as much as of old, for the young man spent most of his evenings at the church, assisting in the work. He sang no wild hymns, nor did he make any ecstatic speeches; nevertheless his influence was great among his old acquaintances and upon the young men of the town. To "stand up for prayers" was to the latter class the supreme indication of courage or conviction; and any of them would have preferred to face death itself, at the muzzle of a gun, to taking such a step. But that was not all; Bartram had for some years been the leader of the unbelievers in the town; the logic of a young man who was smart enough to convince judges on the bench in matters of law was good enough for the general crowd when it was brought to bear upon religion. As one lounger at Weitz's saloon expressed himself,-- "None of the preachers or deacons or class-leaders was ever able to down that young feller before, but now he's just the same as gone and hollered 'enough.' It's no use for the rest of us to put on airs after that; nobody'll believe us, and like as not he'll be the first man to tell us what fools we be. I'm thinkin' a good deal of risin' for prayers myself, if it's only to get through before he gives me a talkin' to." When, however, the entire membership of the church aroused to the fact that work was to be done, and Judge Prency and other solid citizens began to take part in the church work, Bartram rested from his efforts and began again to spend his evenings at the home of the young woman whom he most admired. A change seemed to have come over others as well as himself. Mrs. Prency greeted him more kindly than ever, but Eleanor seemed different. She was not as merry, as defiant, or as sympathetic as of old. Sometimes there was a suggestion of old times in her manner, but suddenly the young woman would again become reserved and distant. CHAPTER XIX.page 116 One evening, when she had begun to rally him about something, and quickly lapsed into a different and languid manner, Bartram said,-- "Eleanor, nothing seems as it used to be between you and me. I wish I knew what was wrong in me." The girl suddenly interested herself in the contents of an antiquated photograph album. "I must have become dreadfully uninteresting," he continued, "if you prefer the faces in that album, of which I've heard you make fun time and again. Won't you tell me what it is? Don't be afraid to talk plainly: I can stand anything--from you." "Oh, nothing," said Eleanor, continuing to pretend interest in the pictures. "'Nothing' said in that tone always means something--and a great deal of it. Have I said or done anything to offend you?" "No," said Eleanor, with a sigh, closing the book and folding her hands, "only--I didn't suppose you ever could become a prosy, poky old church-member." The reply was a laugh, so merry, hearty, and long that Eleanor looked indignant, until she saw a roguish twinkle in Bartram's eyes; then she blushed and looked confused. "Please tell me what I have said or done that was poky or prosy," asked Bartram. "We lawyers have a habit of asking for proof as well as charges. I give you my word, my dear girl, that never in all my previous life did I feel so entirely cheerful and good-natured as I do nowadays. I have nothing now to trouble my conscience, or spoil my temper, or put me out of my own control, as used frequently to happen. I never before knew how sweet and delightful it was to live and meet my fellow-beings,--particularly those I love. I can laugh at the slightest provocation now, instead of sometimes feeling ugly and saying sharp things. Every good and pleasant thing in life I enjoy more than ever; and as you, personally, are the very best thing in life, you seem a thousand times dearer and sweeter to me than ever before CHAPTER XIX.page 117 Perhaps you will laugh at me for saying so, but do you know that I, who have heretofore considered myself a little better than any one else in the village, am now organizing a new base-ball club and a gymnasium association, and also am trying to get enough subscribers to build a toboggan slide? I never was in such high spirits and in such humor for fun." Eleanor looked amazed, but she relieved her mind by replying,-- "I never saw religion work that way on other people." "Indeed! Where have your blessed eyes been? Hasn't your own father been a religious man for many years, and is there any one in town who knows better how to enjoy himself when he is not at work?" "Oh, yes; but father is different from most people." "Quite true; he must be, else how could he be the parent of the one incomparable young woman--" "Ray!" "Don't try to play hypocrite, please, for you're too honest. You know you agree with me." "About father? Certainly; but--" "'About father?' More hypocrisy. You know very well what I mean. Dear little girl, listen to me. I suppose there are people scared into religion through fear of the wrath to come, who may become dull and uninteresting. It is a matter of nature, in a great many cases. I suppose whatever is done for selfish reasons, even in the religious life, may make people uncertain and fearful, and sometimes miserable. But when a man suddenly determines to model his life after that of the one and only perfect man and gentleman the world ever knew, he does not find anything to make him dull and wretched. We hear so much of Jesus the Saviour that we lose sight of Jesus the man. He who died for us was also He whose whole recorded life was in conformity with the tastes and sympathies of people of His day. CHAPTER XIX.page 118 Do you imagine for an instant that if He had been of solemn, doleful visage, any woman would ever have pressed through a crowd to touch the hem of His garment, that she might be made well? Do you suppose the woman of Samaria would have lingered one instant at the well of Jacob, had Jesus been a man with a face like--well, suppose I say Deacon Quickset? Do you think mothers would have brought their children to Him that He might bless them? Do you imagine any one who had not a great, warm heart could have wept at the grave of his friend Lazarus, whom He knew He had the power to raise from the dead? Didn't He go to the marriage jollification at Cana, and take so much interest in the affair that He made up for the deficiency in the host's wine-cellar? Weren't all His parables about matters that showed a sympathetic interest in the affairs which were nearest to the hearts of the people around Him? If all these things were possible to one who had His inner heart full of tremendous responsibilities, what should not His followers be in the world,--so far as all human cheer and interest go?" "I've never heard him spoken of in that way before," said Eleanor, speaking as if she were in a brown study. "I'm glad--selfishly--that you hear it the first time from me, then. Never again will I do anything of which I think He would disapprove; but, my dear girl, I give you my word that although occasionally--too often--I have been lawless in word and action, I never until now have known the sensation of entire liberty and happiness. You never again will see me moody, or obstinate, or selfish. I'm going to be a gentleman in life, as well as by birth. You believe me?" "I must believe you, Ray; I can't help believing whatever you say. But I never saw conversion act that way upon any one else, and I don't understand it." Bartram looked quizzically at the girl a moment, and then replied,-- "Try it yourself; I'm sure it will affect you just as it does me." "Oh, Ray, no; I never can bring myself to stand up in church to be prayed for." "Don't do it, then. Pray for yourself. I don't know of any one to whom Heaven would sooner listen. But you can't avoid being prayed for by one repentant sinner: have the kindness to remember that." "Ray!" murmured Eleanor. CHAPTER XIX.page 119 "And," continued Bartram, rising and placing an arm around Eleanor's shoulders, "the sooner our prayers can rise together, the sooner you will understand me, believe me, and trust me. My darling,--the only woman whom I ever loved,--the only woman of whom I ever was fond,--the only one to whom I ever gave an affectionate word or caress--" There are conversations which reach a stage where they should be known only to those who conduct them. When Bartram started to depart, his love-life was unclouded. "Ray," said Eleanor, at the door, "will you oblige me by seeing Sam Kimper in the morning and asking him to tell his daughter that I particularly wish she would come back to us?" CHAPTER XX.page 120 The revival into which were merged the special meetings at Dr. Guide's church continued so long that religion became absolutely and enthrallingly fashionable in Bruceton. Many drinking men ceased to frequent the bar-room of the town, some old family feuds came to an end, and several couples who should have been married long before were joined in the holy bonds of wedlock. Nevertheless, the oldest inhabitants agreed that never before had life in Bruceton been so pleasant. Everybody was on good terms with everybody else, and no one, no matter how poor or common, lacked pleasant greetings on the street from acquaintances of high degree. There had been some wonderful conversions during the meetings; hard-swearing, hard-drinking men had abandoned their evil ways, and were apparently as willing and anxious as any one else to be informed as to how to conform their lives to the professions which they had made. All the other churches sympathized with the efforts which Dr. Guide's flock had been making, for they themselves had been affected to their visible benefit. CHAPTER XX.page 121 Dr. Guide himself became one of the humblest of the humble. Always a man of irreproachable life and warm heart, it never had occurred to him that anything could be lacking in his church methods. But he also was a man of quick perceptions: so, as the meetings went on, and he realized that their impetus was due not at all to anything he had said or done, but solely to the personal example of Sam Kimper, he fell into deep thought and retrospection. He resolutely waived all compliments which his clerical brethren of other denominations offered him on what they were pleased to call the results of his ministrations, and honestly insisted that the good work was begun by the example set by Sam Kimper, the ex-convict. Dr. Guide was an honest believer in the "church universal," but he had been trained to regard the Church of Rome as the "scarlet woman" of Revelation, and whenever he met Father Black in the streets he recognized him only with a dignified bow. The day before the closing meeting, however, he encountered the priest at the turning of a corner,--too suddenly for a change of manner. "My dear brother!" exclaimed Father Black, extending both hands and grasping Dr. Guide's hands warmly, "God bless you for the good work you have been doing!" "My dear sir," said the pastor, rallying all his powers to withstand the surprise, "I am very glad that you are pleased to regard the work as good." "How can I help it?" said the priest, impetuously. "The spirit which your church efforts have awakened has spread throughout the town and affected everybody. There are men--and some women--of my flock whom I've been trying in vain for years to bring to confession, so as to start them on a new life. I've coaxed them, threatened them, prayed for them with tears of agony, for what soul is not dear to our Saviour? The worse the soul, the more the Saviour yearns to reclaim it. You remember the parable of the ninety-and-nine?" "Who can forget it?" said the reverend doctor, tears springing to his eyes. "No one, my dear brother,--no one," replied the priest. "Well, my lost sheep have all come back. The invisible Church has helped the visible, and--" "Is my Church, then, invisible?" asked Dr. Guide, with a quick relapse into his old-time manner. CHAPTER XX.page 122 "My dear brother," exclaimed the priest, "which is the greater? Which exists only for the other?" "I beg your pardon," said Dr. Guide, his face thawing in an instant. "Again I thank you from the depths of my heart," said the old priest, "and--" "Father Black," interrupted the pastor, "the more you thank me the more uncomfortable I feel. Whatever credit is awarded, except to Heaven, for the great and unexpected experiences which have been made manifest at my church, belongs entirely to a man who, being the lowest of the low, has set forth an example of perfect obedience." "That poor cobbler? You are right, I verily believe, and I shall go at once to pour out my heart to him." "Let me go with you, Father-- Brother , Black. I--" here Dr. Guide's face broke into a confidential smile,--"I want to go to confession myself, for the first time in my life, if you will allow the cobbler to be my priest. I want a reputable witness, too." Then the two clergymen, arm in arm, proceeded to Sam Kimper's shop, to the great astonishment of all the villagers who saw them. That night, at the closing meeting of the revival series, Dr. Guide delivered a short but pointed talk from the text, "Verily I say unto you, the publicans and harlots go into the kingdom before you." "My friends," said he, "these words were spoken by Jesus one day when the chief priests and elders, who were the types of the clergymen and formal religious people of our day, questioned Him about His works and His authority. They had a mass of tradition and doctrine by which they were justified in their own eyes, and the presence, the works, the teachings and the daily life of Jesus were a thorn in their flesh. It annoyed them so that they crucified Him in order to be rid of His purer influence. We, who know more of Him than they, have been continually crucifying our Lord afresh by paying too much attention to the letter and ignoring the spirit. CHAPTER XX.page 122 'These things should ye have done, and not left the others undone.' I say these words not by way of blame, but of warning. Heaven forbid that I ever shall need to repeat them!" As the congregation looked about at one and another whom the cap might fit, everybody chanced to see Deacon Quickset arise. "My friends," said the deacon, "I'm one of the very kind of people Jesus meant when He said the words that our pastor took for his text to-night; and, for fear that some one mayn't know it, I arise to own up to it myself. Nobody's stood up for the letter of the law and the plan of salvation stronger than I, and nobody has taken more pains to dodge the spirit of it. The scales have fallen from my eyes lately, but I suppose all of you have been seeing me as I am for a long, long time, and you've known me for the hypocrite that I now can see I've always been. I've done a good many things that I oughtn't to have done. I've told half-truths that were worse than lies. I've 'devoured widows' houses, and for a pretence made long prayers,' as the gospel says. But the worst thing I've done, and the thing I feel most sinful about, is that when an unfortunate fellow-citizen of ours came back to this town and tried to live a right life I did all I could to discourage him and make him just like myself. I want right here, encompassed about by a mighty cloud of witnesses, to confess that I've done that man an awful wrong, and I'm sorry for it. I've prayed to God to forgive me; but I'm not going to stop at that. Right here before you all I want to ask that man himself to forgive me, as I've asked him in private. I'm not going to stop at that, either. That man's life has opened my eyes, in spite of myself, to all the faults of my own; and I want to show my sincerity by promising, before you all, that I am that man's brother from this time forth until I die, and that whatever is mine is his whenever and however he wants it." The deacon sat down. There was an instant of silence, and then a sensation, as every one began to look about for the ex-convict. "If Brother Kimper feels inclined to make any remarks," said Dr. Guide, "I am sure every one present would be glad to listen to him." People were slowly arising and looking towards one portion of the church. Dr. Guide left the pulpit and walked down one of the aisles towards the point where all eyes were centred. CHAPTER XX.page 123 In a seat in the back of the church he saw the ex-convict, with one arm around his wife and the other around his daughter Jane: Sam looked smaller and more insignificant than ever, for his chin was resting on his breast and tears were chasing one another down his pale cheeks. Dr. Guide hurried back to the altar-rail, and exclaimed, in his loudest and most impressive voice,--"Sing 'Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!'"   THE END. Publication Date: July 22nd 2014 https://www.bookrix.com/-dhe51a0383f3435

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-drake-spire-lost/

Drake Spire Lost Dedication to all those who have being wrongfully accused. There will be a light to all choices you make, a light for the choice that is yours. It's your job to grasp your own. The First and Only Chapter I ran across the barren woods. Branches from the eery trees seemed to gather around me as my feet swiftly touched and lost the ground. "Run!" The only thing that settled inside my mind. Over and over again I thought the same thing. I felt a sharp pain on my left cheek. Blood, I could feel the sharpness, then I could taste the iron. When I was wrongfully blamed for a crime I didn't commit, they hated me. I don't even know how I could have killed them. I was framed... Why? Why? Why?! How could they? WHY WOULD I MURDER THEM! Those kids in my classroom... they were my friends... I wouldn't... But it doesn't matter, I had to run, or face death. To choose death was insane. I had a chance... I could do it.I could hear guards behind me. Only barely, I could tell they've done this before. They didn't want me to hear the footsteps of their execution items. I could stop, It could all be over... I could fall back and it wouldn't matter. The ones who loved me are dead... and I'm blamed for their death. I could feel the cold tears that ran down my cheek and into my mouth. It tasted... like blood. I stopped running. I could hear the gunshot. I could feel the pain. I can see the light now... Text: I don't really care Images: Google Images Editing: My tiny eyes Translation: My enormous brain All rights reserved. Publication Date: June 23rd 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-rwa0d463c2da815

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-alexandria-carpenter-blood-vampire/

Alexandria Carpenter Blood vampire my mom my dad and my boyfriend How It Came To Be One day I was at school and a new HOT boy walked toward me and scooped me up. When we got to class he put me down and gave me a kiss on the cheek thats when I knew I was in love. We walked into class I sat at my desk well kind of I sat on his lap.After lunch that day he leaned over gave me his number and told me to call him when I was on my way to the graveyard. So I put his number in my pocket and walked away.I couldn't understand why he was doing this. that night I called him and told him I was on my way he said ok. when I got there his hair was parted he had dinner ready.He also had rose peatles scatterd around.He had a c.d. player and one thing I could not help but noticehe had fangs and they were not fake.Was he a vampire? So I went over there and we started dinner. As i was eating my pork he leaned over and kissed me . It was a long kiss but it was good. After that we danced we laughed our butts of. Then I asked him if he was a vampire and he said yes I asked if he would turn me into a full vampire. He said ok so he leaned over and bit me it was done i'm a vampire. love life The next day at school I almost had a love life it was awesome. That night he took me for a walk all around the city. We kissed we stoped said goodbye and went home.(end of chapter 2) New Boyfriend Then at school after 2 weeks of not talking to eachother he came up to me and said I love you and I want to know will yoube my girlfriend I said said yes theres my new boyfriend and I said bye love you see you next week. Publication Date: November 22nd 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-honey227

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-lacy-lyn-fain-jacob-the-easily-tempered/

Lacy Lyn Fain Jacob the easily tempered Jacob the easily tempered Text: Lacy Lyn Fain Images: Lacy Lyn Fain Editing: Lacy Lyn Fain Translation: Lacy Lyn Fain All rights reserved. Publication Date: March 7th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-laylaylyn

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-c-kelemen-my-geese/

C Kelemen My Geese Where does the line come between friendly teasing and bullying i dedicate this to my school because this is all about it. M My Geese My mother and I were riding in the car. It was just a regular, boring ride to my stupid school. I was looking out the window counting geese. One, two, three, four… then it struck me. I could no longer hold it in, “Hey Mom,” I blurted out, “what are those geese called?” She thought about it for a while and then she answered, “Canadian Geese.” I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. Another question blurted out of my mouth, “Aren’t they called American Geese in canada?" My mom just nodded this time. I was shocked, I couldn't believe nobody liked theese beautiful geese. they had beautiful colored wings that just struck me with awe. that's when I swore to myself that they would now forever be called Sarah Geese , my geese. they now had a name no matter where they were. they couldn't ever be teased for a bad name. I told my mom this and she just chuckled. Text: M.E.M.S. All rights reserved. Publication Date: April 12th 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-r16ckelemen

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-shasha123-the-girl-and-her-crush/

Shasha123 The GirL and Her Crush Readd Read Read See ThIs Book read It!! Text: Read Me All rights reserved. Publication Date: October 23rd 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-s123456789.6

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-y43210-moonkit-039-s-quest/

Y43210 moonkit's quest a drama CONTENTS CHP.1-Moonkit CHP.2-Lost CHP.3- Remains CHP4-ending Moonkit Your mother, Stormfur blinks proudly at your beautiful pelt. It is pure white and you have shining blue eyes. You understand these words: " Bye, my dear kit, Be safe while we are scattered." And then, a gleaming gray pelt. Then, In a flash, it is gone in the darkness. You shake yourself. "Moonkit! don't dream about that!" You say to yourself, You always remember the words, scattered..... You go outside the tree trunk that is your den, and teach yourself how to hunt. You barely catch a squirrel and hungrily tear into the prey. Then, you get an idea, a very wierd and risky idea. To find the scattered cats! 'I will set off today!' You decide, and got a beech leaf and caught a rabbit, squirrel, and a starling. You wrapped them up in the beech leaf and dragged with you on your adventure. lost You are desperate to find shelter because it is raining hard. You find a hollow tree that would be good for shelter. You haul your prey up the tree and eat in the hollow. After that, You curl up and take a little nap. You wake up and look outside. There is a magnifiscent rainbow. You trot until you found a clue! A paw print! Also, there is a silver cat hair. It looked like an old one. Therre is more pawprints ahead! This time it is a group of paw prints. Also there is the form of a sleeping body right in the center of the mass of paw prints. There, you see a tiny island that was glowing brightly. You head toward the island cautiosly. found You went to the island and searched and searched until you found a group of cats and see a silver tabby cat yowlng " my kit! My kit has found us!" Every one cheers and the leader, Icestar says you could be a warrior and skip apprentice trainng! woo hoo! Your warrior name is Moonsong. You are the bravest warrior of all! You are the second one respected though. Also, you get to be deputy! ending THE END. Kinda short but is it O.K? Text: Y4321 Images: Y4321 Editing: none Translation: none All rights reserved. Publication Date: July 4th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-y43210

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-william-shakespeare-the-tragedy-of-king-richard-ii/

William Shakespeare The Tragedy of King Richard II DRAMATIS PERSONAE KING RICHARD THE SECOND JOHN OF GAUNT, Duke of Lancaster - uncle to the King EDMUND LANGLEY, Duke of York - uncle to the King HENRY, surnamed BOLINGBROKE, Duke of Hereford, son of John of Gaunt, afterwards King Henry IV DUKE OF AUMERLE, son of the Duke of York THOMAS MOWBRAY, Duke of Norfolk DUKE OF SURREY EARL OF SALISBURY LORD BERKELEY BUSHY - Servant to King Richard BAGOT - Servant to King Richard GREEN - Servant to King Richard EARL OF NORTHUMBERLAND HENRY PERCY, surnamed Hotspur, his son LORD ROSS LORD WILLOUGHBY LORD FITZWATER BISHOP OF CARLISLE ABBOT OF WESTMINSTER LORD MARSHAL SIR PIERCE OF EXTON SIR STEPHEN SCROOP Captain of a band of Welshmen QUEEN TO KING RICHARD DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER DUCHESS OF YORK Lady attending on the Queen Lords, Heralds, Officers, Soldiers, Gardeners, Keeper, Messenger, Groom, and other Attendants SCENE: Dispersedly in England and Wales. ACT 1 SCENE I. London. A Room in the palace. [Enter KING RICHARD, attended; JOHN OF GAUNT, with other NOBLES.] KING RICHARD. Old John of Gaunt, time-honoured Lancaster, Hast thou, according to thy oath and band, Brought hither Henry Hereford thy bold son, Here to make good the boisterous late appeal, Which then our leisure would not let us hear, Against the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Mowbray? GAUNT. I have, my liege. KING RICHARD. Tell me, moreover, hast thou sounded him If he appeal the Duke on ancient malice, Or worthily, as a good subject should, On some known ground of treachery in him? GAUNT. As near as I could sift him on that argument, On some apparent danger seen in him Aim'd at your Highness, no inveterate malice. KING RICHARD. Then call them to our presence: face to face And frowning brow to brow, ourselves will hear The accuser and the accused freely speak. High-stomach'd are they both and full of ire, In rage, deaf as the sea, hasty as fire. [Re-enter Attendants, with BOLINGBROKE and MOWBRAY.] BOLINGBROKE. Many years of happy days befall My gracious sovereign, my most loving liege! MOWBRAY. Each day still better other's happiness Until the heavens, envying earth's good hap, Add an immortal title to your crown! KING RICHARD. We thank you both; yet one but flatters us, As well appeareth by the cause you come; Namely, to appeal each other of high treason. Cousin of Hereford, what dost thou object Against the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Mowbray? BOLINGBROKE. First, - heaven be the record to my speech! - In the devotion of a subject's love, Tendering the precious safety of my prince, And free from other misbegotten hate, Come I appellant to this princely presence. Now, Thomas Mowbray, do I turn to thee, And mark my greeting well; for what I speak My body shall make good upon this earth, Or my divine soul answer it in heaven. Thou art a traitor and a miscreant; Too good to be so and too bad to live, Since the more fair and crystal is the sky, The uglier seem the clouds that in it fly. Once more, the more to aggravate the note, With a foul traitor's name stuff I thy throat; And wish, so please my sovereign, ere I move, What my tongue speaks, my right drawn sword may prove. MOWBRAY. Let not my cold words here accuse my zeal: 'Tis not the trial of a woman's war, The bitter clamour of two eager tongues, Can arbitrate this cause betwixt us twain; The blood is hot that must be cool'd for this. Yet can I not of such tame patience boast As to be hush'd and nought at all to say. First, the fair reverence of your highness curbs me From giving reins and spurs to my free speech; Which else would post until it had return'd These terms of treason doubled down his throat. Setting aside his high blood's royalty, And let him be no kinsman to my liege, I do defy him, and I spit at him, Call him a slanderous coward and a villain: Which to maintain, I would allow him odds And meet him, were I tied to run afoot Even to the frozen ridges of the Alps, Or any other ground inhabitable, Wherever Englishman durst set his foot. Meantime let this defend my loyalty: By all my hopes, most falsely doth he lie. BOLINGBROKE. Pale trembling coward, there I throw my gage, Disclaiming here the kindred of the king; And lay aside my high blood's royalty, Which fear, not reverence, makes thee to except: If guilty dread have left thee so much strength As to take up mine honour's pawn, then stoop: By that, and all the rites of knighthood else, Will I make good against thee, arm to arm, What I have spoke or thou canst worst devise. MOWBRAY. I take it up; and by that sword I swear Which gently laid my knighthood on my shoulder, I'll answer thee in any fair degree, Or chivalrous design of knightly trial: And when I mount, alive may I not light If I be traitor or unjustly fight! KING RICHARD. What doth our cousin lay to Mowbray's charge? It must be great that can inherit us So much as of a thought of ill in him. BOLINGBROKE. Look, what I speak, my life shall prove it true; That Mowbray hath receiv'd eight thousand nobles In name of lendings for your highness' soldiers, The which he hath detain'd for lewd employments, Like a false traitor and injurious villain. Besides, I say and will in battle prove, Or here, or elsewhere to the furthest verge That ever was survey'd by English eye, That all the treasons for these eighteen years Complotted and contrived in this land, Fetch from false Mowbray their first head and spring. Further I say, and further will maintain Upon his bad life to make all this good, That he did plot the Duke of Gloucester's death, Suggest his soon-believing adversaries, And consequently, like a traitor coward, Sluic'd out his innocent soul through streams of blood: Which blood, like sacrificing Abel's, cries, Even from the tongueless caverns of the earth, To me for justice and rough chastisement; And, by the glorious worth of my descent, This arm shall do it, or this life be spent. KING RICHARD. How high a pitch his resolution soars! Thomas of Norfolk, what say'st thou to this? MOWBRAY. O! let my sovereign turn away his face And bid his ears a little while be deaf, Till I have told this slander of his blood How God and good men hate so foul a liar. KING RICHARD. Mowbray, impartial are our eyes and ears: Were he my brother, nay, my kingdom's heir, - As he is but my father's brother's son, - Now, by my sceptre's awe I make a vow, Such neighbour nearness to our sacred blood Should nothing privilege him nor partialize The unstooping firmness of my upright soul. He is our subject, Mowbray; so art thou: Free speech and fearless I to thee allow. MOWBRAY. Then, Bolingbroke, as low as to thy heart, Through the false passage of thy throat, thou liest. Three parts of that receipt I had for Calais Disburs'd I duly to his highness' soldiers; The other part reserv'd I by consent, For that my sovereign liege was in my debt Upon remainder of a dear account, Since last I went to France to fetch his queen. Now swallow down that lie. For Gloucester's death, I slew him not; but to my own disgrace Neglected my sworn duty in that case. For you, my noble Lord of Lancaster, The honourable father to my foe, Once did I lay an ambush for your life, A trespass that doth vex my grieved soul; But ere I last receiv'd the sacrament I did confess it, and exactly begg'd Your Grace's pardon; and I hope I had it. This is my fault: as for the rest appeal'd, It issues from the rancour of a villain, A recreant and most degenerate traitor; Which in myself I boldly will defend, And interchangeably hurl down my gage Upon this overweening traitor's foot, To prove myself a loyal gentleman Even in the best blood chamber'd in his bosom. In haste whereof, most heartily I pray Your highness to assign our trial day. KING RICHARD. Wrath-kindled gentlemen, be rul'd by me; Let's purge this choler without letting blood: This we prescribe, though no physician; Deep malice makes too deep incision: Forget, forgive; conclude and be agreed, Our doctors say this is no month to bleed. Good uncle, let this end where it begun; We'll calm the Duke of Norfolk, you your son. GAUNT. To be a make-peace shall become my age: Throw down, my son, the Duke of Norfolk's gage. KING RICHARD. And, Norfolk, throw down his. GAUNT. When, Harry, when? Obedience bids I should not bid again. KING RICHARD. Norfolk, throw down; we bid; There is no boot. MOWBRAY. Myself I throw, dread sovereign, at thy foot. My life thou shalt command, but not my shame: The one my duty owes; but my fair name, - Despite of death, that lives upon my grave, - To dark dishonour's use thou shalt not have. I am disgrac'd, impeach'd, and baffled here; Pierc'd to the soul with slander's venom'd spear, The which no balm can cure but his heart-blood Which breath'd this poison. KING RICHARD. Rage must be withstood: Give me his gage: lions make leopards tame. MOWBRAY. Yea, but not change his spots: take but my shame, And I resign my gage. My dear dear lord, The purest treasure mortal times afford Is spotless reputation; that away, Men are but gilded loam or painted clay. A jewel in a ten-times barr'd-up chest Is a bold spirit in a loyal breast. Mine honour is my life; both grow in one; Take honour from me, and my life is done: Then, dear my liege, mine honour let me try; In that I live, and for that will I die. KING RICHARD. Cousin, throw down your gage: do you begin. BOLINGBROKE. O! God defend my soul from such deep sin. Shall I seem crest-fall'n in my father's sight, Or with pale beggar-fear impeach my height Before this outdar'd dastard? Ere my tongue Shall wound my honour with such feeble wrong Or sound so base a parle, my teeth shall tear The slavish motive of recanting fear, And spit it bleeding in his high disgrace, Where shame doth harbour, even in Mowbray's face. [Exit GAUNT.] KING RICHARD. We were not born to sue, but to command: Which since we cannot do to make you friends, Be ready, as your lives shall answer it, At Coventry, upon Saint Lambert's day: There shall your swords and lances arbitrate The swelling difference of your settled hate: Since we can not atone you, we shall see Justice design the victor's chivalry. Lord Marshal, command our officers-at-arms Be ready to direct these home alarms. [Exeunt.] SCENE II. The same. A room in the DUKE OF LANCASTER'S palace. [Enter GAUNT and DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER.] GAUNT. Alas, the part I had in Woodstock's blood Doth more solicit me than your exclaims, To stir against the butchers of his life. But since correction lieth in those hands Which made the fault that we cannot correct, Put we our quarrel to the will of heaven; Who, when they see the hours ripe on earth, Will rain hot vengeance on offenders' heads. DUCHESS. Finds brotherhood in thee no sharper spur? Hath love in thy old blood no living fire? Edward's seven sons, whereof thyself art one, Were as seven vials of his sacred blood, Or seven fair branches springing from one root: Some of those seven are dried by nature's course, Some of those branches by the Destinies cut; But Thomas, my dear lord, my life, my Gloucester, One vial full of Edward's sacred blood, One flourishing branch of his most royal root, Is crack'd, and all the precious liquor spilt; Is hack'd down, and his summer leaves all vaded, By envy's hand and murder's bloody axe. Ah, Gaunt! his blood was thine: that bed, that womb, That metal, that self-mould, that fashion'd thee, Made him a man; and though thou liv'st and breath'st, Yet art thou slain in him: thou dost consent In some large measure to thy father's death In that thou seest thy wretched brother die, Who was the model of thy father's life. Call it not patience, Gaunt; it is despair: In suffering thus thy brother to be slaughter'd, Thou showest the naked pathway to thy life, Teaching stern murder how to butcher thee: That which in mean men we entitle patience Is pale cold cowardice in noble breasts. What shall I say? To safeguard thine own life, The best way is to venge my Gloucester's death. GAUNT. God's is the quarrel; for God's substitute, His deputy anointed in his sight, Hath caus'd his death; the which if wrongfully, Let heaven revenge, for I may never lift An angry arm against his minister. DUCHESS. Where then, alas! may I complain myself? GAUNT. To God, the widow's champion and defence. DUCHESS. Why then, I will. Farewell, old Gaunt. Thou go'st to Coventry, there to behold Our cousin Hereford and fell Mowbray fight: O! sit my husband's wrongs on Hereford's spear, That it may enter butcher Mowbray's breast. Or, if misfortune miss the first career, Be Mowbray's sins so heavy in his bosom That they may break his foaming courser's back, And throw the rider headlong in the lists, A caitiff recreant to my cousin Hereford! Farewell, old Gaunt: thy sometimes brother's wife With her companion, Grief, must end her life. GAUNT. Sister, farewell; I must to Coventry. As much good stay with thee as go with me! DUCHESS. Yet one word more. Grief boundeth where it falls, Not with the empty hollowness, but weight: I take my leave before I have begun, For sorrow ends not when it seemeth done. Commend me to thy brother, Edmund York. Lo! this is all: nay, yet depart not so; Though this be all, do not so quickly go; I shall remember more. Bid him - ah, what? - With all good speed at Plashy visit me. Alack! and what shall good old York there see But empty lodgings and unfurnish'd walls, Unpeopled offices, untrodden stones? And what hear there for welcome but my groans? Therefore commend me; let him not come there, To seek out sorrow that dwells every where. Desolate, desolate, will I hence and die: The last leave of thee takes my weeping eye. [Exeunt.] SCENE III. Open Space, near Coventry. Lists set out, and a Throne. Heralds, &c., attending. [Enter the Lord Marshal and AUMERLE.] MARSHAL. My Lord Aumerle, is Harry Hereford arm'd? AUMERLE. Yea, at all points; and longs to enter in. MARSHAL. The Duke of Norfolk, sprightfully and bold, Stays but the summons of the appelant's trumpet. AUMERLE. Why then, the champions are prepar'd, and stay For nothing but his Majesty's approach. [Enter KING RICHARD, who takes his seat on his Throne; GAUNT, BUSHY, BAGOT, GREEN, and Others, who take their places. A trumpet is sounded, and answered by another trumpet within. Then enter MOWBRAY, in armour, defendant, preceeded by a Herald.] KING RICHARD. Marshal, demand of yonder champion The cause of his arrival here in arms: Ask him his name, and orderly proceed To swear him in the justice of his cause. MARSHAL. In God's name and the king's, say who thou art, And why thou comest thus knightly clad in arms, Against what man thou comest, and what thy quarrel. Speak truly, on thy knighthood and thy oath; As so defend thee heaven and thy valour! MOWBRAY. My name is Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, Who hither come engaged by my oath, - Which God defend a knight should violate! - Both to defend my loyalty and truth To God, my King, and my succeeding issue, Against the Duke of Hereford that appeals me; And, by the grace of God and this mine arm, To prove him, in defending of myself, A traitor to my God, my King, and me: And as I truly fight, defend me heaven! [He takes his seat.] [Trumpet sounds. Enter BOLINGBROKE, appellant, in armour, preceeded by a Herald.] KING RICHARD. Marshal, ask yonder knight in arms, Both who he is and why he cometh hither Thus plated in habiliments of war; And formally, according to our law, Depose him in the justice of his cause. MARSHAL. What is thy name? and wherefore com'st thou hither Before King Richard in his royal lists? Against whom comest thou? and what's thy quarrel? Speak like a true knight, so defend thee heaven! BOLINGBROKE. Harry of Hereford, Lancaster, and Derby, Am I; who ready here do stand in arms, To prove by God's grace and my body's valour, In lists, on Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, That he's a traitor foul and dangerous, To God of heaven, King Richard, and to me: And as I truly fight, defend me heaven! MARSHAL. On pain of death, no person be so bold Or daring-hardy as to touch the lists, Except the Marshal and such officers Appointed to direct these fair designs. BOLINGBROKE. Lord Marshal, let me kiss my sovereign's hand, And bow my knee before his Majesty: For Mowbray and myself are like two men That vow a long and weary pilgrimage; Then let us take a ceremonious leave And loving farewell of our several friends. MARSHAL. The appellant in all duty greets your highness, And craves to kiss your hand and take his leave. KING RICHARD. [Descends from his throne.] We will descend and fold him in our arms. Cousin of Hereford, as thy cause is right, So be thy fortune in this royal fight! Farewell, my blood; which if to-day thou shed, Lament we may, but not revenge thee dead. BOLINGBROKE. O! let no noble eye profane a tear For me, if I be gor'd with Mowbray's spear. As confident as is the falcon's flight Against a bird, do I with Mowbray fight. My loving lord, I take my leave of you; Of you, my noble cousin, Lord Aumerle; Not sick, although I have to do with death, But lusty, young, and cheerly drawing breath. Lo! as at English feasts, so I regreet The daintiest last, to make the end most sweet: O thou, the earthly author of my blood, Whose youthful spirit, in me regenerate, Doth with a twofold vigour lift me up To reach at victory above my head, Add proof unto mine armour with thy prayers, And with thy blessings steel my lance's point, That it may enter Mowbray's waxen coat, And furbish new the name of John a Gaunt, Even in the lusty haviour of his son. GAUNT. God in thy good cause make thee prosperous! Be swift like lightning in the execution; And let thy blows, doubly redoubled, Fall like amazing thunder on the casque Of thy adverse pernicious enemy: Rouse up thy youthful blood, be valiant, and live. BOLINGBROKE. Mine innocency and Saint George to thrive! [He takes his seat.] MOWBRAY. [Rising.] However God or fortune cast my lot, There lives or dies, true to King Richard's throne, A loyal, just, and upright gentleman. Never did captive with a freer heart Cast off his chains of bondage and embrace His golden uncontroll'd enfranchisement, More than my dancing soul doth celebrate This feast of battle with mine adversary. Most mighty liege, and my companion peers, Take from my mouth the wish of happy years. As gentle and as jocund as to jest Go I to fight: truth hath a quiet breast. KING RICHARD. Farewell, my lord: securely I espy Virtue with valour couched in thine eye. Order the trial, Marshal, and begin. [The KING and the Lords return to their seats.] MARSHAL. Harry of Hereford, Lancaster, and Derby, Receive thy lance; and God defend the right! BOLINGBROKE. [Rising.] Strong as a tower in hope, I cry 'amen'. MARSHAL. [To an officer.] Go bear this lance to Thomas, Duke of Norfolk. FIRST HERALD. Harry of Hereford, Lancaster, and Derby, Stands here for God, his sovereign, and himself, On pain to be found false and recreant, To prove the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Mowbray, A traitor to his God, his King, and him; And dares him to set forward to the fight. SECOND HERALD. Here standeth Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, On pain to be found false and recreant, Both to defend himself, and to approve Henry of Hereford, Lancaster, and Derby, To God, his sovereign, and to him disloyal; Courageously and with a free desire, Attending but the signal to begin. MARSHAL. Sound trumpets; and set forward, combatants. [A charge sounded.] Stay, the King hath thrown his warder down. KING RICHARD. Let them lay by their helmets and their spears, And both return back to their chairs again: Withdraw with us; and let the trumpets sound While we return these dukes what we decree. [A long flourish.] [To the Combatants.] Draw near, And list what with our council we have done. For that our kingdom's earth should not be soil'd With that dear blood which it hath fostered; And for our eyes do hate the dire aspect Of civil wounds plough'd up with neighbours' swords; And for we think the eagle-winged pride Of sky-aspiring and ambitious thoughts, With rival-hating envy, set on you To wake our peace, which in our country's cradle Draws the sweet infant breath of gentle sleep; Which so rous'd up with boist'rous untun'd drums, With harsh-resounding trumpets' dreadful bray, And grating shock of wrathful iron arms, Might from our quiet confines fright fair peace And make us wade even in our kindred's blood: Therefore we banish you our territories: You, cousin Hereford, upon pain of life, Till twice five summers have enrich'd our fields Shall not regreet our fair dominions, But tread the stranger paths of banishment. BOLINGBROKE. Your will be done. This must my comfort be, That sun that warms you here shall shine on me; And those his golden beams to you here lent Shall point on me and gild my banishment. KING RICHARD. Norfolk, for thee remains a heavier doom, Which I with some unwillingness pronounce: The sly slow hours shall not determinate The dateless limit of thy dear exile; The hopeless word of 'never to return' Breathe I against thee, upon pain of life. MOWBRAY. A heavy sentence, my most sovereign liege, And all unlook'd for from your highness' mouth: A dearer merit, not so deep a maim As to be cast forth in the common air, Have I deserved at your highness' hands. The language I have learn'd these forty years, My native English, now I must forgo; And now my tongue's use is to me no more Than an unstringed viol or a harp, Or like a cunning instrument cas'd up Or, being open, put into his hands That knows no touch to tune the harmony: Within my mouth you have engaol'd my tongue, Doubly portcullis'd with my teeth and lips; And dull, unfeeling, barren ignorance Is made my gaoler to attend on me. I am too old to fawn upon a nurse, Too far in years to be a pupil now: What is thy sentence, then, but speechless death, Which robs my tongue from breathing native breath? KING RICHARD. It boots thee not to be compassionate: After our sentence plaining comes too late. MOWBRAY. Then thus I turn me from my country's light, To dwell in solemn shades of endless night. [Retiring.] KING RICHARD. Return again, and take an oath with thee. Lay on our royal sword your banish'd hands; Swear by the duty that you owe to God, - Our part therein we banish with yourselves - To keep the oath that we administer: You never shall, so help you truth and God! - Embrace each other's love in banishment; Nor never look upon each other's face; Nor never write, regreet, nor reconcile This louring tempest of your home-bred hate; Nor never by advised purpose meet To plot, contrive, or complot any ill 'Gainst us, our state, our subjects, or our land. BOLINGBROKE. I swear. MOWBRAY. And I, to keep all this. BOLINGBROKE. Norfolk, so far as to mine enemy: - By this time, had the king permitted us, One of our souls had wand'red in the air, Banish'd this frail sepulchre of our flesh, As now our flesh is banish'd from this land: Confess thy treasons ere thou fly the realm; Since thou hast far to go, bear not along The clogging burden of a guilty soul. MOWBRAY. No, Bolingbroke: if ever I were traitor, My name be blotted from the book of life, And I from heaven banish'd as from hence! But what thou art, God, thou, and I, do know; And all too soon, I fear, the king shall rue. Farewell, my liege. Now no way can I stray; Save back to England, all the world's my way. [Exit.] KING RICHARD. Uncle, even in the glasses of thine eyes I see thy grieved heart: thy sad aspect Hath from the number of his banish'd years Pluck'd four away. - [To BOLINGBROKE.] Six frozen winters spent, Return with welcome home from banishment. BOLINGBROKE. How long a time lies in one little word! Four lagging winters and four wanton springs End in a word: such is the breath of kings. GAUNT. I thank my liege that in regard of me He shortens four years of my son's exile; But little vantage shall I reap thereby: For, ere the six years that he hath to spend Can change their moons and bring their times about, My oil-dried lamp and time-bewasted light Shall be extinct with age and endless night; My inch of taper will be burnt and done, And blindfold death not let me see my son. KING RICHARD. Why, uncle, thou hast many years to live. GAUNT. But not a minute, king, that thou canst give: Shorten my days thou canst with sullen sorrow, And pluck nights from me, but not lend a morrow; Thou can'st help time to furrow me with age, But stop no wrinkle in his pilgrimage; Thy word is current with him for my death, But dead, thy kingdom cannot buy my breath. KING RICHARD. Thy son is banish'd upon good advice, Whereto thy tongue a party-verdict gave. Why at our justice seem'st thou then to lower? GAUNT. Things sweet to taste prove in digestion sour. You urg'd me as a judge; but I had rather You would have bid me argue like a father. O! had it been a stranger, not my child, To smooth his fault I should have been more mild.: A partial slander sought I to avoid, And in the sentence my own life destroy'd. Alas! I look'd when some of you should say I was too strict to make mine own away; But you gave leave to my unwilling tongue Against my will to do myself this wrong. KING RICHARD. Cousin, farewell; and, uncle, bid him so: Six years we banish him, and he shall go. [Flourish. Exit KING RICHARD and Train.] AUMERLE. Cousin, farewell: what presence must not know, From where you do remain let paper show. MARSHAL. My lord, no leave take I; for I will ride, As far as land will let me, by your side. GAUNT. O! to what purpose dost thou hoard thy words, That thou return'st no greeting to thy friends? BOLINGBROKE. I have too few to take my leave of you, When the tongue's office should be prodigal To breathe the abundant dolour of the heart. GAUNT. Thy grief is but thy absence for a time. BOLINGBROKE. Joy absent, grief is present for that time. GAUNT. What is six winters? They are quickly gone. BOLINGBROKE. To men in joy; but grief makes one hour ten. GAUNT. Call it a travel that thou tak'st for pleasure. BOLINGBROKE. My heart will sigh when I miscall it so, Which finds it an enforced pilgrimage. GAUNT. The sullen passage of thy weary steps Esteem as foil wherein thou art to set The precious jewel of thy home return. BOLINGBROKE. Nay, rather, every tedious stride I make Will but remember me what a deal of world I wander from the jewels that I love. Must I not serve a long apprenticehood To foreign passages, and in the end, Having my freedom, boast of nothing else But that I was a journeyman to grief? GAUNT. All places that the eye of heaven visits Are to a wise man ports and happy havens. Teach thy necessity to reason thus; There is no virtue like necessity. Think not the king did banish thee, But thou the king. Woe doth the heavier sit, Where it perceives it is but faintly borne. Go, say I sent thee forth to purchase honour, And not the King exil'd thee; or suppose Devouring pestilence hangs in our air, And thou art flying to a fresher clime. Look, what thy soul holds dear, imagine it To lie that way thou go'st, not whence thou com'st. Suppose the singing birds musicians, The grass whereon thou tread'st the presence strew'd, The flowers fair ladies, and thy steps no more Than a delightful measure or a dance; For gnarling sorrow hath less power to bite The man that mocks at it and sets it light. BOLINGBROKE. O! who can hold a fire in his hand By thinking on the frosty Caucasus? Or cloy the hungry edge of appetite By bare imagination of a feast? Or wallow naked in December snow By thinking on fantastic summer's heat? O, no! the apprehension of the good Gives but the greater feeling to the worse: Fell sorrow's tooth doth never rankle more Than when it bites, but lanceth not the sore. GAUNT. Come, come, my son, I'll bring thee on thy way. Had I thy youth and cause, I would not stay. BOLINGBROKE. Then, England's ground, farewell; sweet soil, adieu; My mother, and my nurse, that bears me yet! Where'er I wander, boast of this I can, Though banish'd, yet a true-born Englishman. [Exeunt.] SCENE IV. London. A Room in the King's Castle [Enter KING RICHARD, BAGOT, and GREEN, at one door; AUMERLE at another.] KING RICHARD. We did observe. Cousin Aumerle, How far brought you high Hereford on his way? AUMERLE. I brought high Hereford, if you call him so, But to the next highway, and there I left him. KING RICHARD. And say, what store of parting tears were shed? AUMERLE. Faith, none for me; except the north-east wind, Which then blew bitterly against our faces, Awak'd the sleeping rheum, and so by chance Did grace our hollow parting with a tear. KING RICHARD. What said our cousin when you parted with him? AUMERLE. 'Farewell:' And, for my heart disdained that my tongue Should so profane the word, that taught me craft To counterfeit oppression of such grief That words seem'd buried in my sorrow's grave. Marry, would the word 'farewell' have lengthen'd hours And added years to his short banishment, He should have had a volume of farewells; But since it would not, he had none of me. KING RICHARD. He is our cousin, cousin; but 'tis doubt, When time shall call him home from banishment, Whether our kinsman come to see his friends. Ourself, and Bushy, Bagot here and Green, Observ'd his courtship to the common people, How he did seem to dive into their hearts With humble and familiar courtesy, What reverence he did throw away on slaves, Wooing poor craftsmen with the craft of smiles And patient underbearing of his fortune, As 'twere to banish their affects with him. Off goes his bonnet to an oyster-wench; A brace of draymen bid God speed him well, And had the tribute of his supple knee, With 'Thanks, my countrymen, my loving friends'; As were our England in reversion his, And he our subjects' next degree in hope. GREEN. Well, he is gone; and with him go these thoughts. Now for the rebels which stand out in Ireland; Expedient manage must be made, my liege, Ere further leisure yield them further means For their advantage and your highness' loss. KING RICHARD. We will ourself in person to this war. And, for our coffers, with too great a court And liberal largess, are grown somewhat light, We are enforc'd to farm our royal realm; The revenue whereof shall furnish us For our affairs in hand. If that come short, Our substitutes at home shall have blank charters; Whereto, when they shall know what men are rich, They shall subscribe them for large sums of gold, And send them after to supply our wants; For we will make for Ireland presently. [Enter BUSHY.] Bushy, what news? BUSHY. Old John of Gaunt is grievous sick, my lord, Suddenly taken, and hath sent poste-haste To entreat your Majesty to visit him. KING RICHARD. Where lies he? BUSHY. At Ely House. KING RICHARD. Now put it, God, in his physician's mind To help him to his grave immediately! The lining of his coffers shall make coats To deck our soldiers for these Irish wars. Come, gentlemen, let's all go visit him: Pray God we may make haste, and come too late! ALL. Amen. [Exeunt.] ACT 2 SCENE I. London. An Apartment in Ely House. [GAUNT on a couch; the DUKE OF YORK and Others standing by him.] GAUNT. Will the King come, that I may breathe my last In wholesome counsel to his unstaid youth? YORK. Vex not yourself, nor strive not with your breath; For all in vain comes counsel to his ear. GAUNT. O! but they say the tongues of dying men Enforce attention like deep harmony: Where words are scarce, they are seldom spent in vain, For they breathe truth that breathe their words in pain. He that no more must say is listen'd more Than they whom youth and ease have taught to glose; More are men's ends mark'd than their lives before: The setting sun, and music at the close, As the last taste of sweets, is sweetest last, Writ in remembrance more than things long past: Though Richard my life's counsel would not hear, My death's sad tale may yet undeaf his ear. YORK. No; it is stopp'd with other flattering sounds, As praises of his state: then there are fond, Lascivious metres, to whose venom sound The open ear of youth doth always listen: Report of fashions in proud Italy, Whose manners still our tardy apish nation Limps after in base imitation. Where doth the world thrust forth a vanity, - So it be new there's no respect how vile, - That is not quickly buzz'd into his ears? Then all too late comes counsel to be heard, Where will doth mutiny with wit's regard. Direct not him whose way himself will choose: 'Tis breath thou lack'st, and that breath wilt thou lose. GAUNT. Methinks I am a prophet new inspir'd, And thus expiring do foretell of him: His rash fierce blaze of riot cannot last, For violent fires soon burn out themselves; Small showers last long, but sudden storms are short; He tires betimes that spurs too fast betimes; With eager feeding food doth choke the feeder: Light vanity, insatiate cormorant, Consuming means, soon preys upon itself. This royal throne of kings, this scepter'd isle, This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, This other Eden, demi-paradise, This fortress built by Nature for herself Against infection and the hand of war, This happy breed of men, this little world, This precious stone set in the silver sea, Which serves it in the office of a wall, Or as a moat defensive to a house, Against the envy of less happier lands; This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England, This nurse, this teeming womb of royal kings, Fear'd by their breed, and famous by their birth, Renowned for their deeds as far from home, - For Christian service and true chivalry, - As is the sepulchre in stubborn Jewry Of the world's ransom, blessed Mary's Son: This land of such dear souls, this dear, dear land, Dear for her reputation through the world, Is now leas'd out, - I die pronouncing it, - Like to a tenement or pelting farm: England, bound in with the triumphant sea, Whose rocky shore beats back the envious siege Of watery Neptune, is now bound in with shame, With inky blots, and rotten parchment bonds: That England, that was wont to conquer others, Hath made a shameful conquest of itself. Ah! would the scandal vanish with my life, How happy then were my ensuing death. [Enter KING RICHARD and QUEEN; AUMERLE, BUSHY, GREEN, BAGOT, ROSS, and WILLOUGHBY.] YORK. The King is come: deal mildly with his youth; For young hot colts, being rag'd, do rage the more. QUEEN. How fares our noble uncle, Lancaster? KING RICHARD. What comfort, man? How is't with aged Gaunt? GAUNT. O! how that name befits my composition; Old Gaunt, indeed; and gaunt in being old: Within me grief hath kept a tedious fast; And who abstains from meat that is not gaunt? For sleeping England long time have I watch'd; Watching breeds leanness, leanness is all gaunt. The pleasure that some fathers feed upon Is my strict fast, I mean my children's looks; And therein fasting, hast thou made me gaunt. Gaunt am I for the grave, gaunt as a grave, Whose hollow womb inherits nought but bones. KING RICHARD. Can sick men play so nicely with their names? GAUNT. No, misery makes sport to mock itself: Since thou dost seek to kill my name in me, I mock my name, great king, to flatter thee. KING RICHARD. Should dying men flatter with those that live? GAUNT. No, no; men living flatter those that die. KING RICHARD. Thou, now a-dying, sayest thou flatterest me. GAUNT. O, no! thou diest, though I the sicker be. KING RICHARD. I am in health, I breathe, and see thee ill. GAUNT. Now, he that made me knows I see thee ill; Ill in myself to see, and in thee seeing ill. Thy death-bed is no lesser than thy land Wherein thou liest in reputation sick: And thou, too careless patient as thou art, Committ'st thy anointed body to the cure Of those physicians that first wounded thee: A thousand flatterers sit within thy crown, Whose compass is no bigger than thy head; And yet, incaged in so small a verge, The waste is no whit lesser than thy land. O! had thy grandsire, with a prophet's eye, Seen how his son's son should destroy his sons, From forth thy reach he would have laid thy shame, Deposing thee before thou wert possess'd, Which art possess'd now to depose thyself. Why, cousin, wert thou regent of the world, It were a shame to let this land by lease; But for thy world enjoying but this land, Is it not more than shame to shame it so? Landlord of England art thou now, not king: Thy state of law is bondslave to the law, And - KING RICHARD. And thou a lunatic lean-witted fool, Presuming on an ague's privilege, Dar'st with thy frozen admonition Make pale our cheek, chasing the royal blood With fury from his native residence. Now by my seat's right royal majesty, Wert thou not brother to great Edward's son, - This tongue that runs so roundly in thy head Should run thy head from thy unreverent shoulders. GAUNT. O! spare me not, my brother Edward's son, For that I was his father Edward's son. That blood already, like the pelican, Hast thou tapp'd out, and drunkenly carous'd: My brother Gloucester, plain well-meaning soul, - Whom fair befall in heaven 'mongst happy souls! - May be a precedent and witness good That thou respect'st not spilling Edward's blood: Join with the present sickness that I have; And thy unkindness be like crooked age, To crop at once a too-long withered flower. Live in thy shame, but die not shame with thee! These words hereafter thy tormentors be! Convey me to my bed, then to my grave: Love they to live that love and honour have. [Exit, bourne out by his Attendants.] KING RICHARD. And let them die that age and sullens have; For both hast thou, and both become the grave. YORK. I do beseech your Majesty, impute his words To wayward sickliness and age in him: He loves you, on my life, and holds you dear As Harry Duke of Hereford, were he here. KING RICHARD. Right, you say true: as Hereford's love, so his; As theirs, so mine; and all be as it is. [Enter NORTHUMBERLAND.] NORTHUMBERLAND. My liege, old Gaunt commends him to your Majesty. KING RICHARD. What says he? NORTHUMBERLAND. Nay, nothing; all is said: His tongue is now a stringless instrument; Words, life, and all, old Lancaster hath spent. YORK. Be York the next that must be bankrupt so! Though death be poor, it ends a mortal woe. KING RICHARD. The ripest fruit first falls, and so doth he: His time is spent; our pilgrimage must be. So much for that. Now for our Irish wars. We must supplant those rough rug-headed kerns, Which live like venom where no venom else But only they have privilege to live. And for these great affairs do ask some charge, Towards our assistance we do seize to us The plate, coin, revenues, and moveables, Whereof our uncle Gaunt did stand possess'd. YORK. How long shall I be patient? Ah! how long Shall tender duty make me suffer wrong? Not Gloucester's death, nor Hereford's banishment, Nor Gaunt's rebukes, nor England's private wrongs, Nor the prevention of poor Bolingbroke About his marriage, nor my own disgrace, Have ever made me sour my patient cheek, Or bend one wrinkle on my sovereign's face. I am the last of noble Edward's sons, Of whom thy father, Prince of Wales, was first; In war was never lion rag'd more fierce, In peace was never gentle lamb more mild, Than was that young and princely gentleman. His face thou hast, for even so look'd he, Accomplish'd with the number of thy hours; But when he frown'd, it was against the French, And not against his friends; his noble hand Did win what he did spend, and spent not that Which his triumphant father's hand had won: His hands were guilty of no kindred's blood, But bloody with the enemies of his kin. O Richard! York is too far gone with grief, Or else he never would compare between. KING RICHARD. Why, uncle, what's the matter? YORK. O! my liege. Pardon me, if you please; if not, I, pleas'd Not to be pardon'd, am content withal. Seek you to seize and gripe into your hands The royalties and rights of banish'd Hereford? Is not Gaunt dead, and doth not Hereford live? Was not Gaunt just, and is not Harry true? Did not the one deserve to have an heir? Is not his heir a well-deserving son? Take Hereford's rights away, and take from Time His charters and his customary rights; Let not to-morrow then ensue to-day; Be not thyself; for how art thou a king But by fair sequence and succession? Now, afore God, - God forbid I say true! - If you do wrongfully seize Hereford's rights, Call in the letters-patents that he hath By his attorneys-general to sue His livery, and deny his offer'd homage, You pluck a thousand dangers on your head, You lose a thousand well-disposed hearts, And prick my tender patience to those thoughts Which honour and allegiance cannot think. KING RICHARD. Think what you will: we seize into our hands His plate, his goods, his money, and his lands. YORK. I'll not be by the while: my liege, farewell: What will ensue hereof there's none can tell; But by bad courses may be understood That their events can never fall out good. [Exit.] KING RICHARD. Go, Bushy, to the Earl of Wiltshire straight: Bid him repair to us to Ely House To see this business. To-morrow next We will for Ireland; and 'tis time, I trow: And we create, in absence of ourself, Our Uncle York lord governor of England; For he is just, and always lov'd us well. Come on, our queen: to-morrow must we part; Be merry, for our time of stay is short. [Exeunt KING, QUEEN, BUSHY, AUMERLE, GREEN, and BAGOT.] NORTHUMBERLAND. Well, lords, the Duke of Lancaster is dead. ROSS. And living too; for now his son is Duke. WILLOUGHBY. Barely in title, not in revenues. NORTHUMBERLAND. Richly in both, if justice had her right. ROSS. My heart is great; but it must break with silence, Ere't be disburdened with a liberal tongue. NORTHUMBERLAND. Nay, speak thy mind; and let him ne'er speak more That speaks thy words again to do thee harm! WILLOUGHBY. Tends that thou wouldst speak to the Duke of Hereford? If it be so, out with it boldly, man; Quick is mine ear to hear of good towards him. ROSS. No good at all that I can do for him, Unless you call it good to pity him, Bereft and gelded of his patrimony. NORTHUMBERLAND. Now, afore God, 'tis shame such wrongs are borne In him, a royal prince, and many moe Of noble blood in this declining land. The king is not himself, but basely led By flatterers; and what they will inform, Merely in hate, 'gainst any of us all, That will the king severely prosecute 'Gainst us, our lives, our children, and our heirs. ROSS. The commons hath he pill'd with grievous taxes, And quite lost their hearts: the nobles hath he fin'd For ancient quarrels and quite lost their hearts. WILLOUGHBY. And daily new exactions are devis'd; As blanks, benevolences, and I wot not what: But what, o' God's name, doth become of this? NORTHUMBERLAND. Wars hath not wasted it, for warr'd he hath not, But basely yielded upon compromise That which his ancestors achiev'd with blows. More hath he spent in peace than they in wars. ROSS. The Earl of Wiltshire hath the realm in farm. WILLOUGHBY. The King's grown bankrupt like a broken man. NORTHUMBERLAND. Reproach and dissolution hangeth over him. ROSS. He hath not money for these Irish wars, His burdenous taxations notwithstanding, But by the robbing of the banish'd Duke. NORTHUMBERLAND. His noble kinsman: most degenerate king! But, lords, we hear this fearful tempest sing, Yet seek no shelter to avoid the storm; We see the wind sit sore upon our sails, And yet we strike not, but securely perish. ROSS. We see the very wrack that we must suffer; And unavoided is the danger now, For suffering so the causes of our wrack. NORTHUMBERLAND. Not so: even through the hollow eyes of death I spy life peering; but I dare not say How near the tidings of our comfort is. WILLOUGHBY. Nay, let us share thy thoughts as thou dost ours. ROSS. Be confident to speak, Northumberland: We three are but thyself: and, speaking so, Thy words are but as thoughts; therefore be bold. NORTHUMBERLAND. Then thus: I have from Le Port Blanc, a bay In Brittany, receiv'd intelligence That Harry Duke of Hereford, Rainold Lord Cobham, That late broke from the Duke of Exeter, His brother, Archbishop late of Canterbury, Sir Thomas Erpingham, Sir John Ramston, Sir John Norbery, Sir Robert Waterton, and Francis Quoint, All these well furnish'd by the Duke of Britaine, With eight tall ships, three thousand men of war, Are making hither with all due expedience, And shortly mean to touch our northern shore. Perhaps they had ere this, but that they stay The first departing of the king for Ireland. If then we shall shake off our slavish yoke, Imp out our drooping country's broken wing, Redeem from broking pawn the blemish'd crown, Wipe off the dust that hides our sceptre's gilt, And make high majesty look like itself, Away with me in post to Ravenspurgh; But if you faint, as fearing to do so, Stay and be secret, and myself will go. ROSS. To horse, to horse! Urge doubts to them that fear. WILLOUGHBY. Hold out my horse, and I will first be there. [Exeunt.] SCENE II. The Same. A Room in the Castle. [Enter QUEEN, BUSHY, and BAGOT.] BUSHY. Madam, your Majesty is too much sad. You promis'd, when you parted with the king, To lay aside life-harming heaviness, And entertain a cheerful disposition. QUEEN. To please the King, I did; to please myself I cannot do it; yet I know no cause Why I should welcome such a guest as grief, Save bidding farewell to so sweet a guest As my sweet Richard: yet again methinks, Some unborn sorrow, ripe in fortune's womb, Is coming towards me, and my inward soul With nothing trembles; at some thing it grieves More than with parting from my lord the king. BUSHY. Each substance of a grief hath twenty shadows, Which shows like grief itself, but is not so; For sorrow's eye, glazed with blinding tears, Divides one thing entire to many objects; Like perspectives which, rightly gaz'd upon, Show nothing but confusion; ey'd awry, Distinguish form: so your sweet Majesty, Looking awry upon your lord's departure, Find shapes of grief more than himself to wail; Which, look'd on as it is, is nought but shadows Of what it is not. Then, thrice-gracious Queen, More than your lord's departure weep not: more's not seen; Or if it be, 'tis with false sorrow's eye, Which for things true weeps things imaginary. QUEEN. It may be so; but yet my inward soul Persuades me it is otherwise: howe'er it be, I cannot but be sad, so heavy s,ad As, though in thinking, on no thought I think, Makes me with heavy nothing faint and shrink. BUSHY. 'Tis nothing but conceit, my gracious lady. QUEEN. 'Tis nothing less: conceit is still deriv'd From some forefather grief; mine is not so, For nothing hath begot my something grief, Or something hath the nothing that I grieve: 'Tis in reversion that I do possess; But what it is, that is not yet known; what I cannot name; 'tis nameless woe, I wot. [Enter GREEN.] GREEN. God save your majesty! and well met, gentlemen: I hope the King is not yet shipp'd for Ireland. QUEEN. Why hop'st thou so? 'Tis better hope he is, For his designs crave haste, his haste good hope: Then wherefore dost thou hope he is not shipp'd? GREEN. That he, our hope, might have retir'd his power, And driven into despair an enemy's hope Who strongly hath set footing in this land: The banish'd Bolingbroke repeals himself, And with uplifted arms is safe arriv'd At Ravenspurgh. QUEEN. Now God in heaven forbid! GREEN. Ah! madam, 'tis too true; and that is worse, The Lord Northumberland, his son young Henry Percy, The Lords of Ross, Beaumond, and Willoughby, With all their powerful friends, are fled to him. BUSHY. Why have you not proclaim'd Northumberland And all the rest revolted faction traitors? GREEN. We have: whereupon the Earl of Worcester Hath broken his staff, resign'd his stewardship, And all the household servants fled with him To Bolingbroke. QUEEN. So, Green, thou art the midwife to my woe, And Bolingbroke my sorrow's dismal heir: Now hath my soul brought forth her prodigy, And I, a gasping new-deliver'd mother, Have woe to woe, sorrow to sorrow join'd. BUSHY. Despair not, madam. QUEEN. Who shall hinder me? I will despair, and be at enmity With cozening hope: he is a flatterer, A parasite, a keeper-back of death, Who gently would dissolve the bands of life, Which false hope lingers in extremity. [Enter YORK.] GREEN. Here comes the Duke of York. QUEEN. With signs of war about his aged neck: O! full of careful business are his looks. Uncle, for God's sake, speak comfortable words. YORK. Should I do so, I should belie my thoughts: Comfort's in heaven; and we are on the earth, Where nothing lives but crosses, cares, and grief. Your husband, he is gone to save far off, Whilst others come to make him lose at home. Here am I left to underprop his land, Who, weak with age, cannot support myself. Now comes the sick hour that his surfeit made; Now shall he try his friends that flatter'd him. [Enter a Servant.] SERVANT. My lord, your son was gone before I came. YORK. He was? Why, so! go all which way it will! The nobles they are fled, the commons they are cold, And will, I fear, revolt on Hereford's side. Sirrah, get thee to Plashy, to my sister Gloucester; Bid her send me presently a thousand pound. Hold, take my ring. SERVANT. My lord, I had forgot to tell your lordship: To-day, as I came by, I called there; But I shall grieve you to report the rest. YORK. What is't, knave? SERVANT. An hour before I came the duchess died. YORK. God for his mercy! what a tide of woes Comes rushing on this woeful land at once! I know not what to do: I would to God, - So my untruth had not provok'd him to it, - The king had cut off my head with my brother's. What! are there no posts dispatch'd for Ireland? How shall we do for money for these wars? Come, sister, - cousin, I would say, - pray, pardon me. - Go, fellow, get thee home; provide some carts, And bring away the armour that is there. [Exit Servant.] Gentlemen, will you go muster men? If I know how or which way to order these affairs Thus disorderly thrust into my hands, Never believe me. Both are my kinsmen: T'one is my sovereign, whom both my oath And duty bids defend; the other again Is my kinsman, whom the king hath wrong'd, Whom conscience and my kindred bids to right. Well, somewhat we must do. Come, cousin, I'll dispose of you. Gentlemen, go muster up your men, And meet me presently at Berkeley Castle. I should to Plashy too: But time will not permit. All is uneven, And everything is left at six and seven. [Exeunt YORK and QUEEN.] BUSHY. The wind sits fair for news to go to Ireland, But none returns. For us to levy power Proportionable to the enemy Is all unpossible. GREEN. Besides, our nearness to the king in love Is near the hate of those love not the king. BAGOT. And that is the wavering commons; for their love Lies in their purses; and whoso empties them, By so much fills their hearts with deadly hate. BUSHY. Wherein the king stands generally condemn'd. BAGOT. If judgment lie in them, then so do we, Because we ever have been near the king. GREEN. Well, I will for refuge straight to Bristol Castle. The Earl of Wiltshire is already there. BUSHY. Thither will I with you; for little office Will the hateful commons perform for us, Except like curs to tear us all to pieces. Will you go along with us? BAGOT. No; I will to Ireland to his Majesty. Farewell: If heart's presages be not vain, We three here part that ne'er shall meet again. BUSHY. That's as York thrives to beat back Bolingbroke. GREEN. Alas, poor Duke! the task he undertakes Is numb'ring sands and drinking oceans dry: Where one on his side fights, thousands will fly. Farewell at once; for once, for all, and ever. BUSHY. Well, we may meet again. BAGOT. I fear me, never. [Exeunt.] SCENE III. The Wolds in Gloucestershire. [Enter BOLINGBROKE and NORTHUMBERLAND, with Forces.] BOLINGBROKE. How far is it, my lord, to Berkeley now? NORTHUMBERLAND. Believe me, noble lord, I am a stranger here in Gloucestershire. These high wild hills and rough uneven ways Draws out our miles, and makes them wearisome; And yet your fair discourse hath been as sugar, Making the hard way sweet and delectable. But I bethink me what a weary way From Ravenspurgh to Cotswold will be found In Ross and Willoughby, wanting your company, Which, I protest, hath very much beguil'd The tediousness and process of my travel. But theirs is sweeten'd with the hope to have The present benefit which I possess; And hope to joy is little less in joy Than hope enjoy'd: by this the weary lords Shall make their way seem short, as mine hath done By sight of what I have, your noble company. BOLINGBROKE. Of much less value is my company Than your good words. But who comes here? [Enter HARRY PERCY.] NORTHUMBERLAND. It is my son, young Harry Percy, Sent from my brother Worcester, whencesoever. Harry, how fares your uncle? PERCY. I had thought, my lord, to have learn'd his health of you. NORTHUMBERLAND. Why, is he not with the Queen? PERCY. No, my good lord; he hath forsook the court, Broken his staff of office, and dispers'd The household of the King. NORTHUMBERLAND. What was his reason? He was not so resolv'd when last we spake together. PERCY. Because your lordship was proclaimed traitor. But he, my lord, is gone to Ravenspurgh, To offer service to the Duke of Hereford; And sent me over by Berkeley, to discover What power the Duke of York had levied there; Then with directions to repair to Ravenspurgh. NORTHUMBERLAND. Have you forgot the Duke of Hereford, boy? PERCY. No, my good lord; for that is not forgot Which ne'er I did remember; to my knowledge, I never in my life did look on him. NORTHUMBERLAND. Then learn to know him now; this is the duke. PERCY. My gracious lord, I tender you my service, Such as it is, being tender, raw, and young;, Which elder days shall ripen, and confirm To more approved service and desert. BOLINGBROKE. I thank thee, gentle Percy; and be sure I count myself in nothing else so happy As in a soul remembering my good friends; And as my fortune ripens with thy love, It shall be still thy true love's recompense. My heart this covenant makes, my hand thus seals it. NORTHUMBERLAND. How far is it to Berkeley? And what stir Keeps good old York there with his men of war? PERCY. There stands the castle, by yon tuft of trees, Mann'd with three hundred men, as I have heard; And in it are the Lords of York, Berkeley, and Seymour; None else of name and noble estimate. [Enter Ross and WILLOUGHBY.] NORTHUMBERLAND. Here come the Lords of Ross and Willoughby, Bloody with spurring, fiery-red with haste. BOLINGBROKE. Welcome, my lords. I wot your love pursues A banish'd traitor; all my treasury Is yet but unfelt thanks, which, more enrich'd, Shall be your love and labour's recompense. ROSS. Your presence makes us rich, most noble lord. WILLOUGHBY. And far surmounts our labour to attain it. BOLINGBROKE. Evermore thanks, the exchequer of the poor; Which, till my infant fortune comes to years, Stands for my bounty. But who comes here? [Enter BERKELEY.] NORTHUMBERLAND. It is my Lord of Berkeley, as I guess. BERKELEY. My Lord of Hereford, my message is to you. BOLINGBROKE. My lord, my answer is - to Lancaster; And I am come to seek that name in England; And I must find that title in your tongue Before I make reply to aught you say. BERKELEY. Mistake me not, my lord; 'tis not my meaning To raze one title of your honour out: To you, my lord, I come, what lord you will, From the most gracious regent of this land, The Duke of York, to know what pricks you on To take advantage of the absent time, And fright our native peace with self-borne arms. [Enter YORK, attended.] BOLINGBROKE. I shall not need transport my words by you; Here comes his Grace in person. My noble uncle! [Kneels.] YORK. Show me thy humble heart, and not thy knee, Whose duty is deceivable and false. BOLINGBROKE. My gracious uncle - YORK. Tut, tut! Grace me no grace, nor uncle me no uncle: I am no traitor's uncle; and that word 'grace' In an ungracious mouth is but profane. Why have those banish'd and forbidden legs Dar'd once to touch a dust of England's ground? But then more 'why?' why have they dar'd to march So many miles upon her peaceful bosom, Frighting her pale-fac'd villages with war And ostentation of despised arms? Com'st thou because the anointed king is hence? Why, foolish boy, the king is left behind, And in my loyal bosom lies his power. Were I but now lord of such hot youth As when brave Gaunt, thy father, and myself Rescued the Black Prince, that young Mars of men, From forth the ranks of many thousand French, O! then how quickly should this arm of mine, Now prisoner to the palsy, chastise the And minister correction to thy fault! BOLINGBROKE. My gracious uncle, let me know my fault: On what condition stands it and wherein? YORK. Even in condition of the worst degree, In gross rebellion and detested treason: Thou art a banish'd man, and here art come Before the expiration of thy time, In braving arms against thy sovereign. BOLINGBROKE. As I was banish'd, I was banish'd Hereford; But as I come, I come for Lancaster. And, noble uncle, I beseech your Grace Look on my wrongs with an indifferent eye: You are my father, for methinks in you I see old Gaunt alive: O! then, my father, Will you permit that I shall stand condemn'd A wandering vagabond; my rights and royalties Pluck'd from my arms perforce, and given away To upstart unthrifts? Wherefore was I born? If that my cousin king be King in England, It must be granted I am Duke of Lancaster. You have a son, Aumerle, my noble cousin; Had you first died, and he been thus trod down, He should have found his uncle Gaunt a father To rouse his wrongs and chase them to the bay. I am denied to sue my livery here, And yet my letters-patents give me leave. My father's goods are all distrain'd and sold; And these and all are all amiss employ'd. What would you have me do? I am a subject, And challenge law: attorneys are denied me; And therefore personally I lay my claim To my inheritance of free descent. NORTHUMBERLAND. The noble Duke hath been too much abus'd. ROSS. It stands your Grace upon to do him right. WILLOUGHBY. Base men by his endowments are made great. YORK. My lords of England, let me tell you this: I have had feeling of my cousin's wrongs, And labour'd all I could to do him right; But in this kind to come, in braving arms, Be his own carver and cut out his way, To find out right with wrong, it may not be; And you that do abet him in this kind Cherish rebellion, and are rebels all. NORTHUMBERLAND. The noble Duke hath sworn his coming is But for his own; and for the right of that We all have strongly sworn to give him aid; And let him never see joy that breaks that oath! YORK. Well, well, I see the issue of these arms: I cannot mend it, I must needs confess, Because my power is weak and all ill left; But if I could, by him that gave me life, I would attach you all and make you stoop Unto the sovereign mercy of the king; But since I cannot, be it known unto you I do remain as neuter. So, fare you well; Unless you please to enter in the castle, And there repose you for this night. BOLINGBROKE. An offer, uncle, that we will accept: But we must win your Grace to go with us To Bristol Castle, which they say is held By Bushy, Bagot, and their complices, The caterpillars of the commonwealth, Which I have sworn to weed and pluck away. YORK. It may be I will go with you; but yet I'll pause, For I am loath to break our country's laws. Nor friends nor foes, to me welcome you are. Things past redress are now with me past care. [Exeunt.] SCENE IV. A camp in Wales. [Enter EARL OF SALISBURY and a CAPTAIN.] CAPTAIN. My Lord of Salisbury, we have stay'd ten days And hardly kept our countrymen together, And yet we hear no tidings from the King; Therefore we will disperse ourselves: farewell. SALISBURY. Stay yet another day, thou trusty Welshman; The King reposeth all his confidence in thee. CAPTAIN. 'Tis thought the king is dead; we will not stay. The bay trees in our country are all wither'd, And meteors fright the fixed stars of heaven; The pale-fac'd moon looks bloody on the earth And lean-look'd prophets whisper fearful change; Rich men look sad, and ruffians dance and leap, The one in fear to lose what they enjoy, The other to enjoy by rage and war. These signs forerun the death or fall of kings. Farewell: our countrymen are gone and fled, As well assur'd Richard their king is dead. [Exit.] SALISBURY. Ah, Richard! with the eyes of heavy mind, I see thy glory like a shooting star Fall to the base earth from the firmament. The sun sets weeping in the lowly west, Witnessing storms to come, woe, and unrest. Thy friends are fled, to wait upon thy foes, And crossly to thy good all fortune goes. [Exit.] ACT 3 SCENE I. Bristol. BOLINGBROKE'S camp. [Enter BOLINGBROKE, YORK, NORTHUMBERLAND, HENRY PERCY, WILLOUGHBY, ROSS; Officers behind, with BUSHY and GREEN, prisoners.] BOLINGBROKE. Bring forth these men. Bushy and Green, I will not vex your souls - Since presently your souls must part your bodies - With too much urging your pernicious lives, For 'twere no charity; yet, to wash your blood From off my hands, here in the view of men I will unfold some causes of your deaths. You have misled a prince, a royal king, A happy gentleman in blood and lineaments, By you unhappied and disfigur'd clean; You have in manner with your sinful hours Made a divorce betwixt his queen and him, Broke the possession of a royal bed, And stain'd the beauty of a fair queen's cheeks With tears drawn from her eyes by your foul wrongs. Myself, a prince by fortune of my birth, Near to the King in blood, and near in love Till you did make him misinterpret me, Have stoop'd my neck under your injuries, And sigh'd my English breath in foreign clouds, Eating the bitter bread of banishment; Whilst you have fed upon my signories, Dispark'd my parks and felled my forest woods, From my own windows torn my household coat, Raz'd out my impress, leaving me no sign Save men's opinions and my living blood To show the world I am a gentleman. This and much more, much more than twice all this, Condemns you to the death. See them deliver'd over To execution and the hand of death. BUSHY. More welcome is the stroke of death to me Than Bolingbroke to England. Lords, farewell. GREEN. My comfort is that heaven will take our souls, And plague injustice with the pains of hell. BOLINGBROKE. My Lord Northumberland, see them dispatch'd. [Exeunt NORTHUMBERLAND, and Others, with BUSHY and GREEN.] Uncle, you say the Queen is at your house; For God's sake, fairly let her be entreated: Tell her I send to her my kind commends; Take special care my greetings be deliver'd. YORK. A gentleman of mine I have dispatch'd With letters of your love to her at large. BOLINGBROKE. Thanks, gentle uncle. Come, lords, away, To fight with Glendower and his complices. Awhile to work, and after holiday. [Exeunt.] SCENE II. The coast of Wales. A castle in view. [Flourish: drums and trumpets. Enter KING RICHARD, the BISHOP OF CARLISLE, AUMERLE, and soldiers.] KING RICHARD. Barkloughly Castle call they this at hand? AUMERLE. Yea, my lord. How brooks your Grace the air After your late tossing on the breaking seas? KING RICHARD. Needs must I like it well: I weep for joy To stand upon my kingdom once again. Dear earth, I do salute thee with my hand, Though rebels wound thee with their horses' hoofs: As a long-parted mother with her child Plays fondly with her tears and smiles in meeting, So weeping-smiling greet I thee, my earth, And do thee favours with my royal hands. Feed not thy sovereign's foe, my gentle earth, Nor with thy sweets comfort his ravenous sense; But let thy spiders, that suck up thy venom, And heavy-gaited toads lie in their way, Doing annoyance to the treacherous feet Which with usurping steps do trample thee. Yield stinging nettles to mine enemies; And when they from thy bosom pluck a flower, Guard it, I pray thee, with a lurking adder Whose double tongue may with a mortal touch Throw death upon thy sovereign's enemies. Mock not my senseless conjuration, lords. This earth shall have a feeling, and these stones Prove armed soldiers, ere her native king Shall falter under foul rebellion's arms. CARLISLE. Fear not, my lord; that Power that made you king Hath power to keep you king in spite of all. The means that heaven yields must be embrac'd And not neglected; else, if heaven would, And we will not, heaven's offer we refuse, The proffer'd means of succour and redress. AUMERLE. He means, my lord, that we are too remiss; Whilst Bolingbroke, through our security, Grows strong and great in substance and in friends. KING RICHARD. Discomfortable cousin! know'st thou not That when the searching eye of heaven is hid, Behind the globe, that lights the lower world, Then thieves and robbers range abroad unseen In murders and in outrage boldly here; But when from under this terrestrial ball He fires the proud tops of the eastern pines And darts his light through every guilty hole, Then murders, treasons, and detested sins, The cloak of night being pluck'd from off their backs, Stand bare and naked, trembling at themselves? So when this thief, this traitor, Bolingbroke, Who all this while hath revell'd in the night, Whilst we were wandering with the Antipodes, Shall see us rising in our throne, the east, His treasons will sit blushing in his face, Not able to endure the sight of day, But self-affrighted tremble at his sin. Not all the water in the rough rude sea Can wash the balm off from an anointed king; The breath of worldly men cannot depose The deputy elected by the Lord. For every man that Bolingbroke hath press'd To lift shrewd steel against our golden crown, God for his Richard hath in heavenly pay A glorious angel: then, if angels fight, Weak men must fall, for heaven still guards the right. [Enter SALISBURY.] Welcome, my lord. How far off lies your power? SALISBURY. Nor near nor farther off, my gracious lord, Than this weak arm: discomfort guides my tongue And bids me speak of nothing but despair. One day too late, I fear me, noble lord, Hath clouded all thy happy days on earth. O! call back yesterday, bid time return, And thou shalt have twelve thousand fighting men! To-day, to-day, unhappy day, too late, O'erthrows thy joys, friends, fortune, and thy state; For all the Welshmen, hearing thou wert dead, Are gone to Bolingbroke, dispers'd, and fled. AUMERLE. Comfort, my liege! why looks your Grace so pale? KING RICHARD. But now, the blood of twenty thousand men Did triumph in my face, and they are fled; And till so much blood thither come again Have I not reason to look pale and dead? All souls that will be safe, fly from my side; For time hath set a blot upon my pride. AUMERLE. Comfort, my liege! remember who you are. KING RICHARD. I had forgot myself. Am I not king? Awake, thou coward majesty! thou sleepest. Is not the king's name twenty thousand names? Arm, arm, my name! a puny subject strikes At thy great glory. Look not to the ground, Ye favourites of a king; are we not high? High be our thoughts. I know my uncle York Hath power enough to serve our turn. But who comes here? [Enter SIR STEPHEN SCROOP.] SCROOP. More health and happiness betide my liege Than can my care-tun'd tongue deliver him! KING RICHARD. Mine ear is open and my heart prepar'd: The worst is worldly loss thou canst unfold. Say, is my kingdom lost? Why, 'twas my care, And what loss is it to be rid of care? Strives Bolingbroke to be as great as we? Greater he shall not be: if he serve God We'll serve him too, and be his fellow so: Revolt our subjects? That we cannot mend; They break their faith to God as well as us: Cry woe, destruction, ruin, loss, decay; The worst is death, and death will have his day. SCROOP. Glad am I that your highness is so arm'd To bear the tidings of calamity. Like an unseasonable stormy day Which makes the silver rivers drown their shores, As if the world were all dissolv'd to tears, So high above his limits swells the rage Of Bolingbroke, covering your fearful land With hard bright steel and hearts harder than steel. White-beards have arm'd their thin and hairless scalps Against thy majesty; and boys, with women's voices, Strive to speak big, and clap their female joints In stiff unwieldy arms against thy crown; Thy very beadsmen learn to bend their bows Of double-fatal yew against thy state; Yea, distaff-women manage rusty bills Against thy seat: both young and old rebel, And all goes worse than I have power to tell. KING RICHARD. Too well, too well thou tell'st a tale so ill. Where is the Earl of Wiltshire? Where is Bagot? What is become of Bushy? Where is Green? That they have let the dangerous enemy Measure our confines with such peaceful steps? If we prevail, their heads shall pay for it. I warrant they have made peace with Bolingbroke. SCROOP. Peace have they made with him indeed, my lord. KING RICHARD. O villains, vipers, damn'd without redemption! Dogs, easily won to fawn on any man! Snakes, in my heart-blood warm'd, that sting my heart! Three Judases, each one thrice worse than Judas! Would they make peace? Terrible hell make war Upon their spotted souls for this offence! SCROOP. Sweet love, I see, changing his property, Turns to the sourest and most deadly hate. Again uncurse their souls; their peace is made With heads, and not with hands: those whom you curse Have felt the worst of death's destroying wound And lie full low, grav'd in the hollow ground. AUMERLE. Is Bushy, Green, and the Earl of Wiltshire dead? SCROOP. Ay, all of them at Bristol lost their heads. AUMERLE. Where is the Duke my father with his power? KING RICHARD. No matter where. Of comfort no man speak: Let's talk of graves, of worms, and epitaphs; Make dust our paper, and with rainy eyes Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth. Let's choose executors and talk of wills; And yet not so - for what can we bequeath Save our deposed bodies to the ground? Our lands, our lives, and all are Bolingbroke's. And nothing can we can our own but death, And that small model of the barren earth Which serves as paste and cover to our bones. For God's sake let us sit upon the ground And tell sad stories of the death of kings: How some have been deposed, some slain in war, Some haunted by the ghosts they have depos'd, Some poison'd by their wives, some sleeping kill'd; All murder'd: for within the hollow crown That rounds the mortal temples of a king Keeps Death his court; and there the antick sits, Scoffing his state and grinning at his pomp; Allowing him a breath, a little scene, To monarchize, be fear'd, and kill with looks, Infusing him with self and vain conceit As if this flesh which walls about our life Were brass impregnable; and, humour'd thus, Comes at the last, and with a little pin Bores through his castle wall, and farewell, king! Cover your heads, and mock not flesh and blood With solemn reverence: throw away respect, Tradition, form, and ceremonious duty; For you have but mistook me all this while: I live with bread like you, feel want, Taste grief, need friends: subjected thus, How can you say to me I am a king? CARLISLE. My lord, wise men ne'er sit and wail their woes, But presently prevent the ways to wail. To fear the foe, since fear oppresseth strength, Gives, in your weakness, strength unto your foe, And so your follies fight against yourself. Fear and be slain; no worse can come to fight; And fight and die is death destroying death; Where fearing dying pays death servile breath. AUMERLE. My father hath a power; inquire of him, And learn to make a body of a limb. KING RICHARD. Thou chid'st me well. Proud Bolingbroke, I come To change blows with thee for our day of doom. This ague fit of fear is over-blown; An easy task it is to win our own. - Say, Scroop, where lies our uncle with his power? Speak sweetly, man, although thy looks be sour. SCROOP. Men judge by the complexion of the sky The state in inclination of the day; So may you by my dull and heavy eye, My tongue hath but a heavier tale to say. I play the torturer, by small and small To lengthen out the worst that must be spoken: Your uncle York is join'd with Bolingbroke; And all your northern castles yielded up, And all your southern gentlemen in arms Upon his party. KING RICHARD. Thou hast said enough. [To AUMERLE.] Beshrew thee, cousin, which didst lead me forth Of that sweet way I was in to despair! What say you now? What comfort have we now? By heaven, I'll hate him everlastingly That bids me be of comfort any more. Go to Flint Castle; there I'll pine away; A king, woe's slave, shall kingly woe obey. That power I have, discharge; and let them go To ear the land that hath some hope to grow, For I have none. Let no man speak again To alter this, for counsel is but vain. AUMERLE. My liege, one word. KING RICHARD. He does me double wrong That wounds me with the flatteries of his tongue. Discharge my followers; let them hence away, From Richard's night to Bolingbroke's fair day. [Exeunt.] SCENE III. Wales. Before Flint Castle. [Enter, with drum and colours, BOLINGBROKE and Forces; YORK, NORTHUMBERLAND, and Others.] BOLINGBROKE. So that by this intelligence we learn The Welshmen are dispers'd; and Salisbury Is gone to meet the king, who lately landed With some few private friends upon this coast. NORTHUMBERLAND. The news is very fair and good, my lord. Richard not far from hence hath hid his head. YORK. It would beseem the Lord Northumberland To say 'King Richard': alack the heavy day When such a sacred king should hide his head! NORTHUMBERLAND. Your Grace mistakes; only to be brief, Left I his title out. YORK. The time hath been, Would you have been so brief with him, he would Have been so brief with you to shorten you, For taking so the head, your whole head's length. BOLINGBROKE. Mistake not, uncle, further than you should. YORK. Take not, good cousin, further than you should, Lest you mistake. The heavens are o'er our heads. BOLINGBROKE. I know it, uncle; and oppose not myself Against their will. But who comes here? [Enter HENRY PERCY.] Welcome, Harry: what, will not this castle yield? PERCY. The castle royally is mann'd, my lord, Against thy entrance. BOLINGBROKE. Royally! Why, it contains no king? PERCY. Yes, my good lord, It doth contain a king; King Richard lies Within the limits of yon lime and stone; And with him are the Lord Aumerle, Lord Salisbury, Sir Stephen Scroop, besides a clergyman Of holy reverence; who, I cannot learn. NORTHUMBERLAND. O! belike it is the Bishop of Carlisle. BOLINGBROKE. [To NORTHUMBERLAND.] Noble lord, Go to the rude ribs of that ancient castle; Through brazen trumpet send the breath of parley Into his ruin'd ears, and thus deliver: Henry Bolingbroke On both his knees doth kiss King Richard's hand, And sends allegiance and true faith of heart To his most royal person; hither come Even at his feet to lay my arms and power, Provided that my banishment repeal'd And lands restor'd again be freely granted; If not, I'll use the advantage of my power And lay the summer's dust with showers of blood Rain'd from the wounds of slaughtered Englishmen; The which, how far off from the mind of Bolingbroke It is, such crimson tempest should bedrench The fresh green lap of fair King Richard's land, My stooping duty tenderly shall show. Go, signify as much, while here we march Upon the grassy carpet of this plain. Let's march without the noise of threat'ning drum, That from this castle's totter'd battlements Our fair appointments may be well perus'd. Methinks King Richard and myself should meet With no less terror than the elements Of fire and water, when their thund'ring shock At meeting tears the cloudy cheeks of heaven. Be he the fire, I'll be the yielding water; The rage be his, whilst on the earth I rain My waters; on the earth, and not on him. March on, and mark King Richard how he looks. [A Parley sounded, and answered by a Trumpet within. Flourish. Enter on the Walls, the KING, the BISHOP OF CARLISLE, AUMERLE, SCROOP, and SALISBURY.] HENRY PERCY. See, see, King Richard doth himself appear, As doth the blushing discontented sun From out the fiery portal of the east, When he perceives the envious clouds are bent To dim his glory and to stain the track Of his bright passage to the occident. YORK. Yet he looks like a king: behold, his eye, As bright as is the eagle's, lightens forth Controlling majesty: alack, alack, for woe, That any harm should stain so fair a show! KING RICHARD. [To NORTHUMBERLAND.] We are amaz'd; and thus long have we stood To watch the fearful bending of thy knee, Because we thought ourself thy lawful king; And if we be, how dare thy joints forget To pay their awful duty to our presence? If we be not, show us the hand of God That hath dismiss'd us from our stewardship; For well we know no hand of blood and bone Can gripe the sacred handle of our sceptre, Unless he do profane, steal, or usurp. And though you think that all, as you have done, Have torn their souls by turning them from us, And we are barren and bereft of friends, Yet know-my master, God omnipotent, Is mustering in his clouds on our behalf Armies of pestilence; and they shall strike Your children yet unborn and unbegot, That lift your vassal hands against my head And threat the glory of my precious crown. Tell Bolingbroke, - for yond methinks he stands, - That every stride he makes upon my land Is dangerous treason; he is come to open The purple testament of bleeding war; But ere the crown he looks for live in peace, Ten thousand bloody crowns of mothers' sons Shall ill become the flower of England's face, Change the complexion of her maid-pale peace To scarlet indignation, and bedew Her pastures' grass with faithful English blood. NORTHUMBERLAND. The King of Heaven forbid our lord the King Should so with civil and uncivil arms Be rush'd upon! Thy thrice noble cousin, Harry Bolingbroke, doth humbly kiss thy hand; And by the honourable tomb he swears That stands upon your royal grandsire's bones, And by the royalties of both your bloods, Currents that spring from one most gracious head, And by the buried hand of warlike Gaunt, And by the worth and honour of himself, Comprising all that may be sworn or said, His coming hither hath no further scope Than for his lineal royalties, and to beg Enfranchisement immediate on his knees; Which on thy royal party granted once, His glittering arms he will commend to rust, His barbed steeds to stables, and his heart To faithful service of your Majesty. This swears he, as he is a prince, is just; And as I am a gentleman I credit him. KING RICHARD. Northumberland, say, thus the king returns: His noble cousin is right welcome hither; And all the number of his fair demands Shall be accomplish'd without contradiction. With all the gracious utterance thou hast Speak to his gentle hearing kind commends. [NORTHUMBERLAND retires to BOLINGBROKE.] [To AUMERLE.] We do debase ourselves, cousin, do we not, To look so poorly and to speak so fair? Shall we call back Northumberland, and send Defiance to the traitor, and so die? AUMERLE. No, good my lord; let's fight with gentle words Till time lend friends, and friends their helpful swords. KING RICHARD. O God, O God! that e'er this tongue of mine That laid the sentence of dread banishment On yond proud man should take it off again With words of sooth! O! that I were as great As is my grief, or lesser than my name, Or that I could forget what I have been, Or not remember what I must be now. Swell'st thou, proud heart? I'll give thee scope to beat, Since foes have scope to beat both thee and me. AUMERLE. Northumberland comes back from Bolingbroke. KING RICHARD. What must the King do now? Must he submit? The king shall do it: must he be depos'd? The king shall be contented: must he lose The name of king? A God's name, let it go: I'll give my jewels for a set of beads, My gorgeous palace for a hermitage, My gay apparel for an almsman's gown, My figur'd goblets for a dish of wood, My sceptre for a palmer's walking-staff, My subjects for a pair of carved saints, And my large kingdom for a little grave, A little little grave, an obscure grave; Or I'll be buried in the king's highway, Some way of common trade, where subjects' feet May hourly trample on their sovereign's head; For on my heart they tread now whilst I live; And buried once, why not upon my head? Aumerle, thou weep'st, my tender-hearted cousin! We'll make foul weather with despised tears; Our sighs and they shall lodge the summer corn And make a dearth in this revolting land. Or shall we play the wantons with our woes And make some pretty match with shedding tears? As thus: to drop them still upon one place Till they have fretted us a pair of graves Within the earth; and, there inlaid: 'There lies Two kinsmen digg'd their graves with weeping eyes.' Would not this ill do well? Well, well, I see I talk but idly, and you laugh at me. Most mighty prince, my Lord Northumberland, What says King Bolingbroke? will his Majesty Give Richard leave to live till Richard die? You make a leg, and Bolingbroke says ay. NORTHUMBERLAND. My lord, in the base court he doth attend To speak with you; may it please you to come down? KING RICHARD. Down, down I come; like glist'ring Phaethon, Wanting the manage of unruly jades. In the base court? Base court, where kings grow base, To come at traitors' calls, and do them grace. In the base court? Come down? Down, court! down, king! For night-owls shriek where mounting larks should sing. [Exeunt from above.] BOLINGBROKE. What says his Majesty? NORTHUMBERLAND. Sorrow and grief of heart Makes him speak fondly, like a frantic man; Yet he is come. [Enter KING RICHARD, and his attendants.] BOLINGBROKE. Stand all apart, And show fair duty to his Majesty.[Kneeling.] My gracious lord, - KING RICHARD. Fair cousin, you debase your princely knee To make the base earth proud with kissing it: Me rather had my heart might feel your love Than my unpleas'd eye see your courtesy. Up, cousin, up; your heart is up, I know, Thus high at least, although your knee be low. BOLINGBROKE. My gracious lord, I come but for mine own. KING RICHARD. Your own is yours, and I am yours, and all. BOLINGBROKE. So far be mine, my most redoubted lord, As my true service shall deserve your love. KING RICHARD. Well you deserve: they well deserve to have That know the strong'st and surest way to get. Uncle, give me your hand: nay, dry your eyes: Tears show their love, but want their remedies. Cousin, I am too young to be your father, Though you are old enough to be my heir. What you will have, I'll give, and willing too; For do we must what force will have us do. Set on towards London. Cousin, is it so? BOLINGBROKE. Yea, my good lord. KING RICHARD. Then I must not say no. [Flourish. Exeunt.] SCENE IV. Langley. The DUKE OF YORK's garden. [Enter the QUEEN and two Ladies.] QUEEN. What sport shall we devise here in this garden To drive away the heavy thought of care? LADY. Madam, we'll play at bowls. QUEEN. 'Twill make me think the world is full of rubs And that my fortune runs against the bias. LADY. Madam, we'll dance. QUEEN. My legs can keep no measure in delight, When my poor heart no measure keeps in grief: Therefore no dancing, girl; some other sport. LADY. Madam, we'll tell tales. QUEEN. Of sorrow or of joy? LADY. Of either, madam. QUEEN. Of neither, girl: For if of joy, being altogether wanting, It doth remember me the more of sorrow; Or if of grief, being altogether had, It adds more sorrow to my want of joy; For what I have I need not to repeat, And what I want it boots not to complain. LADY. Madam, I'll sing. QUEEN. 'Tis well' that thou hast cause; But thou shouldst please me better wouldst thou weep. LADY. I could weep, madam, would it do you good. QUEEN. And I could sing, would weeping do me good, And never borrow any tear of thee. But stay, here come the gardeners. Let's step into the shadow of these trees. My wretchedness unto a row of pins, They will talk of state, for every one doth so Against a change: woe is forerun with woe. [QUEEN and Ladies retire.] [Enter a Gardener and two Servants.] GARDENER. Go, bind thou up yon dangling apricocks, Which, like unruly children, make their sire Stoop with oppression of their prodigal weight: Give some supportance to the bending twigs. Go thou, and like an executioner Cut off the heads of too fast growing sprays That look too lofty in our commonwealth: All must be even in our government. You thus employ'd, I will go root away The noisome weeds which without profit suck The soil's fertility from wholesome flowers. SERVANT. Why should we in the compass of a pale Keep law and form and due proportion, Showing, as in a model, our firm estate, When our sea-walled garden, the whole land, Is full of weeds; her fairest flowers chok'd up, Her fruit trees all unprun'd, her hedges ruin'd, Her knots disordered, and her wholesome herbs Swarming with caterpillars? GARDENER. Hold thy peace. He that hath suffer'd this disorder'd spring Hath now himself met with the fall of leaf; The weeds which his broad-spreading leaves did shelter, That seem'd in eating him to hold him up, Are pluck'd up root and all by Bolingbroke; I mean the Earl of Wiltshire, Bushy, Green. SERVANT. What! are they dead? GARDENER. They are; and Bolingbroke Hath seiz'd the wasteful King. O! what pity is it That he had not so trimm'd and dress'd his land As we this garden! We at time of year Do wound the bark, the skin of our fruit trees, Lest, being over-proud in sap and blood, With too much riches it confound itself: Had he done so to great and growing men, They might have liv'd to bear, and he to taste Their fruits of duty: superfluous branches We lop away, that bearing boughs may live: Had he done so, himself had home the crown, Which waste of idle hours hath quite thrown down. SERVANT. What! think you the king shall be depos'd? GARDENER. Depress'd he is already, and depos'd 'Tis doubt he will be: letters came last night To a dear friend of the good Duke of York's That tell black tidings. QUEEN. O! I am press'd to death through want of speaking! [Coming forward.] Thou, old Adam's likeness, set to dress this garden, How dares thy harsh rude tongue sound this unpleasing news? What Eve, what serpent, hath suggested thee To make a second fall of cursed man? Why dost thou say King Richard is depos'd? Dar'st thou, thou little better thing than earth, Divine his downfall? Say, where, when, and how, Cam'st thou by this ill tidings? Speak, thou wretch. GARDENER. Pardon me, madam: little joy have I To breathe this news; yet what I say is true. King Richard, he is in the mighty hold Of Bolingbroke: their fortunes both are weigh'd. In your lord's scale is nothing but himself, And some few vanities that make him light; But in the balance of great Bolingbroke, Besides himself, are all the English peers, And with that odds he weighs King Richard down. Post you to London, and you will find it so; I speak no more than every one doth know. QUEEN. Nimble mischance, that art so light of foot, Doth not thy embassage belong to me, And am I last that knows it? O! thou thinkest To serve me last, that I may longest keep Thy sorrow in my breast. Come, ladies, go, To meet at London London's king in woe. What was I born to this, that my sad look Should grace the triumph of great Bolingbroke? Gardener, for telling me these news of woe, Pray God the plants thou graft'st may never grow! [Exeunt QUEEN and Ladies.] GARDENER. Poor Queen, so that thy state might be no worse, I would my skill were subject to thy curse. Here did she fall a tear; here in this place I'll set a bank of rue, sour herb of grace. Rue, even for ruth, here shortly shall be seen, In the remembrance of a weeping queen. [Exeunt.] ACT 4 SCENE I. Westminster Hall. [The Lords spiritual on the right side of the throne; the Lords temporal on the left; the Commons below. Enter BOLINGBROKE, AUMERLE, SURREY, NORTHUMBERLAND, HENRY PERCY, FITZWATER, another Lord, the BISHOP OF CARLISLE, the ABBOT OF WESTMINSTER, and attendants. OFFICERS behind, with BAGOT.] BOLINGBROKE. Call forth Bagot. Now, Bagot, freely speak thy mind; What thou dost know of noble Gloucester's death; Who wrought it with the King, and who perform'd The bloody office of his timeless end. BAGOT. Then set before my face the Lord Aumerle. BOLINGBROKE. Cousin, stand forth, and look upon that man. BAGOT. My Lord Aumerle, I know your daring tongue Scorns to unsay what once it hath deliver'd. In that dead time when Gloucester's death was plotted I heard you say 'Is not my arm of length, That reacheth from the restful English Court As far as Calais, to mine uncle's head?' Amongst much other talk that very time I heard you say that you had rather refuse The offer of an hundred thousand crowns Than Bolingbroke's return to England; Adding withal, how blest this land would be In this your cousin's death. AUMERLE. Princes, and noble lords, What answer shall I make to this base man? Shall I so much dishonour my fair stars On equal terms to give him chastisement? Either I must, or have mine honour soil'd With the attainder of his slanderous lips. There is my gage, the manual seal of death That marks thee out for hell: I say thou liest, And will maintain what thou hast said is false In thy heart-blood, through being all too base To stain the temper of my knightly sword. BOLINGBROKE. Bagot, forbear; thou shalt not take it up. AUMERLE. Excepting one, I would he were the best In all this presence that hath mov'd me so. FITZWATER. If that thy valour stand on sympathies, There is my gage, Aumerle, in gage to thine: By that fair sun which shows me where thou stand'st, I heard thee say, and vauntingly thou spak'st it, That thou wert cause of noble Gloucester's death. If thou deny'st it twenty times, thou liest; And I will turn thy falsehood to thy heart, Where it was forged, with my rapier's point. AUMERLE. Thou darest not, coward, live to see that day. FITZWATER. Now, by my soul, I would it were this hour. AUMERLE. Fitzwater, thou art damn'd to hell for this. HENRY PERCY. Aumerle, thou liest; his honour is as true In this appeal as thou art an unjust; And that thou art so, there I throw my gage, To prove it on thee to the extremest point Of mortal breathing: seize it if thou dar'st. AUMERLE. And if I do not, may my hands rot off And never brandish more revengeful steel Over the glittering helmet of my foe! ANOTHER LORD. I task the earth to the like, forsworn Aumerle; And spur thee on with full as many lies As may be halloa'd in thy treacherous ear From sun to sun: there is my honour's pawn; Engage it to the trial if thou dar'st. AUMERLE. Who sets me else? By heaven, I'll throw at all: I have a thousand spirits in one breast To answer twenty thousand such as you. SURREY. My Lord Fitzwater, I do remember well The very time Aumerle and you did talk. FITZWATER. 'Tis very true: you were in presence then, And you can witness with me this is true. SURREY. As false, by heaven, as heaven itself is true. FITZWATER. Surrey, thou liest. SURREY. Dishonourable boy! That lie shall lie so heavy on my sword That it shall render vengeance and revenge Till thou the lie-giver and that lie do lie In earth as quiet as thy father's skull. In proof whereof, there is my honour's pawn; Engage it to the trial if thou dar'st. FITZWATER. How fondly dost thou spur a forward horse! If I dare eat, or drink, or breathe, or live, I dare meet Surrey in a wilderness, And spit upon him, whilst I say he lies, And lies, and lies: there is my bond of faith To tie thee to my strong correction. As I intend to thrive in this new world, Aumerle is guilty of my true appeal: Besides, I heard the banish'd Norfolk say That thou, Aumerle, didst send two of thy men To execute the noble duke at Calais. AUMERLE. Some honest Christian trust me with a gage. That Norfolk lies, here do I throw down this, If he may be repeal'd to try his honour. BOLINGBROKE. These differences shall all rest under gage Till Norfolk be repeal'd: repeal'd he shall be And, though mine enemy, restor'd again To all his lands and signories; when he is return'd, Against Aumerle we will enforce his trial. CARLISLE. That honourable day shall ne'er be seen. Many a time hath banish'd Norfolk fought For Jesu Christ in glorious Christian field, Streaming the ensign of the Christian cross Against black pagans, Turks, and Saracens; And, toil'd with works of war, retir'd himself To Italy; and there, at Venice, gave His body to that pleasant country's earth, And his pure soul unto his captain, Christ, Under whose colours he had fought so long. BOLINGBROKE. Why, Bishop, is Norfolk dead? CARLISLE. As surely as I live, my lord. BOLINGBROKE. Sweet peace conduct his sweet soul to the bosom Of good old Abraham! Lords appellants, Your differences shall all rest under gage Till we assign you to your days of trial [Enter YORK, attended.] YORK. Great Duke of Lancaster, I come to the From plume-pluck'd Richard; who with willing soul Adopts thee heir, and his high sceptre yields To the possession of thy royal hand. Ascend his throne, descending now from him; And long live Henry, of that name the fourth! BOLINGBROKE. In God's name, I'll ascend the regal throne. CARLISLE. Marry, God forbid! Worst in this royal presence may I speak, Yet best beseeming me to speak the truth. Would God that any in this noble presence Were enough noble to be upright judge Of noble Richard! Then true noblesse would Learn him forbearance from so foul a wrong. What subject can give sentence on his king? And who sits here that is not Richard's subject? Thieves are not judg'd but they are by to hear, Although apparent guilt be seen in them; And shall the figure of God's majesty, His captain, steward, deputy elect, Anointed, crowned, planted many years, Be judg'd by subject and inferior breath, And he himself not present? O! forfend it, God, That in a Christian climate souls refin'd Should show so heinous, black, obscene a deed! I speak to subjects, and a subject speaks, Stirr'd up by God, thus boldly for his king. My Lord of Hereford here, whom you call king, Is a foul traitor to proud Hereford's king; And if you crown him, let me prophesy, The blood of English shall manure the ground And future ages groan for this foul act; Peace shall go sleep with Turks and infidels, And in this seat of peace tumultuous wars Shall kin with kin and kind with kind confound; Disorder, horror, fear, and mutiny, Shall here inhabit, and this land be call'd The field of Golgotha and dead men's skulls. O! if you raise this house against this house, It will the woefullest division prove That ever fell upon this cursed earth. Prevent it, resist it, let it not be so, Lest child, child's children, cry against you 'woe!' NORTHUMBERLAND. Well have you argued, sir; and, for your pains, Of capital treason we arrest you here. My Lord of Westminster, be it your charge To keep him safely till his day of trial. May it please you, lords, to grant the commons' suit? BOLINGBROKE. Fetch hither Richard, that in common view He may surrender; so we shall proceed Without suspicion. YORK. I will be his conduct. [Exit.] BOLINGBROKE. Lords, you that here are under our arrest, Procure your sureties for your days of answer. Little are we beholding to your love, And little look'd for at your helping hands. [Re-enter YORK, with KING RICHARD, and OFFICERS bearing the Crown, &c.] KING RICHARD. Alack! why am I sent for to a king Before I have shook off the regal thoughts Wherewith I reign'd? I hardly yet have learn'd To insinuate, flatter, bow, and bend my knee. Give sorrow leave awhile to tutor me To this submission. Yet I well remember The favours of these men: were they not mine? Did they not sometime cry 'All hail!' to me? So Judas did to Christ: but he, in twelve, Found truth in all but one; I, in twelve thousand, none. God save the King! Will no man say, amen? Am I both priest and clerk? Well then, amen. God save the King! although I be not he; And yet, amen, if heaven do think him me. To do what service am I sent for hither? YORK. To do that office of thine own good will Which tired majesty did make thee offer, The resignation of thy state and crown To Henry Bolingbroke. KING RICHARD. Give me the crown. Here, cousin, seize the crown. Here, cousin, On this side my hand, and on that side thine. Now is this golden crown like a deep well That owes two buckets, filling one another; The emptier ever dancing in the air, The other down, unseen, and full of water. That bucket down and full of tears am I, Drinking my griefs, whilst you mount up on high. BOLINGBROKE. I thought you had been willing to resign. KING RICHARD. My crown I am; but still my griefs are mine. You may my glories and my state depose, But not my griefs; still am I king of those. BOLINGBROKE. Part of your cares you give me with your crown. KING RICHARD. Your cares set up do not pluck my cares down. My care is loss of care, by old care done; Your care is gain of care, by new care won. The cares I give I have, though given away; They tend the crown, yet still with me they stay. BOLINGBROKE. Are you contented to resign the crown? KING RICHARD. Ay, no; no, ay; for I must nothing be; Therefore no no, for I resign to thee. Now mark me how I will undo myself: I give this heavy weight from off my head, And this unwieldy sceptre from my hand, The pride of kingly sway from out my heart; With mine own tears I wash away my balm, With mine own hands I give away my crown, With mine own tongue deny my sacred state, With mine own breath release all duteous rites: All pomp and majesty I do forswear; My manors, rents, revenues, I forgo; My acts, decrees, and statutes, I deny: God pardon all oaths that are broke to me! God keep all vows unbroke are made to thee! Make me, that nothing have, with nothing griev'd, And thou with all pleas'd, that hast an achiev'd! Long mayst thou live in Richard's seat to sit, And soon lie Richard in an earthly pit! God save King Henry, unking'd Richard says, And send him many years of sunshine days! What more remains? NORTHUMBERLAND. [Offering a paper.] No more, but that you read These accusations, and these grievous crimes Committed by your person and your followers Against the state and profit of this land; That, by confessing them, the souls of men May deem that you are worthily depos'd. KING RICHARD. Must I do so? And must I ravel out My weav'd-up follies? Gentle Northumberland, If thy offences were upon record, Would it not shame thee in so fair a troop To read a lecture of them? If thou wouldst, There shouldst thou find one heinous article, Containing the deposing of a king And cracking the strong warrant of an oath, Mark'd with a blot, damn'd in the book of heaven. Nay, all of you that stand and look upon me Whilst that my wretchedness doth bait myself, Though some of you, with Pilate, wash your hands, Showing an outward pity; yet you Pilates Have here deliver'd me to my sour cross, And water cannot wash away your sin. NORTHUMBERLAND. My lord, dispatch; read o'er these articles. KING RICHARD. Mine eyes are full of tears; I cannot see: And yet salt water blinds them not so much But they can see a sort of traitors here. Nay, if I turn mine eyes upon myself, I find myself a traitor with the rest; For I have given here my soul's consent T'undeck the pompous body of a king; Made glory base, and sovereignty a slave, Proud majesty a subject, state a peasant. NORTHUMBERLAND. My lord, - KING RICHARD. No lord of thine, thou haught insulting man, Nor no man's lord; I have no name, no title, No, not that name was given me at the font, But 'tis usurp'd: alack the heavy day! That I have worn so many winters out, And know not now what name to call myself! O! that I were a mockery king of snow, Standing before the sun of Bolingbroke To melt myself away in water-drops! Good king, great king, - and yet not greatly good, An if my word be sterling yet in England, Let it command a mirror hither straight, That it may show me what a face I have, Since it is bankrupt of his majesty. BOLINGBROKE. Go some of you and fetch a looking-glass. [Exit an Attendant.] NORTHUMBERLAND. Read o'er this paper while the glass doth come. KING RICHARD. Fiend! thou torments me ere I come to hell. BOLINGBROKE. Urge it no more, my Lord Northumberland. NORTHUMBERLAND. The Commons will not then be satisfied. KING RICHARD. They shall be satisfied; I'll read enough, When I do see the very book indeed Where all my sins are writ, and that's myself. [Re-enter Attendant, with glass.] Give me that glass, and therein will I read. No deeper wrinkles yet? Hath sorrow struck So many blows upon this face of mine And made no deeper wounds? O flatt'ring glass! Like to my followers in prosperity, Thou dost beguile me. Was this face the face That every day under his household roof Did keep ten thousand men? Was this the face That like the sun did make beholders wink? Is this the face which fac'd so many follies That was at last out-fac'd by Bolingbroke? A brittle glory shineth in this face: As brittle as the glory is the face; [Dashes the glass against the ground.] For there it is, crack'd in a hundred shivers. Mark, silent king, the moral of this sport, How soon my sorrow hath destroy'd my face. BOLINGBROKE. The shadow of your sorrow hath destroy'd The shadow of your face. KING RICHARD. Say that again. The shadow of my sorrow! Ha! let's see: 'Tis very true: my grief lies all within; And these external manner of laments Are merely shadows to the unseen grief That swells with silence in the tortur'd soul. There lies the substance: and I thank thee, king, For thy great bounty, that not only givest Me cause to wail, but teachest me the way How to lament the cause. I'll beg one boon, And then be gone and trouble you no more. Shall I obtain it? BOLINGBROKE. Name it, fair cousin. KING RICHARD. 'Fair cousin'! I am greater than a king; For when I was a king, my flatterers Were then but subjects; being now a subject, I have a king here to my flatterer. Being so great, I have no need to beg. BOLINGBROKE. Yet ask. KING RICHARD. And shall I have? BOLINGBROKE. You shall. KING RICHARD. Then give me leave to go. BOLINGBROKE. Whither? KING RICHARD. Whither you will, so I were from your sights. BOLINGBROKE. Go, some of you convey him to the Tower. KING RICHARD. O, good! convey? conveyers are you all, That rise thus nimbly by a true king's fall. [Exeunt KING RICHARD and Guard.] BOLINGBROKE. On Wednesday next we solemnly set down Our coronation: lords, prepare yourselves. [Exeunt all but the BISHOP OF CARLISLE, the ABBOT OF WESTMINSTER, and AUMERLE.] ABBOT. A woeful pageant have we here beheld. CARLISLE. The woe's to come; the children yet unborn Shall feel this day as sharp to them as thorn. AUMERLE. You holy clergymen, is there no plot To rid the realm of this pernicious blot? ABBOT. My lord, Before I freely speak my mind herein, You shall not only take the sacrament To bury mine intents, but also to effect Whatever I shall happen to devise. I see your brows are full of discontent, Your hearts of sorrow, and your eyes of tears: Come home with me to supper; I will lay A plot shall show us all a merry day. [Exeunt.] ACT 5 SCENE I. London. A street leading to the Tower. [Enter the QUEEN and ladies.] QUEEN. This way the King will come; this is the way To Julius Caesar's ill-erected tower, To whose flint bosom my condemned lord Is doom'd a prisoner by proud Bolingbroke. Here let us rest, if this rebellious earth Have any resting for her true King's queen. [Enter KING RICHARD and Guard.] But soft, but see, or rather do not see, My fair rose wither; yet look up, behold, That you in pity may dissolve to dew, And wash him fresh again with true-love tears. Ah! thou, the model where old Troy did stand; Thou map of honour, thou King Richard's tomb, And not King Richard; thou most beauteous inn, Why should hard-favour'd grief be lodg'd in thee, When triumph is become an alehouse guest? KING RICHARD. Join not with grief, fair woman, do not so, To make my end too sudden: learn, good soul, To think our former state a happy dream; From which awak'd, the truth of what we are Shows us but this. I am sworn brother, sweet, To grim Necessity; and he and Will keep a league till death. Hie thee to France, And cloister thee in some religious house: Our holy lives must win a new world's crown, Which our profane hours here have thrown down. QUEEN. What! is my Richard both in shape and mind Transform'd and weaken'd! Hath Bolingbroke depos'd Thine intellect? Hath he been in thy heart? The lion dying thrusteth forth his paw And wounds the earth, if nothing else, with rage To be o'erpower'd; and wilt thou, pupil-like, Take the correction mildly, kiss the rod, And fawn on rage with base humility, Which art a lion and the king of beasts? KING RICHARD. A king of beasts, indeed; if aught but beasts, I had been still a happy king of men. Good sometimes queen, prepare thee hence for France. Think I am dead, and that even here thou tak'st, As from my death-bed, thy last living leave. In winter's tedious nights sit by the fire With good old folks, and let them tell thee tales Of woeful ages long ago betid; And ere thou bid good night, to quit their griefs Tell thou the lamentable tale of me, And send the hearers weeping to their beds; For why, the senseless brands will sympathize The heavy accent of thy moving tongue, And in compassion weep the fire out; And some will mourn in ashes, some coal-black, For the deposing of a rightful king. [Enter NORTHUMBERLAND, attended.] NORTHUMBERLAND. My lord, the mind of Bolingbroke is chang'd; You must to Pomfret, not unto the Tower. And, madam, there is order ta'en for you: With all swift speed you must away to France. KING RICHARD. Northumberland, thou ladder wherewithal The mounting Bolingbroke ascends my throne, The time shall not be many hours of age More than it is, ere foul sin gathering head Shall break into corruption. Thou shalt think, Though he divide the realm and give thee half It is too little, helping him to all; And he shall think that thou, which know'st the way To plant unrightful kings, wilt know again, Being ne'er so little urg'd, another way To pluck him headlong from the usurped throne. The love of wicked men converts to fear; That fear to hate; and hate turns one or both To worthy danger and deserved death. NORTHUMBERLAND. My guilt be on my head, and there an end. Take leave, and part; for you must part forthwith. KING RICHARD. Doubly divorc'd! Bad men, ye violate A twofold marriage; 'twixt my crown and me, And then betwixt me and my married wife. Let me unkiss the oath 'twixt thee and me; And yet not so, for with a kiss 'twas made. Part us, Northumberland: I towards the north, Where shivering cold and sickness pines the clime; My wife to France, from whence set forth in pomp, She came adorned hither like sweet May, Sent back like Hallowmas or short'st of day. QUEEN. And must we be divided? Must we part? KING RICHARD. Ay, hand from hand, my love, and heart from heart. QUEEN. Banish us both, and send the king with me. NORTHUMBERLAND. That were some love, but little policy. QUEEN. Then whither he goes, thither let me go. KING RICHARD. So two, together weeping, make one woe. Weep thou for me in France, I for thee here; Better far off than near, be ne'er the near. Go, count thy way with sighs; I mine with groans. QUEEN. So longest way shall have the longest moans. KING RICHARD. Twice for one step I'll groan, the way being short, And piece the way out with a heavy heart. Come, come, in wooing sorrow let's be brief, Since, wedding it, there is such length in grief. One kiss shall stop our mouths, and dumbly part; Thus give I mine, and thus take I thy heart. [They kiss.] QUEEN. Give me mine own again; 'twere no good part To take on me to keep and kill thy heart. [They kiss again.] So, now I have mine own again, be gone. That I may strive to kill it with a groan. KING RICHARD. We make woe wanton with this fond delay: Once more, adieu; the rest let sorrow say. [Exeunt.] SCENE II. The same. A roomin the DUKE OF YORK's palace. [Enter YORK and his DUCHESS.] DUCHESS. My Lord, you told me you would tell the rest, When weeping made you break the story off, Of our two cousins' coming into London. YORK. Where did I leave? DUCHESS. At that sad stop, my lord, Where rude misgoverned hands from windows' tops Threw dust and rubbish on King Richard's head. YORK. Then, as I said, the Duke, great Bolingbroke, Mounted upon a hot and fiery steed Which his aspiring rider seem'd to know, With slow but stately pace kept on his course, Whilst all tongues cried 'God save thee, Bolingbroke!' You would have thought the very windows spake, So many greedy looks of young and old Through casements darted their desiring eyes Upon his visage; and that all the walls With painted imagery had said at once 'Jesu preserve thee! Welcome, Bolingbroke!' Whilst he, from the one side to the other turning, Bareheaded, lower than his proud steed's neck, Bespake them thus, 'I thank you, countrymen:' And thus still doing, thus he pass'd along. DUCHESS. Alack, poor Richard! where rode he the whilst? YORK. As in a theatre, the eyes of men After a well-grac'd actor leaves the stage Are idly bent on him that enters next, Thinking his prattle to be tedious; Even so, or with much more contempt, men's eyes Did scowl on Richard: no man cried 'God save him;' No joyful tongue gave him his welcome home; But dust was thrown upon his sacred head, Which with such gentle sorrow he shook off, His face still combating with tears and smiles, The badges of his grief and patience, That had not God, for some strong purpose, steel'd The hearts of men, they must perforce have melted, And barbarism itself have pitied him. But heaven hath a hand in these events, To whose high will we bound our calm contents. To Bolingbroke are we sworn subjects now, Whose state and honour I for aye allow. DUCHESS. Here comes my son Aumerle. YORK. Aumerle that was; But that is lost for being Richard's friend, And madam, you must call him Rutland now. I am in Parliament pledge for his truth And lasting fealty to the new-made king. [Enter AUMERLE.] DUCHESS. Welcome, my son: who are the violets now That strew the green lap of the new come spring? AUMERLE. Madam, I know not, nor I greatly care not. God knows I had as lief be none as one. YORK. Well, bear you well in this new spring of time, Lest you be cropp'd before you come to prime. What news from Oxford? hold those justs and triumphs? AUMERLE. For aught I know, my lord, they do. YORK. You will be there, I know. AUMERLE. If God prevent not, I purpose so. YORK. What seal is that that without thy bosom? Yea, look'st thou pale? Let me see the writing. AUMERLE. My lord, 'tis nothing. YORK. No matter, then, who see it. I will be satisfied; let me see the writing. AUMERLE. I do beseech your Grace to pardon me; It is a matter of small consequence Which for some reasons I would not have seen. YORK. Which for some reasons, sir, I mean to see. I fear, I fear - DUCHESS. What should you fear? 'Tis nothing but some bond that he is ent'red into For gay apparel 'gainst the triumph day. YORK. Bound to himself! What doth he with a bond That he is bound to? Wife, thou art a fool. Boy, let me see the writing. AUMERLE. I do beseech you, pardon me; I may not show it. YORK. I will be satisfied; let me see it, I say. [Snatches it and reads.] Treason, foul treason! Villain! traitor! slave! DUCHESS. What is the matter, my lord? YORK. Ho! who is within there? [Enter a Servant.] Saddle my horse. God for his mercy! what treachery is here! DUCHESS. Why, what is it, my lord? YORK. Give me my boots, I say; saddle my horse. Now, by mine honour, by my life, my troth, I will appeach the villain. [Exit Servant.] DUCHESS. What is the matter? YORK. Peace, foolish woman. DUCHESS. I will not peace. What is the matter, Aumerle? AUMERLE. Good mother, be content; it is no more Than my poor life must answer. DUCHESS. Thy life answer! YORK. Bring me my boots. I will unto the King. [Re-enter Servant with boots.] DUCHESS. Strike him, Aumerle. Poor boy, thou art amaz'd. [To Servant.] Hence, villain! never more come in my sight. [Exit Servant.] YORK. Give me my boots, I say. DUCHESS. Why, York, what wilt thou do? Wilt thou not hide the trespass of thine own? Have we more sons? or are we like to have? Is not my teeming date drunk up with time? And wilt thou pluck my fair son from mine age And rob me of a happy mother's name? Is he not like thee? Is he not thine own? YORK. Thou fond mad woman, Wilt thou conceal this dark conspiracy? A dozen of them here have ta'en the sacrament, And interchangeably set down their hands To kill the King at Oxford. DUCHESS. He shall be none; We'll keep him here: then what is that to him? YORK. Away, fond woman! were he twenty times my son I would appeach him. DUCHESS. Hadst thou groan'd for him As I have done, thou'dst be more pitiful. But now I know thy mind: thou dost suspect That I have been disloyal to thy bed And that he is a bastard, not thy son: Sweet York, sweet husband, be not of that mind. He is as like thee as a man may be Not like to me, or any of my kin, And yet I love him. YORK. Make way, unruly woman! [Exit.] DUCHESS. After, Aumerle! Mount thee upon his horse; Spur post, and get before him to the king, And beg thy pardon ere he do accuse thee. I'll not be long behind; though I be old, I doubt not but to ride as fast as York: And never will I rise up from the ground Till Bolingbroke have pardon'd thee. Away! be gone. [Exeunt.] SCENE III. Windsor. A room in the Castle. [Enter BOLINGBROKE as King, HENRY PERCY, and other LORDS.] BOLINGBROKE. Can no man tell me of my unthrifty son? 'Tis full three months since I did see him last. If any plague hang over us, 'tis he. I would to God, my lords, he might be found. Inquire at London, 'mongst the taverns there, For there, they say, he daily doth frequent With unrestrained loose companions, Even such, they say, as stand in narrow lanes And beat our watch and rob our passengers; Which he, young wanton and effeminate boy, Takes on the point of honour to support So dissolute a crew. PERCY. My lord, some two days since I saw the prince, And told him of those triumphs held at Oxford. BOLINGBROKE. And what said the gallant? PERCY. His answer was: he would unto the stews, And from the common'st creature pluck a glove And wear it as a favour; and with that He would unhorse the lustiest challenger. BOLINGBROKE. As dissolute as desperate; yet through both I see some sparks of better hope, which elder years May happily bring forth. But who comes here? [Enter AUMERLE.] AUMERLE. Where is the King? BOLINGBROKE. What means our cousin that he stares and looks So wildly? AUMERLE. God save your Grace! I do beseech your majesty, To have some conference with your Grace alone. BOLINGBROKE. Withdraw yourselves, and leave us here alone. [Exeunt HENRY PERCY and LORDS.] What is the matter with our cousin now? AUMERLE. [Kneels.] For ever may my knees grow to the earth, My tongue cleave to my roof within my mouth, Unless a pardon ere I rise or speak. BOLINGBROKE. Intended or committed was this fault? If on the first, how heinous e'er it be, To win thy after-love I pardon thee. AUMERLE. Then give me leave that I may turn the key, That no man enter till my tale be done. BOLINGBROKE. Have thy desire. [AUMERLE locks the door.] YORK. [Within.] My liege, beware! look to thyself; Thou hast a traitor in thy presence there. BOLINGBROKE. [Drawing.] Villain, I'll make thee safe. AUMERLE. Stay thy revengeful hand; thou hast no cause to fear. YORK. [Within.] Open the door, secure, foolhardy king: Shall I, for love, speak treason to thy face? Open the door, or I will break it open. [BOLINGBROKE unlocks the door; and afterwards, relocks it.] [Enter YORK.] BOLINGBROKE. What is the matter, uncle? speak; Recover breath; tell us how near is danger, That we may arm us to encounter it. YORK. Peruse this writing here, and thou shalt know The treason that my haste forbids me show. AUMERLE. Remember, as thou read'st, thy promise pass'd: I do repent me; read not my name there; My heart is not confederate with my hand. YORK. It was, villain, ere thy hand did set it down. I tore it from the traitor's bosom, king; Fear, and not love, begets his penitence. Forget to pity him, lest thy pity prove A serpent that will sting thee to the heart. BOLINGBROKE. O heinous, strong, and bold conspiracy! O loyal father of a treacherous son! Thou sheer, immaculate, and silver fountain, From whence this stream through muddy passages Hath held his current and defil'd himself! Thy overflow of good converts to bad; And thy abundant goodness shall excuse This deadly blot in thy digressing son. YORK. So shall my virtue be his vice's bawd, And he shall spend mine honour with his shame, As thriftless sons their scraping fathers' gold. Mine honour lives when his dishonour dies, Or my sham'd life in his dishonour lies: Thou kill'st me in his life; giving him breath, The traitor lives, the true man's put to death. DUCHESS. [Within.] What ho! my liege, for God's sake, let me in. BOLINGBROKE. What shrill-voic'd suppliant makes this eager cry? DUCHESS. [Within.] A woman, and thine aunt, great king; 'tis I. Speak with me, pity me, open the door: A beggar begs that never begg'd before. BOLINGBROKE. Our scene is alter'd from a serious thing, And now chang'd to 'The Beggar and the King.' My dangerous cousin, let your mother in: I know she's come to pray for your foul sin. YORK. If thou do pardon, whosoever pray, More sins for this forgiveness prosper may. This fester'd joint cut off, the rest rest sound; This let alone will all the rest confound. [Enter DUCHESS.] DUCHESS. O King, believe not this hard-hearted man: Love, loving not itself, none other can. YORK. Thou frantic woman, what dost thou make here? Shall thy old dugs once more a traitor rear? DUCHESS. Sweet York, be patient. [Kneels.] Hear me, gentle liege. BOLINGBROKE. Rise up, good aunt. DUCHESS. Not yet, I thee beseech. For ever will I walk upon my knees, And never see day that the happy sees, Till thou give joy: until thou bid me joy By pardoning Rutland, my transgressing boy. AUMERLE. Unto my mother's prayers I bend my knee. [Kneels.] YORK. Against them both, my true joints bended be. [Kneels.] Ill mayst thou thrive, if thou grant any grace! DUCHESS. Pleads he in earnest? Look upon his face; His eyes do drop no tears, his prayers are in jest; His words come from his mouth, ours from our breast; He prays but faintly and would be denied; We pray with heart and soul, and all beside: His weary joints would gladly rise, I know; Our knees still kneel till to the ground they grow: His prayers are full of false hypocrisy; Ours of true zeal and deep integrity. Our prayers do out-pray his; then let them have That mercy which true prayer ought to have. BOLINGBROKE. Good aunt, stand up. DUCHESS. Nay, do not say 'stand up'; Say 'pardon' first, and afterwards 'stand up'. An if I were thy nurse, thy tongue to teach, 'Pardon' should be the first word of thy speech. I never long'd to hear a word till now; Say 'pardon,' king; let pity teach thee how: The word is short, but not so short as sweet; No word like 'pardon' for kings' mouths so meet. YORK. Speak it in French, King, say 'pardonne moy.' DUCHESS. Dost thou teach pardon pardon to destroy? Ah! my sour husband, my hard-hearted lord,, That sett'st the word itself against the word. Speak 'pardon' as 'tis current in our land; The chopping French we do not understand. Thine eye begins to speak, set thy tongue there, Or in thy piteous heart plant thou thine ear, That hearing how our plaints and prayers do pierce, Pity may move thee pardon to rehearse. BOLINGBROKE. Good aunt, stand up. DUCHESS. I do not sue to stand; Pardon is all the suit I have in hand. BOLINGBROKE. I pardon him, as God shall pardon me. DUCHESS. O happy vantage of a kneeling knee! Yet am I sick for fear: speak it again; Twice saying 'pardon' doth not pardon twain, But makes one pardon strong. BOLINGBROKE. With all my heart I pardon him. DUCHESS. A god on earth thou art. BOLINGBROKE. But for our trusty brother-in-law and the abbot, With all the rest of that consorted crew, Destruction straight shall dog them at the heels. Good uncle, help to order several powers To Oxford, or where'er these traitors are: They shall not live within this world, I swear, But I will have them, if I once know where. Uncle, farewell: and, cousin, adieu: Your mother well hath pray'd, and prove you true. DUCHESS. Come, my old son: I pray God make thee new. [Exeunt.] SCENE IV. Another room in the Castle. [Enter EXTON and a Servant.] EXTON. Didst thou not mark the king, what words he spake? 'Have I no friend will rid me of this living fear?' Was it not so? SERVANT. These were his very words. EXTON. 'Have I no friend?' quoth he: he spake it twice And urg'd it twice together, did he not? SERVANT. He did. EXTON. And, speaking it, he wistly looked on me, As who should say 'I would thou wert the man That would divorce this terror from my heart'; Meaning the king at Pomfret. Come, let's go. I am the king's friend, and will rid his foe. [Exeunt.] SCENE V. Pomfret. The dungeon of the Castle. [Enter KING RICHARD.] KING RICHARD. I have been studying how I may compare This prison where I live unto the world And for because the world is populous, And here is not a creature but myself, I cannot do it; yet I'll hammer it out. My brain I'll prove the female to my soul; My soul the father: and these two beget A generation of still-breeding thoughts, And these same thoughts people this little world, In humours like the people of this world, For no thought is contented. The better sort, As thoughts of things divine, are intermix'd With scruples, and do set the word itself Against the word: As thus: 'Come, little ones'; and then again, 'It is as hard to come as for a camel To thread the postern of a needle's eye.' Thoughts tending to ambition, they do plot Unlikely wonders; how these vain weak nails May tear a passage through the flinty ribs Of this hard world, my ragged prison walls; And, for they cannot, die in their own pride. Thoughts tending to content flatter themselves That they are not the first of fortune's slaves, Nor shall not be the last; like silly beggars Who sitting in the stocks refuge their shame, That many have and others must sit there: And in this thought they find a kind of ease, Bearing their own misfortunes on the back Of such as have before endur'd the like. Thus play I in one person many people, And none contented: sometimes am I king; Then treasons make me wish myself a beggar, And so I am: then crushing penury Persuades me I was better when a king; Then am I king'd again; and by and by Think that I am unking'd by Bolingbroke, And straight am nothing: but whate'er I be, Nor I, nor any man that but man is With nothing shall be pleas'd till he be eas'd With being nothing. Music do I hear? [Music.] Ha, ha! keep time. How sour sweet music is When time is broke and no proportion kept! So is it in the music of men's lives. And here have I the daintiness of ear To check time broke in a disorder'd string; But, for the concord of my state and time, Had not an ear to hear my true time broke. I wasted time, and now doth time waste me; For now hath time made me his numbering clock: My thoughts are minutes; and with sighs they jar Their watches on unto mine eyes, the outward watch, Whereto my finger, like a dial's point, Is pointing still, in cleansing them from tears. Now sir, the sound that tells what hour it is Are clamorous groans, which strike upon my heart, Which is the bell: so sighs and tears and groans Show minutes, times, and hours; but my time Runs posting on in Bolingbroke's proud joy, While I stand fooling here, his Jack o' the clock. This music mads me; let it sound no more; For though it have holp madmen to their wits, In me it seems it will make wise men mad. Yet blessing on his heart that gives it me! For 'tis a sign of love; and love to Richard Is a strange brooch in this all-hating world. [Enter a Groom of the stable.] GROOM. Hail, royal Prince! KING RICHARD. Thanks, noble peer; The cheapest of us is ten groats too dear. What art thou? and how comest thou hither, man, Where no man never comes but that sad dog That brings me food to make misfortune live? GROOM. I was a poor groom of thy stable, king, When thou wert king; who, travelling towards York, With much ado at length have gotten leave To look upon my sometimes royal master's face. O! how it yearn'd my heart when I beheld, In London streets, that coronation day, When Bolingbroke rode on roan Barbary, That horse that thou so often hast bestrid, That horse that I so carefully have dress'd. KING RICHARD. Rode he on Barbary? Tell me, gentle friend, How went he under him? GROOM. So proudly as if he disdain'd the ground. KING RICHARD. So proud that Bolingbroke was on his back! That jade hath eat bread from my royal hand; This hand hath made him proud with clapping him. Would he not stumble? would he not fall down, - Since pride must have a fall, - and break the neck Of that proud man that did usurp his back? Forgiveness, horse! Why do I rail on thee, Since thou, created to be aw'd by man, Wast born to bear? I was not made a horse; And yet I bear a burden like an ass, Spur-gall'd and tir'd by jauncing Bolingbroke. [Enter Keeper, with a dish.] KEEPER. [To the Groom.] Fellow, give place; here is no longer stay. KING RICHARD. If thou love me, 'tis time thou wert away. GROOM. My tongue dares not, that my heart shall say. [Exit.] KEEPER. My lord, will't please you to fall to? KING RICHARD. Taste of it first as thou art wont to do. KEEPER. My lord, I dare not: Sir Pierce of Exton, Who lately came from the king, commands the contrary. KING RICHARD. The devil take Henry of Lancaster and thee! Patience is stale, and I am weary of it. [Strikes the Keeper.] KEEPER. Help, help, help! [Enter EXTON and Servants, armed.] KING RICHARD. How now! What means death in this rude assault? Villain, thy own hand yields thy death's instrument. [Snatching a weapon and killing one.] Go thou and fill another room in hell. [He kills another, then EXTON strikes him down.] That hand shall burn in never-quenching fire That staggers thus my person. Exton, thy fierce hand Hath with the king's blood stain'd the king's own land. Mount, mount, my soul! thy seat is up on high; Whilst my gross flesh sinks downward, here to die. [Dies.] EXTON. As full of valour as of royal blood: Both have I spilt; O! would the deed were good; For now the devil, that told me I did well, Says that this deed is chronicled in hell. This dead king to the living king I'll bear. Take hence the rest, and give them burial here. [Exeunt.] SCENE VI. Windsor. An Apartment in the Castle. [Flourish. Enter BOLINGBROKE and YORK, with Lords and Attendants.] BOLINGBROKE. Kind uncle York, the latest news we hear Is that the rebels have consum'd with fire Our town of Cicester in Gloucestershire; But whether they be ta'en or slain we hear not. [Enter NORTHUMBERLAND.] Welcome, my lord. What is the news? NORTHUMBERLAND. First, to thy sacred state wish I all happiness. The next news is: I have to London sent The heads of Salisbury, Spencer, Blunt, and Kent. The manner of their taking may appear At large discoursed in this paper here. BOLINGBROKE. We thank thee, gentle Percy, for thy pains; And to thy worth will add right worthy gains. [Enter FITZWATER.] FITZWATER. My lord, I have from Oxford sent to London The heads of Brocas and Sir Bennet Seely, Two of the dangerous consorted traitors That sought at Oxford thy dire overthrow. BOLINGBROKE. Thy pains, Fitzwater, shall not be forgot; Right noble is thy merit, well I wot. [Enter HENRY PERCY, With the BISHOP OF CARLISLE.] PERCY. The grand conspirator, Abbot of Westminster, With clog of conscience and sour melancholy, Hath yielded up his body to the grave; But here is Carlisle living, to abide Thy kingly doom, and sentence of his pride. BOLINGBROKE. Carlisle, this is your doom: Choose out some secret place, some reverend room, More than thou hast, and with it joy thy life; So as thou livest in peace, die free from strife; For though mine enemy thou hast ever been, High sparks of honour in thee have I seen. [Enter EXTON, with attendants, hearing a coffin.] EXTON. Great king, within this coffin I present Thy buried fear: herein all breathless lies The mightiest of thy greatest enemies, Richard of Bordeaux, by me hither brought. BOLINGBROKE. Exton, I thank thee not; for thou hast wrought A deed of slander with thy fatal hand Upon my head and all this famous land. EXTON. From your own mouth, my lord, did I this deed. BOLINGBROKE. They love not poison that do poison need, Nor do I thee: though I did wish him dead, I hate the murderer, love him murdered. The guilt of conscience take thou for thy labour, But neither my good word nor princely favour: With Cain go wander thorough shade of night, And never show thy head by day nor light. Lords, I protest my soul is full of woe, That blood should sprinkle me to make me grow: Come, mourn with me for what I do lament, And put on sullen black incontinent. I'll make a voyage to the Holy Land, To wash this blood off from my guilty hand. March sadly after; grace my mournings here, In weeping after this untimely bier. [Exeunt] Publication Date: May 29th 2008 https://www.bookrix.com/-bx.shakespeare

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Brianne K. The Elric Witches The Chronicals of Rowan "Old Soul" Honk, honk. My drivers horn was going crazy. He was driving me to my last nerve as well as The Grand Central Station. “C’mon, lets go!” My driver was definitely a native New Yorker. I’ve always hated New York and taxis, but unfortunately I was forced into both. “Yelling won’t make the light change.” I said with an air of board arrogance, lazily licking my ice cream cone as it slowly dripped down the back of my fingers. He was in front of all the traffic waiting for the light to change, there was no reason to yell in such a manner. “Sorry.” he looked back apologetically, “it helps th…” he was cut short by a firm knock on his half down window. The driver turned back to his window and slowly cranked it the rest of the way down. That was his first mistake. The man at the window was normal enough, with light brown hair and sunglasses. He stuck his head in the cab and angrily said, “Hay,” addressing my driver, “you wanna stop honking you’re sissy horn, or are you trying to wake my baby girl?” He was bigger than my driver and seemed to be more fit for fighting but the driver making yet another mistake, said, “Yeah I am how’d ya guess?” The man gave my driver a menacing look of anger and replied “You wanna take this outside?” and gestured like he was inviting a young lady out of her car. The driver laughed, and threw his head back in one short heave. “ You think you can take me?” he made a rude gesture with his middle finger and started to roll his window up, but stopped when the man called him a series of rude names. Another mistake. The two men went on arguing and threatening each the with useless words, as I assessed the situation. If you didn’t catch it the driver isn’t very smart. But lucky for the driver I already knew what was going to happen. As the man reached his hand around his side to his back, I smiled, “You won’t want to do that.” I licked my ice cream casually as it dripped again. The driver turned in his seat remembering I was there; another bad mistake, taking his eyes off his enemy. I saw the man’s hand come back into view with a heavy looking gun. “How did you know…” I cut him short by waving my ice cream cone carelessly in front of his face than bringing it to my lips I kissed it licking the cold lushes strawberry ice cream from my lips and did a little playful smile. “I am, a witch.” I said watching with pleasure as his face grew more pale by the second. The driver turned back to the man then back to me, no doubt thinking of who he could handle without getting killed. “I would leave.” I said coolly using a spell that could make anything afraid of me, even my own shadow. The man’s eyebrows went together and asked, “I don’t mean any kind of disrespect but, could I ask what kind of witch you are?” He still had his gun in his hand and was nervously trying to conceal it again. That meant the spell was working. I smiled showing my two pointed teeth and replied evilly, “I am from Elric.” The man now terrified, dropped his gun and walked, almost ran to his car. I licked my ice cream and finally decided to turn the light to green. The driver was more white than a ghost, he shook his head and turned his attention back to the road. He chuckled and kept driving, without another word said. I licked my strawberry ice cream cone and thought, laughing to myself, ’It’s so good to be bad.” Chapter 1 Our ancestors came by boat, to a new and healthy land known as Elric. Our people had in their possession incredible powers that, with just a snap of a finger or intake of breath, could blow a great city to pieces. With such great power they were feared as a threat to everyone they came in contact with. So we were banished. There were rumors that a new land had been founded with people that were like us, people that had the strength of twenty men, people that could fly as if they had the wings of a bird, people that would except outcasts and traitors alike. With nowhere to go, we had no choice but to try and seek refuge in Elric. As it turned out, Elric was not a promise land. It was a prison. The creatures that were supposed to be so much like us were monsters. Most of them looked like a normal human beings but there were some that took on the appearance of a rabid dog, and others, giant birds or boars. The ones that looked like humans ruled the land and some even took on the title of Nobles in the Kings Court, this seemed odd because there was no king. We were enslaved and forced away from our families and friends. The Nobles in the Kings Court took all of the older men and woman, leaving most children orphans. The young healthy boys worked in the mines, which most of them died from explosions or collapses. The Young woman were expected to clean and cook and look after the half human half creature monsters. Any of the younger children not old enough to look after them selves were sot out, killed and eaten, if found. Any who were lucky enough to not be caught were known as Le dernier espoir ; The Last Hope. Publication Date: November 7th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-sylvia.harman

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Gracie Eileen Drabbles A gift Her crys echo in my ears. Her voice will never leave my dreams. I will be haunted by what I have done I know, but how can I walk away from her now when she grants me forgiveness. It is a gift I deserve not, a favor best not granted and I know she wishes all to be forgotten but how can I do that when I hear her screams every night. When I can no longer live because I have commited sins that will have me damned. I cannot accept this gift because my sins will not allow it. The Lies I tell I often see him, in my dreams only though. He walks them, as if to remind me of what I have lost when I sleep beside another night after night. Never speaks. The dreams are filled with an echoing silence that screams the truth to me, that passes beyond the lies I tell when I say I am okay and the one I told when I said I do again, and the lie I tell when I say I love you, because I speak those words to the wrong person. Day by day, night by night I lie to him. Left I let them go. I let their bodies go down the river, I let them leave me. I cry for my children, and at them. How could they leave me like this? Leave me with nothing but the knowledge that they will not be coming back. All thats left of them is ghots of memoies and a longing that fails to leave as time goes on. They left me. Now, I am nothing so why keep trying? Mosters they were, but it is of no matter now. Gone. Who cares? I certainly dont. Not after what they did to me Publication Date: August 15th 2010 https://www.bookrix.com/-gracie.eileen

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N.S.P Don't cry out Loud To my sister, who taught me the words "I can" :) Don’t cry out Loud “Get up Beth! And make Mama some breakfast”! Caroline, who was in her own world, deep in the depths of the water searching for her father, didn’t seem to comprehend what her mother was ranting about. Danielle seeing this snapped again. “Get up Beth now!” Her eyes were blazing with fury and disgust. Caroline finally getting the message groggily opened her eyes and squinted at her mother who stood at the door, arms folded. Caroline reached up and rubbed the mark on her collar bone. It was a gesture she did more frequently these days when she was troubled or confused. “What?” She managed to croak. “Make me breakfast” Danielle mouthed. Caroline sucked her teeth eying the clock. “It’s only 6:00 leave me alone”. Danielle marched toward Caroline’s bed and snatched the pillow from her head. “Look at me” Danielle hissed crouching down and edging closer to Caroline’s face. “You will have to listen to what I say at all times” she whispered smiling that creepy smile that aggravated Caroline to death. “I don’t think drinking beer after having a hangover last night is very healthy” Caroline retorted coolly. Danielle frowned “Didn’t I tell you to mind your own business?” Caroline sighed “I ain’t afraid of you”. Danielle made a fake pouty face “that’s too bad because your obliging me to send you to a foster home.” “I can’t believe you’re my mother” Caroline said as she got up and stretched. “I can’t believe I gave birth to a child like you” and with that Danielle left. Caroline looked around her small room with 1 small window. On the right, the wall was covered with pictures of her and her father. Some were peeling off but Caroline didn’t bother re- sticking them. After 15 minutes Caroline ran downstairs. Her mother lying on the sofa was occupied by flipping the channels of cable. Caroline stared at her with utter disgust and went to the kitchen. After a while she prepared breakfast for herself and her mother. Her mother walked in the kitchen and sat at the table, dressed in her same pink dress with white stripes. It was her uniform for the bakery she worked at. She was one of the decorators of the pastries and cakes. She used to be a skilled one but throughout the years her sharp skills became blunt. She devoured the omelet and coffee and wiped her face with her hand. She stood up and walked to the sink washing her hands. I will be home today at 1:00 she said closing the faucet. These Halloween kids are crazy staying up until 1: 00 to trick or treat Danielle grunted. She wore her over sized hoodie and grabbed the car keys from the counter. “It’s about time you drop out of high school and help me out.” Caroline rolled her eyes. Danielle went for the door “well bye!” “And not to mention happy Halloween!” She called. The thought just struck Caroline; it is Halloween the day of her father’s death that only she had witnessed. It wasn’t such a happy Halloween after all. *** “Now wasn’t that fun?” George asked his eyes were filled with laughter. Young Caroline Wilson smiled and nodded. She straightened her witch hat that was slightly askew. She grinned at the huge bag of candy she got. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it “? She asked as her eyes searched the sea. Even though her feet were numb from the icy water she continued dangling her feet. The pier was a very calming place for her. Caroline and her father always came here to spend time together. He also had a fond of the pier. “Yeah it is” George replied with a matter of fact tone. Caroline moved her head, she loved everything about the pier but right next to the pier there was something eerie that gave her the creeps. Big dark trees stood and when you look through them you only see darkness. “Daddy what’s that?” Caroline asked. George looked at where she was pointing, he cleared his throat. “Yeah, um, that used to be a cemetery.” “Used to be?” Caroline questioned. The place gave off a foreboding aura. “Yeah, now no one gets buried there” George said as he took a bite of his sandwich. “Does anyone go there to pay respects?” Caroline continued. George laughed a big hearty one, “you ask too many questions, and besides no one have ever entered there ever since.” “Ever since what”? Caroline asked anxiously. “I don’t know actually” George said as he scratched his head. “A good history project ain’t it” George grinned. There was a silence after that. Suddenly the air became cooler. Wispy clouds formed as they talked in horsey whispers. It grew darker. They continued eating their sandwiches, this time in silence. The water started to ripple. Caroline crumbled up the aluminum into a ball. And then her father felt a sudden tug of his leg. It pulled him hard; Caroline grabbed his hand but too late. He was soon engulfed by the raging water. Caroline ran like the wind and that night changed her whole life. Everything was a blur. After hours of questioning and interrogations Caroline was allowed to go home. Her mother stayed at the police shocked and awestruck. The police dropped Caroline home. Once she entered, the house seemed awfully unfamiliar and strange. She saw a Snapple bottle shattered on the kitchen floor. Impulsively she grabbed one of the shards and made a deep cut on her collar bone. She had to feel the pain and she had to punish herself for abandoning her father. After that day nothing was back to normal. Caroline became rough, tuff, and disrespectful. And Danielle became a drunk and lost her high position as a food artist and baker. And the relationship between Caroline and Danielle worsened; they just couldn’t stand one another. *** “Caroline!” someone hissed. Caroline broke away from her daydream and looked around. Her math teacher continued boring everyone. “Caroline”! She turned her head towards the door only to see Damon smiling slyly. “Go back to class” Caroline groaned. Damon put on a fake offended look “my god Caroline, you had better fix your attitude young lady”. He did an awful good job in imitating Danielle. The corner of Caroline’s mouth perked up slightly. Damon pointed at her face, “You see no one can make you do that but me”. Caroline quickly changed her slight smile into a frown. “Bye, Damon” she snapped. He shrugged and left. After class was over Caroline went to her locker. Two girls were deep in conversation next to her, and frankly it was kind of annoying. Then she heard the words “cemetery and piers”. She slammed her locker, they looked up startled. One of them backed away. Caroline smiled a little but it must have been freakish because they moved back some more. “You guys were talking about the cemetery, next to the piers” Caroline said. “Yeah” said one of the girls, Courtney. “Tonight there is a full moon!” she exclaimed excitedly. Caroline was surprised, she couldn’t recall having a full moon on Halloween ever. “They say that at midnight” Courtney continued. She looked around to see if anyone was there. Courtney edged closer and whispered “They awake, they awake from the dead.” Caroline shook her head “that’s all crap”. With that she left, during lunch everyone seems to talk only about the stupid myth of the awakening. After school Cory Brown came up to Caroline. “Hey Wilson”, he yelled. Caroline looked up. He came to her with a mischievous grin on his face, “I have a dare for you”. “I’m listening” Caroline said as she closed her locker. “Tell you what” Cory said, “At midnight I dare you to go to that cemetery and take a video for us”. Caroline rolled her eyes “that’s all rubbish but yeah I’ll do it”. Cory smiled “you’re tougher than tough. *** “Are you sure you want to go?” Damon asked her as they walked home. “Yeah Damon, I am sure” Caroline said. “You never went anywhere near that place ever since---you know?” Damon looked down. “I know, but I have to get over it” Caroline sighed. The air was cool but refreshing and the crunching leaves seemed to create a rhythm as they walked. “You’re coming with me right?” Caroline asked. Damon looked flabbergasted, “are you serious”! “Don’t tell me you believe in that stuff” Caroline moaned. Damon looked partly embarrassed, but shook his head “I have plans for tonight”. “Fine be a punk and stay home” Caroline retorted. “You know your hair resembles your temper and the fall colors.” “Oh really” she said sarcastically When Caroline went home she went straight to her room. She lay in her bed staring at the peeling paint. It was true; ever since her father died she hadn’t step foot in that pier. As a matter of fact, hardly anyone did after the incident on October 31st 2015. She thought about the dare, and about the day she asked her father about that eerie place, the day she lost him. Something heavy augmented in her chest, was it sorrow? Or was it…fear? 11:30. she needed to go, grabbing her hoodie and video camera she headed out. Her street was quiet and deserted, no one came here to trick or treat because of her dilapidated house. Caroline jammed her headphones and listened to her favorite song by Owl City “Vanilla Twilight.” She saw some teenage kids a bit older than her farther down the block walking. They giggled and fooled around. One of them had a hole in his bag and left a trail of candy as they walked. Caroline snorted. “What are you doing?” Danielle said. Caroline oblivious of her mother’s question continued to remove the pillow case of her pillow. “Caroline, honey what do you think you’re doing” Danielle continued. Caroline sucked her teeth “Mother can’t you see I am taking this pillow case to collect my candy. If I use a normal bag then it might rip and all my candy will fall out!” Mr. and Mrs. Wilson exchanged looks and laughed. Caroline tried to shut of the memory; she was tired of thinking about him now. But she had to admit that without her father she is an insecure little brat. She hated nostalgia. The air was fresh and chilly and stung Caroline’s face, she sighed and released a poof of air. She looked around and was surprised to see that she was at the foot of the piers. All of a sudden everything went quite. There was no else in the world, just her and the piers. It was just her, all alone and helpless. Her hand shot up to the scar on her neck. She forgot everything now, she didn’t care about the dare and she didn’t care about her mother. The full moon brightened up the whole sky making the water sparkle. The cold air was less oppressive, this time something hung at the air, something familiar, warm. “Caroline” Caroline gasped, she froze, her eyes wide-opened. “Don’t look back, and don’t cry out loud” It said or he said. “Dad, daddy, is that you?” She cried. “Oh my god I miss you so much, why did you leave me?” Suddenly Caroline’s shoulder felt cold. Something weighted it down. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw a hand. “Don’t” he said as Caroline’s hands rise to touch it. Caroline stopped immediately. “You fail to get over my death, you fail to be yourself again and you fail to love yourself and others” he said. Tears streamed down Caroline’s face, “h-how c-can I” she stammered. “Things happen in life that can scar you for a while, but not forever” He said. “Remember those who cared for you and those who love you”. “Life is a very short thing Caroline, so you should live everyday like it’s your last.” “Dwell in your past rarely, but look forward to your future.” “But---“Caroline started. “Ever wonder why I am still here?” He asked. Caroline shook her head. “If my own daughter isn’t at peace, then how could my soul rest in peace?” The hands on Caroline disappeared, Caroline looked around wildly no one was there. “Join us” The wind howled, “join us”. “No’ Caroline Murmured. “Join us”, “No” Caroline hissed. “Join us like your father did”. “NO” Caroline screamed. Caroline woke up and gasped for air. Cold sweat ran down her face. She grabbed the glass of water next to her bed and drained it. Her dream was still very vivid. Caroline looked around, she was back in her room, not the piers. She took her phone and checked the time. It was 10:00 A.M; slowly she got out of bed and went to the bathroom. After she was dressed she called Damon. “You’re up early for a Saturday morning” Damon groaned sleepily. Caroline laughed which made Damon on the other line bolt up from bed. “Caroline, is that you?” He said surprised. Caroline cleared her throat “Yeah, um, let’s hang out today”. “Sheesh Caroline, I thought you’ll never ask” Damon said as he yawned. Caroline went downstairs and saw her mother (still in her work uniform) slumped in the sofa, snoring softly. “She looked weary and old for her age. She used to be so beautiful with her flaming red hair and her high cheekbones. Now, throughout the course of the years she became feeble and languid. Caroline went to the kitchen and made her mother some tea and her favorite breakfast and left a note. Then she grabbed her hoodie and headed outside. When Danielle woke up she felt horrible, her head felt heavy and she wavered as she walked. When she got out of the bathroom she went to the kitchen and was surprised to see her breakfast. She walked towards it, perplexed. She read the note attached to it: Dear Mom, I know it isn’t mother’s day, but I just wanted to let you know that I am thankful. Thank you for dealing with me for the past couple of years. I should’ve respected you and considered your situation. But from now on I will promise I will be your dream daughter and I will help you out through your bad times. You need a break mom, I love you. -Caroline Two tickets to the upcoming football game were attached to the note. Danielle stared at the letter puzzled. Then her mouth curved into a teary smile. “So we’re going to the movies?” Damon asked again. “Yes Damon, we are going to watch a movie!” Caroline exclaimed. “What happened to Caroline?” Damon questioned suspiciously. Caroline giggled “I don’t understand.” “Caroline tell the truth, where is your attitude?” Damon said. Caroline sighed “You know I realized that I should loosen up, life is too short”. Damon was now scared “So you changed last night, the spirits did get you!” Caroline snorted “I told you I didn’t go last night, and anyways “you only live once Damon.” Damon stared at her, his mouth hung open. “In that case what do you say in joining me to go to the harvest dance?” “Okay” Caroline said as she walked. She felt good today; the air was crisp and refreshing. The fall colors are beautiful. Damon now stopped to take in Caroline’s response. “Wait”. Caroline stopped, “Damon we’re gonna be late for the movie, come on!” And with that she ran. Damon ran after her. It was a beautiful sight; both of them walked side by side, hands locked. They talked, joked, and laughed. They felt happy, lively, and great. Remember the world isn’t only about pain; love shines the brightest among all that hurt and pain. So don’t cry out loud. Publication Date: November 7th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-ninirockz98

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-heather-lawhun-crystal-falls/

Heather Lawhun Crystal Falls Info Name: Emi Andrews 17 Long brown hair, green eyes, tan skin, athletic build, 5’8 She’s athletic. She loves volleyball, swimming, and track. Also, she’s an A student, and top in her class. She’s usually immature for her age, so she naturally draws people to her. She is kind to everyone. She is talented at drawing and lovers to read and write as well. She has many friends from different groups. So she pretty much hangs out with everyone. She doesn’t get angry easily. She loves joking with her friends. She’s bubbly and you never catch her without a smile on her face. Despite all that, her at home life is pretty dull and depressing. She lives with her older brother and twin brothers. Her older brother, Isaac, is a graduated college student and works in a bookstore for part tie and at a restaurant part time as well. Her twin brothers, Adrian and David, are both sophomores in high school. The house is depressing because their parents died in a tragic airplane crash the year Isaac graduated from college, which was Emi’s sophomore year. Adrian and David are close and are very much alike, in appearance and personality. Sometimes Emi doesn’t even understand them but she tries. When one of them is in some sort of trouble, they call on their twin and not her. She doesn’t let that get to her because she knows they do that because they know more about each other than anyone, including Isaac and herself. She finds herself wishing she could help them even if it’s just a small problem. Isaac isn’t home very often because of his jobs, so she’s stuck with the cooking and cleaning. Adrian and David help her with the chores, so she doesn’t have to do all of it. She doesn’t feel like she should leave her brothers alone in the house. It’s not that she doesn’t trust them it’s just that she worries about them constantly, because their parents are gone. So she feels that it’s her duty to do whatever it takes to keep them happy and to take care of the m. She loves them that much. The only times when Adrian and David are at home by themselves is when Emi has afternoon practices. Even then, Emi constantly worries about them. When Isaac has a day off from work, they all go out for dinner or go watch a movie together so that they can catch up. Name: Adrian Andrews 16 Short, brown hair, green eyes, tan skin, average build, 6’ He’s not really athletic but if he were asked to run a mile, he could do it. He is energetic, except for in the mornings, unless he hears good news. He’s book smart like Emi. He and his brother have their own group of friends, who they hang out with every day after school. He knows his sister worries about him and his brother and he doesn’t want her to worry. Whenever he’s in a tight pinch, he goes to his brother for help. His brother is the number one person that he trusts. Isaac and Emi are number two. He loves playing video games and competing against his brother. He loves going to the movies when Isaac comes home, because they always go see the really good movies. He loves listening to music and supports his sister when she has games and meets, and she supports him and his brother in return. He and his brother get into a lot of trouble at school, meaning they’re class clowns. Emi scolds them from time to time but has never grounded them. Isaac isn’t home enough to ground them, so they get off pretty easy. They never go over the top. They know not to cross the line. Adrian likes the color blue, pizza, spaghetti, mashed potatoes, Sweeney Todd, etc. He cares about his friends and family and will stick up for them. Name: David Andrews 16 Short, brown hair, green eyes, tan skin, average build, 6’ Like his brother, he’s not very athletic. He likes to draw, read, and paying his guitar. He also likes to goof off in class with his brother. Not really a morning person. Likes the color green, he’s energetic, and laughs a lot with his friends and brother. He’s smart but not book smart. Despite that, he has really good grades. When he’s having trouble he goes to Adrian for help and if Adrian doesn’t have an answer, then they go to Emi. When they ask for her help, David notices, her eyes light up which makes him feel bad, because he knows she’s trying hard to be there for the both of them and worries about them. So he tries to make it up to her by going to her when he needs help on homework and helping with the chores. Adrian, he knows, feels bad too, so he helps with the chores as well. They also go out and do the grocery shopping from time to time, especially when Emi has to stay after school for practice. Name: Isaac Andrews 20 Short dark brown hair, green eyes, tan skin, slightly muscular, 6’4’ He’s already graduated from college. He works two different jobs, but he’s looking for a good paying job, so he can work full time. That way he can be home more often. When he’s home, he acts like a little kid, but he knows that there is a place and time where he can act that way, so he doesn’t act like that at work. He loves teasing his younger siblings and to help plan pranks against them. He feels bad for leaving all the house chores and cooking to Emi, but he knows that none of that would get done if it was up to him. That’s part of the reason why he takes them out to movies. Name: Aurora Scott (Rori) 16 Very pale skin with few blemishes, copper hair that falls in curls to mid-back, ice blue eyes, 5’6 She’s girly but doesn’t show it because of rough home life. She is an only child living with her heroine-addicted mother. Dad left when she was small and has never had anything to do with her. She loves to dance and uses dance to escape her mom. He loves music, also, and reading. She dreams of some day making it to L.A. Fine Art and escaping completely from her mom. She is shy and soft spoken. She gets good grades but never participates in class discussions, mainly because she is sacred of being wrong. She has a puppy named Skittles. Skittles is a husky puppy, stray she found at her last home. She moves around a lot and doesn’t have many friends because of this. Also, she is quiet, so most people think she is a snob. She isn’t too athletic other than dance and her home life is very rough. She is physically and emotionally abused by her mother and her mom’s constant stream of boyfriends. She wears lots of hair bands constantly to keep her hair out of her face and rarely wears it up. She works for a local dance studio, cleaning floors and picking up after the kids to earn enough money to keep herself fed and joins amateur dance competitions to earn extra money. She lives next door to Emi and her brothers. Name: Rachelle (Ray-chill) Kace 16 She has small feet, long skinny legs long torso with long strong arms. Light skin splattered with freckles. Long light brown hair, active brown eyes. She always has a positive attitude. Loves to sing, dance, run, and have fun. She is always a ball of sunshine. She loves the color green. She also loves people with green eyes. Her favorite food is Chinese. She hates rude people and bad language. She is best friends with Rori. Name: Eva Smith 21 Blue eyes, long red hair I love kids and animals. I like to swim, I love horses. I have my own horse ranch. I live on my own because my parents died when I was fifteen years old. I graduated highschool at the age of fourteen and college at age eighteen. I own a company called S&B Smith Shop. S- Swimming, B- for reading books. I have six cars and they are: 1994 Camero, Mustang GT, 1966 Mustang GTO, 1969 Camero, 1968 Firebird and Lotus EX. My favorite color is baby blue. Chapter 1 “David, Adrian! It’s time to get up!” I yelled as I walked to the stairs. Right now, it’s six in the morning. I’ve been up since five. I do this every morning. Isaac has already gone to work. I went to the kitchen and started breakfast. I can drive, but we take the bus because we don’t exactly have the money for gas. David and Adrian came into the kitchen looking half asleep. I chuckled. Those two are so not morning people. “Good morning sleepyheads.” I greeted them smiling. “Good morning.” They muttered, tiredly. I put their breakfast on the table. We ended up missing the bus so I had to drive us to school. I noticed as I washed the dishes earlier, the new girl in the house next to ours was sneaking around. I shrugged it off at first, but it’s really starting to bug me and I’m beginning to get worried. I know I shouldn’t stick my nose in other people’s business, but I just can’t help but worry. We went outside and the girl from next door was heading to the bus stop. “The bus already left.” I said smiling. She jumped a little and looked over at us. “Oh.” “I can give you a ride, if you want.” She smiled. “Thanks, I’m Aurora by the way, but you can call me Rori.” “I’m Emi and these are my twin brothers, David and Adrian.” David and Adrian just waved and got into the car. “Don’t mind them, they’re not morning people.” She nods and gets into the passenger’s seat and buckles up. I so badly want to ask her about this morning, but I don’t want to be nosy. I got into the car and then drove us to school. “So did you just move here?” “Yeah, just me and my mom.” She said a little nervous. “We have an older brother but he’s at work, but he’s off tomorrow, so you might get to meet him if you want.” “Isaac’s off tomorrow?” Adrian asked. “Yeah, sorry. I meant to te you guys this morning but it just escaped my mind.” I said smiling sheepishly. “Are we going to the movies?” David asked grinning. I smiled. “Yeah, Isaac said something about watching Paranormal Activity: two.” “Yay!” They both cheered at the same time. I chuckled. “Rori, are you doing anything tomorrow after school?” I asked curiously. “No.” I grinned. “Then would you like to come with us to go see a movie? I’m sure Isaac wouldn’t mind, right guys?” David and Adrian nodded, grinning too. “I couldn’t…” “Oh come on, it’ll be fun. I’ll buy your ticket and snacks.” “Well,” She sighed. “Okay, I’ll go. What time?” “Right after school, so we’ll have time to do homework and stuff after the movie.” She nodded. “Which brings me to my next question: have you gotten your schedule yet?” “No, not yet.” “Then I’ll take you to the office, so you can get your schedule and give you a tour of our school.” I said smiling. “I don’t want you to be late.” “The teacher won’t mind.” I said shrugging it off. “Okay.” She said in defeat. I grinned. “Perfect.” I caught David and Adrian rolling their eyes. “Oh, after school on Wednesday, I have track practice so I won’t be home until later.” I said to them. “Okay, we’re going to invite some friends over.” David said. “The house better be clean by the time I get home.” “Okay ‘Mom’!” Adrian said rolling his eyes. I smiled. “I went to the store, so there should be some snacks for you guys to snack on.” I said as we pulled into the school parking lot. I parked the car and we got out. David and Adrian walked off to go meet with their friends. “Alright, time to go to the office.” “Can I ask you something?” Rori asked hesitantly. “You just did, but yes.” I said grinning. “Where are your parents?” I looked down at the ground sadly. ‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.” “No, it’s okay. They died in a tragic airplane crash two years ago. They were coming back from Europe. It was their Anniversary.” “I’m sorry.” “What about yours?” She grimaced. “It’s complicated.” I left it at that because I could tell she didn’t want to talk about it. We made it to the office and we walked u p to Ms. Carry. She had mid-back length hair and baby blue eyes. She was pretty young compared to all the other staff members. She looked to beautiful. She had the right curves in all the right places. Now, why does a woman like her have a job like this and why is she single? The world may never know. Despite all that, she’s a really nice and cool person. “Good morning Emi, who’s your friend?” “Good morning Ms. Carry. This is my new neighbor, Rori, and she needs her schedule. She just moved here.” “I see and what grade are you in?” Ms. Carry asked Rori. “Junior.” Rori said quietly. Ms. Carry nods and starts fumbling with papers. “So how’s that brother of yours doing Emi?” “You mean Isaac?” “Who else?” She asked rolling her eyes. I laughed. “He’s doing great. He’s off tomorrow.” “That’s great. Are you skipping practice?” “Of course.” I said grinning. She shook her head. “Well, it’s none of my business whether you skip or not. Ah, here it is, Aurora Scott. That’s a pretty name.” Rori took her schedule mumbling thanks and then we left. I looked over her schedule. “You’re in two classes with David and Adrian and three classes with me!” She nods. Then I took her on a tour of the school. It took a good thirty minutes. It’s a good thing we have block scheduling, huh? I took her to all of the classrooms that were listed on her schedule. I showed her the lunchroom, gym, and the library as well. I love our school’s library! Anyways, I walked her to her first class and then took off to my own class. She has third hour with David and Adrian, so she’ll have second lunch and so will I. I hope David and Adrian will be her friends too. Mr. Garrison wasn’t too angry with me, but I think that’s only because he knows I’m a good student. The day went by slowly. Chapter 2 Today had to be one of the longest days of my life. Every class I went to, I had to introduce myself. I had to fake smiles all day and act like my life is perfect. The only people I actually felt wanted to talk to me were Emi and her brothers. She really saved me this morning. The last thing I need is to be around when Mom wakes up. Honestly, she is higher than a kite by the time I get home. Unfortunately, she hasn’t found a dealer yet. I realize that as soon as I walk in. “It’s about time you showed up!” She yells at me. I look a t the clock on the wall. It’s three-thirty and she considers it late. I roll my eyes and try to walk past her. She slaps me across the face, knocking me backwards. “You will respect me!” She yells in my face. Her breath smells like vodka and tic-tacs. That’s always the worst. “Get your lazy butt busy making my super!” She roars at me and lets me through to the kitchen. I decide on grill cheese and tomato soup. I get the soup boiling, then heat up the pan. It’s about this time I see Adrian at the back door, holding a plate of cookies. He is frozen in place, staring at the spot where Mom just slapped me. I walk back and open the door. “Hey!” I said smiling brightly, hoping maybe that will sidetrack him from the handprint on my face. “Hi,” He said smiling slightly. “Emi made these, they’re really good.” Then his voice dropped to a whisper. “You should come over and talk to Isaac. He can help.” And with that he left. After dinner, I went down to the basement. I set it up so I could practice as soon as I got home. I changed into workout clothes and started warm-ups. I got lost in the music so fast, I quickly let the pain and worry melt away. After dance, I took a shower. Homework is always better after a nice, warm shower. I got to thinking about the movies tomorrow. It seemed fun, but the last time I went to the movies was two years ago and the guy had used me to get to my Mom. Speaking of Mom’s boyfriends, she must have already got one here since I heard a loud pound on the door and her rushing to answer it. Maybe he was her new fix. As much as I hate the smell that comes with her drugs, I hated her off the drugs even more. I figured I would head to bed early and try and catch the bus tomorrow. There was a note on my window when I got back from brushing my teeth. Rori, I know you probably want me to pretend that I didn’t see anything earlier, but I did. Emi seen you sneaking around this morning and knows what’s up. I can’t get the sight of her hitting out of my head. Please talk to our brother. He can help you. Your friend, Adrian I checked my face in the mirror and sure enough there was a bruise on my face. That was going to be hard to hide. I went to bed and planned to fix it in the morning. Chapter 3 I got up the next morning worrying about Rori. I know that I’m being nosy, but I just can’t help it. Adrian told me about what he saw last night and I just wanted to go over there and help her, but I stopped myself. Why? Well, I what I could have done to help her? Bring her over here and let her stay? Yeah, it’s good, until her mother decides she wants her back over there and then there’s nothing I could do about it. “Someone’s distracted this morning.” I jumped. Isaac chuckled. “And a little jumpy too.” I sighed. “I’m sorry.” Then I got an idea. “What would you do if you had a friend who gets hurt by a parent but they don’t want anyone to know?” “Do I know this person?” “No.” But you will… I finished in my head. “Well, I’d do the best I can to help them and then when it’s not enough, well; I’d go to the police about it.” “What if you don’t have much evidence? Like what if you don’t have the evidence to prove it?” “It’d work out somehow.” He said sitting down at the kitchen table. “Now tell me about our new neighbors. Are they nice?” “The daughter is, but I haven’t met the parents yet. Oh and speaking of which, we invited the daughter to go to the movies with us today.” “Are her parents okay with it?” “Hm, well she didn’t really say, but I’ll ask her. Her name is Aurora Schtt by the way. He told us we could call her Rori.” He nods. “Question…” “Yes?” “Why are you up so early if you don’t have to work today?” He shrugged. “I’m used to it I guess. What about you?” “To talk to you before you go to work.” I said shrugging. He smiled. “Isn’t it about time those two upstairs have to get up?” “Yeah, I’ll...” “No, I’ll get them up.” He said standing up and ruffling my hair. He wants to make up all the times that he’s been gone. I sighed. I wish there was some way he could get a good paying job, so that he’ll be home more often. I started breakfast. I miss all the times when we were little. We always played at the park and messed with each other, and then when one of us was getting bullied, the rest of us would go and help them. I got bullied the most. SO Isaac, Adrian, and David always came to my rescue. I caught a tear that was rolling down my cheek and wiped it away. I calmed myself down and focused on making breakfast so I wouldn’t cry. I put breakfast on the table and sat down. I made sure I wasn’t going to cry before Isaac, Adrian, and David walked into the kitchen. Adrian and David were in a really good mood and were really energetic. This is only because Isaac is here. I smiled. I love it when they’re energetic in the morning, because there’s never a dull moment. “Smells good.” “Thanks.” I said as they all sat down. “So are we really going to see Paranormal Activity two?” Adrian asked grinning. Isaac chuckled. “Yes, we are going to see Paranormal Activity two.” “Yay!” Adrian and David cheered. I smiled. “Did you tell Rori what we’re watching?” “Oops, I forgot.” I said freaking out a bit. “It looks like you got carried away again.” Isaac said shaking his head. “I’m sorry!” “It’s okay, Emi. We’ll tell her at school.” David said smiling. “Ah!” I yelled. “What?” all three of them asked at the same time. “We missed the school bus again!” “I’ll drive you all to school.” Isaac said chuckling to himself. “Yay!” We all cheered at the same time. Isaac drove us to school. “I’ll pick you guys up after school.” “Okay!” We yelled as we got out of the car. People looked at us strangely but we didn’t care. We waved at Isaac until he was gone. “I miss him already.” I sad pouting. “Me too. “ David and Adrian said at the same time pouting too. The bell rang and we went to class. We had the same lunch hour, although I’m not sure which lunch Rori has today. I hope she has third lunch. And if she doesn’t then I hope Adrian or David tells her. I sat down in my seat next to one of my best school friends, Sarah. “Good morning Emi!” Sarah greeted me grinning. “Good morning Sarah!” I greeted back grinning too. Sarah has long, brown hair that reaches just past middle of her back. She has chocolate brown eyes and has fairly nice tan skin. She’s not much taller than me. We’ve been friends since kindergarten. We tell each other everything. She’s on the track team with me! I love her death. “Guess what?” “What?” “Isaac’s off today!” I said excitedly. “Really? That’s great! So are you going to skip out on practice?” She asked grinning. “You know it! I’m not going to miss out on my brother being home!” She chuckled. “You love him a lot, huh?” “Yeah.” I said smiling. The teacher started class and I ended up getting lost in my memories of when Isaac, Adrian, David, and I were little. “Miss Andrews, please answer the problem on the board.” The teacher said pulling me out of my thoughts. I glanced at the problem. “X=5.” He blinked in surprise. “That’s correct.” He said after awhile and then he continued his lecture. Some of the students laughed. I just went back to my memories. Memories are the most precious things that I own and if anyone took that away from me, I don’t know what would happen. Rori has third lunch today! I’m so happy! Now we to get to discuss after school. “Okay, Isaac is going to pick us up after school today. Oh and the movie that were watching is Paranormal Activity two.” Rori nodded. “It’s been a long time since I’ve gone to the movies.” “Really?” I’m so happy that I learned something new about Rori! We all sat there and talked the rest of lunch. Finally, the bell ran ending school and we all went out to go find Isaac. Rori looked really nervous, so I tried to tell her that she didn’t have to worry so much. But that didn’t seem to work. Isaac didn’t show up until ten minutes later. Those ten minutes felt like ten hours. Adrian and David would completely agree with me on this if I had said it out loud. Chapter 4 I am so glad the day is over. I had yet another day full of stares and introductions. Why is it that everyone stares at me? I mean, it would be a different story if I was amazingly gorgeous or freakishly ugly, but I look average. I couldn’t help but smile when I heard Adrian call me over in the commons. “We are headed to the movie so I figured I’d catch you here rather than going all the way back to the house.” He said looking down at the ground. When he finally looked up I made sure and smiled really big to let him know I was glad he caught me. He seems really sweet. When we got to the car, I met the only member of their family I hadn’t seen before. “I’m Isaac.” He said smiling. “I’m Rori.” I said shaking his hand. I saw his eyes almost involuntarily shift to my cheek. “That’s quite a bruise.” He said frowning. “It’s nothing.” I lied trying to think of an excuse. “I ran into a door handle.” I said looking at Adrian as I said it. Last thing I needed was someone with authority snooping around and forcing us again. Adrian seemed to understand, but Isaac didn’t look convinced. He looked me over with judging eyes taking inventory of scars from past beatings and bruises and scratches from recent ones. “I’m a bit of a klutz.” I whispered ashamed that a stranger cared more than my own mother. He surprised me by hugging me. “If you need anything, don’t think twice about asking me. I won’t tell but you have to be honest with me about what happened.” Yeah right, like I hadn’t heard that before. “I ran into a door knob and tripped on the stairs. That’s what happened.” Isaac sighed but dropped the subject thankfully. The drive to the theater was quiet. At the movies I sat between Adrian and Emi. I must have been really tired because I fell asleep. I got really embarrassed because I was leaning on Adrian, so I hurriedly moved when I woke up. He stifled a laugh since the movie was still on. I decided to get a pop to keep myself awake. The line at the concessions was super log, but I waited anyway. I ordered a cherry Pepsi. I was digging in my pickets when I remembered I didn’t have any money. “I got it.” Adrian said handing the cashier the money. “Thanks.” I said blushing. “I will pay you back I promise.” “Don’t worry about it. Isaac told us to pya for you so it’s all good.” HE bought himself some popcorn and we went back to the theatre. I’m not sure how it happened but we somehow ended up sharing the popcorn and soda. David looked at us weird and Emi almost busted up laughing. I don’t see why. After the movie we went to the arcade. Adrian and I played a dance game. “You know,” Adrian said after losing three times. “For a klutz you sure are light your feet.” Even though he was only joking, it was like a slap in the face. I figured he would have caught on that I had lied to his brother but apparently he didn’t understand as well as I thought. “I have to get home.” I told Emi and left. I ran about halfway there when I heard a car following me. “You need a ride?” Isaac asked looking concerned. “No thanks.” I said and kept walking. He drove right beside me all the way home. When I walked in, I saw mom out like a light with needle marks on her arms and syringes on the table. Drug of choice, heroine; lovely mom, best example yet. I ran up to my room and started to cry. When I couldn’t cry anymore, I looked out my window and saw Adrian staring at me. ‘I’m sorry’ he wrote on a piece of paper he held up to the window. I really wanted to be in a house where I wasn’t alone at least for a few hours. ‘Can I come over?’ I wrote back. I took his huge smile to mean yes. I grabbed shoes and rushed over. He was waiting outside for me. “Want to walk to the park?” He asked. “Sure.” I said. We walked and talked until we both got too tiered and then walked home. Emi was on the porch. “Isaac said she could stay the night.” She said sleepily. I went home and got clothes for the next day and went back to the Andrews’ house. Even thought I fear becoming close with anyone, I have to admit this family cares for me a lot. I fall asleep thinking of what it would be like to have a family like them. Chapter 5 The next morning, I got up earlier than usual. Why? Well I can’t sleep. I couldn’t get the bruise on Rori’s face out of my head. I sighed as I grabbed my stuff for school. I also have early practice this morning too. I went downstairs and began making breakfast after I made sure everyone was awake. “Well, I’m going to work and my next day off is Saturday.” Isaac said grabbing the keys. “Okay.” He gave me a hug and then he left. Rori stayed in our guest bedroom next to Adrian’s room. David walked into the kitchen. “Where are Adrian and Rori?” He shrugged and sat down at the table. I hugged him and then I put breakfast out on the table. Adrian and Rori walked in soon after. David looks like he’s feeling likes he’s been left out. I can sympathize with him, although he may feel worse about it. For once we all actually made it to the bus. Adrian sat with Rori, so I sat with David. “Are you okay?” “I miss Adrian.” And that’s all he said for the rest of the bus ride to school. I wanted to hug him and reassure him, but I don’t know what to say. So I felt helpless the whole time. David looked really tired too. “If you don’t fell well, come get me okay?” He nodded but I don’t think he heard me. I sighed. We got off the bus and I went to track practice. We were just running laps today. “So did you have fun yesterday?” Sarah asked as we stretched. “Yeah, and we invited Rori to come with us.” “Rori? You mean the new girl?” I rolled my eyes. “Do you know anyone else in this school that has the name Rori?” “Still, why did you ask her to go with you guys? She looks like stuck-up snob.” I glared at her. “She’s not a stuck-up snob! She’s just really shy!” “I’m sorry, but,” I just took off running without her. How could she think of Rori like that? Rori is really nice. Is that what people at this school are saying about her? If you ask me, they’re the ones who are stuck-up snobs. They don’t even know her! “Emi, I’m sorry!” Sarah said running up to me. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean those things.” I sighed. “It’s okay Sarah.” “You two, stop your yapping and run!” Coach Stevens yelled. “Yes ma’am!” Sarah and I yelled at the same time. “Andrews, get over here!” I stopped and ran over to Coach Stevens. “You’re wanted at the nurses’ office.” I wonder what it is. I rushed to the nurses’ office when thoughts of David and Adrian came to my mind. I walked into the nurses’ office and saw that David looked really pale. “He threw up in the middle of the lunch room. His friend brought him here.” One of David’s friends was sitting on a chair. “Thank you.” I said to David’s friend. He nodded, got up, and left. The nurse went off into the other room. “Are you going to be okay?” I asked David as I walked up to him. “Yeah, I’ll be okay.” “Do you want to go home?” “Yeah, I don’t feel so well.” “Are you okay to walk?” He shakes his head ‘no’. “Okay, stay right here and I’ll go get the car.” He nods and then I go to the office, explain what’s going on, and run home to get the car. I drove back to the school and got David. We brought a bucket just in case. At home, I got him to take a shower and then made him lay down on his bed. I checked for fever and it turns out, he’s got a fever. I went through the medicine cabinet and got some medicine for fever and upset stomach. I gave David the medicine. He fell asleep some time after that. That’s odd. I thought for sure Adrian would’ve brought David to the nurses’ office. That’s usually how it is. I wonder if Adrian was with Rori. I don’t like seeing David upset. I called the school and told them my situation. They understood and I told them to tell Sarah to gather all of my stuff and bring it by the house later. When I was done with all that, I plopped onto the couch, exhausted. Five minutes later, someone was banging on the door and was yelling. I opened the door hesitantly. There was a woman standing on the porch looking drunk out of her mind, high as a kite, and angry; not a good combination. “Where’s my whore of a daughter!?” “She’s at school.” I said assuming this was Rori’s mother, calmly. “You’re a liar! I saw her walk inside your house!” She yelled shaking her fist slightly. “Ms. Scott, could you please quiet down? My brother is sick and is sleeping.” Next thing I know, my cheek started to sting. “How dare you talk back to me with that tone of voice, you slut!?” I blinked in surprise. “I wasn’t,” I somehow ended up on the ground and all I could feel was pain. I blacked out eventually after my whole my body went numb. I don’t even know if I even yelled for help or not. HT e last thing I heard was Ms. Scott leaving. Chapter 6 It’s lunch time and Emi still isn’t back. I tried calling her cell and she didn’t answer. Adrian is worried to, so Isaac told us he would pick us up and go check on her. When we got there my mom was in our front yard. “Get over here, you little slut!” She yelled at me. I went to talk to her, but Isaac held me back. “You don’t answer to that.” He murmured to me. So there I was stuck in the middle of two yards and the only two lives I had ever known. I heard Adrian scream from inside and saw Emi lying unconscious on the floor. That was like the last straw for me. I stormed right up to my mom prepared for whatever she had waiting for me. “I’m tired of this mom! You can’t run around hitting everyone like you do me! If they press charges, you are going away for quite a while and you would never see me again.” I started to cry from all the built up anger and abuse over the years. I was too busy crying to see the first flying at me. Adrian however wasn’t. He grabbed her fist and threw back one of his own. “You don’t get to hurt her anymore!” He yelled throwing another punch. I ran in and grabbed the phone. Isaac took it and called the cops. Adrian stopped hitting my mom about five minutes before the cops showed up. They told me in order for her to go to jail I would have to press charges. I really hate court and said I didn’t want to. The officer had a paper for me to fill out that could make me legally allowed to move out and even helped me pack. Isaac said I could live with them, even letting me turn their basement into a dance studio. Isaac then took me to Dance Central, the studio in town that had all kinds of dance and got me signed up to do ballet lessons for two hours every Friday for little kids for fifteen dollars an hour. I figure if I get four kids a week, I can help with groceries, maybe even rent. Isaac tells me not to worry about it, but one thing my mom taught me was that Scott’s weren’t moochers. She might have broke that, but I won’t. I will not take kindness, and pay it back with irresponsibility, either. I will prove that I deserve the second chance I have been given by having good grades while holding down a part-time job. But right now, I am tired. I have had a long day and I am going to sleep. Or so I thought. Apparently, Mommy dearest isn’t done with her fit yet. She goes off on a chain of curses and tells me how pathetic I am and how I am a failure. She continues this until the neighbors called the cops on her. So now instead of getting a lucky break, she gets to spend the night in jail. She might be gone but this is far from over. She has me so frazzled Adrian had told me just so I could stop crying. Isaac said for tonight only I could sleep in Adrian’s room, while David slept on the couch. There’s a bunk bed so I slept on the top bunk. It just felt safer up there. I then fell into a nightmare filled sleep. Chapter 7 So I ended up being in the hospital. A lot of things have happened in the past few days. The doctors told me I have bruised ribs, a sprained wrist, and a lot of bruises all over my body, but nothing broken. David keeps apologizing and saying he could’ve stopped her, but it’s not his fault. He can’t help if he was sick and wasn’t feeling well. Isaac has taken the rest of the week off, so he’s been visiting me and doing the house chores. David has spent the most time visiting me in the hospital. Rori has come in a couple of times and apologized. I told her it was fine. “David if you’re tired, you can go home.” “I know but I feel bad about everything.” “Well, don’t. It can’t be helped. You were sick, what can you do? That’s in the past now, okay?” He sighed. “Okay.” He said smiling. I smiled back. “Good, now go get some sleep.” He nods and hugged me. I hugged him back and then he left. “So you finally got him to go home, I see.” Isaac said walking in. “Yeah, it wasn’t easy.” He smiled and sat down on the bed next to me. “Rori feels really bad about what’s happened.” I sighed. “I know, but I don’t want her to feel bad.” “Also, I’ve noticed some tension between David and Adrian.” “Yeah, Adrian has been spending some time with Rori and David misses him.” “Has he talked to you about it at all?” “No, I’m assuming he’s working it out with himself. I wish there was some way I could help him.” “I know, I do too.” Isaac and I sighed at the same time. “I wonder if Adrian has noticed.” I shrugged. “Who knows?” We sat there in silence for a moment. “Do you know when I can get out of here?” “The doctor said tomorrow.” “Joy, another night without sleep and bad food.” He laughed. “Don’t worry, it’s just one night.” He said grinning. I rolled my eyes. “Why don’t you stay the night and tell me it’s just one night?” “No thanks.” I stuck my tongue out at him. He chuckled. “I’ll be here at nine tomorrow morning with your clothes.” “Okay.” I said as we hugged. He let me go and left. I suffered through the night with the awful food and no sleep. So the next day, I was really tired, but I was excited about leaving the hospital. Isaac came with a bag of clothes and I went into the hospital bathroom. This is the first time I’ve seen myself since I’ve been here. I’ll be honest, I look really messed up. I was bruised from head to toe. No wonder Rori and David were apologizing so much. I put my clothes on and then Isaac took me home. At home, I was greeted with hugs form David and Adrian both. They looked like they’ve been crying. I hugged them both back wondering why. Rori was sitting on the couch looking guilty. I rolled my eyes. Adrian, David, and I let go of each other. “Welcome home, sis.” They both said at the same time grinning. I smiled. “Thanks.” “I’m really, really sorry.” Rori said sadly. “Rori, it’s okay.” I said for the millionth time. “David, Adrian, why do you two look like you’ve been crying?” “We had a small fight, but we’re okay now.” David said smiling. Adrian nodded in agreement. “That’s good.” That night Isaac cooked dinner and he wouldn’t let me lift one finger. David, Adrian, and Rori wouldn’t let me do anything either. I’m not crippled people! Gr. Adrian told me quietly how he heard Isaac and me talking last night and decided to confront David and work it out. That made me happy and really proud when he told me that. Later on, we all went to bed after everyone, but me that is, cleaned up. Chapter 8 I woke up feeling more relaxed than I’d felt since step dad number three left two years ago. He was the only one who tried to protect me. His last act before he left was having the sheriff keep an eye on me. That worked until we moved four months later. I went downstairs to eat and found everyone else already eating. “Morning.” David and Adrian said. Emi smiled at me. “What do you want to drink?” She asked setting a plate of eggs and bacon in front of me. “Do you have any juice?” I asked shyly. I hate mooching off others. “Grape or apple?” I asked for apple juice and ate. Emi went to drive us to school, but Adrian wanted me to walk with him. “You and I are bowling tonight.” He told me once the others had left. That got me to laugh. “What?” He asked nervously. “Bowling isn’t really my thing, dancing is about the only sport I’m good at.” “Well then I’ll have to teach you.” He said smiling. As much as I tried to deny it, I was actually looking forward to it. I had never been on an actual date withought having to pay for it in the long run. “I’m broke.” I told him frowning. “That’s why I’m paying.” He said laughing. “Just say you’ll come and I’ll handle the rest.” I thought about it for all of five seconds. “Of course I’ll come.” I said smiling. He relaxed a lot after that and we teased and joked the rest of the way to school. I had a lot of trouble paying attention in class. It seemed everywhere I went, I thought about tonight. The biggest problem was I had nothing to wear. That was the problem with never dating. You never have anything to wear on the rare occasion you do go out. Emi noticed me worrying and asked what was wrong. I told her and she said we could cut last block and go shopping. I was going to end up owing this family my entire first pay check, but it was worth it. At lunch, Emi told the boys they were gonna have to walk home. “Why?” David asked clearly upset. “Because me and Rori are gonna go shopping so you and Adrian are walking home.” Emi said annoyed at her brother. “Do I get the car tonight?” Adrian asked. “No,” Emi said sarcastically. “I’m making you walk you date all over town.” That made David choke on his milk. “What!? Since when did Adrian have a girlfriend?!” He seemed mad for some reason which made me mad. “Is that a problem?” He shook his head no and went back to eating. Emi and I signed out after lunch and drove to the mall. I found a cute pair of jean Capri’s and a really pretty top. Emi wouldn’t let me look at price tags, but seeing as we were shopping at the mall, it wouldn’t be cheap. Then I went home and took a nap. Tonight would surely be fun. Chapter 9 Rori and I had a lot of fun at the mall. I felt bad for David though. He really missed Adrian and when he found out that Adrian and Rori are going out, he was upset about it. When Rori and Adrian left, David was in a very sour mood. I tried everything in my power to cheer him up. He sighed for the millionth time this night. “Okay, let’s go watch a movie.” I said tired of his sighing. “Just you and me?” He asked wide-eyed. “Yeah, why not?” I asked shrugging. He nodded after awhile. “Okay.” I smiled. “Then get your things and lets go.” He got up and grabbed his stuff. “How are we going to get there if we don’t have a car?” “We’re going to walk to the movies of course.” He rolled his eyes. I chuckled. We got our stuff and walked to the movies. I’m going to try and get to know David as much as possible. I don’t even know his favorite kind of candy! That’s just really sad, I know. “So what’s your favorite kind of candy?” Might as well… “You don’t know what kind of candy I like?” “Sad, isn’t it?” He looked down at the ground sadly. “Sorry.” “Why are you apologizing?” “Because, well you know…” “It’s not your fault and it’s not Adrian’s fault either. You’re just used to going to each other for help.” I said shrugging. He sighed. “Not anymore.” He muttered. I was trying to avoid this and it ended up being brought up anyways. “Do you want to talk about it?” I asked as we walked through the park. There were lamps on, so it wasn’t dark. He sighed. “Can we sit down?” I nodded and we sat on one of the many park benches. “I just, I just feel like I’m being left out.” “That’s normal for someone when their brother or sister, that their close to, allows someone else into their life.” “I don’t like it.” He said as some tears escaped from his eyes. I hugged him. “I know.” That’s all I could say. I can’t imagine how he feels or what he’s going through. He hugged me back and I let him cry. I comforted him as much as I could. I got him to calm down. “Can we go watch the movie now?” I chuckled. “Yes, we can go watch the movie now.” We got up and stretched. “Emi?” “Yes?” “Thanks.” David said smiling. I smiled back. “You’re welcome. So what do you want to watch?” “Whatever’s playing.” He said shrugging. I chuckled. Then we walked to the movie theater. It was a little crowded, but we got in okay. I’m glad that David talked to me. I feel like I’ve gotten closer to him. Oh and I did find out what his favorite kind of candy is: Reese’s cups. Now, I have to figure out Adrian’s. David and I had a great time together. We decided on a scary movie. There was this one guy who sat in front of us and he’s on the football team and he screamed like a little girl. You would think he screamed at the part with the chainsaw dude, but he didn’t. He screamed at the part where the main characters ran into a dead end and a cat jumped out. David and I laughed our heads off about it after the movie. We walked home and Adrian and Rori were still gone, so we had dinner and that’s when Adrian and Rori came home. Chapter 10 I found myself trying to sneak back into the house, like I used to any time I worked later than four or hung out with anyone on the rare occasions I had friends. The only one I really miss is Rachelle. I was so lost in thoughts of Rachelle that I tripped on the steps to the house. Adrian caught me and laughed. “You weren’t kidding when you said you were a klutz. I’m just curious how you manage to dance with this bad of balance issues.” IT would have hurt my feelings if I hadn’t heard the joke in his voice. “Sorry.” I mumbled. “Just thinking.” “What about?” He asked taking my hand. “An old friend. She’s been the one girl who I’ve always talked to and I haven’t got the chance to talk to her since I moved here.” “You can call her when we get in then.” He said smiling. I smiled back. Adrian is so sweet. I have no idea how I got so lucky but that gives me an idea. I knew how I was gonna make David accept me and Adrian. I ran in and immediately called Rachelle. She answered immediately. “Rori?” I could tell she had been waiting anxiously for me to call. I’d promised to call as soon as I got here, so I was about a week late. “Hey Rachelle. Sorry I haven’t checked in. Mom caused trouble, so I’m staying with some really nice people.” “That’s great, Rori! But how will I stay over this summer if you aren’t with your mom? Much as I hate her, she was oblivious. I always stay with you. It’s a tradition!” “Relax! I’ll talk to Isaac. He is uber amazing and I’m almost positive he’ll let you stay here. If not, I’ll save my money and put you up in a motel. A nice one at that. I’m teaching ballet for fifteen dollars an hour per kid. I start tonight, so I have to go. I’ll call you back tomorrow.” Then I went and got dressed for ballet. I hadn’t practiced since Monday, so I did some warm-ups and basic moves just to limber up. I was in the middle of a pirouette when I saw Adrian in the doorway. I stopped and he clapped. I blushed, got my purse, and he took me to work. They gave me a class of ten girls. That’s three hundred a week! I decided to work on toes today. You can’t start ballet until you can get the toes down. The girls were working on that when I saw a little girl standing outside. She looked a lot like me when I was little. My old ballet instructor taught me for free because I hadn’t had the money for ballet at that age. She had passed away before I got to pay her back, so maybe this was my chance. “Take five girls, I’ll be right back.” I said as I went to talk to the little girl. The closer I got the more I saw neglect written all over her. “Hey sweetie.” I said. She squeaked and started to back away. I found some skittles in my purse. “Here.” I said. She looked at them longingly and I walked a little closer and gave them to her. “I’m Rori, what’s your name?” “Lily.” She whispered eating her candy. “Where’s your mommy?” I asked. “I don’t know.” She muttered crying. “My daddy takes care of me but he lost his job. Now I can’t take ballet even though he promised. He told me to stay away from here but I can’t! I really like ballet.” “Can you come in and watch while I teach. Or better yet, I can find you an outfit and you can start practicing.” We found some warm-up clothes, but no tutus. She quickly caught on to the walking on her toes and I couldn’t even tell it hurt her until she took off the ballet shoes and I saw her toes bleeding. The shoes had been my first pair. I took them with me for good luck. After practice I saw her dad look upset. “I’m sorry ma’am, I don’t have any money. I will pay you as soon as possible.” He said. “Don’t worry about it. Just let me teach Lily every Friday, for free.” “What if I have to work, Lily?” He asked his daughter. “I can watch her. Please sir, just let me teach her. I’ll even buy her ballet outfits and equipment.” “Okay, I applied at a bunch of jobs today. As soon as I get money, I’ll start paying you, though.” And so we went to the mall with my first paycheck and bought Lily her own shoes, tutus, and some work-out clothes. “Okay, she’s all set.” I said, smiling. Lily and her dad went hoe and I wetn to the park and met Adrian. Then we went home and slept. Chapter 11 FF>> Monday David was in a good mood on Monday morning and didn’t brood on what Adrian and Rori did Friday night. Adrian got suspicious, buts didn’t say anything. I chuckled. Isaac was acting weird this morning. I asked him why, but all he told me was that he met someone who owned some company that had something to do with books and swimming. He said that she, yes she, offered him a job and he told her that he’d think about it. He said it was a good paying job and that if he worked there, then he’d bring in twice the money he does now, even with the two jobs put together. I told him he should take the job, but you know, I never asked him for the girl’s name. It makes me wonder sometimes. “Uh Emi?” Rori asked. “Yes?” “I have a friend, Rachelle, and she always comes and stays the summer with me. So I was wondering if it was okay.” I smiled. “That’s fine with me. I’ll talk to Isaac tomorrow morning.” She nodded smiling back. “Thank you!” “No problem.” I drove us all to school and Rori told us about her Rachelle. She sounded really happy when she talked about Rachelle, the happiest I seen her since she moved here. David was even interested in her. Interesting… Adrian seemed to think so too. Isaac’s P.O.V (The day he met Eva) I’m at the bookstore shelving books. I constantly think about Emi and the others. Thinking of them keeps me motivated. “Um, excuse me.” “Yes?” I said looking up from what I was doing. I stopped dead in my tracks. What I saw was probably the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. In front of me stood a girl, about 5’5 with baby blue eyes, and red hair. “I’m looking for a book catalog, so I can order books and I’ve looked everywhere for one, but I can’t seem to find one.” She had one of those voices that’s music to your ears. I finally found my voice and said, “Well, you’re at the right place.” I said smiling. If Emi, Adrian, and David were here, they’d be laughing their butts off. I almost rolled my eyes; almost. “My name is Isaac by the way.” I said as I went behind the countertop. “Eva.” She said blushing a little. I bent down and looked through the drawers in the countertop. “So what do you do for a living?” “I run a big company that sells books.” “What’s it called?” “S and B Smith Shop.” “What do S and B stand for?” “Swimming and Books.” “That’s interesting.” I said with a weird look on my face. She laughed. “Unfortunately, we’re running low on employees.” “How much is the pay?” I asked interested. “Seven twenty-five an hour.” Wow that’s a really good deal. I’d definitely bring in more money than I’ve been bringing in. “What’s the scheduling like?” “Day shifts start five-thirty a.m. and end at four-thirty and night shifts start at four-thirty p.m. and end at five-thirty a.m.” That works for me. “Why? Are you considering on employing there?” She asked smiling. I chuckled. “Yes, I’m working two jobs to support my siblings and I don’t get to see them very often. So I’ve been looking for a better paying job.” “That’s understandable, but where’s your parents?” “They died in a plane crash.” I said sadly. “Oh my God, I’m sorry I shouldn’t have asked.” She said freaking out. I chuckled. “It’s fine, really.” She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “So what are your siblings’ names?” “The oldest of them is Emi, then the other two, who are twins, are Adrian and David. We also have another person who stays there, Rori. She’s our neighbor’s daughter.” “Why is staying at your house.” “All I’m gonna say is that her parents aren’t the greatest.” She nodded. “So, what about your parents?” “They died when I was fifteen.” “Sorry.” I said feeling bad. “Don’t be. It’s only fair, because I asked about yours first.” I chuckled. “So we’re even now.” She smiled. “That’s right.” I got her the book catalog and she left me her phone number and directions to her company. That day had to be the best day ever. Emi’s P.O.V I had to stay for practice at school. I’m just glad David is in a better mood. I’ll have to tell Isaac about Rachelle tomorrow morning. I hope he takes that job. I miss him so much. I know I’m not the only one, but it’s hard when it’s just me and David and Adrian. We have to clean the house and make sure there’s food in the house every week. I know it’s hard for Isaac too. He spends most of the money on the house and food and the rest goes to gas and stuff for David, Adrian, and I. He doesn’t have much for himself. That’s why I try to make money, so that he can have some for himself. I went home after practice, had dinner, and then we all went to bed. I was exhausted from practice. Chapter 12 I overslept this morning and no one bothered to wake me up. It was 9:30 when I woke up, so I rushed around, hoping not to miss all of second block. “Rori, can I talk to you?” Isaac asked as I ran downstairs. “Sure” I said, trying to figure out what I’d done wrong. “Emi talked to me and I am fine with your friend coming for the summer. However, I’d like to talk to her parents first, just to ensure they know that I am taking care of you and would be responsible if anything happened. Also, she would have to know the rules of the house, which weren’t really a problem for you, but if she smokes or drinks or something like that-” “She doesn’t” I cut in, and then felt bad since he was being so polite to me. “Sorry” I mumbled. “As I was saying, that’s not allowed here. If she agrees to that and helps a little around here, I won’t mind having her at all.” He said with a smile. “Now let’s get you to school” I walk in right as third block is starting. Why couldn’t I have missed math instead of art? It’s hard to focus in math when I want to call Rachelle and tell her she can come. A note appears on my desk. I open it. Hey Sleepy head, Did you have a good rest? Maybe we can hang out after school. Go to the movies. Adrian I smiled and the bell rang to go to lunch. “Sounds great, Adrian, but I have to work. Maybe we can go after dance, though.” “Okay, that works. Emi has practice, so David will probably tag along.” Lunch was filled with plans for what to watch. It was decided we all needed a pick me up, so we wanted to see The Hangover Part 2. “If you guys wait, I can go with you and we can go to dinner, too.” Emi said. “Sounds great” I said with a smile. Then it was back to math. I found myself doodling instead of doing the work. I was surprised when the bell rang. “Did you get any of that?” I asked Adrian as I headed to the choir room. “Yeah, I’ll let you borrow it later.” Choir has got to be my favorite class ever. We get more free days there than anything else. “Would you like for me to play for you?” Austin asks. He is one of the few people I am friends with outside of Emi and her family. “Sure” I said. Everyone was watching a movie except us, so I danced while he played, just like normal. Adrian works in the office this block, so I shouldn’t be surprised when he shows up. He looks kind of hurt when he walks in. “What’s wrong?” I asked. “Why is he allowed to watch you dance, but when I watch, you stop?” “Adrian, what he thinks of me doesn’t matter. What you think does. If I mess up, which happens a lot, I don’t want you to see me fall. You have seen so much of the wrong in my life; I only want you to see the right.” He wrapped me in a hug. “Rori, it doesn’t matter how many times you fall, I will help you up because that what I’m here for.” Austin had gone to watch the movie at some point and Adrian had to continue delivering notes, so I decided to dance without the music. It is the best stress reliever I have ever found and it feels so good to just dance. Before I knew it, the bell was ringing and everyone was staring at me. “You’re really good” one girl told me. I had no clue who she was, but she sounded shocked that the new kid has a talent. “Thanks” I said, hurrying out of the room. I hate people watching me! I am very self conscious. I checked in with my seminar teacher and then left, leaving a note in Adrian’s locker. I got to the dance studio and Lily was already there. She looked adorable in her ballet outfit and I started working immediately with her. When the other girls started showing up, I lead them through warm-ups while Lily worked on what I had taught her. Today we started working on twirls on toes. You’d be surprised how hard it is at first to just walk on toes. When the time was done, I found a note on my desk. I need you to watch Lily until 5. I have work. I took her to the park where Adrian and David were waiting. “Hey. Who is this?” David asked. “I’m Lily.” She said, hiding behind me. “Well, I’m David.” He said with a smile. “And that is Adrian” I said, pointing at Adrian. Lily’s feet hurt her after practice, so I picked her up and walked to the movies. “Your daughter is so cute!” one lady told me. “Thanks, but she’s not mine” The lady had walked away before I even finished talking. Great! Just what I needed. “In her defense, she does look a lot like you” David said, cracking up laughing. “It’s not funny! That lady was not nice!” Lily yelled at David, which made him laugh even harder. By the time we got to the theatre, it was 4 and Emi was waiting for us. Lily gave me her dad’s number and I texted him that we were at the movie theatre and he texted he would wait for us when he got there. We decided to try and find a more kid friendly movie. We decided on Kungfu Panda 2. It was a cute movie and it made us laugh a lot. Afterwards, Lily’s dad took her and we went to dinner. Then, we went back and watched Hangover Part 2. It was hilarious and by the time we got home, Isaac was off work and I called Rachelle. She was really excited to hear from me and her mom talked to Isaac immediately and was okay with her staying here. I knew that something was up this morning when everyone was acting weird. I found out it was because they had turned their basement into a bedroom for me. It was so pretty and was perfect for me. One half of the basement was set up like a dance studio, complete with a wall covered in mirrors and a pirouette bar. The second half of the room had a bed, dressers, and a full size bookshelf completely empty and waiting for me to fill it. I had my stuffed animal that I have from stepdad number 3 and it was in a place of honor on my pillow. I was so tired I fell into my bed and went to sleep. Chapter 13 I’m glad that Rori likes her room. David has been in a very good mood lately and seems to have gotten over the fact that Adrian is going out with Rori. I think it started when Rori started talking about Rachelle. He’s really interested in Rachelle. Rachelle is coming this summer, which is like only a couple of months away. Wow this school year has gone by fast. Right now, the school is making us do a series of tests and it’s really nerve wracking; like I’ll finish a test, but then I can’t relax because I have another one coming up. It’s driving me nuts. David has been coming to me for help and this time I don’t think it’s because he feels bad about going to Adrian for help. No, I think it’s because Adrian is helping Rori out, so I’m helping David out. I’m happy about helping him though. Studying for the tests became harder for me because track practice has become scarce because we have a meet this Saturday. So I’m at school practicing for the meet more than I’m studying, not that it will count against me, but it might count against David, because I usually help him. So I have to call and make sure Adrian is helping him and not just Rori. I also know that they have friends over while I’m gone, but I trust that they study. Right when I got home from practice, I went straight into the kitchen, chugged a whole glass of water, and got started on my studying. David walked looking annoyed. “Adrian isn’t helping you, is he?” “No, he keeps staring off into space when Rori isn’t around and when she is, he only helps her and pretty much ignores me.” I sighed. “I thought you guys worked it out.” “I guess not.” He said sitting down next to me. “I’ll help you.” He nodded. “Thanks.” I hugged him. “You’re welcome.” I let him go and we got to studying. Adrian walked in later, looking guilty. “David, I’m sorry for ignoring you.” He said looking down at the ground. David sighed. “It’s okay I guess.” He said shrugging. Adrian smiled. “Do you still want my help?” “Nah, Emi’s got it.” He said grinning. Adrian rolled his eyes. “Maybe tomorrow.” Adrian grinned. “Okay.” Then he left. Now I know David said that because he felt bad. I shook my head. Those two, what am I going to do with them? My cell phone rang and I answered it. “Yes?” “I got the job!” Isaac said excitedly. I grinned. “That’s great! When do you start?” “As soon as I send my two week notices and quit my other jobs.” “David and Adrian are going to be happy when I tell them.” “You guys will be seeing me after school all the time starting Friday. Oh, I’ve got to go.” “Okay, see you tomorrow morning.” “Bye.” Then we hung up. “What is it?” David asked. “We’ve got to find Adrian and I will tell you.” He nodded and we went looking for Adrian. When we found him, he was in his room and looked like he was going to kiss Rori. David and I cracked up laughing when they looked at us, blushing. When we calmed down, Adrian asked, “What do you want?” They were still blushing. I grinned. “Isaac called and said he got the new job and that we’d be seeing him after school all everyday starting Friday.” “Awesome!” David and Adrian said grinning. Rori smiled. “I’m happy for you guys.” Rori said smiling. “Oh, I’ve got to go to work.” Adrian nodded and I let him drive her to work. David was still grinning as we went back down the stairs and went back to studying. “Emi, I’m bored.” He said pouting. I chuckled. “What do you want to do then?” It’s been an hour and Adrian came back ten minutes ago. “Let’s go to a carnival or something.” “I think there’s one in town today.” Adrian said grinning. “Then let’s go.” I said smiling. We all got up and I drove us to the carnival. We played some of the games at the little booths and then we went on the Ferris wheel. Thirty or so minutes later, David and Adrian were getting upset stomachs, so we went home and I gave them some medicine for their stomachs and made them go lay down. Rori called and asked for a ride home, so I went and picked her up. “Where are Adrian and David?” She asked as she got into the car. “They got stomach aches and I made them go lay down. We went to a carnival earlier and I think they ate a little too much cotton candy.” I said shaking my head as I drove us home. She nodded. “Well, I hope they’ll be okay.” “I’m sure they will. They’re big boys you know.” I said grinning. She laughed. When I pulled into the driveway, I noticed that the door was halfway open. I frowned. “I know I didn’t leave the door open.” Rori and I got out of the car and ran inside. We looked around and noticed that things were knocked over. I went straight to David and Adrian’s room. I’m more concerned about them than any expensive thing in this house. When I got in there, they were sitting on the floor playing cards. I sighed in relief. “Thank God you’re okay.” “Why?” They asked. “Don’t tell me you didn’t hear anyone come inside and knock stuff over.” I said in disbelief. They looked at me shocked. “Wow, you guys are deaf or something.” I said shaking my head. “Emi!” Rori yelled. I ran to where I heard her and she was in the kitchen. “What’s wrong?” She pointed to the wall. On the wall was a message in paint. It read, I spared those brats and just messed up the house, but next time I won’t be so merciful. I want my slut of a daughter back and I will do anything to get her back. If you call the police, I’ll do worse than what did to that whore who wouldn’t tell me where my daughter was. “Oh God.” I said shaking a little. David and Adrian ran in and saw the message. David saw me shaking and hugged me. I hugged him back and started crying. “I’m sorry, this is all my fault.” Rori said sadly. “Don’t say that.” Adrian said comfortingly. I can imagine him hugging her. “What are we going to do?” David asked trying to calm me down. Adrian sighed. “I don’t know, David. I don’t know.” “Let’s call Isaac, he’ll know what to do.” “No, please don’t. What if he calls the police? Then what will happen? My mother is unpredictable and she’s not kidding when she says she’ll do anything to get me back.” Rori said stressed out. “He won’t tell anyone, I’ll make sure of it.” Adrian said. I calmed down and stopped crying. David let me go and I wiped my tears on my shirt. Adrian was hugging Rori. I got out my cell phone and dialed Isaac’s number. “Hello? Isaac?” “Emi, what’s wrong?” I sniffled. “Can you please come home?” “I’m on my way.” Then he hung up. I put my phone back in my pocket and sighed. “We better start cleaning up.” They nodded. We left the message on the wall, but cleaned everything else up. When that was done, we went into the living room and sat on the couch and waited for Isaac to come home. Chapter 14 I am so glad that I have a safe place to stay, but I can’t help but wonder what my mother has planned. I tell Adrian I am skipping school to go talk to the cops. Instead, I track my mother down. She had at least cleaned up enough to recognize me and looked to be happy to see me. At least until we left the restaurant. “That was quite a stunt you pulled, Aurora. I didn’t like it one bit. I forbid you to see that family ever again. We are moving to California and this time maybe you won’t ruin my life!” All the years of putting up with her abuse came rushing back to me. Now that I saw Adrian’s family, I knew that being a single parent wasn’t a good enough reason for it. Isaac was a good father, and he was their brother. Something in me had finally snapped. “No” I told my mother, and it felt so good I decided to keep going. “I am NOT going to California with you. I AM going to see Adrian tonight and I WILL go teach tomorrow. My life has changed, but you haven’t.” she was in such shock, she froze. I started to walk away and she grabbed my wrist. I turned on her and she must have seen just how mad I was, because she let me go. I ran home and found Isaac in the kitchen with a woman. She was really pretty and I could tell I wasn’t supposed to be there. “Rori!” he said, shocked and turning red. “I’m sorry. I was just getting my stuff so I could go to school. I won’t tell the others, I promise.” He looked at my wrist and saw bruises where my mom had grabbed me. “Come here” he whispered. He looked at it and I started to cry. No one had ever cared what happened to me before. It was obvious I was interrupting a date and he still worried more about me than impressing the girl at the counter. She didn’t seem to mind, either. Once his examination was over I grabbed my bag and ran to school. I made it just in time for math. I found myself honestly focusing for once and even understand what we were doing. At lunch, Adrian kept looking back and forth between my wrist and face, trying to figure out what had happened. “I’ll tell you later” I muttered at him. After math, I ran to the choir room. Now, I don’t know how everyone else thinks, but to me, the art wing is the one part of the school I can completely relax. No one ever questions why you love music or dance or drawing or painting in the art wing. We are the kids that no one else fully understands and that is fine with us. When I got in the room, I decided to lie down on the bleachers. “Hello?” I heard a shy voice say. I looked towards the door and I saw a new girl standing there. “Is this choir?” “Yeah, but I don’t know where the teacher is. She is either in her office, the closet, or the other room.” Turned out she was in the closet, doing inventory. Once she checked in, she looked lost. “There is a movie in there, or you can listen to music, read, and do whatever it is you want to do. We are killing time until end of semester.” “What are you doing?” she asked, looking at the bleachers. “Thinking” I said, laying down again. “If you want to talk we can do that. I just don’t get along with many people.” I told her. “Why not? You seem so nice. I’m Elizabeth, by the way. But I prefer Lizzy.” “It’s kind of a long story. I am really shy and know there are better things in life than parties and the mall. I am Rori.” Lizzy and I spent the rest of the class talking. When she went to leave, I saw scars on her wrists and ankles. “What happened?” I asked her. “I could ask you the same thing about your face and wrist. I will talk when you do.” And with that, she left. I guess that everyone had rough patches in life, but I couldn’t think of much that would make someone want to hurt themselves. Things would have to be rough to do that. I met up with Adrian, David, and Emi, still thinking about Lizzy. I did some research at home and learned why Lizzy had shown up so late in the school year. She was a runaway who had just gotten out of rehab for self-mutilation. She had grown up here, but no one recognized the once sunny little girl. She had moved in with her grandmother to avoid her mom. It was in the local newspaper, so it couldn’t be too big of a secret. However, no one knew why she had started in the first place. I decided I would help her, if only be listening and being her friend. It was time to return the favor I was given. I went to bed thinking of ways to help her. Chapter 15 It’s the last day of school and surprisingly Rori’s mom hasn’t done anything. I wonder what happened. Oh well, as long as she isn’t going to do anything to us. Since it’s the last day of school, there’s really nothing to do and it’s a half day so this is going to be one boring day; just like this last week. All we’ve done this week is watch stupid movies that not everyone liked, mostly me, because they usually pick comedies and I don’t like them very much. I’m just not that interested in them. So I ended up falling asleep most of the time. Also there will be practices throughout this summer, so I’m never going to get a break am I? Oh well. I could always get a summer job for an excuse to miss them? Yeah, that’s what I’ll do. I smiled at the thought. I’ll start looking for some as soon as I get out of school. Ugh! I just want this day to end already. The only reason why I came is because if I didn’t they’d give me a referral and I’d have to serve ISS starting the first day of school next year and nobody wants to spend their first day of school in ISS. The reason for this is because I missed so many days of school and if I miss another well I’m not going to repeat myself. Isaac brought Eva home a few times and we met her and she seems really nice. Isaac is crazy head over heels for her and when she leaves, we laugh at him. I’m glad that he’s found someone he likes though. He deserves to be happy and do something for himself after all the things he’s done for us. And Rori’s friend Rachelle came yesterday and Rori has been busy helping her get settled into her room for the summer. I noticed that David was staring at her the whole time but looked like he was trying not to. I chuckled quietly at the thought since we’re watching a movie. He’s been a lot happier since she got her. He’s always staring off into space and when I ask what he’s thinking about, his face heats up and he stutters. I can’t help it but laugh. He’s totally in love with her. Adrian laughed at him every time and David would tell him to shut up and then Rori and Rachelle would walk in and ask what’s going on and David would just go in the other room making Adrian laugh again. I’m glad that they’re both happy. They’re happier than they’ve ever been before we met Rori. That’s all I’ve ever wanted, that those two be truly happy. They haven’t been this happy since Mom and Dad were around. I’m happy just knowing that their happy. Ugh! I wish they’d let us watch horror movies instead of this stupid comedy crap! That’s another thing, they always show the same movies; they meaning the teachers. It’s like they get together and all decide on what movie they’re going to show the kids to bore them to death. The actors in this movie aren’t even good. I went to the teacher and asked to use the bathroom and left. Once I was out in the hall, I sighed in relief. Just across the hall, Adrian, David, and Rori were doing the same thing. We looked up at each other and laughed. “You guys want to go do something fun?” I asked smirking. They looked at me curiously but nodded. “Just what do you have in mind, my very mischievous sister?” Adrian asked grinning. “I thought you’d never ask.” I said grinning as I led them to the gym. There wasn’t anyone in here and I went to the supply closet. I opened and said, “Grab all the basketballs you can and follow me.” David and Adrian both grinned and did what I said, but Rori hesitated. “If we get caught, I’ll take all the blame.” She nodded and grabbed some basketballs. I led them to the top of the second floor stairs and started throwing them down the stairs. I told them to go to the other set of stairs and do the same. They nodded and left. Rori stayed with me. I got bored quickly until a teacher yelled at us. I grinned, grabbed Rori’s hand, and ran. We ran towards the other stairs while the teacher chased after us. We ran into David and Adrian and they followed us out to the school parking lot. School would be out in like thirty seconds. Then right on cue, the bell rang. “That was the best twenty minutes of my life.” Rori said sarcastically and rolling her eyes. I laughed. “Well, it was better than sitting in class and watching a stupid movie, right?” She nodded grinning. “You’re right about that.” “Let’s go home before the teacher catches us.” David said. We nodded and we walked home. Chapter 16 Having Rachelle around has really helped me a lot. It lets me know that my old life doesn’t have to be completely ignored. She is sweet and funny and, surprisingly, in love with David. I could tell the minute she walked in the door and she hasn’t stopped talking about him yet. I don’t mind because I can talk about Adrian with her and she’ll listen without complaining. She’s always been my best friend and it’s easy for me to see why. Even with distance between us, we have more in common with each other than anyone else we’ve ever met. But even with my best friend here, I can’t get Lizzie out of my head. We’ve been talking all week and are online friends now too but no matter how much I talk about my mom, she won’t talk about her scars. I know this might just take time, but time is something I don’t like. I always feel like I don’t have enough of it, like it’s ticking away, second by second, and I can’t fix her. “What’s wrong?” Rachelle asked me for about the millionth time. She knows something is bugging me but I can’t tell her about it. I keep telling myself I can’t tell her but something inside me says I should tell someone. Adrian telling had saved my life, but something tells me this is different. She needs support, not police intervention. “It’s nothing” I tell Rachelle. I focus on keeping a smile on my face until it was time for me to go to work. Rachelle doesn’t much care for the dance studio so she usually hangs out with David while I work. It’s really pretty outside for the middle of summer. There is a nice breeze and I decide to walk to the studio. When I get there, I see Lily already in the studio practicing her dance. She was learning so quickly. I clapped when she finished and she ran up to me and gave me the world’s biggest hug. “My daddy told me to give you this” she said, holding out an envelope. Inside was every penny of the money for Lily’s dance classes so far, plus this week’s, and a note. It was written on pink paper, letting her know that Lily had wrote if with her dad. Rori, Thank you so much for teaching me. I have had a lot of fun and would like to continue in your class. Daddy says I can as long as we can pay, and if we can’t, to talk to you. Your friend, Lily I was so surprised by this little girl’s potential and didn’t even think of how I could have made her day every Friday by teaching her to dance. I still had a while before ht rest of the class would show up, so I decided to call Lizzie. The phone rang for so long I almost hung up. Then I heard a groggy “Hello?” It was a male voice and I could hear someone snoring in the background. “Is Lizzie awake? If not, it’s fine.” “Just a sec” he said in a bored voice. I heard him crawl back into bed and wake her up. Great. I told him not to and he did it anyways. “Hello?” even just woke up she sounded happier than I heard her all school year. “Hey” I said, now nervous. What if she thought I was checking up on her? “I hadn’t heard from you in a while and wanted to know if you could hang out tonight.” “I’d love to, Rori, but Adam and I have plans. We can double date if you want.” “Sounds like a plan” I said, happy to at least get to meet up with my friend. We said our goodbyes and hung up. I texted Adrian we were going on a double date and decided to work with Lily until the other kids show up. We are working on a fairy tale mash up ballet and we are almost ready, so I send home the recital flyers with the girls. Then I rushed home and got ready for the date. We decided to go bowling, so nothing too dressy. Rachelle and David were going to the movies and Emi was moping in her room about something, so we were all set for the night. When we get to the bowling alley, I am kind of surprised by Adam. He looks exactly like every guy your parents warn you to avoid, right down to the lip piercing and tattoos. He also was holding Lizzie’s arm a little too tight and she looked on the verge of tears. As I walked closer, I caught fragments of what he was saying. “I said I wanted alone time and you drag me to a bowling alley! What is wrong with you?!” I didn’t like the situation at all so I figured I’d interrupt. “Hi” I said, smiling brightly. “I’m Rori and this is Adrian” Adrian played along well, even distracting Adam long enough for me to talk to Lizzie. “What’s up?” I asked her. “Not much.” She said, avoiding eye contact. “I saw what he did” I mumbled to her and she looked scared. “I don’t know what to do.” she whispered, starting to cry. “He used to be so nice and now that I moved in with him, he’s become aggressive and abusive. Gran kicked me out for dating him so I have nowhere else to stay.” I call Isaac and he says she can stay the night and talk to her Grandmother in the morning. We finish our game and start to leave with Lizzie following us. “Where are you going?” Adam asked her. “She wanted to stay the night with me” I told him, grabbing her hand protectively. “No. we need to go home Liz.” He said, grabbing her other arm. “Let her go” Adrian told Adam. He must have looked serious because he let go of her. We got in the car and drove home. Emi was still moping, but I was too exhausted to ask why. I gave Lizzie my bed and passed out on the couch in the basement. Sorry I don't have a lot done for this book, but once again I have writer's block... But I hope to have more for the story soon. Publication Date: September 2nd 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-heather.lawhun

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Ashley Lobdell The Girl With No Home. I dedicate this story to my dad who has helped me threw everything. My little brother who loves me, and my mom who took me in. Chapter 1: Daddy. "I'm sorry but you can't see him anymore". when I heard those words it felt my world was crashing apart around me. "what do you mean?" I said. "he's not a good influence on you with his useing and stuff. Its just not healthy for you to be around." I started to cry, what do they know about my dad. I love him and i think it's perfectly healthy for me to be around my dad, hes my dad for christ sake. "what do you know" I mummbled, "you work for DCF as far as iv seen and expirenced you tare familys apart." Sherry my DCF workers huffes "sorry Ashley whats said is done". " do I at least get to say goodbye?" She waits a minute before answering "yes". On the ride to my dads i think about how he's going to react to all this, I can't see my dad fall apart he's losing his baby girl, and I'm losing my daddy. When we get there I sit in the car for a moment thinking. Sherry brings me out of my thoughts by asking if I'm ready. I reply with "of course" In a sarcastic voice. I get out of the car walking uo to my house and up 2 flights of stairs. I walk in threw the door and go streight to my room and start packing. My dad walks in and ask what I'm doing I ignore him, Tears start to form in my eyes I concentarte on looking down. my dad walks over to me and rubs my back "whats wrong" he coos. I must of takedn to long cause sherry knocks on the front door my dada goes and answers it. "has she told you yet mike?" "told me what?" Thats when I break "THEY WONT LET ME LIVE WITH YOU ANYMORE! I scream. I fall to the floor curl up and cry. I can hear my dad yelling at sherry telling her I'm his daughter and He will keep me is he pleases but deep down he knows he has to give me up. So he runs to me side and trys to sooth me by telling me Everythings going to be okay and that I will live with him again by my 15th birthday no matter what. I sit up and make him promise. Were in my room packing together both of us crying. when Its time to go I give my dad a hug and wont let go my DCF worker has to pry me from him. "I love you daddy, so much I say" He kisses me on my forhead and ,lets me know He loves me to. I walk down the stairs with my duffle bag in hand wondering where I'm heading now. Sherry and I get in the car I'm to pissed to ask her where I'm going to I sit back and wait. I drive feels like forever but we finally arive at a little house in cevendish vermont. Sherry walks me threw the front door a women walks up to me and say's "welcome to 20 mile." What Type of name is that I think.  This women leads me threw a room with girls sitting down watching the news. then threw a kitchen to this back room. I sit down in a chair while her and my social worker are talking. After there done my social worker says bye to me. I'm still to pissed at her to say bye. after sherry leave the women looks at me and says "okay trouble maker lets make the rules streight."         Chapter 2: 20-Mile After she's done with all the rules she ask if I understand I shake my head yes. I'm still not over the fact she called me a trouble maker. I not here because I got in trouble, Im here because my DCF worker woudnt let me live at my dads house. Its all her fault why I'm here. "take off your braclets and your necklas" the lady tells me. I look at her like she's crazy and say what. "you heard me, Take them off you can't have them here." I don't feel like argueing so I take them off slowly one by one. ecspecially my necklas, My mom gave me the necklas I had on. I never take it off. Once the lady gets my belongings She puts them in a plastic bag and throws them on the table top. She leads me threw the room with girls and into a room with two bunkbeds. "this is going to be your room, You only come in here when told to. Is that understood?" I shake my head in agreement. She tells me to put my stuff on a dresser so i do as told. "your going out with the other girls now, dont try to pull anything" She leads me out to the room with the girls. they are now doing something called "Rec Time". What does she mean by Don't try to pull anything? I slowly sit down on the couch. The girls are staring at me and it makes me very unconfterbal. I avoid there stares by examining the room. Theres a hall way that leads out side. on the first wall theres a tv thats off. on the wall across from me theres a window and a couch. Then theres a doorway that leads to the kitchen. on the wall I'm on theres a couch and a doorway to another room. "excuse me." I was so caught up in my thoughts I didn't even notice the skinny, dark brown hair, brown eyed girl that sat next to me. "yes." I say. " I was wondering if you read at all." "yes I do, Infact I love reading." "cool let me grab my books." Thats when she asked a staff that was sitting on the other couch if she could go grab her books. That staff seems pretty nice. She's got black hair, with the bluest eyes, tall and thin. When the girl comes back with an arm full of books I then relize I dont know her name. "whats your name anyways?" I ask. She looks at me with the sadest eyes and answers "Rachel, My name is Rachel." I wonder why she looks at me like that but then I relize I took of my sweat shirt because I waa getting hot. Now she's seen them, great I think. "your emo" Rachel ask me. I don't answer her I just stare streight ahead. " I'm sorry i didn't mean to afend you, I was just curiouse. I mean I just never actully seen it before..." She slowly drifts off her sentence. I look at her and tell her it's okay. I undestand where she's comeing from. I put my sweat shirt back on before anyone else sees my cut, and scarred up arms. I feel dumb for not thinking and letting her see. how am I going to do it here I think. I can't go a day without cutting. its my way of letting myself free from all the pain I feel. as sson as that thought runs threw my head I see a pair of scissors laying on the floor that one of the girls were useing and now is paying no attention to.I look Rachels drowned into one of her books, I look across the room and the staff is to busy texting on her cell phone. I slide down the couch a little, put my foot over the scissors, slide them over to me bend down pick them up and slide them into my sleeve. That Night I set myself free. I took the scissors pushed down on my wrist and slowly slide it across. Feeling the sting of the cuts opening up, the blood seeping threw made my whole day. I love the way the pain feels this pain takes away the pain that I can't handel. The emotinal pain the bares down on me. I keep cutting till there's no more room on eather of my arms. I feel so releaved. Now I just lay in my bed thinking about how things are going to go here. I think about that girl Rachel that looked at me with such sadness in here eyes, And most of all I think about my dad and what he's going to do with out me. I sit here arms bleeding wrapped up in gauze I brought from home. FOr the rest of night I just think. Chapter 3: setting myself free. So the next few day consist of waking up eating breakfast going to "school" which is held in the house. Eating luch, Free time Which consist of talking to Rachel. then a date whith my scissors. On my 4th day Rachel finally ask me about my cutting. I tell her it's a coping skill and that its hard to stop. I'm about to tell her more because I feel like I can trust her untill we get interuppted that its time for bed. I go into my room change into my PJ's sit on my bed till the other girls are asleep and the staff is out in the living room reading. thats when I grab the scissors I hid under my matress and start to cut. The door opens quickly then closes I don't dare to look at the person who just caught me. My minds telling me its the staff my guts are telling me it's not. I wait a few seconeds then look up. It's Rachel standing there In the dim light she looks like a frozen wax figure. "umm.. I'm so sorry.. I didn't mean to umm yeah. Just the staff fell asleep and I wanted to hear more of your story. I didn't know..." There she goes again drifting off her sentece and looking at me with sad eyes. I don't say anything while I wrap my arms back up and hid the scissors back under the matress. "don't tell anyonje" For some reason I trust her, I trust her not to say anything. "  I won't " She replies back. I then ask her to leave cause I feel to embarssed and pissed off that she caught me in the act. she leaves without saying one more word I think she gets it. The next morning when I get woken up I can tell it's early. "Why am I getting woken up early?" I ask. "Ashley lets go out into the kitchen and talk." one of the nicer staff says. So I get up and drag my ass out to the kitchen. I sit down at the table theres 2 other people, vennesa and joy they run the 20 mile program. "Ashley we have some concerns" vennesa says. At first it dosnt click but when they say someone brought something to there attention I know exactly what this is about. "And what is that?" I ask playing dumb. "I'm pretty sure you know what I'm talking about Ashley." "No I don't." "We can't keep you here if your doing that stuff, Now go get me the scissors and promise you wont do it anymore" Vennesa tells me. I sit there for a moment thinking on what to do. Finally I get up walk to Rachels room and start screaming at her "how could you do this to me you little bitch! I trusted you and you betrayed me!" Staff come running in telling me to stop and that I would wake up the other girls At that point I don't care about anything. "I was only trying to keep you safe" Rachel praticaly wispers. "No you wernt, doing that keeps me safe. I trusted you" I yell again. I push past the staff run into my room grab the scissors run to the bath room close the door and start cutting. I'm setting myself free, free from all this pain. I trusted her I can't believe she did this. I'm crying hard now, and I can't stop.   Chapter 4: The Retreat. I don't know how long I'm in the bathroom for but the knocking and convincing of trying to get me out stopped a while ago. I sit there the bleeding has stopped. Theres a knock at the door and a soft female voice saying its the brattlbro police. The police! They really called the cops on me. "Ashley if you don't let us in were going to have to break down the door" To save myself anymore drama I get up and open the door. What she must see is a crazy girl who cut herslef open. What i see is a girl who set herself free."Ashley were going tp have to take you." panic rises "Take me where?" "to brattlbro retreat." It feels like the ride take forever but I'm finally here at this place they brattlbro retreat. The cop leads me into the admission room a lady comes up to me and tells me to take a seat next to this big machine. I walk over and sit down the lady and the cop stay behind and talk. there probably talking about how gross I am with all this dried up blood on me, well its not my fault they wouldnt let me change before I left. as I'm thinking that the lady walks up to me and ask me if i want to change, I shake my head yes. The lady lets me pick out a pair of my clothsbut when I go into the bathroom to change she follow me in. "what are you doing?" I ask "well you see when people first get here they have to have a nurse or staff go into the bathroom with them untill they get trusted or get on a certain level." If I wasnt covered in dried blood I would bring an agrument forward but sence I feel tired and worn out I change my cloths facing away from  her. she has me sighn a bunch of diffrent papers I swear it takes like an hour and a half to get through admission.When were done she leads me to an elevator we get in and she pushes the button 3. on the way up she explains the floor I'm going to be on is T-3 the teen unit. Did I metion this is a crazy hospital? I can;t believe I'm here. Am I really crazy? Of course I am I cut my own skin. I think about killing myself, yes I'm crazy. Finally the elevator doors open and I'm lead into a smalll room with a door that has a window. I'm told to take off my sneakers cause there's no strings aloud on the floor unless were going down to eat or outside. behind the door is women with blond hair and green eyes. I relize the door is locked and she is there to unlock it. Publication Date: April 2nd 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-hz75601a9ba8515

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-leah-lopez-lost/

leah lopez lost i was the shy one, the quiet one. 13 years and nothing done. people would always would ask me "oh whats the answers for the homework?" never would i hear "hey whats up Katherine?" or not even a little wave. not much people knew my name just my "friends" or people that i just hung out with because i didn't want to be called the loser who never made friends. see this is how it works in my school, if you weren't "hot" and didn't have a nice body to match with it, people wouldn't even notice you go to the same school as them. them, as in the "famous ones" the ones who always have fun a.k.a popular people. they would always look like they were having the time of their lives, like every moment in their life was important.i wanted to be noticed i wanted to be out there, the one with the guys, the one with all the friends, the girl who always has her cellphone ringing. But i am not, that was not my place. to bad for me right? i'm just the girl with the dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. that's it. but not Jasmine, her hair shinny brown, and light brown eyes that twinkle when she looks at you, her amazing figure that no matter what the hell you were, you had to look, no joke. her skin was a perfect golden tan,her smile ha, when you saw her smile it made your day, and just to top it off a perfect name. everyone knew who she was no one could miss the Latin beauty. Girls like me would kill to be her. so what do you guys think? do you guys think she loves all creatures and is kind to every single person she meets? WRONG! she is meanest person you will ever meet in your life! by here you should know that just because shes all beautiful and stuff doesn't mean she is inside, she doesn't need to be. Publication Date: October 13th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-ileahgotswaqq246

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-mani-gmelin-no-rules-day-1/

Mani Gmelin No Rules Day No Rules day By Mani Gmelin Hi, I'm Aliya. My teacher Ms.Ronni is not the happiest with her class. She's quite strict with her rules, and if you keep breaking them, she'll yell at the whole class. I'm in her class, and as you can see, she's not specifically mean to me. One day, she was so mad, she pounded her fist hard. So hard, Nina, a student who was walking across the room, fell with a 'thud!' That night Mrs.Ronni thought of an idea that would occur the next day. How do I know this? Because my friend, Mariah, is her daughter. The idea is called no rules day. The next morning in school, she yelled at the whole class, ''Hey! Everybody listen! Today is no rules day!'' The whole class went quite, then started whispering, ''what's no rules day?'' Ms. Ronni heard them and said, ''You don't have to whisper, you can just scream, WHATS NO RuLe'S DaY!'' The whole class actually listend to her, and everybody was shocked to hear her scream. Remember, I said that she yelled at the class, not screamed. Then one kid yelled, ''Oh, OK, um... then lets have a food fight in the cafeteria! And whats his name... Oh! Gordan, said,''And I want to see a fight in the school hallway at 12:00pm! ''OK, If you want to said Ms.Ronni, and tried to keep her frown away. She really didn't want it to pop up today. In the cafeteria, Ronathon threw a peice of food at Glenda, a good witch of the school in Fifth grade, and Shashe saw Ronathon and yelled, ''Food Fight!'' Glenda might be a good witch, but when people attack her castle (Dress) she sends her winkies (Friends) to go tell that person to stop bothering her. Those are a few of the people I don't like. Ronathon and Gordan. All of the people that are mean to me are, Mamy, the wicked witch of the west, Lio, the wicked witch of the east,and Sashe, the wicked witch of the south. Those are the girls I don't like.The boys I don't like are, The grumpy old King, Gordan, Whats his name...it was on the tip of my tongue... Oh!Ronathon, The grumpy young prince of Far Far away-ville, He's has a big head (Literally) and he's kind-of short. I call him short and stubby man with the big head. Balonzo, The guy who's a Hip-Hop dancer slash weirdo, Oh, yeah, and one more thing I have to say about Lio. I call her Lio yippe-yi-yo-yo. At twelve o' clock, Gordan got what he wanted. A little 4th grader boy who is a nerd and doesn't have very much muscle, just wanted to have more than zero friends, so he said to some boy named Huh, Um... Oh, yeah. Balunoo, (kind of sounds like baloon to me) that he was gonna fight Shashe. Well, Um, he actually did, and lets just say that it didn't work out so good, and I never new Shashe was such a good puncher. The class lined up in a up-down-whichever-way- line, and walked back to their class room by their selves. I don't trust my class, except one girl named Miranda . She's the best in our class, and she doesn't get into all the shenanigans that go on in our class, She heard everybody before lunch, and since she didn't want to get the prettiest dress I've ever seen, dirty, she just ate from her lunch box in the classroom. She just sits in her desk and actually does the work assigned to do, and is quite most of the time, she only talks a little at lunch, but since she didn't go, I expect she just sat on the carpet and ate her lunch bored, perhaps reading a book from our classes book-boxes. I really don't think that even that there's a lot of excitement around her, she doesn't really have much safe and educational fun herself. I think, that if everyday we had no rules, that people would be getting killed around here. It's a good thing my dad has a gun. Oops, I wasn't supposed to say that. Anyway, to finish the fight, obviously, Sashe won. It's not that she's smarter, which I dought that, It's that she tougher and stronger, And she's not smart in anything else but fighting. She loves fighting. In class, she brings her fighting books from home and reads them at school for reading time. To all the dorks out there, don't want friends if you don't have any. Maybe another dork. That will just give you a face-over. What I mean by that is that you're going to be punched until your brains fall out. But, at least with your brains out you won't be a dork slash nerd anymore. You'll just be like Cronni Thumpback. She's the most dumbest girl in the school. And if she was a boy, she would be the most dumb boy! Anyway, don't get into a fight just because you want friends. You'll find one...eventually. Back to the story. The class pretty much didn't learn anything today, and Now the days over. all we did after the fight was do whatever wanted, which in this class, is pretty much just more fighting. But I guess all tell you what the class did. So that this story doesn't get boring, I'll try to tell it fast. Ronathonpushedandshoved,Samrynwasreadingherbooktryingtoignorethe restoftheclass,Gordanwasaskingpeopleiftheyhatedhim,whichallofthemdid, hegotreallymadandtoldallofthemtoshutup,BessicawastalkingtoGrinda, andSaquezwasyellingatBalonzofor callinghimathing,Balonzowasarguingback, becauseSacquez,thenafter,calledhimBalfanzo. I feel, that tomorrow will be worse... I was right. Sadly. I never wanted this to happen, but everybody except me and Mariah, Lephanie, Sachel, and Carian, got a referral. I think some people in the class deserve them, for being mean, but some of them, not so much. Samryn, that day, was not that happy with herself. If she hadn't been cheering Shashe on, she wouldn't have been in the classroom, with the other kids who behaved well yesterday. See, now shes not mean, or friends with, Mariah. It's quite useful. Because I'm pretty sure yesterday I would have done something that would give me a pass to having a referral today. Their was only one good part of that day. With all the people I don't like out of the class, It was quite and their were only the people I do like in the class. And, for reward of being good, we all got to write about whatever we wanted. Today was supposed to be a testing day, so instead of using the computers for testing,we got to use them for playing games and some typing! After I was done typing, Ms. Ronni said I could share to her and my friends what I wrote. I think I will. It will be cool for them to hear what I wrote. In fact, I think I'll read this. ''Um, O.K, I guess I'll start. Hi, I'm Aliya. My teacher Ms. Ronni is not the happiest with her class. She quite strict with her rules and If you keep breaking them, she'll yell at the whole class...'' ''Well, everybody liked my story. So, I guess I just have to go play on the computer. I never read my Story, to my self, so you ask why I can't do that? Everybody else got back and found out about my story because Shashe was reading it. Shashe yelled out that she was reading ''No Rules Day'' and everybody heard her. Things travel fast in this class.'' ''Don't tell me you haven't heard of it!?'' said Ms. Ronni. ''Do you like me to yell? If you do, then have yourself a great time. Today is not No Rules Day people! That was yesterday, Remember? You probably all do! Now, If you miss behave on the next No Rules Day, You'll find yourself with detention! Suspension! Deportation! And I'll call you're mom and we'll have a very sad conference.'' said Ms. Ronni. Sternly, Angrily, Annoyed, Frustrated! Do you remember ''No Rules Day?'' If you do, please try to forget it. If you remember, you might have night mares. If you don't remember, good. But If your lexile is 500 or under, I can see why you wouldn't remember it. Do a little more reading! Jeesh. Well, today is a new day. Fresh, even though the air is not. It stinks in this school! And so does everybody in it. I have good news a bad news. The good news is that there are two new kids that just came to my school today! The bad news is that there is a girl one and a boy one. And the The freakishly weird and obnoxious boy sits next to me. Anyway, I don't get why I'm still talking to you. New day, new start. Today is Thursday. Happy Thanksgiving! Do you know that thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday? It's OK if you didn't. You probably wouldn't. Ronathon left! Now thats two pounds lifted off my shoulders. But there's still about 50 pounds left. And that boy who sits next to me has become more annoying and loud. Still sad. By the boy who sits next to me, the boy who likes me, and Byle, the boy who thinks I like him(which I totally don't). At least when I get home I have peace. Today is Friday. It's No Rules day again. She didn't tell us this time. It was supposed to be secret so that if anybody misbehaved today, they would get a sever punishment. I say, that one of the people in the little group that misbehaved is not going to be me. My friend, Mariah, Ms. Ronni's daughter, told me again that it was going to be No Rules Day today. She also told me not to misbehave. But after I heard her say that today was No Rules Day, I already knew that. You do not need to know what happened today.But I'll tell you anyway. Today was not as bad as the other No Rules Day. But it was still bad. A Substitute who Ms. Ronni told to that today was going to be No Rules Day, filled in for Ms. Ronni. Most of the kids in the class were scared about if they would accidentally do something wrong on No Rules Day. So they pretty much just try to be their best everyday because they don't know when No Rules Day is going to be. But the rest of the kids totally misbehaved. Gordan, when the Substitute wasn't looking, grabbed the Earth ball in the class room, and 8 of the kids practically played volley ball with it! Then the Substitute turned around and was astonished! And then 3 of the 8 students who were playing volley ball with the Earth ball, actually told the Substitute to shut up! And then, the Substitute was like telling the students to shut up, like right in my face, and it gets worse. When he was saying ''Shut'' it actually sounded like he was saying ''sh--t'' which just makes me feel like somebodies screaming ''sh--t'' in my ear. What I've noticed, is that whenever a teacher chooses to yell and scream, they usually do it in my face or the are standing right behind me. And somebody ''blah blah blah-ing'' loudly really close to you, gets really annoying. Also, people kept yelling, that also gets really annoying. I have bad new and good news again. The bad news is that 8 people have the serious consequences. The good news is that I'm not one of them. The 8 people are, Mamy, Bessica, Shashe, Gordan, Byle, Jaustin, Balonzo, and Sacquez. I found out that their was a ninth person who's getting a sever punishment. It's the new kid. Cryce. The annoying boy who sits next to me. That's the one. OK. Today's Saturday. I don't tell you anything of my life except what happens in school, so bye! Today's Monday. Monday is the my least favorite day of the week. I think they should just call it Mournday. It just tells you there is a full boring school week right in front of you. So lets just skip this week of boringness and go to Friday. It's Friday. My favorite day of the week. This is the day were usually the crazy stuff happens. Nope. Nothing happened today either. Except practice at Chorus for a concert. That I guess was pretty cool. Guess what! That practice for the chorus concert payed off! We had the concert! It was so c co coo cool coo co c !!!!!! We did this hand thing, (so cool!) and we put on white gloves and did moves with our hands when it was all dark. To make the gloves glow, Ms. Samen put on blue neon lights and the light reflected of T the gloves, (like how the Sun's light reflects off the Moon and then the moon glows) and the gloves glowed! So cool! Anyway, Today, Friday, is the last day before Christmas (Winter) break! See you next year, bye! The End! Publication Date: August 2nd 2010 https://www.bookrix.com/-manileeg1

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-morgan-davies-revelation/

Morgan Davies Revelation Revelation The final piece of the puzzle was revealed, We were all slaves to the goverment. Publication Date: October 25th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-mbd2k11

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-marjory-e-leposky-gables-2/

Marjory E. Leposky Gables Publication Date: September 23rd 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-meleposky

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-jordan-brunswick-the-death-zone/

Jordan Brunswick The Death Zone the crazy things we do BookRix GmbH & Co. KG 81371 Munich The Death Zone The Death Zone Western Australia, Karratha 1006   Madeline looked at the remains of the bodies scattered all over the slightly chipped ground, blood, there was copeless amounts of it. She was in this place ‘they’ , called ‘ The Death Zone’ , it was the most scary thing in the world, scarier than an endless under-water cave. She didn't know where anyone was, until she spotted Liam, down the long scary, dark, hallway a few steps away. She thought of the fact that he always looked older every time she saw him, I guess thats the effects of time travel, she thought.   "Hey, Maddy" said Liam "how many are alive"? "What um...oh...I don't know" she exclaimed, deep in thought about what they had just been through to get here. "Well, let's go look than" said Liam. She didn't answer, she nodded and just managed to smile. As they walked on, they heard a high pitched scream, it sounded like someone being murdered...painfully, in which Maddy thought sadly about.   They started to run to go help the person, if they could, after, what felt like an hour, they reached a tall man with an expressionless face, it was Bob. "Hi, you should look out for Sal, I lost her on the way here" he said "Do you know who screamed"? said Liam "I think that was Sal" he replied "Come on than, lets go find her" she said, hoping that   They all ran till they spotted Sal, she was at the end of the tunnel, they saw a flash of very dark brown hair. Sal was crying. "SAL" they all called at the same time. She looked up at them, and stopped crying, she looked scared and she slowly took her hand off her shoulder and held her hand up, it was covered in blood, the blood looked like paint splattered on her dark but beautiful skin, thought Liam, then Sal screamed: "MADELINE, HELP ME"! They all ran to Sal as fast as they could, but Maddy was the fastest, when she got there, Maddy crouched down so she could see Sal’s face, her eyes looked different than it was gone in a flash, it was like looking into a person's face that had been tortured, as quickly as it came it was gone.   “Hey Maddy, hi Liam and Bob, how are you” Sal whispered “Was that you screaming”? said Liam “What um…I don’t know, my shoulder hurts.” “What happened here”? Maddy scanned the surroundings as she said this, she saw a flash of dark brown hair disappear around the corner of one of the shelves. She looked at Sal’s shoulder, it looked liked she was stabbed, maybe even with a knife and it was covered in blood. “I could probably fix that” said Bob as he examined her shoulder. Sal didn’t say anything, she just, and only just, manage a very weak smile. “Bob could you carry Sal until we get to the place” said Liam “Whats the place”? said Maddy and Sal said at the same time. “You will see when we get there”.   No one talked as they run, an hour later they arrived at a small door and Maddy spoke up. “I thought this was going to be tougher but I guess I thought wrong”. BANG! “What the ……” CRASH! Sal screamed, she started shivering, Maddy looked up from the floor, Liam was pointing at the door. “Probability: we should get through the door before whatever that thing was gets us, Sal calm down”. said Bob, his face was stone cold. So they walked to the door, once they got there they saw that the door was a way home. “H-Hey don’t forget h-her”. said Sal   Sal’s eyes looked like they were different like they were being controlled, then they went back to normal then they all turned around and saw a girl walking towards them, she had long dark brown hair that sat flowing down her shoulders, her blue eyes swam with tears. “You forgot me Sal that’s mean; you do know you can walk” she said “I didn’t hurt your ankle did I know” she muttered,she had a kind of british accent, Sal didn’t say anything   “Well thats just mean....” she said “I see that you have brought friends with you. Nice to meet you I'm Lily” she said, her gaze lingered on Bob for a bit probably out of fear and than on Liam, for a long time. She walked up to Liam and whispered in his ear “Your cute…..so what's say we get out of here and ditch these people” “ Well, no way, let’s go guys” “Fine than” They walked through the door, a blinding light and then they were back at the office they had left about a week ago. At the table sat Mr Foster.                   The Stabing London, England, 2012   “Hi guys” he said They put Sal in the bedroom, then they heard something, they all turned around and they saw Lilly. “Who the hell i...” said Foster “Hang on a minute” said Maddy “How the hell did you get here”? “Well, It’s quite easy I just walked behind you guys and ended up here, so this is cool i'm guessing it's you flat”? “Um...whats a flat” said Liam, giving Foster a questioning look, Which he repled with a ‘I’ll tell you later’ look. Lilly walked up behind Liam and pulled something out of her pocket, it was shiny “Hey, Liam is it, well guess what I’ve got in my hand, I’ll only show you it” she said “Fine” he said   Liam noticed Sal was whimpering, but was trying to see what Lilly had in her hand, Lilly was about to show Liam what it was when Bob stepped in between them and said “I know what that is, now can you kindly give it to me” “NO” she screamed She steeped to around Bob and through a shiny sharp knife into Liam’s shoulder and then one in his leg, he cried out. Liam was on the ground whimpering. “Why would you do that, and you hurt Sal didn’t you”? said Maddy “Well yeah, and because I wanted to, and I had a point to prove” “What point”! Maddy said, but she didn’t answer as a look of reality flashed across her face for a split second.   A blinding painful strike in his shoulder and his leg, Liam could barely hear what they were saying, he got put on the bed he sleeps in, he saw Sal across him in Maddy’s bed. “Hey, that looks painful how did it hap…” “Lily” Liam said faintly, before she could finish her sentence. “Are you ok, do you me to get help” “...no…” * “Why did you do that” said Maddy Lilly didn’t respond, just smirks Foster got up and walked to help Sal and Liam, Bob and Maddy followed. They walked down the hallway into the bedroom, Sal was leaning against the wall and Liam was facing the opposite wall and had his eyes closed, he’s breathing was shallow.   “Bob can you fix Sal and I’ll do Liam, Madeline help me please, and get the first aid kit”. “Ok” said Bob, flatly “Yep” Maddy said, she hoped they were ok Maddy walked off to get the fristadid kit, Bob was talking to Sal, and Foster was whispering to Liam, he had decided to open his eyes, Foster was talking but Liam could barely hear him.   “Liam” he said, softly “What”? Liam said, weekly “Can you hear me”? “Bearly, and this kills”he said “Ok, Bob are you done yet”? “Affirmative” he muttered Maddy had come back with the first aid kit and said she would make sure Lilly didn’t come in the room, Liam looked over at Sal she had a bandage on her shoulder, Bob walked over and checked Liam over, Sal had a look of concern written across her face, he heard Maddy shouting and Lilly muttering.   “Ok, this is going to be harder than Sal’s” Bob said, expreshionaly “What”! Liam said weakly, he didn’t want this to be painful, Foster must have known what he was thinking because of what he said next. “Dont worry this is only going to be a bit painful, can you close your eyes now” he said “Put him out please Bob”   The last thing Liam saw was Sal and the next thing Liam felt was a headache. An hour or so he heard whispering. “ Wow, thats a lot of blood” ! said and gentle voice, that's got to be Foster “ Yes do you think that he will survive, and I don’t think I can fix this”? said an emotionless voice, which was Bob “ Don’t say stuff like that, he will live” said an concern voice, Sal “ I hate you” said an emotional voice, Maddy “ It wasn’t my fault, I wanted to prove my point” said a voice with a slight accent, Lilly “ What point”!? said Maddy, angraily “ Liam knows what point, don’t you Liam”she said, she knew he was slightly awake “ Liam...better be...o-ok”! Sal said between sobs, she was crying Liam fell back into nothingness, another hour of going in and out, an hour later he woke up the room was empty he still had pain in his shoulder and leg, blood covered the sheets, Sal came back into the room, tears streaked her face, then she looked over at Liam and muttered something and walked out of the room. Lilly came into the room she was holding something that he couldn’t see, it was shiny ‘Oh...no, not again’. he thought   “Hey” she said Liam didn’t say anything, she walked up to him and another blinding flash of pain, he screamed. Lilly ran out of the room, she dropped the knife in the doorway, the knife had a pool of blood surrounding it on the floor. Foster and the rest ran in, Sal was crying, Maddy swore, Bob was staring with disbelief and Foster said “Great, more blood to deal with, Liam can you hear me”? “...yes…” said Liam, so quietly that only Foster could hear him, he got knocked out again, round about 5 hours later he woke up Sal and Foster were standing over him, he moaned Sal noticed and called Maddy in and nudged Foster in the arm, Maddy came in and she told them Bob was watching Lilly and making sure she doesn't come in. Liam moaned again to get there attention.   “Hi Liam, how are you” Sal whispered “...good, what do you think…” he said, his voice was very faint and crocky “Oh no” whispered Maddy to Foster “look what she did” Foster noded, and then looked at Liam his face showed what he was thinking, Liam gave him an unappreciated look, he didn’t need to think that.   “Question...where did I get stabbed and is it fatal”. “Well…” said Foster “Um…” Maddy said, not letting on anything “You got stabbed…um...in your…foot, and no it’s not” says Sal “SAL, really you were not supposed to tell him that” Foster said angrily “Do you feel ok”? asked Maddy “No, what do you reckon”   Liam passed out. “Liam”, Maddy was saying just to make sure he was still awake no answer “Liam”, Sal was getting worried not one word “Liam, guys I think his passed out”, Foster sounded concerned Helping Liam They started tending to Liam’s injuries and Bob was making sure Lily was not going to come through the door, by now Bob managed to still the knife out of Lily's hand, Foster was trying to stop all the blood, he was trying his best to stop it, Maddy was helping Foster trying to keep up with what he was saying and trying to help in any way she could, Sal was just sitting there shocked of what just happened and Liam was still unconscious.   “Hey Sal, come help”! says Foster, annoyed that she was just sitting there “Ok, im coming” she said she was about to walk over when… BANG! “What the hell was that”! yells Foster “She stupid, what was that” say Bob “Duno” “Well whatever it was lets hope it doesn't happen aga…” Foster was interrupted again by an extremely loud scream, it pierced their eardrums, Liam moaned with the agony of moving. Sal stopped him from moving, she finally got to his bed, Liam flinched it was like he was drowning in the Titanic again.   “What’s that, it’s like a kid about 10 years old”? said Bob “What”? say foster He walked over to Bob and saw what Bob was pointing at, he got Bob inside and shut the door quietly and locked it. Foster and Bob walked over to Liam and started to finish or fix up the job Foster did, Sal suddenly felt dizzy and went to sit down, Maddy noticed what she was doing and walked over to her.   “Are you ok”? Maddy whispered, hoping that Foster or Bob couldn’t hear them. “Yes, just a bit dizzy, it might be a time lapse” said Sal, she now had a pounding headache, “A big one” Seeing that Sal had just gone very pale stepped out in front of her so Foster couldn’t see Sal, and said “You should lay down, don’t worry I’ll make sure Foster or Bob don’t see you” “Ok...thanks” Sal said quietly   While Foster and Bob were working on Liam, Maddy was busy trying to make sure they didn’t see what she was doing, Sal was leaning on the wall, palled faced and very dizzy, she didn’t close her eyes. “Maddy, come over here and help please” Foster said, need help with what he was doing “Ok, coming” she responded “Bob you can go sit with Sal”   He nodded and walked over, when Sal heard her name she instantly put her head down, and twiddled her thumbs. Maddy walked over regrettingly, and new what Foster was going to say which didn’t turn out to be correct. “Do you think this is done”? She nodded, as she looked down at the fresh bandages that were on were Liam got stabbed, they already had lots of blood on them. “Lets hope thats not that much blood” Foster said seeing the concern on her face, but he did believe what he said was true. He got up and Maddy tried to stop him and failed, he walked over to Bob and left her standing over Liam. She turned and expected to see Foster and Bob all over Sal like bugs, but they weren't, they were sitting on the bed like she didn’t exist. Maddy walked over and sat next to Sal, Foster looked over and seemed concerned, Mandy sighed and stared over at Liam pretending that everything was ok, Foster seemed to notice.   “Hey Madeline, what’s wrong” “First don’t call me that and nothing's wrong” she snapped “Ok, Maddy, are you ok then” he said so kindly, like she didn’t say it that meanly she ran her hand through her hair and said “...Fine, I'm just thinking… by the way you said that ‘way’ too kindly” “You're right, what are you thinking about, or is that none of my business”? “Nothing, it’s none of your business” “Ok” he replied, disappointedly   An hour or so later Liam awoke, hed been lying awake for hours now. Sal was with Maddy in the room, Foster and Bob were getting them a drink and none of them new he was awake. Sal looked over at him, she was as pale as a ghost, and realized he was awake. Madeline was staring into space and didn’t notice.   Foster and Bob came back in, they didn’t realize that he was awake either until Maddy noticed that he was and said “Hey Foster, Liam’s awake, slightly” Foster walked over and said softly “Liam can you hear me and are you awake”? “Do I have to answer” he replied, which was barely heard “No you don’t, are you week”? “What do you reckon, Foster”   That put a grin on the old man's aged face, he pulled up a chair next to the bed. Maddy, Sal and Bob did the same. Liam had a pounding headache, he was dizzy and just as pale as Sal. “Thanks, Foster”he said “What...oh...um...thats ok” he was distracted by how pale Liam was “Were glad you and Sal are ok, by the where's Lilly”? asked Maddy “Duno, she ran off after she stabbed Liam” said Bob’s cold voie   Liam shuddered at the memory, Foster was still had a concern look written across his face, Liam was very dizzy now, he put his head in his hands. Bob had gone to look for Lilly, Sal was daydreaming about how if things were easy again and Maddy well she’d noticed how pale Liam had got and whispered in his ear “You look like you're about to throw up, are you ok or do you need to sit up”? “Um...I..” he said, Foster had heard this and looked over without saying anything he got up and motioned to Maddy to help him to move Liam.   The next seconds were very painful, they just managed to position him leaning against the wall, while they were moving him he tried as much as he could. He felt the world sliping away through his fingers, but struggled against it. His hands and forehead were very hot and his throat was killing him, it was like he was getting throat cancer or tonsil lighters or something like that. * The room Sal was facing Liam, she was day dreaming, this was very boring just sitting here. Sal was just about to say something when Foster said “Well...Sal do you like it here”. “What, oh...um...yes it’s nice” Bob just walked in tearing that ‘insanely’ boring conversation up, he had scratches all over his arms and face, then he said sarcastically “Well that was fun” “Where the hell have you been” said Foster, looking him up and down “I’ve been trying to find where Lily was” “Oh…sorry”   Sal decided to say something before she got interrupted again. “So...um…this...is...well boring, I mean just sitting here in this room” she blurted out the last few words. The truth was she was a bit claustrophobic, any way this was boring. She looked around and shook her head and looked at the ground, Foster was look dazed and bemused, he had noticed where she was looking and said “I know this is boring, and that you are a bit…, any way we should stay in here so we don’t get stabbed or end up…”.   “Ok”she said “Hey, don’t be scared, just please stay here, please” Liam said weekly “Shhh…don’t talk you will waste your energy” Foster implied “Fine” * The night was agonising Maddy and Foster watched the others fall asleep one by one. Although Mady was tired she didn’t go to sleep, Foster was looking tired and probably wanted to go to sleep to.   “You should get some sleep” he said to Maddy “You should to, and no thanks” “Why”? “Im just thinking about…” she said “About what”? “Don’t worry” “I will, so you should just tell me” She was too tired to argue “Fine, I…just...well…” “Well” he said, interrupting her “I...know this might sound silly but I just can’t do this anymore, I didn’t mean this job, I meant this” she gestured to the others sleeping “I mean I can’t sleep because I…” “Woah, calm down there, I get it, I know I still can’t sleep”. “I know you can’t sleep because of stress, I can tell” “Well, I’m guessing you can’t sleep for an entirely different reason” she nodded “Well” “It’s because of, well I still think I'm in the plane and It’s much worse than it was” “So, like a nightmare”? “Yep, exactly like a nightmare”   Silence, that conversation was abandoned. A long time of silence, Maddy didn’t know when she finally fell asleep but she did and she was guessing that Foster did to because she woke up and heard Foster’s breathing then she went back to sleep again.   * It was morning, how did they know, because Bob was in the room, he’d said it was clear out there. Sal was up and was brushing her hair, Madeline was up she was absentmindedly cleaning her glasses, and Liam was talking to Bob. “Ok...well I guess we spend another two or three days in here and then go outside”. nobody looked happy about it. “But why that long, Foster” said Sal and Mady together “Because I said so”   Liam slid to the edge of the bed just so he could just rest his feet on the ground but not stand up because it was obviously to painful. ”Liam, just don’t fall off the bed” Foster laughed and then smiled, it was a long since he smiled or had ever smiled.   Foster walked out of the room with Bob to get them all supplies. They reached the kitchen/landroom they gather up all the supplies they needed and walked when they were almost there they ran into Lilly and she said “Come on please let me come with you, there are ‘things’ out there, they tried to kill me before just because I dropped my knife and I haven’t got it anymore, I had three”!. They decided to let her come with them. Near escape * As they walked back they heard a ghostly moan, Bob, Lilly and Foster walked faster to get away from whatever it was and to get to the room. At the end of the hallway they saw the room where Sal and Liam were. They got there and tried to turn the power on and it worked, the power was on…, That was probably a bad idea to turn the power on. thought Foster.   Foster saw some type of creature or thing up ahead, it was wearing something like a black clock, you couldn't see it’s face, it had skeleton like hands, the area around it was very cold. Lilly was shaking next to him and whispering ‘that thing tried to kill me before’ they heard moaning behind them, was this the end for them? of course it wasn’t I shouldn’t think that he thought. Foster reached into his pocket and pulled out a very sharp stone out he had five in his pocket, he always carried it, just in case.     * The Morning Liam was resting his non sore foot on the ground, he decided that he might just try to put his sore foot on the ground...maybe. Sal was just sitting there, something was obviously troubling her, it might be the fact that Foster or Bob hadn’t came back or just staying in this room for the next week. Maddy was just being Maddy, she was leaning against the wall next to him. “I wonder when Foster and Bob are coming back, I wonder if they decided to stop to turn the power on or not”? Maddy said randomly. She got up and walked over to the light switch and flicked it, the power turned on…”Wow, thanks lets hope they get here soon” She walked back to Liam and sat back beside him.   Just then the door opened a bit and in stepped Foster, Lilly and Bob they shut the door on a hand, it pulled back instantly. Liam instantly went back against the wall, he was bemused at the fact that Foster had allowed her to come in here. He was about to ask why he had allowed that. He noticed that Foster had a limp, Bob was covered in scratches and Lily was staring at him. He was about to say something when Maddy said something before he could. “What the hell were you thinking Foster, no afence but, what were you thinking, and what the hell happened to you and Bob, I mean really”.   “Well, It’s simple really, I was just with Bob and then Lilly joined us… and I’ll tell the rest later, ok” “Why, can’t you tell us now”? explained Sal He didn’t answer Sal, he went to sit down next to Sal, Bob went and sat on the other side of Liam for safety just in case Lilly tried to stab him again. Maddy was trying to calm Liam down, she was whispering in his ear ‘it’s ok I’ll make sure that she won't hurt you, ok’. The next few hours was agonising, just sitting there. With Lilly in the room everyone was keeping their eyes on her so she doesn't do something stupid or try and stab anyone.   “This is boring...we should do something, thanks for turning the power back on...to much injury don’t you reckon”? said Maddy, she was bored out of her mind “Yep it is,and yes”said Sal “Sooo...why did you to go back there, I mean there was no point, was there”? Foster was hoping that Liam would answer his question “...,...well, I guess there...was a point, I...a, can’t tell you though” “Why not”? Foster said “Because, I...a can’t” “C'mon Foster stop nagging him” Maddy interrupted “I’m aloud to, now why can’t you, The De...I mean were you went, what reason for”? Liam sighed and then said “well…I guess I could...you remember when we got stuck, and went to see the dinosaurs, well once we came back...I thought of something and decided to go to the place…” “Did you find what you were looking for” “Yep” “And what was that”? “Clues” “Clues”? “Well, we've got one here” Liam pointed to Lilly “Her”? said Maddy and Sal “Me”? Lilly said “No, more like the necklace that she is wearing” “How”? Maddy said “I’ll tell you later”   “Why not now”? said Foster, he’d always get the last remark “Because I’ve got a headache, and I’ve said too much” he replied   Silence   “This necklace” he nodded “wow” Lily exclaimed, her blue eyes flashed “So, whats so special about it”? Foster wanted to know “Dunno” he replied, he gave Foster ‘I’ll tell you later’ look “Ok” Foster said   * Talking to Lilly I woke up this morning and only Liam was awake, by the look of him he’d been awake for almost the whole night thought Sal, she was thing about waking up someone to talk to apart from Liam because he was drifting in out of sleep, probably afraid of Lily or a nightmare. Maddy just woke up with a massive yawn “Good Morning” “You to” Sal replied, she was about to wake Foster up when he woke up in an instant “What...oh, goodmorning” he said, he looked over to Liam, Sal did to, Foster could obviously see that he had about roughly one or two hours of sleep. “Liam, get some sleep, I’m awake now so it’s ok” “Yes, sir” Liam replied sarcastically “Go to sleep, or I’ll get Bob” as Foster said his name he walked in “That's helpful” Liam closed his eyes and eventually went to sleep. “That was fun” Sal said sarcastically “Really, so what do we do now, or do we have to sit here today”? “No, we walk about in this room and talk about whatever” said Maddy “Precisely, Maddy” said Foster “I was being sarcastic Foster” While they had been arguing Sal noticed that Lily was awake, and was watching everyone, mostly Liam sleeping. Sal literally punched Maddy in her side, she looked angry and sad that Sal would do that to her. Sal pointed to Lilly, which caught Maddie's attention then she nudge Foster gently in the side and told Foster, than he whispered to Bob who kept a close eye on her for the rest of the day.   Liam awoke, he saw that Lily was awake, he suddenly thought that it was stupid to dwell on the fact that she might hurt him, but then again the knife was safely hidden in the safe. He looked around, Sal was talking to Maddy and Foster was talking to Bob, and Lily was staring at him.   He moved into a sit passion, then said to Sal that was sitting next to him “Hey… Sal, um...hi” she noticed then said back “Hi how are you today, I’ll fill you in to what we are doing to day, we are just...sitting here, surprise huh” then Maddy said “Good Morning, you should sleep at night it’s not healthy, and that's not a big surprise, good try at trying to sarcastic, but you failed, sorry”. “Right, thanks nice to know, Im better than I was”. he replied, although he wasn’t so sure they, or he believed that was true. “Sure...your better, can you walk, thought not and you said you were better” said Bob, he’d realized that Liam was no awake, so did Foster but he was just listening. “So, Foster how are you this morning” said Liam, hoping that he heard him “I'm good, so you know what we are doing today, do you” “Yes, we are going to go walking about outside and talk to Becks” “What, no we're…” Foster didn’t finish his sentence because Liam, Sal and Maddy interrupted him “Were going to sit in here for the rest of the week” they all said at the same time. Just then Becks walks in and sits down next to Maddy. “Hi Becks, long time no see” she said “Hello everyone, what happened to you Liam, hi Sal, Bob and Foster...who is this”? Becks said as she pointed at Lilly   “What happened to me is on a need to know basis, and that's Lily” Liam said, with a tone of disgust in his voice. “So where have you been” he said, as he and Lilly were death looking each other, at this point the ‘if looks could kill’ statement was true. Sal had noticed, and whispered something to Becks “I have been in…” Liam didn’t let her finished because he knew where she'd been “Ok”   Silence Bob was eyeing Becks trying to figure out how Sal mistaken her for a boy, Liam was talking to Beck's, Foster was supposed to be talking to Maddy and Sal. “How’s your shoulder Sal” said Foster, this snapped Sal out of daze after a second she answered “Good, well better than when ‘she’ stabbed it” she’d emphasized the word ‘she’ “That’s true, hey look” Maddy pointed to Liam “He’s glaring at her with a lot of hate” “I don’t blame him though” Sal said, what Foster said next stopped all conversation in the room, “Hey, Lilly can you come over here for a second” Leaving the building * Liam froze, he almost fell off the bed, Sal had noticed Maddy got up, they came over and helped him up, they walked and Liam limped over to where Sal was sitting before. He’d just realized that his bandages were clean, Bob had probably changed them before he went to charge. Bob walked over to make sure Liam was ok, that meant that Foster and Lily were the only ones over the right side of the room. Then Liam said “What...” “Foster” Maddy hissed out of her mouth “Why”? whispered Sal quietly and hoped that she got heard But Foster had already started to talk quietly to Lily so he didn’t hear any of them, what happened next shocked everyone and stopped all conversation in the room. Mady who was normal kind, yelled out “STOP”!!! “RIGHT NOW, just stop it, why Foster, why”?! she’d said the last six words quietly.   Silence   Some more silence, what had this world come to? had this to be how people fighted, by yelling, and stabbing people? thought Liam sadly, by the look on Sal’s face she was thinking the same thing. Then Foster spoke up in a quiet and small voice “I had to” “Sure” snapped Liam in utter disgust “What’s this all about, I have I missed something”? questioned Becks, as fore she didn’t know what they were yelling and whispering about   Liam moved to the edge of the bed, he rested his feet on the ground, he was testing his weight on his sore foot on the ground beside his other foot. Liam decided that his foot could take the weight, he was slowly but surely getting up, his foot killed as he got up. Liam took a steep while the others were arguing, he grited his teeth and took another step, he finally made it to the door but the kreepy lingering feeling was that no one had noticed him while he had walked to the door, he looked back to see everyone still arguing but Sal had been watching him while he had walked to the door. She got up and walked silently over to him without anyone noticing, Liam just realized he had reached out for the door handle, Sal rested her hand on his arm, a rush of adrenaline rushed through veins. Thier hands reached the door handle and they turned the door handle together. Publisher: BookRix GmbH & Co. KG Implerstraße 24 81371 Munich Germany Publication Date: July 13th 2015 https://www.bookrix.com/-ns0615764048455 ISBN: 978-3-7368-9690-1

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-sonia-ferguson-starts-with-j/

Sonia Ferguson Starts With J Think... This book is solely dedicated to Elizabeth Brigham this book would never has happened if it wasn't for her. In fact i wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for her because she is the most wounder fullest beautifulest thing in the world and i worship her every day of my life she is a wounder full goddess. Theses are her words not mine. P.S. Elizabeth wrote this not me. What I would have said is amazing and wonderful and I would take a bullet for her, Elizabeth Brigham. Love, Sonia Ferguson P.S. I dedicate this to a pillow and a bed... Prologue Her breath is heavy, her face is wet with tears and she has a dieing friend at her side. All the times they've spent together, all the memories the shared and all of the times they were there for each other, would all end if they can't escape. Mya can't bare another person dieing due to Mya not being able to breake the barrier between the inside of a cage to the outside world. Holly, her friend, would die if she didn't get out. In one day, Mya watched her four friends escape, without being able to take Mya with them, a girl having her blood sucked out then die, twelve girls beaten to death then draged out by dogs, ten girls raped and is now watching her friend die -the whole time without being able to close her eyes, a man enjected a drug into her making her not be able to blink. Mya looks down at Holly. "Mya, will I..." she's cut of by screeming -which is normal for them. Mya seems to know what she was goimg to say. "I don't know... I don't know... But what I do know, is that we will get out alive." Mya says. "I won't let you die." She senses his presence in an instance, she turns around to find Jack, a six foot eight man -about twenty nine years old- with short brown hair and a scar from his eye brow to his uper lip. "Oh, so you think you can escape, well let me assure you, she's gonna die, so will you." The anger rises in Mya. "You bastard let us out!" she yells with no thought. Two men walk into the room. One of them, Bill, was holding a knife and some rope, he has an evil you-look-tasty smile on his face which makes Mya gag. The other, Trenten, was waiting for the orders from Jack. Jack gets closer to the cage and slams his hand on it making Mya jump. "Whats rule number one?" he demands to know. She doen't answer. With everything he has done to her that day, anger has filled up inside her, this is just making it worse. "Never call me names." he says for her. He opens the door of the cage and Mya freezes. Last time he did this he killed the person next to her. She would not let that happen. Trembling, Mya has the courage to stand. An aching pain shoots up Myas side which makes her screem. She had forgoten, she was stabed a day ago and she was still recovering. "Ahh, the sound of pain feels good in my ears." he says with an evil smirk. "now which one shall i finish off first? How about Holly? That sounds good ri-" "No take me first. The one you kill first always leaves the other one safer and very much alive." Mya says. Holly looks at my and gives her a you're-crazy look then tears fill her eyes. "And who told you that?" "Nobody, I learned because you have done that to me many times and i always come ot alive, very much alive." All fear disapears when Mya hears a soft siren coming from outside. It suddenly stops. Jack didn't hear it? Mya thinks to her self.  "Good, you finally realize something. If you wanna die so soon, fine, these screems I would like to hear." She looks at Holly. "Can you stand?" she asks softly with a forced smile. " "Yes, but... I won't let you die, I won't let you! I... Ouch!" she shouts. "Seems your friend knows what she's saying. You wouldn't sacrifice your self for your stupid-ass friend, would you?" "She's not stupid and she's not just a friend!" Mya shouts in anger. "She's like a sister to me and I would let my self die for her to live!" Mya, steps forward and punches him in the face. Then again, then a slap in the face, then shoves him. She swings her fist again and her catches it, twists it, punches her in the gut and grabbs her by the hair. "Now do you wanna give her up or go through more pain?" he says. She has very little tears to give, but they still come. "I'd rather die a thousad times than have her die even once on my choise!" she shouts. "Take me and let her be!" She looks him in the eye. "I swear you will pay for all you have done. I'm not scared of you, or your gang , let me assure you that.' She lied. She is scared -very scared- of Jack and his 'gang.' You willl be the one to die in the end of all this."  "Or so you may think, but no I won't die." he grunts.     He Came Back  “Hey Josh. What are you doing here?” Mya asks. “Oh I’m just wondering, Brandon is moving into one houses on pine street and he’s spending his first day today and he and I are going to hang out tomorrow. So can we hang at your house?” he says. "Are you serious?" she asks. "Yeah. "He told you. All he said to me is that he's moving  to house neer by. He said it's a suprise ." she says. "Mya," he snapps his fingers in her face. "Question." “ Oh yeah. Sure why not.” Mya says with excitement. “So we’ll come at ten o’ clock. See you tomorrow Mya.” he says as he starts to ride his bike. “BYE!” Mya yells to him. He waves and disappers down the road. It's about thirty minutes later and Mya goes outside and sits on the her rope swing. She starts playing her guitar. "A drop in the ocean, a change in the weather. I was praying that you and me might end up together. It's like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert. But I'm holding you closer than most, cause you are my-" she sings with her guitar. "Heaven." she finishes saddly. "It's been a year, but your voice hasn't changed." Brandon says. "Brandon!" she says as she throughs down her guitar -gentaly- and runs to him. She jumps in his arms and they twirll. "I've missed you so much." she says. "I've missed you too." he says as he sets her down. "What made you come back?" Mya asks. "I missed you all." he replies. "I'm sorry, but can't stay. I came to say hi, but I will see you tomorrow. Okay? Oh and I love that song." he says. "Okay, bye." she says. "Bye." he says and walks away. “I wonder what they want to eat tomorrow. I guess we’ll just have pizza.” Mya says aloud.  As she goes to let her cat out something catches her eye. A note of some kind, she picks it up and reads it aloud: “I know you, you know me. you better watch your back Mya because when I get my hands on you   I will hurt you, you’ll never get away and I will have the other three. Oh and when I have you, do what I say or else..." “Sincerely, You Know Who...” She drops the note run and gets her phone and texts Josh to get here A.S.A.P. She sits there thinking that could never happen and someone is trying to trick her, there are so many doubts.  Josh walks in shuts the door and says, “I got your text, so what do you need?” She goes to the table and gets the note. “Read this. I found this on my coffie table.” she says as she gives it to him. He reads it quickly. “That’s creepy. You need to do something about this Mya-” “It’s probably a joke and its not creepy, plus I can’t, if I do I’ll have to move away, and you know how much I love it here. Please do not say anything...  For me.” he interrupts.  “Fine, but you are spending the night at my house just to be sure its not Jack because he escaped from jail two days ago.” he says. “Fine." They go to his house and make up an excuse to his mom and she seems to believe them. They go up to his room and start talking. “I don’t really see the meaning of this. I can protect myself and you know that, remember when your cousin attacked me. I got out of there alive. You know I’m strong.” she says. “Hey don’t you remember when-” Josh says as Mya interrupts. “Don’t even bring it up, I’ve changed since then, you’ve changed since then so why bring it up. You know I hate that story.” He looks down at her and says, “I’m sorry, okay I shouldn’t have brought it up. Here lets do something else.” She looks up at him and smiles. “Lets practice our self defense.” she says. “Okay... I’m a person who grabbed from behind, what do you do?” he asks whille he does it. Mya does the things shes supposed to do and says them aloud. “Elbow you in the gut, punch you in the face, turn around and flip you over and run away.” She goes and sees if he’s okay and trys help him up as he pulls her down and hugs me and says; “Correct.” They do that for a while and then they practice punching and kicking. “Bam, I knocked you on the ground within 15 seconds.” she says. “Only cause I let you.” he says. “No, you’re just saying that, so I won’t make fun of you.” Mya says to him. “Josh! Mya! Its time to go to sleep, its 11.” His mom says. “Okay Jenifer.” Mya says as they go to his beds. "I'll take the one pulls out from the bottom." Mya says. "Okay" he responds. Josh goes in his bed and closes his eyes but Mya waits for a little to close her eyes.  Its thirty minuts later and Mya makes sure he’s asleep and she leaves to her house. She goes to her room, gets her cat and puts her in her bed. Mya pets her cat and sings to her. “You wanted my love, so I gave my love to you. You wanted my heart so I gave my heart to you. You wanted me so I gave my self to you. Yes you... The one that I'm singing to.” She stops, goes to her bed and goes to sleep. Mya wakes up the next day and her cat is on her chest meowing . “Okay Lucie I’m up, here I’ll feed you.” Mya goes in the kitchen gets Lucie’s caned food, puts it on a plate. Mya takes a shower then when shes finished, she gets the video games set up for the boys. Shes looking for the remote when she sees two notes, the one from yesterday and another. She grabs them, gets a box and labels the box “The Note” then puts the notes in. So if I find any more notes, she’ll use them for something. She thinks to her self. She looks at the clock and its 9:45 and says aloud "Gurr. I have things to do instead of goofing around." She brushs her teeth, gets dressed, then brushs her hair then puts it up in a hair tie. The door opens and Josh yells, “We’re here!” She goes in the front room and finds the two boys waiting for her. "So how are things holding up since you know?" Brandon asks. Mya and Josh look at each other. "You tell him." Joshs says. "Fine." "Jack and his gang escaped from prison. It was on the news, Jenna started to cry, Ally ran out of the house and fell off the pourch, Nicole fainted, Amber yelled, and I ran outside, ran into a tree, kept running till i saw him and then ran faster till I reached Joshes house. Oh and then I passed out. We-" Mya stopped. "We were the only survivers; he took all there lives right in front of me. I coulden't do anything... But thats the past, nothing I can change about that. I got two notes from him allready." she cotinued tremmbleing. "Hey It's okay, but we have to go, but we will see you latter." Brandon says. "Bye." Mya says. "Bye." he replies. The boys go to an anbandoned house -next door to Mya's- and Mya and her sister go to the store to get food. While the girls were at the store the boys chat. "So, I see the way you look at her, are you guys going out?" Brandon asks. "Not any more, she broke up with me because it was ruining our friendship. Pluss I like Jenna." Josh says. "Well I have really missed you all." Brandon says. "Dude really, even Mya? I didn't know that she ment so much to you." "Dude really, I have been gone for a year now. You are all like familly to me, we've known each other for a long time. You all mean a lot to me" Brandon says. "Lets wrestle- to get to a different subject- and lets see who is stonger. I could have got'in stronger." Josh says. The boys start ressleing and Brandon wins like always. "So, when did you and Mya-" All of a sudden all you here is screaming. The boys go out and see whats happening and see Mya and Ali outside of there house and Ali is on the ground shaking. "Ali! I'm going to get help. Oh my, she screams. "Mya whats happening?" Josh says. "Shes having a seizure!!!" Mya says. "CALL 911 FAST!!!" Josh yells as he runs over to them. Hospital Brandon calls 911 as fast as he can and they get there as soon as they can. Mya is just lieing right next to Ally and the ambulance arives. THe doctors had done got Ally in the ambulance. Mya, Josh, and Brandon get a police escort to the E.R. and wait for the doctors to come out with there report of how she is doing. "I hope she isn't seriosly ingered." Josh says. "I know." Mya says. Dr. Jill comes out and goes over to them. "How is she?" Josh says. "Is she going to be okay?" Mya asks. "Yes she is but I want to let you know she had a high amount of alcohal, she is allergic to it or at least what our records say, Ally almost died. She her musles were failing. But shes going to be fine. She will have to be in the hospital for a week." says the doctor. Mya gets out her phone, puts it on and calls her parents. "Mom, Ally's in the hospital and her-" she is inturupted. "What is she ok, what happened, tell her 'mom says be strong'. John get your but over here!" her mom says. "Mom she had alcohal and her muscles were failing. Someone mut have put it in something she had." Mya says. "Oh my god is my little girl okay!" her dad says. "Yes, but she'll be in the hosptal for a week an-" "I wish that we could be there but we're here for another 6 months ughh. If it weren't for your mother taking another job offer we'd back already." he says. "What was that?" her mom asks. "Did I say that out loud? Well got to go honny, bye." he says wierdly. "I'm going to hurt them when they get back." Mya says. "Did she drink any alcohal?" the doctor says. "No. We just went food shopping." "Did she drink or eat anything with in the last four hours? The alcohal could have been in it maybe." The stunned look onher face suprises the doctor. Mya runs out of the room. "Hey." Brandon says as she runs. She looks back only once with tears in her eye's. Brandon, Josh, and Dr.Jill start talking about what could have happened for about three minutes. "I wonder where she went." Brandon says. "Well thats normal, people -most of the time- come back with something. Um-" she says. "Can you help at all?" Dr. Jill asks. "I'm sorry, I wasn't with them. But I-" Mya runs into the room. "We went to eat at Lennys, there was a new guy there I have never seen there before- he had a beard- Ally ordered a soda to go and it took five minutes just to get a soda. Wait I took a picture to send to my mom- she wanted to see what we were doing." she says. Mya gets out her phone and pulls up the picture. "Oh my God. It's him." she says. "Who?" Josh says. "It's him, it's Jack. how could I not tell, I'm so stupid." "Mya, it's okay, calm down." Josh says. "Treat her, I have to go." Mya says as she starts to leave. "Where are you going?" Brandon asks. "I'm going to tell Jack who's boss in this fight. Don't stop me." Mya runs out. "Uggh. What will i do with her." Josh says. "Okay, well I'm gong to take spme tests on this drink. Oh and if you'd like you can go see her." The two boys go see Ally and she still has not yet regained conscience. You can tell the really do care for her. Josh rubbing her face with his thumb and Brandon holding her hand. "I hate to see her like this. Man, Jack is going to pay for this." then something hit him. "Wait, how did Jack escape anyway, doesn't that jail have high sicurety?" Brandon says fallowed by some screems. "What the hell is going on out there?" Brandon says. "Oh my God." Josh says as he stands up. They both go out to see what the screems are coming from. Insted of seeing someone very ingered, they see what they wouldn't ever guessed. Mya is standing in the middle of the hall with people running away from that area. Brandon looks up and sees Jack standing there with a gun pointed at Mya. Brandon runs towards her. He stands infront of her. "Move," my yells at him. He puts his eyes on Jack. "No," he says back. he turns his attention to the clich of the gun and winces. Jack has a crazy look in his eyes. "Mve boy," he says. Brandon shakes his head. "You are not gonna hurt her and you are not gonna hurt me." he says. Jacks eyes widen at the remark. "And whos gonna stop me, You?" he says with a smirk. "You're as good as dead." Mya gets frusturated. "Move, Brandon," she says. "I don't want you getting hurt!" He shakes his head. "No Mya," he says with no sign of him being worried. He can't won't shoot me and he wont shoot you.' Jack laughs. "And why do you say that?" Brandon smiles. "Don't you hear the sirens?" he says. "you're gonna have to run to get away." he says knowing there will be police at the entrance any minute now. Jacks eyes grow wide. He lowers the gun and fires at Brandons leg. He misses. He turns and runs. It isn't soon till Brandon Is behing him. They leave the building with bullets flying from his gun. A bullet hits a police but it hits the bullet proof vest. Jack is about ten feet away. "You wno't get away with this Jack!" Brandon yells. Jack stops running. "Oh, Is that so. I already have." Jack laughs an a train goes by. It almost hit Brandon but he stopped just in time. A truck drives by and picks Jack up. "Mya? Mya, can you hear me?" Josh asks. She gives him what looks like a nod. After Brandon left she started hyrovenalating and passed out, bumping her head really hard. The doctors are all focused on Mya. Mya blinks four times. "She can't see well, I held up two, she blinked four times." Josh says. "That happens alot. She needs some air." Doctor Jill says. Mya opens her eyes. Her breaths are heavy. Tears start rolling down her face. All her bravery is gone and she just lays there and cries. A person can only hold the pain in for so long, she finally broke. Brandon anpolice enter the hall. The moment he sees Mya, he runs to her. He searches her face. And she sits up. She turns her face away from him. "Hey, he's gone," he says putting his hand on her shoulder. She nugges his hand away. His eyes grow wide. "Whats wrong?" he asks. She just sits there, crying silently. "Hey," he says trying not to make it worse. "Its okay, he can't hurt you now, he can't-" she interupts him. "You could've been shot," she says. He nods. "Thats true, but I-" she inturupts again; but this time she look at him. "You could've died and I wouldnt have been able to stop it, again. Just like how it always is." He starts to say something but she stops him. "You could've died and it would have been my fault! I don't wanna lose any one alse and I put you in the posistion! Its all my fault!" she starts to shake. She starts to say something but Brandon grabbs her and pulls her close. He holds her and dosen't let go. She lays in his arms and cries. Doctor Jill takes Josh into a room where they can talk alone. "Is Mya's Mom and Dad still over seas?" she asks. He nods. "Well, is Megan in town or is she still moving?" she asks. "She is in town. And she is on her way. I called her and she was on her way to a friends house but so she shpuld be here any time." Jill smiles. "Thanks," she says. "but can I talk to you about May for a little so I can see if we need to put her on meds?" He nods. "Has she had any melt downs since the pridion brake?" She asks. He thinks back to that day. he shakes his head. "Has she been crying or pulling herself out of situations with you and her friends?" He looks at her. 'yeah but what does that have to do with this?" he asks. "I knew that she was tramatized, but I thought the effects were gonna be long-term. She look like a strong girl." she says. Sometimes the strongest people have the most pain, looks can be deceving.' Josh says and walks out. She is left, stunned by what just happened. Megan rushes into the room. She lokks as worried as she can be. Doctor Jill talks to her about prescribing medicine to calm down her anxiety attacks. They disscus how to pay for Allys medical bills as well. Brandon, Mya Josh get a ride to Myas house. They all deside to stay at Brandons. Mya gets very sleepy and falls asleep while the two boys just look at her. Mason "Ally, right here." Mya says as they sit down at a counter.  Ally grabbs a menu. "I think I'll have a blended oreo mochachino." Ally says to the waiter. "Also Eggs with a side of hash browns, oh, toast and crapes also." He nods. "Okay. Is that all for you?" the waiter asks. "Yes." she replies. "And for you?" he asks Mya. "Um," she starts. "I'll have eggs with a side of toast and hash browns. To drink I'll have, orange jucie, I guess ." she says. She hasnt been hungery or thirsty that much since she the incedent. Someone sits next to her. Mya doesn't notice him. About two minutes later the waiter comes to them with the food. They eat all of their food. Ally stands up. "We'll leave once I'm done going to the bathroom." Ally says as she walks in the direction of the bathroom. "Okay, hurry though. We can't be late for school." Mya says. Someone tapps Mya's back. "Excuse me." Mya truns around finding herself still. There in front of her is a boy about six feet tall, with short brown hair and blue eyes. "Yes?" "Hi, my name is Mason. I'm new around here and I need some directions to the Jackson High School." he says. He rubs the back of his neck. "My phone died so I can't look it up. I have to walk there and I don't want to get lost." Mason says. "What school is it?" she says with a smile. "Jackson High." Mya looks into his eyes. "I'm on my way there. My sister and I can give you a ride." "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to cause you any trouble." he says. "No, no. It's fine. don't worry. There's my sister now." she says as Ally aproches. "Ally this is Mason. Mason this is my older siser Ally." Mya says. "Nice to meet you." Mason says. "Nice to meet you too." she says back. Mya turns to Ally. "Can we give him a ride? He's walking to school, and it's his first day here." Mya gives Ally a look. "Fine." Ally says. They walk to Ally's car and get in. They drive away. They get to the first turn and Mya's phone rings. It's an unknown number. She sends it to voice mail. "Who was it?" Ally asks. "Just an un known number." she replies. She looks down at her phone, One new voice mail. She listens. "Mya... I need you to watch you your back, please." A modified voice says. "That was weird." she says. "Who was it?" Ally asks again impatiantly. "I don't know, they told me to watch my back, but it wasn't Jack." she says replies. "Okay." Ally says.   ஜ۩۞۩ஜ   The whole time Mason looked confused, but when they arrived at school he was greeted nicely. Everyone seemed to like him, most of the girls were flirting with him. He was calm but the one person he wanted to flirt with him was paying attention to someone else. Soon enough, the bell rings. They all walk to class and Nicole is pretty much drooling over him. She looks like a puppy with a treat in front of it. Josh and Amber say goodbye and walk left to their homeroom class and Jenna and her friend Sabrina walk right to their homeroom class. Mason pulls out a paper with his class schedules and reads it over. "Where is Mr. Braggs room?" Mason asks. "We're headed there right now." shay says. Brandon smiles. "You can fallow us, if you want to, that is." Brandon says. "Sure." He smiles. "Thanks. I guess." He looks at Nicole and gives her, the look. She blushes. Mya sees her blush, What the hell, she thinks. They arive to the classroom and everyone goes silent. All- but a sleeping guy in the corner- eyes are on him. The girls stare at him, some look like puppy dogs with their mouth open, some adjust their bras and others fix their hair. The boys wonder if he is tough, good at sports and other guy things. Mr. Braggs looks up from his book and realizes he is finaly here so he can introduce him self. "Oh it seems that our new student and Brandon have finally arived." he says. "Do you want to introduce your self?" Mason looks up and sees  a huge mole on Mr. Braggs face. Gross , he thinks to him self. "Sure," he says. He swiches his attention to the students. "Hi, my name is Mason Drundun and I'm from Fresno." Mya and Nicole sit down. "Now you Brandon." Mr. Braggs says. Brandon nods. "Hey, most of you know already know me, but I see some knew faces in here, so hey I'm Brandon Johnson and I moved back here from Crescent City.' he says. "Well you both are knew, so y'all can sit next to each other. Brandon you can sit next to Mya and Mason you can sit next to Nicole." Get Together "Nicole come on and help me an outfit for... Well I don't know what to wear." Jenna says. "Ummm, don't think I don't already know. You like Josh. Dubble J. I likey." Nicole says. "Don't try hiding it, you're in lo-" Jenna puts her hand over Nicole's mouth. "This is news to me." Amber says. "Dose he know you love him? Does he love you back?" Amber says. "So manny things to talk about, so little time." Amber says. "Amber, shut up. But yess I guess I do like him." Jenna says. "Are you happy now?" she asks. "Yes. Yes I am." she replies. Jenna has liked Josh for a long time. She would have asked him out if she wasn't scared. She has never had the courage to ask him out and the one time she had the courage Mya and Josh had started going out. "Have you told him yet?" Amber asks. "No, I was thinking of telling him tonight." Jenna says. "Well we better get you something to wear then. We want you to look good." Nicole says as she goes into the closet. Nicole looks at about five shirts then she pulls out one. "I like this one." Nicole says. She holds up a black shirt with gems around the neck. "Oh and these pants." amber says pulling out a pair of wight skinny jeans. "Go change." Nicole says. Jenna gets changed. When she walks into her room the others are getting the make up out of her droor as long with her curling iron. Nicole curls Jennas hair, than puts a clip in, then gets the neclace Josh got her for her birthday and puts it on her. Amber doesn't put much make up on. She starts with the eyes, she puts a tan shade on. Then she goes to Maskcara. Then she puts on water mellon lip gloss. "Lets go." Nicole says. They get their bags and walk out the door. "Shot gun. Nicole says. "Umm, you're driving." Amber says. "I know it just sounded good to say at the time." They all get in the car.   ஜ۩۞۩ஜ They arive at Myas house. They dont knock they just walk in. Nicole see's Brandon and runs into his arms. "Brandon! I missed you so much" She hugs him tight. "Woah, calm down, Nicole. No one can miss anyone more than I missed you." Mya cluches her fists. She walks out of the room. Nicole lets go. "Amber, come, come. Yes come, come." Brandon says as Amber hugs him. "You're so weird Brandon." Amber says. Mya walks out of the room. "Jenna." Nicole says. "Jenna." She repeats. "Hello, anyone up there." she says and wavws in her face. "Oh sorry, I'm just... La la land." Jenna says and huggs Brandon. "Why so quiet?" he asks. "Sorry just nurvous I guess." He looks at her funny. "I feel so loved. You get nurvous around me. Awe." She pushes him away friendly like. "Oh shut up. I'm not nurvous around you at all. It's something else ." she says and looks at Nicole. "The whole gang in one room, again." Josh says. Amber looks around the room. "No, where's Mya?" she says. "I think she walked intothe kitchen." Nicole says. The all walk into the kitchen and see Mya walking out of the hall way into the kitchen. "Hey guy's. Right in time." Mya says. Mya has After That... "What!"     sorry nothing yet bookrixers In the Hospital nothing sorry bookrixers   Mya's Jurnal Sorry nothing yet bookrixers School sorry nothing yet bookrixers Basket Ball Game nothing yet sorry Using There Secret Against Them nothing yet sorry Fun nothing yet sorry The Party sorry nothig bookrixers Scared to deth nothing yet sorry Not Who You Think He Is sorry nothing yet Part Two I hope you like the book so far. If so, stick around for the rest, even if you don't, still read, the best parts are yet to come.   Begining to "Part two."   Stranger At The Beach nothing today Publication Date: January 11th 2015 https://www.bookrix.com/-dz1645d3bc9e025

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-layla-stone-tears/

Layla Stone Tears Sam groaned. “Alicia? Are-are you alright?” He could tell by his girlfriend’s moans of pain that she wasn’t. Sam rushed to Alicia’s side and stroked her frizzy red hair. “C’mon, carrot top. Say something!” Sam pleaded. Her deep brown eyes opened and looked into Sam’s cloudy blue ones. “Sam…” Sam could tell by the glassy look in her eyes that she would soon be gone. “I love you.” She whispered. And then she died. “ALICIA!” Sam screamed. If only he could do something to bring her back… Sam wanted her back… Alicia’s funeral was the next week. Sam just sat next to Alicia’s coffin and held her hand. Her cold, gray hand. Tears fell from his lashes and landed on his girlfriend’s silky lavender dress. They would be sealed in the coffin with her. Every time she walked by, Alicia’s mother gave him a look of disgust. The car crash was his fault… Alicia’s death was his fault… 3 years later. “Hey, Sam. You got a partner for the dance yet?” Sam’s pretty sister, Alex asked. Sam shook his head. “I just want Alicia to go with me.” Alex sighed. “Sam, it’s been three years. Alicia wouldn’t want you to mope around and cry all the time. She would want you to move on! You need to get over her.” Sam looked down, his eyes welling with tears. “I can’t, Alex. I miss her too much. I can’t betray her.” Alex rolled her eyes. “Look, Sam. Alicia would want you to be happy.” Sam was starting to get mad. “How do you know, Alex? Until I hear it from her, I won’t move on.” He yelled. But the strange thing was, Alicia heard him say that. Sam was sitting on his roof at night, like he always did when he couldn’t sleep. Which was basically all the time since Alicia died. “Gosh, carrot top. Should I move on yet? Should I? Give me a sign!” He whispered. “Sam! Samuel!” A desperate voice whispered from the ground. Sam looked down and saw the most magnificent thing he had ever seen. He didn’t know it yet, though. “GHOST!” He screamed as silently as he could. The figure motioned for him to stop. “But you know me, Sam. Think!” Sam looked more closely. Then his eyes widened and he began to cry. “Why are you mocking me? Dress as my dead girlfriend… Who are you?” The figure looked hurt. “Sam! It is I! Alicia! I’ve come back for you.” Sam studied her more carefully, as if he didn’t believe her. “Is it really you?” Alicia smiled. “Yes. I’m your girlfriend. I know you’ve been missing me, Sam. I can hear you every time you say that. I’ve come back for a while. For you.” Sam’s eyes were immediately filled with tears. He honestly didn’t know how to react. His dead girlfriend had suddenly appeared in his backyard. But it wasn’t her. She was pretty, true, but she was shimmering and white all over. She was wearing the same lavender dress that she wore when she was buried, only now it was ripped and wet. She was a ghost. Did ghosts have feelings? Was Alicia cold? Sam smiled awkwardly. “I would invite you inside, but…” Alicia understood. “Your family? Don’t worry, you’re the only one who can see me, Sam.” Alicia said his name with such delight as though it put a sweet taste on her taste buds. She savored every moment that he looked at her with those large eyes of his. They were the last thing she ever had seen while she was alive. His big, blue eyes. They were clouded with tears, which Alicia thought was so sincere. “Oh, Al! I’m so glad you’re back!” Sam said as he climbed down from his spot on the roof. As soon as he was down, he reached to hug her. But when his arms came close, she started to vaporize so that he couldn’t touch her. “Living, breathing human. Gosh, Sam. I’m sorry, but living beings can’t touch me! Well, plants can, but that’s different…” Alicia apologized. Sam nodded. “Oh, I see.” Alicia looked a little uncomfortable. “There’s, ah, one more thing.” “What, Al? You can tell me anything.” “I’m not staying forever.” Sam was shocked. “Why not, Al? I love you!” Alicia started to cry. “I’m sorry, Sam! But… I just can’t, okay? I need you to understand. I do love you, Sam, but… but…” Sam felt sorry for the girl. But at the same time, angry. Why wouldn’t she stay with him forever? Sure, he couldn’t touch her and she was dead, but they loved each other. “Sam, I’m sorry.” Sam looked away, hurt. “No. Not right now, Al. I’ll see you tomorrow. Meet me by… by the usual spot.” Alicia nodded. “I-I’ll see you tomorrow, Sam.” Sam went to his bedroom and broke down crying, mourning the second loss of his girlfriend. The next morning, Sam awoke and did the usual routine. Brush his hair and teeth, eat. Then he left for school. The place of eternal torment. Why? “Hey, Sam.” Kayla said. “Not now, Kayla.” Sam’s usual response. Kayla batted her pretty brown eyes. They looked so much like Alicia’s… “Aw, c’mon, Sam.” Kayla pouted and flipped her shining blonde hair over her shoulder. “You need someone to go the dance with you.” “I-I can’t Kayla.” Kayla was nice, pretty, and Sam’s best friend. She understood why Sam was so upset these days. “Still upset ‘bout Al?” Sam nodded and tried to swallow the lump in his throat. Then the usual people came. “Hey, Kay. How ‘bout that dance, huh?” “Back off, Jon. I’m not interested.” Kayla retorted. “Still in to Dumpster Boy? I’ll make him smell nice for ya.” Jon grinned evilly. Motioning the other boys in his gang to grab my feet, he took him by the arms and they carried him out back. They opened up the huge, slimy, smelly dumpster and threw him inside. By the time Sam managed to wriggle out of the filth, school was over. He had applesauce in his shoes and banana peels down his pant leg. Sam considered walking home, but he just went to meet Alicia. When Al saw him, she gasped in horror. “Sam! What happened?” Sam ignored the look of sympathy on her face. If she really felt sorry for him, she would stay by his side forever. “Nothing.” He grumbled. They were by a creek, cold and wet. Sam remembered what had made this place so special… “Gosh, Sam. What did you want?” Alicia giggled as she reached the weeping willow. “You.” He grinned at her. Alicia blushed. “Aw, you’re so sweet.” Sam nodded. “Should we dance?” The night was clear and under the stars, Sam could see Alicia’s smiling face. They slow-danced for a minute, but that soon turned into a kiss. The first kiss. Then… Sam was driving her home. A car came speeding over the hill… right into the passenger side of Sam’s car. “Alicia!” And, it happened. On a night that could’ve been perfect… it was ruined with a death. The death of Alicia. “I’m really sorry I can’t stay, Sam.” Alicia started. “Don’t remind me.” Sam managed to say. Alicia looked ashamed. A single tear tumbled down her pale white cheek. “Sam, I can’t stay. I only came to tell you something.” Sam was suddenly very interested in his shoes. “What was it?” “You need to move on, Sam. Alex is right when she says I want you to move on. Never forget me, and I won’t feel betrayed. I’m dead, Sam. Kayla is alive. She’s practically telling you she wants to go to the dance with you. Why do you think she’s turned Jon down every day? She’s not giving up on you. Just because you don’t want to stop loving me… You still need to live long, happy life. I’ll visit someday, Sam.” Sam looked into her eyes, now gray with death. He couldn’t forget; she was only a ghost. Kayla was alive… Did Kayla really want him to take her the dance? Is that why she mentioned it every single day? Sam was a little embarrassed to be getting this speech from his girlfriend. “I love you, Sam.” Al smiled at him. “When are you leaving?” “Right now.” Sam looked at her. “I-I’ll really miss you, Al.” “I told you I’ll visit on occasion. I’ll come to your wedding… That is, if you ever have one.” Alicia teased. “Hey! Have a little faith in me!” Sam started laughing. “I do, Sam. I do.” Alicia gave him a long, loving look. The same look she gave him after he kissed her. Sam smiled at her through his tears. They came down hard and in millions. “I love you, Alicia. I’ll never forget you.” Alicia began to rise towards the stars. She looked down into his blue eyes, clouded with tears. The same as when she had left him the first time. As Sam watched Alicia leave and finally explode into a magnificent golden shimmer, his heart broke. He had a painful lump in his throat and salty tears poured from his eyes. “I love you.” He whispered, as though Alicia could hear his voice. The strange thing was, she did. Publication Date: November 26th 2010 https://www.bookrix.com/-kygirl511

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-rwby-lover-kirito-039-s-surprise-part-6-1/

RWBY lover, Asuna Yuuki Kirito's Surprise part 6 The class jealousy when kazuto awoke he wasnt awoken by gal or asuna but instead was awoken by elizabeth and she was hugging him and holding him and yuuki awoke" huh elizabeth?" yuuki was looking at her confused "guess what a month of cease fire is over yuuki now i can get all lovey dovey with him to". Gal woke up from under the blanket and pushed elizabeth off of kazuto as she hugged and held him close "he's mine" she said with a gleem looking at both of them. "huh who is this girl yuuki" elizabeth asked with a angry look on her face, "thats his sister and yes his real sister, shes in love with kazuto" she told elizabeth with a mad look to and thats my boyfreind how can she just take him from me "uh she hasnt taken me from you hello im still your boyfreind" he said without hesitating but yuuki wasnt listening as she just kept argueing with the three girls then turned to kazuto as she saw Gal hugging up to kazuto, "errrrr" yuuki and elizabeth both said while walking out of his room to downstairs angry, "um where are you going, wait dont leave me here by myself" he said looking at Gal scared, gal started to kiss him as he couldnt do anything since he was held tight by her but yuuki came in the room with some food and saw, " What are you doing to my boyfreind" she was standing infront of them with red eyes, "no it isnt what it looks like yuuki" he said with a scared look on his face and started to run fast outside the house and down the street but when he reached the corner he ran into silica.k..kirito?..salica" i dont have time to talk  right now" "he rubbed the back of his head " well actually i came looking for elisbeth"  b..but dont worry ill find her" "she smiled and ran off aswell as kazuto" later that day kazuto had went home and yuuki gal and elizabeth were waiting for him as they all said "where were you" they all screamed at him but kazuto just passed out from the pressure they put on him. Publication Date: October 9th 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-narutolover11

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-anonymous-the-crash-years/

Anonymous The Crash Years One To imagination and creativity. May they both never decide to leave me. (6 months ago) ANDROMEDA (ANDIE) BARRY and JACKSON (JACK) CAMDEN @ the guest house of the Barry residence Andie drilled her eyes into the bathroom mirror. It was odd how a mirror’s reflection could both stare back with a coldness that somehow comforted her at the same time. But now there was no room for comfort. Between her and Jack there was the thin door, and that didn’t leave much room for breathing. Everything had been going so well, too. At first she didn’t think her parents would consider her want to move in with Jack and start off early at the university. But somehow, they agreed that this was a very appropriate step for her to gain some independence and maturity… just so long as they stayed in the guest house across the lawn. And had no mistakes. Andie started freaking out again. “They’re gonna kill me… they’re gonna kill me…” she muttered as she grasped onto the sink and stared into the mirror once more. But Jack was waiting out there, just as worried as she was, and it was time that she told him. As if a magnet were built into Jack’s sternum, Andie threw open the bathroom door, and her arms flung out to Jack. “So what was it?” Jack asked. His hands were clammy from twisting his hair, and the feeling felt odd as he touched Andie’s warm skin. Andie was to the point of crying now. All she wanted to do was to crawl onto one of the couches and keep to herself. But now wasn’t the time for that. “It was positive, Jack. It was positive… and now my dad’s gonna kill me!” Shock, and what seemed like a tinge of adrenaline and joy flooded Jack’s veins. Weird how two feelings – of being afraid and happy – could enter a mind at the same time. Pictures of a red-faced Hugh Barry yelling and a red-haired toddler on a swing balanced in Jack’s imagination, and for some reason he was a little okay with both. “I can’t keep it, Jack.” Jack had been pulled out from his imagination faster than a fish on a line. He hadn’t noticed that he had left the conversation for so long. Andie’s words had not set right in his chest. “Wait, what?” Jack asked, falling back on the living room couch. He felt as though he needed to think for awhile. But there was no time. He had to put himself in Andie’s shoes. He noticed how ironically, it was sunny outside. “Jack, I can’t keep it. My dad is going to kill me.” Andromeda felt like a sponge that had been dried out. While it had been true that she loved children, and always wanted one of her own, it just wasn’t right like this. At least, not in real families. But the blank look in Jack’s eyes made her feel full of self pity. She decided she needed to sit down as well. The conversation seemed to end there for awhile as Jack and Andie settled down to watch something on the television. However, they were not on the same couch as they usually had been. Andie felt like a horrible child-hater, and Jack felt horrible for not saying anything. Meanwhile, the sun continued to shine through the windows, and cool air was still blowing throughout the house. “Andie, what if it wasn’t that bad?” Jack asked. “Then the guy would have survived, obviously.” Jack sighed. Andie was still mused with the television program. “No. I mean… what if it wasn’t so bad, you know, if you kept the baby?” Jack couldn’t breathe. He said it. His face turned a slight shade of red. Andromeda’s eyes widened. “Jackson, my dad said no mistakes. This is a HUGE mistake! My dad will kick us out of this place. And then where would we be? And I’m pretty sure that my mom would be the only one –,” Jackson stopped her. “Andie, think about it. We’ve already moved in together. We have well-paying steady jobs. And what father wouldn’t want a grand-kid? Think about it.” Jack didn’t really know why he was all of the sudden trying to convince Andie to keep the baby. Maybe it was because he didn’t like death. But perhaps it was because the picture of the toddler on the swing sounded better every minute. His brain racked with possibilities. Andie on the other hand had begun to freak out once more. Sure, the house was big enough, and they both had steady jobs. She wasn’t even too sure that her father would blow up about the ordeal. But what about Jackson? Would he be there for her? Andie shot a glance at Jack. “Why do YOU want to keep it, Jack?” Jackson looked back at Andie. Even as she looked unsure of herself, there was still an underlying layer of strength. Though her question had come on strong, Jack had assumed the reasoning behind it. She wanted proof that he was going to be there for her, always and forever. But he had also gotten his proof that Andie would rather keep the child rather than hold the title of being some sort of murderer. “Because Andie… I love you. And as much as this is a mistake between the both of us, I couldn’t imagine putting you through the pain of making this problem… or perhaps a blessing, disappear.” “But-,” Andie stuttered. “I know your dad will be angry at both of us… for a while Andie. But we both knew this was going to happen. Maybe not now… not this early. But Andie, I love you enough to take care of you, and this baby. I’ll be here for you.” Andie paused for a while. Even through this deep pit of anguish and despair, a hint of hope glowed in her heart. Was it really true that doors could open while others shut and locked themselves up? “Really… Jackson, really?” “Yea, of course Andromeda.” Jackson smiled. Though his reign of fatherhood didn’t quite seem clear to him, he was sure he could make things right. Andromeda smiled back up at her boyfriend and decided to join him on the couch to watch television after all. The sun decided to set into the dark frigid night. MILOS BARRY and WASE CHABLASE @ the Barry residence “Thank you for taking me out… AGAIN,” chuckled Wase as she was led up the steps to the Barry’s front porch by Milos’ hand. Though the comment was said sarcastically, the look on Wase’s face was of pure admiration. She couldn’t have been any happier. “You’re quite welcome, Miss Chablase,” Milos replied in his common gentleman-like manner. As his father, Mr. Barry was the top surgeon of Nelson, as well as his top role model, it was to be expected that Milos was automatically perfect. And according to Milos, he was sure that he had found Wase to be a perfect match. This was good however, because it turned out that Wase felt the same way about Milos. Wase came from an uptight Chinese family that had moved to Nelson, New Zealand for its fresh, uplifting culture. Wase’s father, Mr. Chablase was the local dentist, and Mrs. Chablase was an aspiring actress who would sometimes travel to Christchurch and Auckland for shows. Wase happened to be the perfectly balanced-type of daughter. She was the type who joined the town symphony at the age of eight, playing piano, who ran for the high school track and cross-country team, and still had leftover time to finish homework, and work at her father’s office. Milos had noticed that he had been staring at Wase’s neckline for a few seconds. He quickly looked back into her eyes, and composed himself, suddenly turning a shade of red and nervously running his fingers through his neatly combed hair. “Uhm… uhhh… do you want to come in and meet my family?” Milos stuttered, “I mean, they’re probably going to sleep soon, but I’m sure they’d like to meet you.” The look on his face was similar to that of a yearning toddler asking for a Popsicle. Wase’s reply was interrupted by the slamming of the back door. Wase and Milos peeked around the corner. The door opened again. “What do you mean you’re going out?!” yelled Mr. Barry as he stormed after a very angry-looking Denver, Milos’ twin brother. He was otherwise known as the “evil” twin. “I’m going out, so what?” huffed Denver. This happened every night. Milos sighed in regret as he watched his brother with hazed, puffy eyes and a cigarette in hand walk away from a future. “Your college fund, that’s what!” Mr. Barry roared. Like always, he didn’t wander too far for Denver anymore. He’d walk out about three feet from the back porch, and after that it was useless. “Pfft. What college fund? I’m not going to college.” And with that, Denver stalked out of the yard, messing with the spare change in his pocket. “You’re ruining this family, Denver!!” That was Mr. Barry’s exasperated reply he always gave before giving a huge sigh of grief and returning back into the house to his always-loving wife, who would somehow encourage him that everything was going to be okay. “I think this is my queue to leave…” muttered Wase as she turned to Milos. True, there was always time to meet the family, but Milos didn’t want everything to turn out this way. Where Denver would always interrupt. “Wase… wait.” Milos almost freaked himself out. Since when did he become hasty? Would she freak out? Well… he really liked her. But what if she didn’t like him that way? What if she never wanted to see him again? No more Wase? Had Denver ruined it all? And with quickness quite comparable to that of a swimmer diving into the water, Milos decided in that second to kiss Wase. The two blushed miserably and smiled like pageant girls before Wase composed herself and came to the conclusion that now was a good time to get back to her house. “I think I should leave now. Today was wonderful, thanks Milos.” She said this before giving a quick kiss to Milos’ cheek and half skipping, half walking back down to her own home. Milos gave a sigh unlike anyone else’s today. It was a pure sigh of relief. He then stretched his arms for once, as a prideful man does, and began to walk up the steps into his humble abode. “I’ve got to ask her out,” he breathed into the cool night sky before stepping inside. DENVER BARRY @ the Barry residence “Night… finally,” Denver thought to himself as he peered outside his bedroom window. He had been twiddling his thumbs now for hours. How did he know? Blisters had begun to form on the outer edges. Calluses later. Whatever didn’t hurt him would only make him stronger. Life hadn’t exactly been too exciting lately, as far as night life goes. Denver’s best friend Koda had recently been put into juvenile hall for drunk driving and illegal cigarette smoking. Denver knew it was only moments until he was next. Him and Koda had always done everything together. It had been three days since Denver had slept or hardly ate, and it didn’t take a mirror for him to know that he reflected disaster. His sight was mostly a blur, and the only thing that had kept him awake these last couple of days was a hot shower. Now all he wanted was a drink. Well, maybe more than one. The thing about winter that Denver loved was the fact that you could wear a coat. Coats had been his rescue for the pack of cigarettes he always carried. Unlike in the summer, only a tight pair of jeans could hold one or two cigarettes at the most. Two slaps on the face and Denver headed downstairs, where his father would always be, trying to talk some “sense” into him. Denver didn’t care. As long as the pap had his golden boy Milos, that was all he needed. “I’m going out,” Denver mentioned before opening and slamming the back door. He heard talking outside. Must be Milos and his date. He hadn’t met the girl before. It was their fifth date. “One, two, three…” Denver mumbled to himself as he stepped down the back porch and began to swiftly walk across the grass. “What do you mean you’re going out?!” yelled Paps. Denver laughed to himself at the fact that his father pretended to be clueless every single time he went out. He shook his head. “I’m going out, so what?” Denver glanced back at Paps. Was that a hint of despair in his father’s eyes? Couldn’t be… usually it’s just the mask he puts on in hopes that the family reputation wouldn’t be ruined. Denver took a puff of his cigarette. “Your college fund, that’s what!” More like family reputation. Whatever. Denver had already seen the empty pregnancy tests in the trash this morning. He wasn’t the only one Dad was going to have to worry about. “Pfft. What college fund? I’m not going to college.” And with that, Denver walked out of the yard, playing with the spare change in his pocket that he would later use for a drink or two. However, as he neared the sidewalk, Denver heard the everyday twinge of guilt as his father yelled after him, “you’re ruining this family, Denver!!” Wouldn’t you know it. But hey, Milos’ date was kind of cute. ALEXANDER (ALEC) HARRISON @ the Harrison residence “dont go getting so eddicated that you wont talk to your old frends. I said dont worry I will always keep my old frends even if I can read and rite.” Alec heard a glass crash down the hall. As an automatic reaction he set down his favorite reading book, Flowers for Algernon, and rushed to see what had happened. “Tss-oww,” whined Emilie as she glanced up guiltily at her brother Alec. As always, he had gotten there before everyone else. Even with the huge, brand new house, Alec had always remained the same. Alec looked at the broken shards of what used to be a vase scattered around his sister. Nothing too serious, a bit had sliced open her leg, but the problem was that the house was void of any alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. He gave the parental look that gave the meaning, “you did it again, Emilie?” “I’ll go get Mum and Dad,” Alec soothed as he darted out of the kitchen and upstairs to tell his parents of what had happened. “Emilie! What happened sweety?” asked Bebban Harrison. She looked in shock at the amount of broken glass around the kitchen, and gave the “explain every detail” look. “I wanted that sleepy tea, Mum. I was just getting a mug! But… I grabbed for your vase instead,” replied little Emilie, who tilted her head back down to her bleeding leg in guilt. Bebban continued to comfort Emilie as Marianna, the eldest daughter, went to search for the broom. Adam, the father, swiftly came up to Alec. “Alec, we need some alcohol for Em’s cut. Do you think you can run down to Oliver’s real quick and ask him for some?” Adam was the main doctor in Nelson. He recently acquired a job there, and was now working with Mr. Hugh Barry. Oliver, who owned the pub down the street, was a family friend. “Sure Dad,” replied Alec as he ran out of the house, and down the street towards Oliver’s Irish Pub. DENVER BARRY @ Downtown Nelson – outside of Oliver’s Irish Pub No doubt, Denver was wasted. It had been hours since his expedition to the pub, and he knew from how cold the pavement was. Oliver kicked him out again after he picked another fight with a man after drinking 16 shots of tequila. It must have been around midnight. He had to get up. He had to go home. The wall of the pub was useful for keeping the cool ocean air out, but it was also useful for helping drunks get to their feet. In Denver’s case it was the latter. People inside the pub were pointing, laughing as his useless carcass crawled up the wall, slipped, and crawled up again. Finally his fingers grasped what seemed to be a window sill and that kept him from slipping again. “I can walk…. damnit, I can walk,” slurred Denver as he attempted to take a first step. Like a baby his legs seemed like two uncoordinated stumps of wood that didn’t seem to want to respond to his wishes. Somehow he took another step. It was going to be a long walk home. The door to the pub opened. More humility? Or maybe an invite inside from pity? “Alright, thanks Oliver,” smiled some stick with a blonde head as he waved his stick arm and hand goodbye to the pub owner. So it was neither. It was just a customer. Denver groaned in hopelessness and the world went black. ALEC HARRISON @ Downtown Nelson – outside of Oliver’s Irish Pub “This should be enough for the little miss. Take care, Alec, and make sure to get rid of those vases,” chuckled family friend Oliver as he handed Alec a small bottle of both tonic and tequila. They were samples that would belong on first class in an airplane, but they would do perfectly for Emilie’s cut. Alec nodded in agreement and stepped out into the crisp, cool summer night. “Alright, thanks Oliver,” Alec smiled as he waved goodbye. He heard someone make a sharp groan to the left of him. Next to his feet collapsed a dark-haired boy, probably about his age. Alec gasped. “Oh my gosh, are you okay?” Alec cradled the boy’s head in his arm and lightly slapped his face. The boy opened his eyes for a second before gasping and coughing in Alec’s face. The sharp stench of tequila and cigarette smoke poisoned his nostrils. Alec hid his face in his sleeve before glancing back up at the pub. “Hmm,” Alec sighed. This wouldn’t necessarily be a problem for Oliver to handle. Oliver did deal with a lot of drunks, but this was different. Alec had to bring him back to his father. Along with the tequila and tonic, Alec slugged the dark-haired boy over his shoulder and started walking back to his house. “It’s gonna be alright, mate,” Alec reassured the passed out stranger. @ the Harrison residence – the next morning As soon as the sun had risen, Alec was awake. He wasn’t sure as to why, other than being curious of the boy he rescued last night. Perhaps that was the reason, and either way, there wasn’t a chance that Alec was going back to bed anytime soon. He made up his bed and rushed downstairs as slowly as he could. As Alec came downstairs, he glanced at the couch that Dr. Harrison had set the boy to sleep on last night. It had been covered completely in towels, with a bucket to the side in case the boy needed to throw up any extra tequila. The couch looked the same, the bucket looked the same, and the boy was still in the same position that Dr. Harrison had laid him in last night. Was the boy dead? “Alec, what are you doing?” asked Dr. Harrison, who suddenly appeared in the chair beside the couch the dark-haired boy was on. Was he in the chair before? If so, Alec completely didn’t notice. “ I um uh… I couldn’t sleep. Anymore,” stuttered Alec. He rubbed his eyes and tried to collect himself as his dad raised a brow and chuckled. He motioned his hand toward the still available seat in the living room. Alec eyed his father suspiciously, but decided that sitting wouldn’t do so much of harm. Alec squinted. “He’s not… dead, is he?” Another chuckle from Dr. Harrison. “No, but you were very right to bring him to me, Alec. From the looks of it, he hasn’t slept in days, and he certainly hasn’t been feeding himself properly. And from the vomit on his face, I’d say he needs a shower. But thank you son, for getting me the alcohol for sister’s cut.” Alec looked at the boy with the dark hair. He looked so still. The morning sun that shone through the windows made the boy’s hair shine a little. Dark circles encompassed the boy’s eyes, making him look haunted. His slender body seemed to be buried in the couch. The boy’s face looked familiar. “So how long until he’s up?” asked Alec, completely ignoring the part about Emilie’s cut. A third chuckle from the peanut gallery. The sun began to rise enough that the light would force itself through a window, reflect off the television, and burn into Alec’s eyes. Funny how something so wonderful could be bad, too. “ I don’t know, son. It could be in a couple of hours. Like I said, he needed a lot of sleep…” DENVER BARRY @ the Harrison residence Like always, it began with a searing pain in the head. But as of lately, the head pain would soon be followed by pain from the hollow emptiness of his stomach, and then even worse, the pain of opening up his tired, swollen eyelids. However, only two of those three pains happened. It was a relief to know that even with the bright sunlight (bright sunlight? That never happened in his room), his eyes didn’t seem to hurt. He began to open them slowly, while also trying to find the connection from his brain telling his arm to block the bright light. “He’s waking up!” Denver heard the sound of a little girl’s voice whisper. Last time he had checked, Andromeda was certainly older than he was. Thankfully, his arm responded and blocked the sunlight enough for him to squint his eyes open. Then the smell of vomit became apparent. Crap. The sunlight suddenly became blocked. Was it cloudy outside? Denver had always wished for rain this summer. He loved winter weather. His eyes flew open. Five blonde-haired faces glanced back down at him. So that was what blocked the sun. He began to look at the faces. The first was a small girl (probably the one who whispered), who looked over the couch with excited eyes and a toothless grin. She giggled as he winced, trying to get used to the lighting. Second was probably the mother of the house. She was skinny and petite, and held her composure with a respectful grin that also worked as a warning. Her warning was probably against the tequila vomit from last night, still stuck on his face. Third was a teenage girl, probably around his age… maybe younger. Unlike the younger girl, this one looked at him in admiration. She was very pretty, but her knowledge in guys like him would ruin her. He laughed silently to himself. Fourth was the father. He was a very careful-looking man. His brows held the same concentration as his own father’s. Wait. That was the Dr. Adam Harrison that his father worked with. Denver gulped louder than was necessary. Denver noticed the last person from last night. The supposed stick with blonde hair turned out to be a teenage boy his age. He had never seen him before. Well that was because the Harrisons were new to Nelson. But a stick was a poor way to describe the boy. He had deep blue eyes that contrasted well with his choppy blonde hair. He was perhaps the most perfect looking person he had ever seen. Then the whole family smiled. “My god,” Denver breathed. ALEC HARRISON @ the Harrison residence Alec had only been sitting outside for ten minutes when he decided that perhaps fresh air wasn’t so good for him after all. The whole day he had forgone everything. He ditched a game of chess with Emilie, he skipped practicing piano, and ultimately when the decision was made that some fresh air would be nice, Alec thought this was the total remedy. Until now. The dark-haired boy had been instructed to eat a decent meal by Dr. Harrison, and so he did as he was told and ate a whopping omelet, crumbs and all. Next he was instructed to go take a shower because he had stunk. Likewise, he marched upstairs and was taking a shower at this moment. And for some reason the time was killing Alec. Who was this person? If they didn’t know him, would they have to keep him? Were “Found” posters stapled across the neighborhood necessary? Millions of questions racked through Alec’s mind. A knock sounded on the wall next to him. “Is… Dr. Harrison around?” asked the dark-haired boy, “I need to know where to put this towel.” Alec jumped up from his chair. The dark-haired boy turned pale. “Dr. Harrison is out at work right now. If you want I’ll take it for you.” The dark-haired boy quickly handed him the towel and looked around nervously, darting his eyes as if to avoid Alec’s. “Yea, I… should probably get back home now,” the dark-haired boy muttered. He stuffed his hands in his jean pockets. “Sure,” replied Alec, “hey um… how do you know my dad’s name?” “Oh, you noticed that, huh? My dad works with yours… I’m Denver Barry.” Publication Date: January 26th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-an0nymous

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-lucy-patel-the-seagull-who-wouldn-039-t-shut-up/

Lucy Patel The Seagull Who Wouldn't Shut Up The seagull who wouldn't shut up. Henry seagull went to eagle looking for a advice. Instead, he found himself dead and stuck in ice. The raven said "Eagle, that wasn't nice." The eagle attacked, the raven fell on his back, and now he has lice. . Text: seagull Images: seagull Cover: seagull Editing: gcs jdghbv Layout: seagull Translation: seagull All rights reserved. Publication Date: January 19th 2018 https://www.bookrix.com/-fp8005239f255a5

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-hellhoundgirl-barbra-039-s-phone-call/

HellhoundGirl Barbra's Phone Call Based on the movie Night of the Living Dead 1968 “Victims show evidence of being partially devoured by their murderers…” Blah blah blah. I’ve seen what those, those ghouls are capable of. I have some of that same evidence. Upstairs. The first one I ever saw killed my brother, Johnny. There’s no reason for me to listen to this. So why can’t I move away? I should do something. Something useful, that would help us, but I can’t move, I think I’m in shock. I go over what happened in my head, not entirely by choice. I can’t stop thinking about it. Then, I realize how I can help. The phone. I know how to fix it, my mother’s phone broke all the time, but she refused to get a new one. She was attached to her hunk of junk because it was the last thing my father had ever bought. Eventually, after several visits from a repairman, and about even more fights with Johnny, I taught myself how to fix the phone. I snuck to the kitchen, it wasn’t difficult, Ben was fighting with Mr. Cooper, and everyone was focused on that. A few twisted wires later, I could hear a dial tone. It wouldn’t last long, I knew, but it should last long enough for a few calls. I went through the possibilities in my head. The authorities couldn’t help; they were fighting just to stay alive. And Ben and Mr. Cooper would doubtless fight over who could use the phone first, and might break it. I would make one phone call, and then I would tell them, they didn’t need to know just yet. Besides, it would give them a chance to cool down. “Hello?” “Hi Mother, it’s Barbara. Are you all right?” Mother mother how's the family? I'm just calling to say hello. “ Barbara? Yes, of course I’m alright. Honey, where are you? I’ve been so worried. What’s going on? Is there something wrong with the car? Is this one of Johnny’s pranks?” “Well, he was kidding around-” ‘They’re coming to get you Barbara...’ he’d said in the graveyard. He was right, for once. “I knew it.” My mother interrupted. She went off into a rant then, about how if Johnny wasn’t complaining he wasn’t serious. She stopped to ask, “Barbara, is the car alright? Is Johnny even there with you?” “The car crashed, and Johnny, he, he’s…” How do you tell your mother that your brother is dead? “It’s fine, I know it’s not your fault.” Yes it was. “You’re not alone, though, right?” Am I lonely? Heavens no. I could hear Ben and Mr. Cooper still arguing in the living room. The ghouls outside, coming closer, trying to get in. “I’m not alone.” Mother mother, are ya listening? Just a phone call to ease your mind. Life is perfect, never better, distance making the heart grow fond. “ Good. Now when can you get the car fixed so you can come home?” “Johnny has the keys.” “Well you can get a ride home soon, though, right?” I could hear the worry in her voice, how would she take the news? Could she handle it? She lived alone, she had a bad heart, couldn’t handle stress well. No, she couldn’t know. If she just stayed in her home, she would be fine. If she knew something was wrong, she might leave, and come across some of them. Mother mother can you hear me, sure I'm sober, sure I'm sane. Life is perfect, never better, still your daughter, still the same. "I’ll get a ride, but it may not be soon.” "Are you sure? You know, I can’t go into town without the car.” I knew. “Oh, well, you have enough food for a while, right? On Sunday just read your Bible at home, God will understand.” “Yes, but I’ll worry about you.” I'm hungry, I'm dirty, I'm losing my mind... Everything's fine! “Don’t worry, I may not call for a while, but that’ll be because I’m traveling.” “Yes, you’re the responsible one, you’ll be okay. What do you know about Johnny? When will we see him again? Do you know?” “I’m sure we’ll see him soon…” On the other side. “Alright. But are you sure you’re okay? Do you have enough food? Somewhere to stay tonight?” “Yes, mother.” If I tell you what you want to hear, will it help you to sleep well at night? Are you sure that I'm your perfect dear, now just cuddle up and sleep tight. “Good. Who is there that might give you a ride?” “Well there’s Ben, he’s helped me a lot.” I could hear static over the phone line, my quick fix qwouldn’t last much longer. “I’ve got to go, the phone isn’t working well, and other people need to use it…” “Very well, but when you come back… full story…” “Mother?”” “…stay safe...love you.” The line went dead. I knew instinctively that it wouldn’t work again. I hung up and went back to the living room. There was no point bringing up the phone with the others, they would just be mad I’d called my mother and not tried to get help. I miss you, I love you. Publication Date: September 25th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-hellhoundgirl

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-mariiea-diorr-best-friends-forever/

Mariiea Diorr Best Friends Forever (Never) I dedicate this book to my True friends (you know who you are) Publication Date: February 25th 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-mariieajayddiorr1

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-kirsten-miller-the-mistake/

Kirsten Miller The Mistake 1 “I love you.” Those were the last words I said before everyone and everything was gone. John was the last thing I had besides the child living inside my stomach. I cautiously rub my bruised stomach realizing I will have to do this alone. I will have to take care of our child all alone. The fact of that terrified me. Is anyone here anymore? Do I have anyone to trust? The sergeant just about broke my heart. You know it’s never going to be good when the sergeant comes anxiously pounding on your door. The day that I will have to tell my baby girl daddies’ gone, will not only break my heart, but hers too. Should I marry and pretend another man is the dad? No. John would never do that. *beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.* I wake up to the piercing sound of my alarm clock. My blood shot eyes awaken. My heart races as I get out of bed realizing everything was not a dream. John was truly dead. I sit back in my bed and get a photo of John. I stare at it quietly and rub my stomach twirling our wedding ring. I finally get the courage to get up and take my pain pills and get in the shower. I sit down in the shower and cry. The reason I only cry in the shower is so my family cannot hear me. So they believe that I am strong. Oh no. there it is. Is that the kick I am suppost to feel? “Mom, mom! She’s coming!” I holler. I get out of the shower throw some clothes on and get in the car. My mom’s driving and smiling at my stomach whispering a prayer. Then suddenly I notice the car in front of us stopping . Fast. “MOM STOP!” The cries. The screams. The ambulance’s terrifying sirens. I wake up with the doctor’s running all around the room. The last thing I need is to lose my baby. I look left and right. Then I see my baby laying in my mom’s hands as she is crying loud and hard. Is this good or bad tears? “Mom, what’s going on?” I studded quietly. “She’s, she’s gone. It’s all my fault. I killed her.” “No, no, no! This can’t be happening. No!” I unplug myself from all these crazy wires and run outside in the pouring rain. I fall to my knees and cry. I yell at the sky in anger. Why does this shit happen to me? Does it have to be me? I run to my mom car get in and run. Why am I running away. I know I shouldn’t but I can’t do this. The only thing I can think of is suicide. Can I do it? Yes . I start writing my suicide letter as I sit in the car looking at the rope, tree & river. “ Dear mom. Goodbye. I love you and do not think I am doing this because of you. My life is messed up and I can’t take this shit anymore. Dear dad, I love you a lot. You were the one I could talk to about anything. Dear everyone else. Goodbye. I love you all. Love, Jessica.” I am doing this. I step on the thick brown stump as I grab the brown frayed rope. I tie a knot and stick my little head in. I grab the rope with my strongest grip and kick the stump down. I swing down with full force as the rope breaks and I land in the rushing water. I am kicking and screaming. I regret this. Someone help me please. I try to grab the closest rock or stick. They are only 2 feet away but it feels like they are miles away. I can see the edge. The edge of the river. This is it. This is how I am going to die. I see the cars blazing by, praying someone will realize I am down here. Dying. Freedom. At my finger tips. I reach my arms as far as I can and just grab the bolder. I pull myself on top breathing very heavily. What should I do know? Try to swim to land or sit here and wait till morning? I see the brown rope flying down the river. I quickly grab it, tie it around my waist and around the rock. I swim as fast as I can and get to safety. I rip the rope off and run up the road. I sprint to my car and drive back home. I go home to only find out my dad has passed away. Maybe I should have killed myself. My life is so fucked up I can’t do this anymore. The next day I look for my pain killers. This will be attempt number two. I go into my cupboard and my pain killers aren’t there. I run all over the house to find my ex husband shaking them in his hand. “Get out. You know you shouldn’t be here. Leave.” “Kiss me. And never stop. Marry me and you can have these back.” He replied shaking the pills. “No never!” “Say bye-bye.” He takes of the pills lid and grabs one and throws it down the sink. “NO STOP! Fine. I’ll marry you. But you should know I am only doing this because there is no more pills like that.” “That is perfectly fine. Aha.” *one year later* Were married. I married my ex husband. The one who abused me my whole marriage. Why would I do that to myself? Why? Because I was stupid. I dropped out of high school because I thought he was the one. I thought I loved him I thought I could trust him. Clearly I couldn’t. My parents don’t understand why I married him again. They think I have betrayed them and now they don’t even stop over to say hi. Not even for Christmas. I disappointed my family but most importantly myself. I can never forgive myself. As soon as I started to think Aaron has changed I came home late one night and he beat me senseless. I couldn’t move. I lay in the basement corner with old bread molding, crying. Chained to the cold dark ground. Regretting everything. I married an abusive man, knowing he is abusive only for pills to kill myself. I never even got the pills. I ruined my life for no reason. Read: The mistake 2, to find out what happens next. Text: Kirsten Miller Images: Kirsten Miller All rights reserved. Publication Date: March 23rd 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-millerkl4

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-rwby-lover-kirito-039-s-surprise-part-9/

RWBY lover, Asuna Yuuki Kirito's Surprise part 9 The couple split apart Kazuto woke up as any normal day but this time when he woke up gal and silica were clinging to him asleep and yuuki came into the room crying, "whats the matter yuuki" kazuto said with a concerning look, " my parents are getting divorced and are making me move with my mom" she said with a trembling voice crying as she told kazuto that she had to break up with him as yuuki walked out of the room running outside of the house home, kazuto was just looking down not talking as Gal looked at him "you ok kazuto" she asked looking at him with a sad face, kazuto just fell to the floor and not moving wondering what he did wrong as Gal and Silica watched and silica got up and sat infront of him as he hugged her and put his face in to her chest crying. "why is she leaving me" he'd scream crying from what he had heard, Gal stood up and walked to the door "ill be right back" she walked to yuuki's house as she got there she saw the moving van outside her house as she knocked on the door, the door swung open right before she knocked and yuuki was about to run outside of the door "Gal? what are you doing here,  no time to talk" she grabbed her by the hand running away with her as Gal pulled asuna into an alley " i came to talk to you because you cant do this i wont let you, your killing kazuto and i hate it, he hasn't moved from hugging silica since you left, he needs you and yes i hate to admit this but i am not arguing with this because he is always happy with you there but since you left he is depressed" she said with a sad look on her face as asuna started to cry "i cant stop my parents from moving and i am being forced to go with my mother and they wont change their minds " yuuki said with tears in her eyes as she hugged Gal "it was a pleasure being enemies with you but you win, take care of kazuto for me Gal" she said with a smile and hugged her good bye, later that day Gal went home as she saw kazuto asleep as silica was sitting next to his bed as she stood up looking at Gal "so what did yuuki say" she said with a concerning look on her face "she couldnt stop her parents from divorcing and is being forced to move with her mother and she left kazuto to me and to take care of him", Gal walked up to the bed and layed next to him as kazuto hugged her in his sleep "Gal dont ever leave me please" he said while sleeping as gal hugged him back falling asleep with him. A new love has sprouted "its been 10 days since asuna left kazuto in my hands and i've loved him so much" Gal said with a smile on her face as kazuto walked in to the room hugging her she then kissed him "i love you" kazuto said with a smile on his face as he kissed her and right when he did silica came into the room looking at them "sorry i didnt know" she said while closing the door "hm, well anyways what do you wanna do today Gal " he said with a smile as she kissed him again as they kept kissing elisbeth walked in looking at them as she walked up to them "hey guys hows it goin" she said with a curious look and kazuto and Gal jumped up scared "um its not what it looks like!" they both said simultanously running away while holding hands. "huh i was just going to introduce them to my boyfreind" elisbeth said as klien walked into the room "i just saw kazuto and some girl run away" he said with a cunfused face "thats his girlfreind since asuna left she gave him hope to be happy and im glad she did that for him" elisbeth looked at him with a smile as she kissed klien "lets go look for them Klien as she grabbed his hand dragging him out of the house with her as silica followed behind them, Gal grab kazuto into an alley and started kissing him as he started kissing back as Klien turn the corner he saw them making out as he was just stunned of what he was seeing then elisbeth turned the corner and walked up to them "hey guys whyd you run off i just wanted to show you my bf". she said with a smile as she walked up to klien and grabbed him by the hand and draged him to them "hey klien, your dating elisbeth now"? he asked with a smile. "yup she couldnt keep waiting for you so she moved on and ive always like her ever since u introduced us back in Sword art onlie". he said while look at them , "so who is this girl you're with" he asked as Gal snuggled up to kazuto and kissed him on the cheek "shes my gf" he said with a smile and kissed gal on the lips. as they started walking home "bye guys were going home" they said while waving at everyone. Publication Date: October 10th 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-narutolover11

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-riley-waverly-the-lemon-shop/

Riley Waverly The Lemon Shop Prologue: The Teenage Idiot © Riley Waverly July 2, 2014 at 11:07 p.m. Do not twist, steal, save, manipulate, spin-off, or speak my words without my permission or else legal actions (and possibly homicidal actions) will be taken against you. STAY AWAY FROM THE ‘COPY’ OPTION ON YOUR COMPUTER AND WE’LL GET ALONG JUST FINE! *Slowly puts down knife* and we can all be friends *grins like maniac* friends we will be. To think, this all wouldn’t have happened if Theo Tate hadn’t decided to throw a party that fateful Friday night. All of this had happened because Theo Tate wanted to throw a party in celebration of his stupidity. Actually, it was something like his birthday or another unimportant matter. What mattered was the fact that a young teenage boy made the decision to go to that party and get drunk for the fifth time in his seventeen years of being on this planet. This teenage boy, he was no longer some random teenage boy, he was a boy who thought he was Superman. Whether or not he was high, we will never know. He tried to fly, while he was out drunk with his teammates, after he had left the party and returned to his parents’ house, he dove in their fountain in the backyard and tried to swim like a fish. That was when the boy’s parents knew that their son was in serious need of help, that he couldn’t just get hammered every night, that wasn’t the way the real world worked. So they sent their son to a place better than rehab. They sent him to work at his grandmother’s lemon shop. Now this teenage boy—we can call him the teenage idiot—was extremely angry at his parents for making him go and actually work I mean, hello?! Working is totally last century. Anyway, the teenage idiot was at the work place when he saw this teenage girl his age, seventeen years old, but instead of all the ‘holy crap she is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen’ remarks that other teen romance novels had, his first thoughts were ‘I wonder if she’s a virgin’. Classy, I know. The teenage idiot and the teenage girl seemed to hate each other to no end, the painful time that they spent working together seemed to never end, the insults whipped out faster than a bullet from a gun, the cruel remarks, and the taunting laughter, it was all just one big blur. Then the teenage idiot and the teenage girl did what everyone expected them to do, finally. They got arrested. I know, shocker. Arrested? What? That’s not what every cliché teenage novel tells us about! It’s all about the love and beauty and prosperity. Yeah, that’s what I wanted, but apparently I did not get all of my life’s wishes. So, we’ll get to the love and the beauty and the prosperity, but first, let me tell you the story of how the teenage idiot and the teenage girl got arrested. Oh, and this teenage girl was me, obviously, and the teenage idiot was seventeen year old high school quarterback Travis Owens. Why would we mix, you ask? Well, three words, my friends, three freaking words. The. Lemon. Shop. All because of that stupid shop where they sell lemons was the reason I was sitting here in a jail cell waiting for my mother to come pick me up because I had the lack of foresight to tell her that I was planning to get arrested tonight. She was going to kill me, naturally, and I was all for it, it was better than facing the teenage idiot, or Travis Owens who was smirking at me from across the cell. I also apparently had the lack of foresight to see that I was getting arrested for trying to steal a pack mule and knocking out a hillbilly who would refuse to sell the dang thing to us. I mean, if you were going to put a FOR SALE sign on your pack mule, at least sell it to the people who want it. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. The real point of all of this is the fact that I was so angry at the smirking teenage idiot next to me, that I almost didn’t hear my mother walk in with her group surrounded with sparkling diamonds and beautiful Chihuahuas that had more life insurance than I did. “Farrah Faith Jo, why are you sitting in a holding cell with a sweaty delinquent?” Oh yeah, Travis tried to run from the cops with me piggy backing my way on his back, but due to my ‘fat ass’ (his words) we got caught almost immediately. “You see, it’s a funny story,” I laughed nervously. And she didn’t even know the beginning of it. Hey, here goes the beginning of a new story! This one kinda reminds me of MO (Masked Outcasts) in the humor aspect, and it’s really a light hearted novel and I hope you all enjoy it! This was just like a prologue, so it isn’t as long and stuff. Publication Date: July 3rd 2014 https://www.bookrix.com/-yw1584b554c8a35

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-katrina-mcfoy-from-drab-to-fab/

Katrina McFoy From Drab To Fab Introduction Kasey's Point Of View My name is Kasey,Kasey Forbes.I have 3 best friends,Farah Saunders,Eliot Sinclair,and Sam Williams.I go to Lakewood High School,and I want to become a fashion designer but...right now that is far from my thoughts.I just can't wait till I can leave this horrible place and open up a boutique,get away from all those harsh vial narcissistic Teens.I am an outcast.Just like my 3 friends.We all sit at a table by the trashcan in the dark spot of the cafeteria while the popular kids take up all the open wide tables with views of the boys swim team and the girls cheer leading practice.At Lakewood they don't call me Kasey they call me geek,freak,ugly,fat ass,slob,bitch,fucker and plenty of other horribly despicable words that you would never ever want your child to hear.I know what my flaws are and I have tried everything I can to get rid of them but they wont leave and the popular's just always have to point it out.Its like their gonna die of cancer if they don't.Obviously in their minuscule brains that's a fact,but in my world its all just one big ball of raging teen hormones kept in one average sized high school bursting with spontaneous bubbles of drama.Recently the queen bitch has been following me around insisting that I let her 'make me over' as if I was some kind of painting she messed up on.Of course I said yes,but I plan on making this as painful,long,and unbearable for her as possible ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Amber's Point Of View My names Amber Tate,but you probably already knew that.I mean who doesn't know who I am.I'm beautiful,smart,and kind to all the little unfortunate people who can't afford to look as luxurious as I do.I am irresistible.I have more friends then you can count and one super perf boyfriend,his name is Justin lang.My life is perfect.Anyone who says I'm a bitch is prob just jealous.Oh well haters gonna hate.I am called many things hipster,trend setter,TBTH (to beautiful to handle),and many other names specified to me and only me.I sit under the skylight with all my friends where we have a beautiful view of the mens swim team although the misfits block the view a little.Oh well I'm charitable,ill let them sit their.So anyways my like problemo is because my friend Tiffany dared me to turn some nerdy chick who supposedly goes to Lakewood named Kasey Forbes.What kind of last name is Forbes?and have you seen her hair!? it was insanely tangled,bushy,and poofy.Her skin was a nice natural shade but she had pimples ew!!! I mean not big ugly ones but a few on her face and its just eww!!Her clothes are disgusting and baggy and just No!but I took a peek in her bag and saw some designs for clothes and they surprisingly weren't horrible!! shocking huh?anyway so she said yes to her Make Over and I am going to make her the prettiest girl in all of Lakewood.Except for me of course,I am perfection.This is going to extremely hard but I have faith,my beauty is like a disease it spreads to those near it long enough. Text: Katrina McFoy Images: Katrina McFoy Editing: Katrina McFoy Translation: Google All rights reserved. Publication Date: July 27th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-katrina.mcfoy8109

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-ilee-coleman-the-involuntary-euthanization-of-innocence/

ILEE COLEMAN THE INVOLUNTARY EUTHANIZATION OF INNOCENCE Summertime in New York City, circa 1980’s, usually signaled fun and freedom from the repetitive “ dunundrums ” associated with its counterpart… Winter . With school eradicated from the daily equation, pre-adolescent crews had all day to sleep and all night to “creep”. Eight million people with eight million stories spread out over five distinct areas, in which native New Yorker’s call them boroughs, constructed the macro-neighborhood. Toss into this mix the ability to travel to your destination via a mere 75 cent fare and the curiosity of a young lad treading on the cusp of becoming a teenager and you get a picture of an ever changing playground. Harry’s family lived in the Bedford Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy) area of Brooklyn and he lived in the Bronx. On the weekends Harry would travel to Brooklyn because it felt like home to him. See, Harry was born in Brooklyn, lived in Brooklyn as a small child and relentlessly ventured to Brooklyn as if Brooklyn couldn’t make it without him. Project Housing was all too familiar for Harry and his friends. To stick out your chest and rep your hood was something of an honor badge but truth be told there is no difference from one to the other. Some were bigger, some were taller, some were cleaner and some were more intimidating but they all shared multiple consistencies – the biggest being POVERTY . Spending nights in a crowded apartment with pissy bed- neighbors was the price to pay when you became an overnight guest. Gun shots were as recognizable as the ice cream truck. Animals thrown from the rooftops were not surprising and alcohol was the favorite choice of beverage for the adults. When the alcohol took over, Harry took to the streets. He and his clan did what regular pre-teen and teens did. They played with the other kids, harassed the pretty little girls and boasted superiority in whatever activity proved most popular to the masses. During this time the emergence of the video arcade game was exploding and kids were more than obliged to do their part by donating “cased” quarters to feed the machines. At the local corner Pizza Shop Harry became a Space Invaders junkie. He would be there eating Pizza and playing as if he lived there. Any money that he managed to obtain would be already allocated to his battle to save the world from invading green martians. As Harry’s neighborhood popularity grew so did his hood- knowledge. Keep your money in different places on your body as others would try to dig in your pockets and claim your buried treasure; The arcade screen should always serve a dual role and be used as a two way mirror to see behind you and to the side of you, for lack of awareness could get you knocked out cold; Keep one eye fixed on your food server as many unaware patrons would eat more than pizza with cheese and pepperoni. The biggest lesson that Harry engulfed was survival of the fittest also applied to adults as well. In the house the adults were the authority and the harm that may be bestowed upon a child could be a good ole fashion ass-whipping but in the streets it’s a whole different story. The lesson Harry was about to learn one summer evening from that pizza shop would not only steal his innocence but stiffle his ability to trust and communicate. An incredibly different experience was lurking in the shadows and stalking an already brittle life that was already bruised by alcoholism and bad choices. The weekend adventures to that pizza shop were becoming the norm for Harry and his pals. Their lives were being controlled from a motherboard and the hazards which came along with the territory were only mere side effects. One Saturday visit Harry noticed some of the kids playing for free as a man would just feed what seemed to be a never ending supply of quarters to the machines. Hours upon hours the other kids would play games for free. Harry wanted to be included within the surplus but was afraid to inquire. He could loudly hear his mother’s voice telling him NOT to talk with strangers. Soon, Harry found himself playing arcade games without spending a dime. He had become a part of the circle without even asking and he thought it was cool. The supplier, who we will call Jay, introduced himself to Harry and then it dawned on him why he looked so familiar. He worked in the corner bodega and had helped Harry and his friends out plenty of times with finding items within the store. Jay stated that he was a video game connoisseur who was planning to open an arcade shop and he was looking for trustworthy people to work there. “ Wow !” Harry thought to himself. In his mind, Jay was no longer a stranger and he would be able to play video games all day, be around the other kids and make money doing something he loved. The opportunity was spectacular-especially for an underage pre- teen who wasn’t legally able to work yet. See, you needed working papers to get a job in NYC and that milestone became available at fourteen. Harry was roughly two years shy but if he kept his mouth shut then he could work during his outside play time and make his own money. Harry asked Jay “ Are any of those jobs available to me ?” Jay’s reply informed Harry that he would have to interview for a position so Jay paid for a slice of pizza and then they sat down at a booth. The shop had constant traffic flow and it didn’t seem out of bounds that a grown hispanic man was sitting alone at a booth with a young black kid- especially in that goulash of a neighborhood. Jay began asking questions. “ Have you ever had a job? Can you be trusted to handle money ?” etc. Shortly thereafter the questions shifted from job to family to sexuality. “ Do you like girls ?” Do I like girls ?! Harry replied. “ Are you serious or just teasing me ?” The line of questioning made Harry a bit uncomfortable and he wanted to blow up on Jay but if he did he may not be considered for his dream job and I would miss out on an opportunity for losing his cool. So he just chuckled it off. After the interview Harry wanted to play another game but they were all being used. He was feeling a bit excited because in the back of his mind he had just maneuvered a way to play games all day and be paid for it. He was taking a step toward becoming an independent young man plus he wanted to brag to his buddies who lived there. The sunset on this day had soon retired and dusk was surrendering to nightfall. Jay turned to Harry and asked him to take a walk with up the block to get a package. Harry agreed to go as his “ spider- senses ” were all clear. He had walked with friends many places around the neighborhood without any incident so far. Harry also knew that around the corner and up the block there was a weed spot that he had been to before with an older neighborhood friend. *(It’s funny how many children are uninterested in any type of alcohol or drug at a young age as they see firsthand how it can destroy a family but they sure know where and how to obtain them) As they left the shop and proceeded to turned the corner Harry was sure they were headed to that weed spot and Jay continued to talk about how the arcade business was gonna be a money maker. As they neared the side of the building which was the weed spot, Jay made a sudden turn into an abandoned brownstone building which had a lot of rubble on the side as if something was demolitioned there. Harry paused slightly as Jay walked around to the side and then motioned for him to proceed. It seemed weird at first but Harry thought to himself “ heck it’s something new in the hood that I’m gonna learn about and I don’t want to seem like a square in front of my new boss .” Both entered the abandoned building but Harry could hardly see his own hand in front of his face. The moonlight that trickled in from a missing window was meek at best and it later proved to be the guiding light for a dramatic escape. Harry was wondering how Jay was able to see but maybe there was something to this he was unaware of. Jay led him to what seemed to be a sofa in the middle of nowhere. They sat down and then Jay attempted to do the unthinkable. He put his arm around the back of the sofa and whispered to Harry “ Do to me what you would do to a girl ”. “ WHAT THE HELL !!!!!” At that split instant Harry’s adrenaline went to full blast! He leaped from the sofa, unable to see, and ran blindly towards the trickle of moonlight which he remembered had a broken out window pane. When he got close to the pane he dove through it like a stuntman from a movie scene. Landing onto the white chalky rubble Harry felt his skin scrape across its sharp edges but didn’t stop to take inventory. He arose from the rubble scared and confused but knew he had to keep running. He ran all the way back to the apartment, past all family, past all the friends and into the room. He was rapidly trying to process what just occurred. Out of breath from the long sprint for life, frightened for the retaliation he would receive from anyone who found out, angry (at himself for not recognizing the red flags and for Jay trying to “play” him and the job not being real), Harry decided to keep it to himself. UNTIL NOW! There have been countless others who have come forth to share their horrific experiences and who have experienced far worse than Harry. I salute your bravery to stand and release that which has imprisoned your souls and inevitably affected your lives. Who knows if Jay’s intention included the murder of Harry’s life? He was extremely lucky to have survived what could have been a more horrific outcome but his last bit of innocence was euthanized forever… involuntarily ! Publication Date: August 30th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-lamarworld

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-reminicince-h-i-m/

reminicince H.I.M. a broken novel Chapter 1 He stood there on the other side of the river looking at the water, his black hair concealed his face but his shoulderes were shaking in a way that you could tell he was crying. I turned to walk away when he was suddenly infront of me looking very angry. His eyes were entirely black there were no whites. Huge black wings unfurled and expanded to their full length which was about three feet in length. I stumbled backwards. Forgetting the river behind me, I fell of course. The water was freezin cold, not the best feeling in the world, i sunk to the bottom hitting my head on a rock (very painfull). Something grabbed me around my waist I opened my eyes to see him. I pushed against his chest but he didn't budge he swam upward dragging me with him. He dragged me on land and tried to help me stand I smacked his hand away nd scrambled backwards. I looked up at his face black tears ran down his face i knew I'd hurt him but it was his fault I'd fallen into the river not mine. I stood up and turned my back ot him there was a bright flash behind me I turned around and in the creatures place was the misty outline of a wolf. It threw back it's head and howled; there was so much pain in it that i wanted to run to it make it feel better but before I could take a step it vanished. I was paralized, I had no idea what had just happened. I had to have imagined or something, stuff like that just didn't happen in the real world. There had to be a rational explanation for this. I turned around and ran toward town as fast as I could. I tripped over and over but i managed to keep my balance and kept running. A branch scratched my arm i felt blood roll down my arm, crap. How was i going to explain this to my mom? She was going to be so pissed it was a stupid enough decision to go into the forest in the middle of winter, how stupid can one person be? I got to the street to see Amie waiting for me, how she knew I was here I had no clue. "Stalking me now?" I asked. She rolled her eyes and held out a jacket, apperantly I was supposed to wear it but pink is one color I will NOT wear. Just the thought made me gag. "I'm not wearing that, you know that I don't like pink and how did you know that I was here anyway, it's kind of creepy." she glared at me but unfortionatly she can't glare so she ended up looking really funny i could barley keep myself from laughing. "Unless you want to freeze to death I think you'd better wear this but no one said you had to listen to me and about who told me that you were here, he made me promice not to tell you and even if i could i couldn't tell you anyway because I have no idea who he was or how he knew your name so just put the jacket on and get in the car." she threw the jacket at me and got in her car which unfortionatly was a bright green Tourist. Amie's hair is naturally blonde but she consistantly dyes it different colors right now it's pink honestly i don't know why I'm friends with hershe like all the things I hate I guess it's because of stuff like this some random person tells heri need help and she just goes with what they say; she's saved my life several times. For some reason she never thought to ask the person's name so I had no one to thank this was one of those times. Sometimes it's a boy and sometimes it's a man it kind of creeps her out but sometimes she thinks it's awesome. There was one time when she was able to tell me who told her and that was when a guy from football team, but when I tried to thank him he had no idea what I was talking about, it sucked. I got in the car and threw the jacket in the back of the car ignoring the annoyed glance Amie gave me. The drive to my place was quiet except for her stereo which, to my annoyance was blaring music with no words. I hate music like that it's supposedly supposed to calm your nerves but it annoys the hell out of me and Amie knows that I could stangle her." "Can you please turn on some real music i can't listen to this stuff it's killing me I thought you were helping me not trying to kill me if this is about the jacket thin I'm sorry that I don't like pink it's not my fault geeze." she shook her head and continued to drive I groaned and sluped down in my seat trying to act like I was pouting but it didn't work. "Are you and Alec over that little fight you two had out is he still staying away from you because rumor has it that he's missing and no one knows where he is and you where the last person to see him." I froze Alec was missing? That can't be right Alec was one of the most resposible people in the world. The image of his face after that night passed through my mind there were tears on his face he had looked so sad and I had just stood there watching him leave and now he was missing and it was all my fault. "What do you mean he's missing! He can't be, please tell me this is a joke." I felt tears roll down my face. I punched the dashboard Amie fliched and tried to put her arm around me but I shrugged it off. I wasn't cold anymore I had gone numb my heart stopped beating. "Bear! Bear! Calm down we don't even know if he's missing or not so just chill let's get to your house and get you in some dry clothes before we think about Alec OK?" I relaxed and nodded trying to act like i was done freaking out. When we got to my house my mom was on the phone so we snuck off to my room I took a shower while Amie cleaned up my room. When i got out she looked scared and extreamly sad i stopped in the doorway of my bathroom staring at her waiting for her to tell me what was wrong but she didn't say anything. "Are you going to tell me what's on your mind or do i have to find out on my own?" "I think you should come downstairs i think your mom should tell you." I rolled my eyes and walked down the steps toward the kitchen my mom was sitting at the table crying her eyes out. "Mom what's wrong!?" i ran toward her this is the first time I've ever seen her like this. When i got to her she looked at me and started crying harder. "I'm so sorry sweatie but the police just found Alec, he... he's dead they think he commited suicide. I'm so sorry." The room spun I couldn't breath I felt my knees hit the floor then everything went black....... chapter 2 - I was in a grave yard i could feel someone staring at me I turned around, no one, something rustled it was so cold here i wanted to leave. Something soft brushed my arm I turned to see him. He was sanding about three feet away from me he reached out as if to touch me but then he disapeared...- i sat strait up breathing hard for a second i was blinded by a bright light i blinked a few times and when i looked up i saw a doctor hovering over me with a flashlight thing that doctors use in his hand. He smiled at me like all doctors do befor they stick a needle in you instictivly i put both arms behind my back too late the needle was already there. "How are you feeling?" he asked me i glared at him to show him just how much i hated him at the moment. His smile faded, he scribbled something on his clipboard and left the room. My mom and Angie walked in my mom's eyes were red form cying and Angie looked like she was expecting me to collapse again. Both of them were wearing black like they had just got here from a funeral.... i heard my moms words in my head... the police just found alec he's dead they think he commited suicide.. "i..i thought that was a dream please tell me it's not true...please." i felt tears run down my face faster and faster. My mom ran up to me and rapped her arms around me her expression told me that my worst fear was real Alec was dead and there was nothing i could do about it. It seemed like the whole world could here my heart break into a million pieces i would never be the same... 2 months later... "...When someone dies they dont always stayin heaven sometimes something keeps them teathered to the world and it sometimes gets so strong that they fall and become "nexis" meaning the worlds prisoners untill they fix what they feel they did wrong and cross over again." the teacher ended the lesson with that and left the room. i grabbed my stuff and was about to leave when Dillon Alec's former best friend stepped infront of me with his arms crossed and his feet spread apart. I glared at him hopeing he would go away but he just stood there. i tried to side step him but he blocked my way again. "It's your fault he killed himself if you weren't so stubborn this would have never happened." his words hurt more than he would ever know i knew it was my fault and i had to live with that for the rest of my life i turned my face away from him so he wouldnt see the tears that were on the verge of falling. Just thinking about it made me so angry with myself and i knew if i didn't get out of here soon i would explode. i tried to side step him again but just like before he stepped infront of me. "i have to get to class please just leave me alone." "You don't even care about what happened to him your glad he's dead aren't you!" my temper flared he was messing with the wrong person, "do you seriosly think that i loved him with all my heart i know it's my fault that he's dead i have to live the rest of my life knowing that im the reason he's gone do you even know how much that hurts how much it kills me everyday well do you?" tears were running down my cheeks he just stood there looking shoched i pushed passed him i wasn't going to my next class i had to get out of this place as fast as i could. i ran out the front door not even paying attention to where i was going untill i arrived at the graveyard i walked through the maze of tombstones untill i found Alec's grave. i Knelt infront of it and pulled off the necklace he gave me on our first date and set it on top of the gravestone something rusled behind me the sound was oddly familiar i turned around no one was there i must have imagined it but just then something soft brushed my arm it felt like a birds wing i turned to see him starring at me with the same sad expression on his face. He reached out to me but didn't seem to be able to touch me i backed awa and tripped over something hard. i fell hard hitting the statue that was beside me. Something warm trickled down my neck i reached back and wiped it off when i looked at my hand it was covered in a thick layer of blood. Suddenly he was there bending over me he grabbed my hand and looked scared he put his hand on my lower back and pushed me foward he wiped frantically at the blood that was now flowing faster and faster. he grabbed my wast and lifted me up off the ground my head spun i couldn't think strait. he spread his wings and launched himself off the ground and into the air he was holding me a little too tight i was gasping for breath when he finally noticed he loosened his grip and flew higher. My vision blurred i could tell that i was about to pass out. He hit the ground running where to i had no clue till i found myself laid infront of the hospitall he put a piece of paper in my pocket, turned around and ran. A nurse ran out and when she saw me she flipped out which was really annoying. She held out her hand to help me up i ignored it and stood up using the wall as a support thankfully my head had stopped bleeding but i was coverd in blood which must of been why the nurse had flipped out it was still wet too this was going to stain my shirt forever. i pulled out my phone and called my mom but she didn't answer she was probably pissed at me for skipping school and didn't care if i needed a ride home. i sighed and started walking home but the stupid nurse blocked my way i stepped around her and continued walking i don't know what was up with people getting in my way it was starting to annoy me. People stared at me whem i walked by they looked scared they probably thought that i had murdered someone or something along those lines. Thankfully my house was only like five minutes away so it didn't take long to get home when i got there my mom was already screeming at me before i got over the threshold. "What were you thinking! Skipping school like that i should ground you for years...." her voice faltered when she saw me her eyes got huge and she started gasping for air. "Mom are you OK why are you acting like that it's just a little blood." "Who's is it Bear who's?" she thought i had someone elses blood on me. "it's mine mom who elses whould it be i can't believe that you would actyually think that i would have someone elses blood on me don't you trust me at all." her face went white she gripped the wall for support and almost fainted she gripped her mouth and ran off to the bathroom. I walked up the stairs to my room thinking about changing when i heard a man's voice from the kichen that was so familiar but i couldnt place it. "What happened Thalia why are you bleeding did someone hurt you." hearing my real name made me freeze no one had called me that since my dad died by then everyone called me bear it was his nickname for me it had been eight years since anyone had called me Thailia hearing it again was strange. i walked into the kitchen and saw my dad's brother sitting at the table a cup of coffee in his hands when he saw me he tried to smile but i could see the worry in his eyes. "i fell on a statue at the graveyard it's nothing just a little scrape." he stood up and walked over to me he circled around me untill he was directly behind me he pressed on the back of my neck pain seared through my head i blacked out for a few seconds he cought me and held me upright untill i could stand on my own. "How are you even still alive do you have any idea how deep this cut is no wonder your mon freaked out no human being can live with a cut like this its unheard of and ur practically drained of all your blood you are one lucky girl you should be dead." i rushed off to my room and looked at my neck he had been telling the truth my neck looked like someone had taken an axe to it or something no wonder it had hurt so bad when he had touched it. i remembered the piece of paper that the creature had put in my pocket i took it out it said one word on it. Alec. My heart stopped how did he know about Alec it was impossible my knees almost buckled something fell out of the letter a single black feather i picked it up and examined it when the light shined on it i could see almost see every little detail of it the feather atached itself against my wrist and began to disolve when it was gone there was a black tattoo on my arm of a feather it looked almost lifelike my head spun what had just happened?? MY uncle walked into the room i hid my arm behind my back hopeing he hadn't noticed anything. He held out a fist aid bandage and motioned for me to turn around he rapped it around my neck lookly and then pulled it tighter my knees buckled he cought me again this falling thing was getting on my nerves. He finished bandaging my neck and then led me over to the bed and sat me down. "You need to sleep holler if you need anything." he walked out shutting the door behind him i could here him talking to my mom downstairs i closed my eyes thinking i might as well get some sleep. -He was standing there just staring at me with that pained expression that he always has. "who are you and why do you keep following me?" i didn't know if he could talk but this is the best way to find out. "I can't tell you i wish i could but that would be breaking the rules..." his voice was deep and full of pain i felt like my heart was being ripped out i took a step toward him this time he was the one backing away not me. "i already broke the rules once i will not break them again." his voice shook like he was crying i walked toward him again he didn't seem to care this time i walked toward him till i was just in arms length of him i hugged him not sure of what his reaction would be. He rapped his arms around me and it seemed like he didn't want to let go "just a few minutes please just a few." he seemed to be pleading with someont but just then his whole body froze he began to shake he screemed in agony i let go of him he fell to the ground and began to shake uncontrollably. He grabbed my arm and it was like i could feel his pain i screemed and everything went black- chapter 3 I woke up sweat streaming down my forhead. The dream had felt so real but it couldnt have been there was absolutely no way that that could have been possible. What the hell was happening to me what happenened to my normal life what could i have done to have that disrupted like this. I stood up and walked in to the living room to see my mom sitting there with a dazed look on her face i walked over and snapped my fingers infront of her face she didnt even flinch. I backed away slowly not sure what i should do. i backed up till i ran into something hard after a few seconds i realized that someone was breathing down my neck i turned around slowly. He was right behind me staring at me with no expression on his face. I stood there for a seconde just staring at him like an idiot. "Why exactly are you in my house dont you know that what youre doing is called tresspassing?" he shrugged but didnt say anything he glanced at my mom and then back at me with a questioning look on his face this time it was my turn to shrug. He walked over to my mom and laid his fingers against her neck and shook his head he leaned down untill her mouth was level with his ear again he shook his head. "What is that supposed to mean you cant just shake your head and just expect me to know what the hell you mean so just tell me or get the hell out of my house." he opened his mouth as if to say something but closed it again he walked over to the fridge and tore off a piece of paper from the note pad and scribbled something on it he walked over to me and grabbed my hand putting the note in it and crossing his arms over his chest glaring at me. I looked at the note on it it said the two words i haid been dreading. She's dead. The note slipped out of my fingers and fell onto the ground i looked at him feeling hot tears sting my eyes he walked over to me and hugged me wiping the tears off my face. But the moment ended too soon he let go and turned to leave i grabbed his arm, he screemed in pain falling to the floor instantly. i let go kneeling down beside him i pulled up his sleave to see three long cuts layered his skin blood was running from it i rushed into the kitchen and grabbed the first aid kit that we always kept under the sink when i got back to the kitchen he was standing up clutching his arm when he saw me he backed away looking scared. "Sit!" i yelled at him pointing to the couch he put his head down like a dog and sat down on the couch. I walked over to him taking out the bandage rolls and gently began wraping them around the cuts on his arm. He sat there glaring at me he tried to scoot away from me a couple times but i dragged him back he wasnt getting away from me he was hurt and needed someone to take care of him. "Are you going to tell me what your name is or do i have to guess because i can think of about five that suit you perfectly and i can garentee you that you wont like them at all." he hesitated for a second obviosly tring to figure out a way to get out of this he opened his mouth and then closed it again he was getting extreamly frustrated with me i could tell. Publication Date: February 12th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-reminicince

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-malahica-theodore-school-of-angels/

MALAHICA THEODORE SCHOOL OF ANGELS rockangels TODAY IS THE DAY THAT LAYLA GOES TO ANGEL SCHOOL, SHE WAS PROUD THAT SHE JUST COULDNT WAIT TO LEAVE HER HOUSE BUT ONE THIGN SHE WAS NOT HAPPY ABOUT THAT SHE DDINT HAVE WINGS WHEN SHE GOT THERE THERE WAS THIS BOY SHE SAW HIS NAME IS JAVONTE, I SAID HES CUTE THEN HE CAME STARAIGHT TO HER AND SAID HI YOU MUST BE THE NEW STUDENT WELL COME TO ROCKANGELS THE ANGLES OF SCHOOL THEN SOME GIRL CAME AND SAID JAVONTE ARE YOU FLIRTIGN WITH THE NEW GIRLS SHE SAID NO I WAS JUST WELCOMING HER TO THE SCHOOL SHE SAID THAT IS FLIRTING HE SAID WHATEVER AND SHE CAME TO ME AND SIA DYOU BETER STAY AWAY FROM HIM OR YOUL HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ME THEN SHE LEFT THE BELL RING SHE HAD TO GO CLASSS OMG I HAVE CLASS WITH HIM THE TEACHER CALL US AND SAID SHOW ME YOUR WINGS I DINT KNOW WHAT TO DO FIST EVRYONE SHOW THER WINGS THEN IT CAME TO ME WHEN I WENT ON THE FRON I DID KNOW WHAT TO DO SO I TOLD THAT THE TEACHER I DONT HAVE ANY WINGS, AND SHE ASK HOW DID YOU GET TO THE SCHOOL THEN SHE SAID IL GET BETTER IF I COME HERE THEN THE BELL RING I HAD TO GO TO THIS CLASS CALL TRAINING ANGELS THE TEACHER SAID EVRYONE FLY AROUNG BUT THEN CAME JAVONTE HE SAID DONT WORRY YOU SPROUT YOUR WING (SHE BLUSHES ) AND THEN WHEN HE LEFT EVERYONE STARTED CALLING HER NAME AND THE GIRL CAME BACK, SHE WAS JAVONTE GIRLFRIEND SHE SAID I TOLD YOU DOPNT TALK TO HIM NO WINGS SO NOWITS REVENGE SHE RELASE HER WINGS PUSH LAYLA, I DINT LIKE IT SO I GOT SO ANGRY THAT I GREW WINGS BUT MY WINGS WHER BIGEER THEN HERS THEN THE TEACHER EVERYBODY SAID WOW, THE HEADMINISTRATTOR CAME, AND SAID IT CANT BE EVRYONE SAID SHES THE GUARDIAN AGELS OUT OF NO WHRE OUT OF NO WHER CRYSTAL CAME RUNNING TO HER THAT SHE ABOUT TO PINCH HER (JAVONTE GIRFRIEND) BUT THEN WHEN SHE HIT IT THERE WAS A SHIELD SURROUNDED BY HER SUDENLY WHEN CRYTAL ABOUT TO HIT HER SHE FALLS SO CRYSTL GOT A DENTENTION THEN WHEN I WAS WALKIGN HOME I SAW JAVONTE WALKING TO CRYSTAL HE BROKE UP WITH HER I THINK SHE GOT SO MAD THAT EHR FACE BECOME SO RED, Later on javonte came and said do you know why I’m always talking to you it’s because I like you is aid huh so would you go out with me Leila said sure and he said I’ll see you tomorrow Leila said bye has she release her wings and flew everyone wanted to be her frineds.when she got she said mom you’re never going to believe this I grew wings but my wings are bigger than everyone else she said oh no you are in great danger no I’m not i heard some kids said I’m the guardian of something but i don’t know she said sweetie you are the guardian but you’re in great danger want, dark angels if the guardian angel has return they would have to kill you cause you’re the only one that could push them away from getting one if somebody try to attack you and got push away its your shield that mean this person will turn to a dark angel a evil one that would try to stop you and might be your enemy I gasped I said mom there this girl that her boyfriend d speak to to me and she told me to stay away from him but I did he came talking to me she try to hit me but she couldn’t, oh my gosh she’s turning to one of those dark angels , mom said go to sleep you got school tomorrow I wake up got dressed put on a skinny dressed I got beautiful light blue mix with black I flew when I got there everyone bow to me i didn’t like it she came to me she said so you’re the guardian angels then i saw her wings turn to black the teacher came and said oh my gosh , somebody grab Leila the headmaster came and push crystal to the dark angels world then my bf came along and said are you okay I said yes but crystal had some friends they wanted to be my friends, but id dint like them so many people at school invited me to dinner to their house but I said no so many people showing me respect then there was a message from dark angels and said since the guardian has came its war time if you won’t fight will attack earth. Oh my gosh we can’t let that happen we have to do something we must train so we could defeat the dark angels and then javonte came and said it too dangerous we can’t fight all we have to do is find a place that where safe at in the mean time we should put a shield to cover rock angels it would worth safety but we need some spy to spy on the dark angels who would participate Leila said me I would javonte say no you can’t you’re the guardian they might since you she said I don’t care I want to go out javonte say, of course they make her wings kind of black put some black clothes on and open the portal When I got there it was raining so bad storm thunder just like evil when I got there everybody says look at the new girl they were all in blacks. She didn’t know what to do first then she saw crystal crying, I don’t think she belonged here she was just being mean then her wings change, I went to talk to her and is ay hi crystal she said how you know my name I said in rock angels she said what your name I said Leila she said huh you you you..... you’re a boyfriend stealer I said I didn’t steal your boyfriends he came to me, she yelled guard they came and shed this is in imposter I said huh one of the guard said in lets unpate spell to cover her true descise they did and the guard it’s the guardian angel Leila run and run and run then she flew she opened the portal and left when got back to rock angels they told her what happen I said they were giving more powers training them making spell and they were all in black and javonte said wow you’re pretty good at spying I said not really I saw crystal and talk to her so I told her it was me she call the guard on me the guard did a spell on me to see if I’m in imposter then they realized it was me I run and run the I flew they trying to come here they couldn’t the portal wouldn’t let it did you guys put a spell. We kind of did. Publication Date: September 29th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-shellanda11

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-anonymous-the-crash-years-3/

Anonymous The Crash Years Denver's Dream It was a cold afternoon, and Denver and Alec were walking towards Anzac Park. The breeze whispered behind their ears as Denver admired the two apples he had been carrying. One was perfectly ripe, and the other still sour. Denver smiled at Alec and sunk his teeth deep into the sour apple. Alec grimaced. “Eww, why’d you take a bite out of that one? The other was perfectly fine.” “Because I’m the bad twin. The good one’s for my brother.” The two neared the edge of Anzac Park, when Denver heard a not-so-distance cry of an infant. Instantly he looked up in frantic search to find the source of the cry. Only a couple of feet away, deeper into Anzac Park was the baby, laying amongst the grass and daisies. It was crying not only from discomfort, but for attention. It had been left alone. Someone had abandoned it. “Alec, I gotta help it,” breathed Denver as he neared toward the baby. But something was wrong. He saw someone lurking behind a tree. Immediately Denver knew that whoever it was wanted the young child. Hunger ate at their eyes. Denver slowly crept up to the baby, inching closer, his back slightly hunched as if to offer some protection. His eyes were glued on the person behind the tree, and the person behind the tree mirrored his gaze. “Alec, help me out here,” yearned Denver as he whispered to Alec. He still crept closer to the baby, but hadn’t heard a response from Alec. Just a slight wheezing. Alec must have been as focused as Denver, careful not to mutter anything too loud. Finally, Denver grasped on the soft flannel of the baby’s blanket. As if his arms were made of steel, Denver gently picked up the baby, but kept rigid in case the lurker decided to attack at any moment. Then he looked back at Alec. But Alec was gone. Instead, a man stood, old as time. Large half-moons dragged underneath his eyes, back arched from gravity, something that could easily be broken. Denver felt a most degrading pity. “Are you ok?” asked Denver, reaching out his hand. The baby cried immediately, and Denver pulled his hand back. But as Denver pulled back his hand, he noticed that the old man looked weaker and full of sadness, as if his life wasn’t meant to be over yet. The old man sat back on a park bench, too frail to even stand. Denver reached out his hand again. And the baby screamed. For a moment while Denver had outstretched his hand, he saw a glimpse of youth return in the old man’s eyes. But he couldn’t let the baby cry. He had to take care of the baby. The old man was already dying. Reluctantly, Denver turned away from the old man and focused his attention back on the person behind the tree. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the old man close his eyes for the last time, his expression full of unbearable sadness and loneliness. Denver bowed his head in guilt and shame, only to look up again and see that the person behind the trees was now running at him. Denver took off deeper into Anzac Park, cradling the baby in such a way so that it wouldn’t be affected by his staccato-like footing. Suddenly Denver heard a voice in his head. It was Milos. “You have to run, Denver. Run until I say ‘stop.’” For some reason, a pain filled Denver’s chest as he sucked in a deep mouthful of air. He couldn’t recognize the pain, but it was crushing him. It was almost killing him. But he had to rescue the baby – he had to listen to his brother. His feet tore at the sidewalk. “Stop,” Milos’ voice commanded in almost a whisper. Denver almost couldn’t hear it, but he had almost run a mile, and he couldn’t find the person who had chased him anywhere. He looked down at the baby. It was fine. In front of him were a group of bushes, perfect for hiding anything that you didn’t want to be found. He suspected that this was where Milos wanted him to hide. He went through them, the thick branches brushing against his legs. Past the foliage was a bed of long grass. Denver would be safe here. But what surprised Denver wasn’t how brilliantly his brother had saved him, but what lay near his feet. It was the other apple, the good one that Denver hadn’t had eaten. As if the apple had meant something to her, the baby immediately started crying. Denver’s pain intensified to pure agony. Denver bolted upright in his bed. Sweat poured in bullets down his face, his hands shaking, and his breathing heavy, like the night he had to run after Alec. He felt like he was suffocating, the blankets were too hot. Denver looked at his clock to check the time. It was only five-thirty in the morning. Denver remained still until his breathing went down. Then he laid back down in attempt to fall asleep again. “Forget it,” sighed Denver as he pulled himself from his bed. Thirty minutes had passed, and he wasn’t able to go back to sleep. And he certainly wasn’t going to now. Something from the dream shook him. It was too disturbing for him to pretend that it was just a nightmare. He walked to the bathroom, hoping that cold water to his face may calm his senses. It seemed that the water only made Denver’s senses more acute. It was as if a thousand-piece puzzle had been solved instantly in his head. The dream. The park. Milos missing. The perfect hiding place. It all started to make sense now. “It’s a sign,” gasped Denver as he talked to his reflection. Immediately he rushed out of the bathroom towards the wardrobe in his room. He was going to go on a run. The smell of burnt toast wafted throughout the house as Denver left his room. He kept pulling down his old P.E. shorts, wondering where in the sands of time he had ever gotten taller. He quietly slipped down the stairs, careful not to make any loud noises that would attract his parents’ attention to him. “Denver?” asked Mr. Barry as he walked into the foyer. Denver sighed. Bad timing. He bolted towards the door before his dad had much time to react. “Denver!” yelled the obviously angry dad, mad enough that one of his sons was missing, and now having to add on the burden of his other son’s habits of disappearing. It was true, Denver felt pity. As if nature was somehow on Denver’s side, a chilly breeze stung his face, inviting a surge of adrenaline to carry Denver down towards Anzac Park. He had never ran so easily and so fast in his life. Denver could sort of understand why Milos loved to run in the early mornings. He then shook his head, as if doing so would also shake the thought of Milos in his dream, too. But as Denver reached Anzac Park, and was now slowly jogging in search of the group of bushes similar to the ones in his dream, it became clear that this search may not end as dream-like. It was weird to think about. Alec certainly wasn’t with him, and neither were the other characters in his dream. It also wasn’t the bright afternoon, and last Denver had checked, he didn’t regularly carry around apples either. As Denver now stood in the center of Anzac Park, a breeze picked up again, and suddenly the meaning of this dream seemed very grim. He had found the bushes – it was only a moment of time before he would reveal what was behind them. His adrenaline had died off, and instead of the steel arms he had in his dream, spaghetti was now the substance he found dangling from his shoulders. He walked forward. Before he had even walked through the bushes, Denver sensed that something was very wrong. And when he got past the foliage, his guess was made clear. Without having time to react, Denver went numb. He immediately fell to his knees, grasping towards Milos, who lay dead in the tall grass. Air stabbed into Denver’s lungs, and tears gushed out his eyes. Stinging air stung Denver’s lips, mouth, and throat, and tears glistened down his face, jumping from his chin and into to the cold earth below. Denver clutched onto Milos’ jacket, which was soaked in rain and morning dew. No matter how much he tried, he couldn’t pry away from Milos. It felt like he never would. This, his brother’s death, it wasn’t real. He had to still be in his dream. This couldn’t be happening. Publication Date: February 27th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-an0nymous

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-elaina-h-liam-and-i/

Elaina H Liam and I Dedicated to my sister, Lia. Because I love you. Liam and I                                     PART ONE- THE PAST Chapter One I will never forget the day I met Liam. It was July 4th, and Mom and Dad had decided we were for sure going to the block party that year, even though I promised them I was sick. Jack, my younger brother, wasn’t feeling well either. Of course, Mom knew both of us too well, and told us we could be sick when we got back from the block party. Until then, we had to be perfectly healthy. I remember very clearly Mom shouting up at me from the first floor that very morning, “Isabel, if you don’t wake up and eat your breakfast right now I am not going to be happy!” “Uh! Gee, Mom. I told you I was coming five minutes ago!” my seven-year-old-self complained. She laughed, “Then why aren’t you down here?” I grumbled as I headed down the steps, still angry I had given myself up like that. I knew better. Twenty minutes later, the four of us were ready to go. Mom had made apple pies and had each one of us carry one. Each house on our street was up kept and clean. Not a single blade of grass was too long or too yellow, and every window was sparkling. The cars that weren’t parked in driveways and garages were visitors because nobody dared leave their car out on the street. The faultless way of our neighborhood wasn’t anything new, I’d noticed it all my life. But something about it made be notice it then, and I was not sure what. It wasn’t the pristine garden Mrs. Clements had in her front lawn or Mr. Bruno’s collection of birdhouses or even Mr. Douglas’ amazing play set he put in for all his grandchildren the previous year. Halfway down the street, almost directly across from the one, small, empty lot on our block, the crowd of people became thicker and Jack, who was five at the time, was lagging behind. Dad shouted at Jack to keep up, and little Jack started running forward towards us. It was almost like it happened in slow motion. I noticed Jack’s shoelace dragging behind him right before his little self went flying through the air. I shouted out as he fell hard on the ground. The apple pie was smeared across the concrete, but not one of us noticed it. Jack’s arm was twisted around, and we could all clearly see the bone poking at his skin from beneath, almost breaking through. Mom shouted at me to move back as Dad lifted crying Jack from the sidewalk. Everyone on the block stared at us, and I make eye contact with no one. To be honest, I was embarrassed my little brother had merely tripped and then broken his arm. The four of us left the people and the pie behind, and immediately drove the twenty minute drive to the hospital. Jack cried the whole way, telling all of us how much his arm hurt. Dad and Mom tried to calm him down, but he whined relentlessly. I stared out the window. Jack’s cries eventually subsided, and I watched the bright, summer green landscape pass by. Every once in a while, a burst of color would pop up in my vision: red, white, blue, yellow. When I felt the car slow down, I pulled my eyes away from the window, and stared at Jack’s tear stained face. He sniffled and turned to me, and at that moment I felt guilty for being embarrassed by him and for ignoring him the entire car ride. Before I could reach out and take his good hand (his right one), Mom and Dad flung open my and Jack’s doors. They pulled us both out of our car seats and quickly brought us in the emergency room. I remember the emergency room being scary. Ambulances rushed across the pavement and sent chills down my spine. My mom carried me while my dad carried Jack. The nurse at the counter watched us with her creepy blue eyes and nodded her head at ever word Dad said. “Okay,” she finally said. “Go ahead over to that open bed and set him down. It’ll be just a few minutes before someone can get to him.” We waited by Jack’s side for two hours before any of us said something about the wait. It was my mother. “Excuse me!” she shouted at the nurse who had walked past us for the third time. “Where is someone who can get him a cast?! This is a hospital!” The nurse smiled sickeningly sweet at Mom, “I’m sorry, ma’am. We are trying our best to get things going around here. All our doctors are real busy helping people who were in a car accident about half and hour ago.” My mom’s eyes narrowed, “What about the hour and half before that?” She stuck her hands on her hips, “I suggest you find somebody to come and give my kid a freaking cast before I cause you a whole bunch of problems!” Dad leaned forward and placed a calming hand on Mom’s shoulder, but she just shrugged him off. “Right away, ma’am. I’m on it. While you wait you can go to the cafeteria and get some coffee.” Before my mom could go off on her again, the nurse walked away. “She wants to offer us food and drink while my son is here balling his eyes out because he is in extreme pain! I don’t think so! We are definitely going to do…” I yanked on my mother’s sleeve, “Mommy? I’m hungry.” Mom laughed and picked me up. “Oh sweetheart, I’m sorry. I should have thought you’d be hungry by now.” I was seven and definitely too big to be held, but my mom was tired and needed someone to squeeze because she was scared for my brother. She set me down after a moment, and looked at Dad, “Can you take her to the cafeteria? I don’t think I can leave Jack, honey.” Dad nodded, he’d always given Mom just what she wanted when we were little. “Let’s go, Izzy.” I grabbed Dad’s hand and he led me to the cafeteria for a snack. He bought me a blueberry muffin, milk, and a box of Sour Patch Kids since he knew they were my favorite. I picked a table by the window and instantly took a bite of my muffin. Dad sat down next to me with a coffee, and absent mindedly stared out the window into the hospital courtyard. I was silently eating my muffin when a little boy sat across from me and smiled. “Hi.” He said and gazed at me until I felt uncomfortable. “Hi?” I finally said. Dad looked at both of us and smiled, “Hi, kiddo.” “What’s your name?” I squinted at him. “Well, you’re the one who came up to me, so ain’t I supposed to ask you that.” “Ain’t isn’t a word, Izzy,” Dad reminded me. He was an English teacher at the junior high. “I guess so,” he said. “I’m Liam. Now, what’s your name?” I stuck out my hand like I’d seen Mom and Dad do when they met new people, “I’m Izzy.” He laughed and I frowned, “That’s a funny name!” I gaped, “Dad! He’s being mean to me!” Dad sighed, “I’m sure Liam didn’t mean to be mean, Isabel.” Liam nodded his head vigorously, “Isabel’s not weird. I like that.” The three of us just sat there silently for a moment, and didn’t say much at all. Liam finally stood up, “Well, Isabel, it was real nice to meet you, and you too Isabel’s dad.” My dad chuckled and waved as Liam left the cafeteria. When he rounded the corner and was gone, I looked at my Dad. “He was kind of funny.” “He was nice, it’s a shame such a young kid has to be in the hospital,” Dad downed the rest of his coffee, and we headed back toward Mom and Jack. “I’m sure he’ll be going home soon, Dad, just like Jack!” Dad smiled sadly, and gripped my hand as we approached Mom, Jack, and the doctor.       Chapter Two Three weeks later after the incident, we went to the hospital again to get Jack’s arm checked out. He wasn’t getting the cast off yet, but for whatever reason the doctor said he wanted to see him. It sounded funny to me, but I went anyways since it was raining, and what was I supposed to do in the rain? Dad didn’t come this time; it was just Mom, Jack, and I. We waited in the waiting room until our appointment time, 3:45. I looked through the magazines on the table. I picked up a Sport’s Illustrated magazine and squealed at the half-naked lady on the fourth page. My mom ripped it out of my hands, “It’s just a swimming suit, Izzy, a swimming suit you will never wear,” she assured me. Our name was finally called and the nurse said I should stay in the waiting room. “You think I’m going to leave my seven year old daughter by herself in a hospital waiting room? You must be related to the nurse I talked to last time!” the young nurse didn’t understand the last comment, but she pointed to the bed my brother was going to be in. “You can see her from there. You’ll only be twenty feet away,” the nurse reasoned. “The space isn’t big enough for you, your son, your daughter, me, and the doctor.” “Well, I think you ought to build bigger rooms! How about that fancy idea,” she mumbled. “Alright, Izzy, I need you to stay right here where I can see you, okay? No more magazines because I’m not sure what kind of pictures that got in them. I’ll only be a couple minutes with your brother, then we’ll be going home.” I nodded, “Okay, Mommy.” “Good girl,” she kissed my head, and herded Jack toward the awaiting bed. I sat in my chair swinging my legs back and forth. No one paid much attention to me, I heard Mom every once in a while argue with the doctor about this and that, but none of what she said mattered to me. I picked up the pen off the table next to me and slowly sounded out the words on the side of it. “Dallas Hospital.” Once I got board sounding out all the words, I set the pen back where it was, and wandered around the waiting room. I jump when someone poked me on the arm. “Hiya!” I turned and stared at the short kid next me. “Who are you?” “God Almighty, Isabel! We must’ve talked for a good five minutes!” the boy seemed surprised that I didn’t remember him. I stuck my hands on my hips like I’d seen Mom do, “I don’t talk to strangers!” “Gee, we ain’t strangers. I’m Liam, remember. We met over there in the cafeteria. You were with your dad eating a blueberry muffin.” Suddenly, it dawned on me then who I was talking to. I removed my hands from my hips. “Oh, Liam. I know you!” I got excited that I new somebody at the hospital and smiled wide at him. “Good! Want to come explore with me?” Liam pointed out the doors of the waiting room and into the hospital. “I don’t know, Liam. That sounds like a bad idea,” I looked over my shoulder at Mom who was still talking to the doctor about Jack. “Please! I don’t get many visitors!” he begged. I finally gave in, “Alright, I’ll go, but I got to get back quick, okay!” “Promise!” Liam grabbed my hand and dragged me out of the waiting room through the swinging double doors. “Why you wanderin’ around the hospital like this? Don’t they care where you go?” I asked. Liam shrugged, “I been here a while, they pretty much trust me to hang around my room and the kid center,” he wrinkled his nose when he said ‘kid center’. “That don’t sound too bad,” I said innocently, not knowing the truth about anything “Guess not,” he said distracted. “Let’s go to the courtyard!” I looked through the large window overlooking the courtyard, “What’s out there? Is it boring?” “No, it’s the most exciting place here!” Liam didn’t give me a chance to say anything before he drug me outside into the hot, sticky, southern air. He dropped my hand once we got outside, and I chased him to the back of the garden. Out of breath, I said, “You’re going to kill us both!” Liam just blew me off, and got down on his hands and knees. He began crawling in to a little whole in a bush, and I followed him immediately, interested in what could possibly be underneath there. His floppy blonde hair was full of leaves and sticks after we got through the thick of it. Liam sat down, and at the center of the bush, there was a little open area surrounding the stem of the plant. “Wow!” I exclaimed as I glanced around the interior of the bush. It was the perfect little hiding spot. “How’d you find this?” Liam smiled at me, “I don’t know, I just came across it a couple days after I met you. Ain’t it cool?” “Yea! I wish I had a secret hide out at my house!” Liam frowned and dug his pointer finger into the mulch. “I wish I had a hide out at my house too.” “This is your house silly!” I shoved his shoulder lightly. “You live here!” Liam glared at me, “I have a home, and I have parents. I just got to be here a lot, but when the doctors fix me I’ll get to go home.” Before I could ask Liam why he had to be fixed, and tell him that he seemed fine to me. I heard someone shout my name. Liam stared at me wide-eyed, “Uh-oh.” “Yea, uh-oh,” I told Liam to go first, and he scurried out from underneath the bush. The person called my name again, and I followed him out. I noticed something gold shining in the bush, but I didn’t take the time to look at it since I had to hurry up and find my worried Mom. Liam and I ran around the corner, and found the unknown person calling my name. It was a nurse. Specifically the nurse who had promised Mom nothing would happen to me. “Oh thank God!” she shouted when we ran up to her. “You’re Mom about killed me young lady. Why’d you go running off like that?” Liam spoke up, “Sorry, ma’am, it was my fault. I didn’t know we were gone so long.” The nurse grinned at Liam, “Oh, go ahead, and run along, Liam. I heard they’re showing Lilo and Stitch at the Kid’s Center!” Liam glanced at me and wrinkled his nose. I giggled; Liam hated the Kid’s Center. “Oh, dear Lord child! I am going to kill you!” Mom came running into the courtyard with little Jack on her hip and a stern frown on her face. “Mommy, I’m sorry, I was playing with Liam.” I snatched up her hand, and played with the ring on her finger. Mom glared at me, “Who the heck (I pretty positive she didn’t say heck) is Liam?” “Mom!” I pointed to the bashful boy next me, and my mother’s eyes softened. “Oh, I see. Hi, Liam, I’m Isabel’s mom,” she stuck her hand out to him like she always did when she was meeting someone new. Liam took her hand, and shook it. “Hello, ma’am. It’s real nice to meet you.” Liam’s southern charm flowed off his tongue easily, and my mother squeezed his hand. “You’re a real sweet kid, Liam, and I forgive you for stealing my daughter,” she said the last part teasingly, but Liam gulped. “Alright, we got to go Izzy. Your father said your grandparents are coming over for dinner tonight, and I haven’t any clue what to make!” I grabbed her hand, “Okay. Bye, Liam.” Liam waved good-bye, and said something to the nurse, who laughed and led him in the opposite direction. As Mom buckled me into my car seat, I realized the gold in the bush was a chunk of Liam’s hair.                 Chapter Three It wasn’t until four weeks later that Jack finally got his cast off, and I got to go back to the hospital. This time, Mom had to work late, and Dad was off work because it was one of those random half days where for some reason everyone doesn’t have to be at school all day, including me. It was the beginning of a new school year; it had just started a little over a week ago. This was Jack’s first year of school, and he wasn’t too keen on it. So any time he didn’t have to go, was a great time. Last Friday, Mom had informed my brother he was getting his cast off today. Mom told me I had to go with Dad and Jack, but it didn’t bother me since I figured I’d get to see Liam again. Except, I didn’t. When we arrived at the hospital, we were immediately ushered in to see the doctor, and he said Jack was definitely getting his cast off today. Jack smiled and giggled, “Sissy! Sissy! I’m all better!” I half-grinned and told Jack how exciting it was, but really I was searching for Liam. I was waiting for Liam to come, and take me to our secret hiding spot. It took a little over an hour for the doctor to take Jack’s cast off, and Liam never showed up. We left the hospital, the doctor told Jack to be more careful, and that was that. Dad buckled Jack and me into our car seats and noticed the plain, obvious grimace on my face. “What’s the matter, Izzy?” Dad teased. “Are you going to miss Jack’s cast?” I crossed my arms over my chest and humphed loudly, informing Dad I was not in the mood to talk about it. Dad started the car up and back out of our parking spot, leaving the hospital parking lot behind forever. During the car ride home, I continued to stare out the window with a pout on my face until Dad asked me one more time what was wrong. “Why wasn’t Liam there?” I finally said after I got over my temper tantrum. Dad sighed, and his eyes looked tired, “Well, sweetpea, maybe he was just busy.” Something about the way he said those few words made me think my father was a liar or at least just a liar this one time. It didn’t upset me then, but it upset me later when I found out the truths about hospitals, sickness, death, and divorce. Then, it made me think about what else my parents had lied to me about. But I never thought that when I was younger. “Daddy!” Jack’s screeching voice tore me from my deep seven year old thoughts. “Let’s go get ice cream!” I was ready to be home, but I always knew never to turn down ice cream. Ice cream was a big deal when you were little. Almost as quickly as the thoughts of Liam came, I forgot about him. Dad didn’t bring him up again because I think he knew I would forget about him, he knew Liam would become something of the past. I remember digging the spoon into the soft, creamy, strawberry ice cream and smiling up at Dad, thinking I had the best Dad in the world. I didn’t exactly remember when my perfect parents started to crumble apart, it could have been happening all along or it could have started later. I didn’t know, and I didn’t ask. I just dealt with it like everything else.                     Chapter Four “Mom! You forgot to get me notebooks for class!” I shouted down the hall. “Mrs. Yokley said you had to have notebooks for fourth grade! She said it was important .” I stomped into the kitchen, and mother made breakfast, pancakes and bacon. “Isabel, you better not shout at me,” she demanded. “I didn’t forget them; I just forgot to give them to you last night. There on the table in the foyer.” Jack who had just turned seven two days prior bolted into the kitchen. “I’m in second grade!” Jack had started second grade two weeks ago just like I had started fourth grade two weeks ago. I picked up my backpack, and brought it over to the table. I always had Mom check my homework before I left for school in the morning. It was our little morning ritual. “Alright, these here are wrong and that one there is wrong too. Just change those and you’re good to go,” she said as she poured the pancake mix onto the skillet. The sun shone through the windows and the light bounced into my eyes making me rub them. Jack ran around the kitchen like a madman, screaming he wanted pancakes. When Mom had finished the pancake, she set them on plates and set the plates on the table. Jack and I took our respective seats across from Mom and Dad’s seats. “Go get your father, Jack,” Mom instructed. He whined, but finally left to go get Dad. “Anything exciting happening at school today, Izzy?” “No,” I said as I shoved a large bite of pancake into my awaiting mouth. “I think we are practicing more multiplication tables.” Mom nodded her head, but said nothing. I guess what I had said wasn’t that interesting. Jack raced back downstairs after another moment, and said Dad would be down in a minute. We waited for Dad, but he didn’t come downstairs until we were headed out the door for school. Dad leaned down and kissed our heads, “Be good.” Mom mumbled, but I heard her, “If you’d have come down earlier, you could have talked to us.” With that, Mom slammed the door behind us, and ushered is into the car. I didn’t have to ride in a car seat anymore, but Jack did, and he hated it because it seemed unfair I didn’t have to ride in one. I rubbed it in his face all the time back then that I didn’t need one. Mom drove us to school, it felt like we got there sooner than usual, and she left with a quick goodbye. “Hey!” Jack shouted. “There’s Connor!” he ran off toward his red-haired friend, and left his older sister standing by herself. During third grade my only two friends, who happened to be twin sisters, moved north to Oklahoma. I was mad at them, but in the end it didn’t matter because I don’t think we were close anyways. Like I had the previous fourteen days, I wandered the playground searching for anybody to play with. Most of the kids in the fourth grade were nine, but a couple had already turned ten. I wasn’t part of the small group of ten year olds. I say by myself for a while before I heard someone behind me say my name. “Isabel?” My name came out like a question, and I turned around as fast as I could without getting dizzy. “Hi.” The bald-headed boy smiled, “You remember me? I’m…” I laughed, “You’re Liam. You look,” I paused, “different.” Liam stared at me for a moment before he walked over and took the seat next to me on the bench. “You go to school here too?” “Course I do! What else would I be doing here?” I kicked my blue tennis shoes around in the dirt. “Why ain’t you in the hospital anymore?” Liam shrugged, “Doctors said they fixed me up.” “That’s good,” I said simply. What else was I supposed to say? By this point in time, I was at a place where I knew you only went to the hospital if you were really sick or hurt real bad like Jack was once upon a time. So I figured Liam was the first one, and later I found out I was right. “Who you got for a teacher?” Liam finally said after a long period of silence. I waved my hand in the air, “Mrs. Yokley. How about you?” “Mrs. Smith, I don’t like her that much. She’s mean.” Liam never said another word, and we both just sat there until the bell rang. He waved goodbye, and I waved back. I headed to my classroom after I hung up my backpack and lunch box on my assigned hook. Mrs. Yokley bellowed out to the class to take our homework out from last night, and I followed all the instructions about what to do with our homework and so on and so forth. I sat with Liam at lunch, and we didn’t talk much. Fourth grade year as a whole wasn’t all that exciting really. Each day ended up being the same thing over and over again. First I’d get dropped off by Mom, I’d sit with Liam at our bench, we’d head of to our classroom, and we wouldn’t see each other until lunch. Then we would go back to class, learn more things than I thought I ever needed to know, and head home for the day. The only time our routine ever changed is when Liam didn’t show up to school during the last full week. I sat at our bench by myself, I missed Liam, but only because I hated sitting by myself. People called me weird. During lunch, I went to Mrs. Smith’s room despite all the scary stories about her and asked her where Liam was. Mrs. Smith looked down her nose at me, “Well, how do you expect me to know? He called in sick, I imagine he’s sick.” I never talked to Mrs. Smith again after that. I also told everyone she boiled cats and ate them for breakfast, but I don’t like to tell people I did that. The next day, things were back to normal, and when Liam sat down next to me I decided to ask him where he’d been. As usual Liam raised his shoulders, “I don’t know. Mom said I had to talk to some doctors about some stuff.” I had turned ten a couple months ago, but it didn’t mean I was any smarter than I was at nine. “Stuff like why your hair falls out?” Liam cocked his head to the side, and watched me carefully. “It don’t fall out no more, and I hope it stays that way. But I guess you can say something like that.” His answer didn’t completely satisfy my question, but it was good enough and I left him alone after than. Things continued as usual the rest of the year.                                           Chapter Five The summer between fourth and fifth grade year was a hard one for my family, specifically Mom. At the beginning of the summer, my mother received a call at ten o’clock at night informing her that her mother, Grandma Doon, had just past on from a heart attack. Mom didn’t cry. During that week, I learned more about death. I learned death was final, death was cruel, death meant I could never talk to, see, or hear that person again. Death meant gone. It was hard on Mom. Grandma Doon was her only living family left, Mom’s father had died when I was three and her only aunt died when my mother was barely sixteen. At ten I realized Mom was brave, and I realized I wanted to be just like her. Throughout the week, funeral arrangements were planned for the Grandma I never talked to. When it came time to go to the funeral, Mom broke down. I heard her in the bedroom with Dad crying. Dad was whispering soothing words to her, yet Mom still cried. I remember wondering why she cried now . Why didn’t she cry when she received the call, why not cry when the funeral home called and asked what kind of wood she wanted the casket to be made from, why not cry when I asked her if Grandma Doon was really gone forever? Why not? I never asked my mother any of those questions; it seemed unfair to bombard her with more stress than she needed. At the funeral, Mom left us for the podium at the front of the room. Everyone was quiet as they awaited Mom’s speech. When Mom’s voice filled the area, it was crackly and tired. Her first words were simple, “Death sucks.” A few chuckled at Mom’s spunk, but I’m sure some were offended. She continued, “When I decided to write this eulogy for my mother, I went to the internet to look up some inspirational quote about death, but I realized, it’s just a bunch of crap,” Mom didn’t say crap, and a few elderly women in the back gasped. “What happened to my mother is going to happen to every one of us in this room at one point or another, some sooner than others,” Mom glanced at the elderly lady in the back, and she cracked a smile. “I don’t mean to make light of my mother’s death, but I always imagined she’d want me to make her funeral a celebration of her life, not a sad, sappy tragedy. And, I agree with my mother’s reasoning. When I’m in this place myself, I hope my children celebrate my life, and I hope they move past my death even though I know it would be hard.” My mom took a shaky breath, and swallowed hard. “So, I’m here to celebrate my mother’s life, and I’m here to make sure she is never forgotten.” Before Mom left the podium, she kissed her fingertips and rested them on top of the casket. Her departing words could only be heard from the front row, but they made me notice my mother’s strength, “I love you Mom, and I will never forget you.” Mom walked off stage, left the room, and we didn’t see her until two hours later. I don’t know where my mother went or what she did, but whatever it was it helped her move past because when she came back, she did exactly what she promised. She celebrated her mother’s life.   Shortly after Grandma Doon’s death, a Tornado whipped through our hometown in Texas. The storm sirens blared through town, and the lights went out the minute the wind picked up to a good speed. I’d lived in Texas since I was born, and I had never had to protect myself from a tornado. The weather stations had been predicting a F3 tornado bringing heavy rain, strong wind, hail, and flying objects. The four of us quickly went to the hall bathroom, and my parents set my brother and I into the bathtub with a heavy blanket over us. Mom and Dad sat next to the tub on the floor, and kept us calm as we heard the steady stream of wind beat on the side of our house. Dad was telling us about the dog he saw the other day when something scarier than the wind, rain, and hail came. It was the roar. A deafening roar tore through town, and I threw my hands over my ears, my brother followed suit. I felt our home shake, and my parents covered Jack and me with their bodies, shielding us from whatever dangers were outside. Almost as quickly as the roar came, it was gone. Dad stood up, and told us to stay put while he went and checked outside. About five minutes later, he returned and informed us the tornado had done significant damage to the front of the house, but the tornado directly hit the houses a block over. When Dad said we were allowed to go outside, Jack and I raced toward the front door to see the damage the massive whirlwind of debris had left behind. There are no words to describe the aftermath of a tornado. I could have said awful, horrendous, scary, unsettling, but every single one of those words paled in comparison to what the scene actually looked like. Every house on the block was damaged, shingles, siding, brick, windows, and doors all torn directly from the house and tossed out into the streets. The front of our home was almost bare, no shingles and no brick. A few of the upstairs windows were busted in, but the door was still attached. Our front and back yards were a mess! Sticks and pipes were shoved into the mud, and trees were leaning sideways. Leaves and other plants were strewn across the yard, and Mrs. Crawford’s fat, old cat was lying on the sidewalk, feet straight in the air, dead as a doornail. Jack cried for a while before he calmed himself down, and started investigating the scene more. Fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances lined the streets helping anyone who asked for it. Our neighbors asked everyone to help search for their dog, which had been missing since he ran when the tornado first hit. Unfortunately, nobody found the dog and we all assumed he’d been taken by the twister. Next, the Dawson family begged to borrow my parent’s phones. It was no big deal. The Dawson’s needed to call family and find a place to stay, since there house was one of the few completely flattened. The rest of that day and all of the next were spent picking up our front yard, backyard, inside of the house. Dad worked on putting the shingles back up, it took him a long time, and the shingles still had to be fixed a year later when we had the money. I don’t really remember much detail after that. It was a lot of picking up and complaining on my part. After two weeks of clean up, our house was finally livable. We moved out of the motel we’d been staying in. But after that summer, none of us were ever really the same.                                         Chapter Six I distinctly remember starting junior high. Fifth grade was easy, and I remember how old I had felt with all those young, little kids around me. But now, sixth grade meant I was the youngest in the school. On the first day, the teachers gave us a tour of the school. There wasn’t much else we did that day but talk about the rules, the consequences, and the expectations. It wasn’t until the end of the day during reading time when I felt someone staring at me. The stare was hot on my back, and I recall the uncomfortable itch you get when you have an uneasy feeling. After minutes passed, I slowly turned around at met the eyes of the staring boy. It wasn’t immediately that I recognized him, but I knew he knew me from somewhere because his entire face lit up with a brilliant smile. When I saw the hearty smile, the floppy blonde hair, and those kind eyes I felt my stomach clench and I started wiggling in my seat. It was Liam. I hadn’t seen him since the end of fourth grade. I never gave it much thought as to where he went, but now that he was there, I began to wonder where he could have possibly gone. I waved at him from across the classroom and he waved back. The girl sitting next to him with her hair in red braids frowned at me and crinkled her nose. She flicked one of her braids over her shoulder and began talking to Liam. Once his attention was redirected toward someone else, I simply turned away. Yet, there was burning jealousy in my stomach and I couldn’t explain it. The feeling never came back until I was older, but that was the first time I ever experienced true envy.   The next day, Liam walked up to me. “Hiya, Isabel! I haven’t seen you in a real long time, huh?” I stuck my hands on my hips with an independent attitude, “Yea? Where’d you go? Thought we were friends or something and you didn’t even bother to tell me you were leaving.” Liam rolled his eyes, “I didn’t plan going to the hospital. I would of told you if I knew where you were livin’.” I dropped my head and shuffled my feet in the playground rock, “Oh. Well, how was I supposed to know that,” I said defensively. “You weren’t, but now you do.” Liam smiled, and cocked his head to the side. “You wanna swing or something?” “I guess we can swing, but I don’t want nobody thinking we’re boyfriend and girlfriend or nothing!” I said matter-of-factly. Liam laughed loudly, and my cheeks flushed red, “Me either, it’s a good thing we’re just friends.” I followed Liam over to the swings and we talked the entire recess about everything and nothing. A minute before the bell rung, Liam looked at me seriously, “Isabel?” “Yea?” I said slowing my swing down so I could get ready to go inside. “Do you ever wish you could ever run away?” Liam dropped his gaze to the ground and dug his heel into the dirt. I shook my head left and right, “No! That would mean I wouldn’t ever be able to see my mom and dad again! Why would you ever want to run away?!” I looked at him, dumbfounded that he could possibly want to leave. “Aw, I was just wonderin’. It wasn’t serious or nothing.” Liam pursed his lips, “Just forget it, okay?” I raised my eyebrows right as the bell rang, “Well, I’ll make sure nobody hears about your stupid question, Liam.” Liam and I raced to the doors of the school, and never stopped being friends. Until eighth grade year at least.           Chapter Seven April of seventh grade year something bad happened. It was lunch time. Liam and I were sitting with my friends Katie, Samantha, Joe and his friends Kyle and Jeremy. Jeremy was teasing us about wearing make up, and about how it made us look like sluts. Usually Liam backed us girls up and told his buddies to lay off when they got too harsh, but Liam was staring at his lunch tray with a disgusted look on his face. His cheeks were bright red, and he looked like he hadn’t slept in weeks. “You girls are gonna wear so much make up that us guys won’t even know who you are anymore! You’ll all just be hooker number one, hooker number two, hooker num…” “Oh shut you face, Jeremy,” I interjected. “We all know you’ll be the only boy without a girlfriend in the entire grade! I mean,” I looked at my friends and laugh, “you do have a face only a mother could love.” Everyone laughed, except Liam. He rubbed his eyes, and pushed his tray away. “Liam,” I leaned across the table, “you okay? You don’t look all that good. Maybe you should go to the nurse.” He just shook his head, and mumbled an answer, “I just need some fresh air. You guys want to go outside?” I knew Liam had been having a rough time lately, and the doctor had told him he was in remission fifth grade year. He was supposed to be better then. “Alright, I’ll go outside with you,” I sighed and picked up both our trays to throw them away. “Thanks,” he stood up, and shakily walked out the cafeteria doors. I followed him down the front steps into a small courtyard set aside for the students. Swings and cement benches were the only thing on the grass. I led Liam over to one of the benches, and sat down. By the time we got there he was breathing heavily and sweating profusely. His hands shook, and I gaped at him wide-eyed. “Liam, you really need the nurse.” “Isabel,” he said weakly, “will you just shut up? I’m trying to concentrate here.” I rolled my eyes, “Concentrate on what? Not passing out?” I said sarcastically. Liam kind of smiled, and actually nods his head yes. The universe must have had some sick sort of humor because less than a second after he nodded, Liam collapsed onto the bench. I heard his head hit the cement with a sickening crack, and I darted up off the bench and too his side. “Liam! Please! Oh God!” I looked at the kids standing next to me who were just watching. “Go get help!” I screamed at them. Liam wasn’t bleeding, but his breaths were shallow and I knew things were about to go from bad to worse. Teachers ran out onto the courtyard heading straight for the two of us. I was shouting at Liam to wake the heck up, when one of the teachers pulled me away. “Wait! I have to go with him! His parents are at work an hour away, he can’t be alone!” The teacher held my shoulder and shook his head no. “I’m sorry, you can’t go, Izzy.” The sirens from an approaching ambulance broke my hysterical train of thought. “Did you call his parents?” “Yes, Izzy. You need to stop worrying and go inside. Liam is being taken to the hospital, it’s out of our hands.” The teacher (I can’t remember his name for the life of me) turned me around and pushed me toward the school’s doors. I looked back over my shoulder, and saw the EMTs load Liam’s limp body onto a stretcher and roll him away into the ambulance. The school air conditioning hit me at the same time Liam’s ambulance drove away.   “Mom? Mom?” I slapped my hands down on my lap as my mom drove me home from school that day. “Did that say anything yet?” I tapped my fingers against the dashboard and nervously hummed a song. After another ten minutes, my mom spoke up, “Okay, uh huh, thank you. I really appreciate it. Yes, you too.” She hung up the phone. “So!” I shouted. “So, they said they can’t reveal any information to us, but I two days you can go up there and ask permission to visit him. He and his parents have to approve it though.” Mom turned the car into our driveway. I grabbed my hair and pulled at it, “They can’t at least tell us if he’s stable or anything? We have to wait two days to see him?!” I snort, “Well, I guess that means he’s not dead, huh?” “Isabel!” mom scolded. “You can’t talk about people like that.” I yanked my backpack out of the backseat and carried it inside. “Izzy, can you take out the trash?” Mom asked. “I have homework, Mom,” I said exasperated. I stomped to my bedroom and through my backpack against the wall. A loud crash echoed through the silent house, and I screamed in frustration. I dug my hand into my black over-the-shoulder purse and pulled out the new phone my parents had gotten me less than a month prior. Quickly, I searched through my contacts and slammed my thumb down on the OK button. The phone rang three times before I heard Mrs. Carlson’s voice. “Hello,” she whispered quietly, her voice shook and I swallowed hard. I had thought Liam was gone. “Mrs. Carlson,” my voice broke, “Liam?” Her breath came heavily, “He’s going to be okay, Isabel, but he has to be in the hospital for a few days.” Mrs. Carlson paused, “Maybe even a week.” “Oh,” I had let out a relieved sigh, and smiled to myself. “Have the doctors said anything yet?” I took notice of Liam’s voice in the background, “Isabel, I have to go. Liam will call you tomorrow, okay?” Mrs. Carlson sounded tired, so I agreed and ended the conversation without more information. “Tell Liam I said get better, and that I’ll talk to him tomorrow,” I finished. “Will do, Isabel, good evening.” Mrs. Carlson hung up the phone and I gazed out the window for a good half hour before I finally began my homework. Liam was sick again, it was obvious to me then. I didn’t know what I could do for Him. I didn’t know what I’d do without my best friend.     Chapter Eight Later that month, when I was visiting Liam, he had been acting a lot more like himself. The doctors were weaning him off chemo again, the cancer was backing off. The doctors were guessing that he would go back into remission. I was still worried, but Liam seemed to be doing just fine with everything. At least that was what he had been telling me for the past four weeks. “Would you quit looking at me like that?” Liam said in the middle of our conversation. I shook my head, “Like what?” “Oh please, stop looking at me like I’m dying tomorrow! I still have plenty of years left.” Liam chewed on his nail and waited for me to respond. “Seriously, I’m just being a good friend. And I am not looking at you like,” I paused, I had not wanted to say dying, “ that .” Liam shrugged his shoulders, “You know we’re almost done with seventh grade, right?” I crossed my eyes, “Really? I had no idea!” I teased him, trying to ease us out of the uncomfortable mini-argument. “Ha ha. I was just trying to be sociable. Besides, be happy, we’re going to be eighth graders next year. Big kids on campus.” Liam sat up straighter. “’Nother round?” I gave him a funny look before I realized he wasn’t talking to me. “Oh.” I had said dumbly when I saw the nurse behind me. Liam was due for another round of chemo and I knew he never felt well afterward. “Alrighty, I’m going to go ahead and leave. I’ll see you later, okay?” I stood up and walked toward the doorway. “Wait,” Liam had called, “when are you coming back?” The worried look on his face made me nervous; like he knew something I didn’t. “Um, when do you want me to come back?” I asked. “Remember, I can’t drive,” I teased. Liam looked away, “The sooner the better. I’d miss you if you were gone to long.” At that moment in time, my stomach flip-flopped and my cheeks flushed cherry red. “Uh, okay,” I fumbled over my words and the nurse by his bed chuckled. I scurried away, and called Mom. “Mom can you pick me up now? Liam had to go in for a chemo treatment, I didn’t want to hang around that long.” “Well, I’m busy right now, Izzy, but I’ll call your dad and see if he can pick you up.” Mom hung up the phone and I rubbed my forehead. Jack had been at baseball practice, so that’s where Dad was. Which meant I went and watched Jack play baseball for two hours and ate crappy nachos. During Jack’s practice, a group of girls I knew from school were walking by. Alice, the most popular girl in school at the time, was flipping her dark black hair over her shoulder. “Hey, Izzy!” she called at me from the bottom of the bleachers. I had never really been friends with Alice, but it’s not like I hadn’t wanted to be friends with her. She was popular, and I wished I was popular. So when she call me, I was surprised. “Me?” I mouthed and pointed at my chest. Alice rolled her eyes and tapped her heeled flip-flop impatiently, “Duh! I said Izzy didn’t I!” I nodded eagerly and quickly rushed down the stairs to meet them. “Hey, I heard Liam’s back in the hospital,” she said when I stood in front of her. “I…uh…” Liam didn’t usually like it when I talked about his hospital stays to classmates. He said he didn’t want people to pity him. It’s not like they did anyways, I’d have to consider Liam pretty popular. “I guess so, yea.” Alice pursed her lips, “So is it I guess so or yes?” “Yes,” I said quietly. “Okay, he can have visitors, right? What room number is he?” I shook my head, “Wait, you want to visit Liam?!” “Duh, that’s pretty much what I just said. So, are you going to answer my questions or what?” Alice looked at me expectantly. “Well, he’s only allowed visitors who are on the list.” I sat down on the bleachers expecting Alice to leave me be. Instead, Alice continues to stare at me. “You’re on the list, right? I can just come with you!” “Why do you want to see Liam anyways? I’ve never seen you talk to him at school. Besides he’d kill me if I brought anybody without asking him.” I clap when I see my brother make it to home plate. “I’ve talked to him plenty. I just promised everybody at school I’d talk to him to see how he’s doing.” “I can give you his number,” I said sarcastically. Alice stomps her foot on the dirt, “Listen Izzy, just take me to say hello. If he tells me to leave, I’ll leave.” “Whatever, fine. He’ll tell you to leave though. I know Liam better than anyone else. Just meet me at the hospital Monday next week and I’ll take you in.” I left before Alice could have even thanked me, not that she would have anyways.   I sat on the bench in front of the hospital tapping my foot impatiently. Where was she? I had texted her three o’clock! It was almost three thirty. I decided to give her five more minutes, and right when I was getting up to leave she walked up to me. “Ready.” “You were half an hour late!” I exclaimed, clearly agitated. “Sorry, my hair appointment was pushed back. You know I couldn’t come here without my gold highlights. They’re made with real gold you know!” (I’m pretty sure she didn’t say that but I swear that’s how I remember it). I turned around and started walking into the hospital. I had already visited Liam two days ago, and I hadn’t told him about Alice. I should have, but I didn’t. I had wanted to see him deny her in front of everybody. “Whatever, let’s just get this over with.” We walked up to the front desk, and were lead up to Liam’s room by a nurse. “You girls sisters?” she asked kindly. I looked at Alice with raised eyebrows. We looked like exact opposites. She had dark hair, brown eyes, creamy skin, and she was short. I, on the other hand, was blonde, blue eyed, and tan. Also I was almost four inches taller than her. Before we could answer we were in front of Liam’s room, and the nurse was waving good-bye. Alice smoothed down her already perfect hair, and smothered lip gloss all over her already glossy lips. “Ready?” I asked. “Mm hm. Let’s go!” I told Alice to stay there while I went in to tell Liam. I entered the room quietly, “Hey, Liam?” I whispered. “Isabel? Why are you whispering?” Liam was lying on the hospital bed reading a magazine and drinking some lemonade. I laughed, “I was just seeing if you were awake. I was actually hoping you were.” “Why? You didn’t want to see me.” Liam looks at me with his green eyes and I stare back. “No, I wanted to see you, but I brought you a visitor. She said she was really worried about you. She wanted to let everyone know how you were doing since she had the whole school on speed-dial.” I chewed on the end of my nail. “Who is it? You know I don’t like people visiting me in the hospital, Isabel!” Liam wasn’t mad, but he wasn’t happy either. I threw my hands in the air, “I know. I know. She was so stinkin’ persistant!” “Who was?” Alice was behind me, and I turned around and glared at her. “I told you to wait outside! I was talking with Liam,” I was angry, and I actually wanted to punch her. Alice stepped past me toward Liam, “How are you doing, Liam? Everyone has been so worried about you.” Alice looks up at Liam through her eyelashes, “ I’ve been worried about you.” I gagged in the corner, and Liam glared at me, but I just shrugged my shoulders. Clearly he could see this was all fake, and she was obviously trying to use him! For what I didn’t know. I had expected Liam to ask Alice to leave, but instead he asked her to sit down. My bottom jaw hit the floor, and I pretended to shoot myself in the head with a gun. Liam saw me and glared at me. He gestured with a nod of his head for me to leave. ‘Are you kidding me!’ I mouthed at him. Liam didn’t move, and I stood up and noisily left the room. I was so angry with Liam that I left that day and didn’t visit or answer his calls for two weeks.                                             Chapter Nine I talked to Liam a little bit over the summer, but he spent most of his time with Alice. A week before school started I visited Liam at his house since he was finally out of the hospital. The chemo was less and less now; the doctors said that he might actually stay in remission now although I didn’t believe it. In his room were, at least, twenty pictures of him and Alice. I tried to ignore them, but they were always watching me. “So,” I remember asking, “you going to be there for the first day of eighth grade? We’re the big kids on campus, remember?” I asked jokingly. Liam laughed, but he wasn’t completely there. He was holding his brand new cell phone in his hand, and he happened to check it every ten seconds. After a while of me making all the effort, I left his house and didn’t talk to him unless I ran into him around town. When the first day of school finally came, I got a ride with Katie, Samantha, and Joe. Samantha’s mom offered to drive us to school everyday since she drove past our houses everyday for work. When Sammy’s mom dropped us off we all ran to our lockers and prepared for the school day. Katie elbowed me in the ribs and jerked her head to the side. Even through Liam and I never dated or broke up, I do have to say I consider this my very first heartbreak. Liam and Alice walked down the hallway hand in hand, and went right past us without saying anything. Sure, I hadn’t talked to Liam much during the summer, but still! I deserved a hello, or, at least, I thought I did. The rest of first semester was much the same. Liam and Alice dated consistently, and Liam and I only talked when we had to. I guess you could say we weren’t friends any longer. I think at some point during eighth grade year Liam stopped chemo all together, and his cancer went into remission again, but I’m not sure. Like I said, we didn’t talk. It was also during eighth grade year that I tried smoking for the first time. I only did it because Katie and Joe did it. It wasn’t anything I did seriously; I just did it because it was cool. Funny, though, that it was the smoking that finally brought Liam and I back together. It was May, and our eighth grade year was almost over. I hadn’t talked to Liam in months, and I was finally accepting that our friendship was over. Katie, Sammy, Joe, and I were in the park talking about the school year being over and it being freshman next year. Katie handed me a cigarette, and Joe lit it for me. I inhaled the smoggy smoke and smiled at the instant buzz I felt. Suddenly, I heard someone shout my name. I looked over, and saw a blonde haired boy running for me. “Isabel! What are you doing?!” the boy took the cigarette out of my hand, and threw it on the ground. He ground the beautiful cigarette into the ground, and I frowned at the boy. “What do you think you are doing? That was my cigarette!” I try to salvage it, but it’s just ashes. The boy bends down, and stares me in the eyes. It’s then that I realize the boy is Liam. “I think I’m trying to save your butt! What are you now, some kind of idiot, Isabel? God! Why you gotta be so stupid!” Liam glowers at me. Liam’s words hit my heart, and I don’t look him in the eyes. “What’s it matter to you any how? You stopped caring about me a while ago, Liam. We ain’t friends anymore. You don’t gotta watch out for me.” “Isabel,” Liam started, “we ain’t ever stopped being friends. I assumed you just wanted to take a break.” The grin that spreads across Liam’s face is contagious, and my mouth twitches into a smile. I leap forward and hugged Liam, “God, Liam, I hate you so much,” I mutter into his shoulder. “I know you do, Isabel,” Liam hugged me back, and yanked me to my feet. “Katie, Joe, Sammy, we’ll talk to y’all later!” It probably wasn’t such a fast make up, but that how I remember it anyhow. Leaving, I waved good-bye and snatched another cigarette from Katie. “Where we going?” I asked Liam as we walked off. Liam raised his eyebrows, “Nowhere till you throw that cigarette away. You know that ain’t good for me. You wouldn’t be able to smoke ‘round me anyways.” “It’s not like we were around each other that much before now,” I mumbled, but Liam didn’t hear. It turned out, Liam was going to the hospital for a check-up, and I was just the kind of support he needed with him.                                         Chapter Ten Alice and Liam broke up the summer between eighth and ninth grade. Alice broke up with Liam, and Liam was devastated. I helped him through it, but on the inside I was super happy. I was so tired of Alice hanging around all the time. Freshman year started and flew by. Nothing important seemed to happen freshman year, well, except Katie moved to New York (the city, gross!). Liam and I pretty much did everything together. With everyday that passed, I fell more and more in love with Liam. Liam didn’t seem to notice my feelings for him, so I didn’t mention them. Liam and I were inseparable, and our other friends sort of fell away. There were a few rumors around school we were dating, and a couple saying we were long lost siblings. Neither was true. Our routine was pretty much the same until we came home from the pool. It was July, and it was hot. Liam had gotten his license two weeks earlier, and he was driving us the city pool. We swam for hours and hours, and time passed as it usually did with Liam; too quickly. When Liam drove me home, and dropped me off at my house, my mom and dad waved him over. “Oh God, what could they possibly want?” I had been getting annoyed with my parents lately, and I tried to be away from home as much as possible. Usually, I was with Liam. “They probably want to tell me how great I am, and how they wish you were more like me.” Liam turned off his old beater car, and walked with me inside. “Hello,” Liam said in his thick drawl. “Need me for something?” Mom spoke first. She cleared her throat, “How about you two come over here and sit. Here, right there.” Dad sat across from us, and Mom sat in between us. I gave Liam a weird look, and he just shrugged. Dad began, “We, um, know how teenagers are, okay? We were teenagers once. We completely understand that you want to, um, honey?” he looked helplessly at my mom. “What your father’s trying to say, Izzy, is that you and Liam can spend your time together however you want. We just ask that you wait, you wait until you are married. Okay, sweetheart?” My face was hot, and I felt warm tears of humiliation leak from my eyes. “I can’t believe you just said that!” Mom and Dad looked at each other with wide eyes, and both of them tried explaining themselves at the same time. I glanced at Liam out of the corner of my eye. He was chuckling. Here I was sitting mortified, and he was simply laughing at the situation. I was mad at all three of them. Liam spoke up, “You don’t have to worry about that. We’re friends.” My parents looked at me and I nodded my head vigorously, “Friends.” Instead of ending the conversation Liam continued on, still laughing, “Besides I could never…” he laughed heartily, “not with Isabel!” First, I had been embarrassed. Now I was devastated. Let’s just say that Liam was not affiliated with the idea that you can never say something like that to a girl. Now more tears poured from my eyes, and I sobbed out loud before standing up and running to my room. I had cried for an hour straight before Mom came into my room, “Honey, I know we shouldn’t have said anything. I realize that now. You have to understand, we were just worried, okay?” “I’m not crying because of you!” I shouted, and started crying all over again. Mom rubbed little circles on my back, “Why are you crying then, sweetheart?” I didn’t really want to tell my mom, about my boy troubles, but it had all come spilling out anyways. “Liam said…” I heaved a loud sigh, “he said I was ugly! He said he could never be with me! He laughed at the idea of us being together, Mom. He thinks I’m a troll!” I sobbed harder, and my body shook. “Honey, that’s not what he meant. You are beautiful. Gorgeous. Liam was just nervous about talking to us. He didn’t mean to hurt you. He was so worried about you after you ran upstairs. He wanted to talk to you, but Dad sent him home. Said to give you some time.” I wiped my nose on my pillow, and sniffled. “You’re required to say that I’m beautiful, Mom. It doesn’t count.” “Well, the thing is I’m being honest. Seriously, you inherited my good looks.” I laughed at Mom’s attempt at humor, and sat up in bed, wiping away the tears. “I’m hungry,” I finally said. “Good. Your father’s making burgers.” “Okay.”                                 Chapter 37 Text: Elaina H Images: http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&authuser=0&biw=1366&bih=667&tbm=isch&tbnid=-lMobtDTxobFaM:&imgrefurl=http://molly-aboveaverage.blogspot.com/2011_09_01_archive.html&docid=NUrOLOXp8wTsiM&imgurl=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_grbbvFLI1Wc/TNfUq5JdCDI/ Editing: Elaina H and Lia H Translation: none All rights reserved. Publication Date: September 21st 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-caaa37ad44bd325

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daniel.books EVERGLADES FOLLIES 1 Daniel.books EVERGLADES FOLLIES Algernon Abernathy, a man well known in the town of Nugene, Florida was a spirited young man at the age of 38.He had moved to Nugene at the age of 30 and built a thriving business in the Airboat rides for hire and for sale. Being from New Orleans, Louisiana he had been very cautious with his money, his friends and his women. Algernon was a lonely soul by choice. No one lived nearer than 10 miles to Al and he liked that way. He had a shop for the Air boats in the swamp next to his house so he had all he needed all in one place. Algernon was his own mechanic so he was alone a lot of the time, just him and the boats and the smelly old swamp.The only people that rented the airboats were tourist because the locals all had their own boats. There was a gas station down the barely passable road to Nugene where Al had to go for fuel. He carried 55 gallon drums every week to get fuel for his truck and his boats. Algernon also owned a phone and electricity at his place which the previous owner had paid for dearly. Like I said "it is 10 miles out in the swamp". Nicky Nolan, the owner of the only bar in Nugene was always glad to see Algernon come into town.Nicky just loved to hear about the snakes and gators ..Algernon told Nick stories and Nick set up drinks on the house" for Algernon..' Boilermakers' Algernon called the drinks, a shot of Jack Daniels Black whiskey and a cold Busch beer to chase it down. They would talk about anything and everything .After a few rounds they would be caught up on everything going on and Algernon would get the fuel and go back to the shop and fill up the boats for the next week. Joan Jackson was a busty beauty that carried herself rather well. She worked in the red light district of New Orleans as a female escort of sorts. Jo was a little on the pricey side but she thought she was worth it.Algernon had been introduced to her by a man known as Rocky Webster. Algernon took a liking to Joan right away. They had a few good times but never got too serious about each other. Jo was a girl that Algernon could really talk to. They talked about each others plans for the future and what they really wanted out of life. Algernon told Jo he was going to buy a business in Florida and try his luck . . After Algernon left New Orleans, Joan kept her business going for a number of years until the hurricane Katrina hit. Joan’s money came almost to a end. Joan talked to Rocky Webster her friend and asked him what happened to Algernon and had he heard anything about Al. Rocky told Joan that he heard Algernon had moved to a place in Florida called Nugene, down in the everglades. And that Al was doing rather well in the air boat business. Joan's eye's lit up as she thought of the chance that lay ahead for her to get her hands on Al’s money. Rocky caught the look on Joan's face and asked” what are you thinking Jo girl”? Joan told Rocky“we are both broke and Algernon isn’t”. Rocky said "that’s right now how do we get his money? Joan thought for a minute then asked, Rocky” didn't you tell me you would not live in the everglades because there is swamp gas that can kill without leaving evidence’. Rocky said yes but what's that got to do with us and Al. Don't you see said Joan we can use the gas on Al and steal his money.” Absolutely not “said Rocky. We don't want to kill him and be caught for murder and spend our lives in prison,. OK said Joan we will just get his money. We can just rob him because we know he won't use banks, he don't trust them, so the money will be in or near his home. That’s right Rocky so lets think how to rob him and not kill him if we don't have to, Joan said excitedly "Are we partners in this one Rocky "Yes said Rocky, but first we have to get to Nugene and get ourselves up to date on what’s going on with Algernon and the business so we can plan our moves. We will leave tomorrow said Rocky. The next day it was raining ,as it happens a lot in New Orleans. Joan and Rocky met at the board walk cafe. Rocky was waiting for his 4x4 ford half ton pick up to be serviced before the long drive to south Florida. Rocky called Bill Bailey who owned the shop where his truck was being serviced to see why it was taking so long. Bill told Rocky that the oil drain plug was stripped and leaking oil. Bill said he would have to replace the oil pan to stop the leak. Rocky said I don't have time right now so I will just keep putting oil in when it gets low. Bill told Rocky he was taking a big chance but if he had to go to check the oil often because it could get worse on the trip. Rocky said he would keep check on it and take the chance .Joan and Rocky walked back to Bill's garage and got the truck and left out to hit I -10 east. Rocky drove all night and the next day before they stopped. They were hungry,tired and needed to take a shower. Rocky's old truck had an air conditioner but it quit soon after they left on the trip. The weather was hot and that made for a miserable trip. Rocky had stopped so many times to put in oil that it took up a lot of time. Rocky bought 8 quarts of oil and was down to the last quart when they found a motel.. After checking in at the motel as Mr. and Mrs. Smith Jo said she would walk to the restaurant and get them something for supper. Rocky got in the shower and was through before Jo got back from the restaurant. They ate the greasy burgers and French fries and sipped the chocolate milk shakes like it was to be their last. Jo said my time for a shower and she would be right back. Rocky did not go to sleep though he was in bed. He was waiting for Jo and had been since they left New Orleans. When Jo got out of the shower she wrapped a towel around her and started to bed.Jo noticed Rocky was acting like he was sleeping .Jo let the towel slip down to the floor. Rocky sat up and rolled the sheets back for Jo to get in. Rocky and Jo were not really lovers but that did not matter to them at this time. Bright and early the next morning they started on down to Nugene. They had left so hastily that Rocky was not even fully awake so Joan got under the wheel so Rocky could rest a little more. After about 50 miles a knocking noise in the engine woke Rocky.” Pull over" Rocky shouted, we need another quart of oil. Joan had got off the interstate and was on highway 41 south. Highway 41 had all been almost forgotten since the interstate came through and not a service station or store was in sight” .Damned”shouted Rocky as he put the last quart of oil in. It won't even read on the dip stick its still to low. Jo wasoutside the truck rather nervous for she didn't know what Rocky may do to her. Rocky said get out of the way you stupid fool. He got the engine started but the noise was still noticeable though not as loud..Rocky bent down and looked under the truck and saw oil dripping faster than before. Rocky said we will probably not make it but we have no choice now so let's go. As Jo and Rocky eased down the lonely road Jo saw a farm house across a long meadow. The farm house had a fence around it so they looked for a gate. They found the gate almost covered with weeds and grass, nearly hidden from sight. Rocky pulled weeds and cut weeds till he could swing the gate open.They drove down the long narrow road to the house and parked just away from the barn.Rocky told Jo you go ask if they have a phone we can use or maybe some engine oil.They will most likely trust you than they would me. Jo went up to the house cautiously and knocked on the door. No one came so she tried thelock and the door opened. Jo called out loudly” is anyone home “several times but no answer. Rocky was looking around the barn for some oil when Jo came back and said no was home and it looked like it had been abandoned for some time .Jo told Rocky there was a phone but it was not working.Rocky cursed "that’s my damned luck". Both Jo and Rocky kept looking for some oil but found none. .Jo saw a riding lawn mower and said” Rocky is there oil in that riding lawn mower”. Yes yes yes said Rocky as he looked for a wrench to drain the oil out so they could catch it and use it. Rocky found a rusty pair of locking pliers and some plastic jugs to catch the oil..2quarts of oil that’s all that was in the lawn mower but Rocky said maybe it will get us to a store with oil and gas. Rocky put the oil in the truck and they went on down the road. After 5 miles they found a small store with some oil but no gas. After getting directions back to the interstate, Rocky filled the engine with oil and headed south again. Rocky bought a case of oil ,all the man had at the store and felt good about the rest of the trip. Jo had hardly spoke to Rocky since she ran the truck low on oil. Rocky put his hand on Jo's leg and said how sorry he was for getting mad at her..Joan sat and looked at Rocky like she didn't accept the apology at all. Rocky turned on to the interstate once again. He got gas and headed south to Nugene .Full of oil and plentyin the back of the truck they made good time traveling. The next stop would be Nugene ,Florida..Just so happened Joan and Rocky stopped at Nick' Nolan’s bar, Nicks place , as it was called by most people around Nugene. While having a drink to cool their thirst Algernon came in and sat down at the bar with Nick. Rocky had gone to the restroom and Jo was at the table alone. Algernon spotted Jo when he sat down. Seeing the way Al looked at her Nick said "just got here before you came in. Rocky came out of the restroom and saw Jo and Al at the table together so he went out the backdoor so Al would not see him. He let Joan set up what they had already schemed up on the way down. Joan said she would get a motel room but Al said no. stay with me .Jo knew she needed to stay in touch with Rocky so she no not now. Rocky had walked down the road to a motel and got a room while Jo and Al talked.Algernon told Jo how good he had made it with the business and he could take care of her if she would stay with him .Al bought Jo a lot of drinks to get her drunk, guessing she would go home with him. As Al was getting Jo to his truck Nick said "what about the guy she was with. "Jo heard Nick and told Al just someone that gave her a ride and had already gone. Algernon took Jo home with him and let her sleep it off. Al fixed Jo some cereal and milk for breakfast and told her to just stay there and sober upwhile he went to work.. After Jo was alone she looked the house over for Al's safe and his money .Jo did not find any signs of money nor a safe. Jo found the phonebook and looked for the motel Rocky went to .Jo found only one motel in the phonebook for Nugene. She said that hotel must be where Rocky was staying. The phone rung loudly and woke Rocky. .he hesitated then he thought, Joan was the only one that knew he was there and answered the phone. Jo told Rocky that she couldn't find a safe or any money .Rocky said Algernon must be keeping his money at the boat shop. Jo said well what do we do now. Rocky told Jo to go to the shop with Al the next day and see if she could find the safe . Al could hardly wait to get home that night and have his way with Jo. She was to tired and had to much to drink the night before. When Al got home that evening Jo was trying to fix him some supper. Jo found only a few potatoes and some eggs, so it was American fries and eggs for supper.Al apologized for not having much to eat and said He and Jo would go to Nugene in the morning to get some groceries if she was going to stay with him.When they had eaten and Jo cleaned the small kitchen Al called Jo over to his side on the couch and held her hand lightly as she sat beside him. After a long and passionate kiss, both were ready for the bedroom .Jo was playing her part so well Al really had no idea what she was up to . When they woke up the next morning Al said get ready and we will go into town and get a few things they needed. Al left and went to the shop before Jo got ready Jo thought maybe Al was getting some money for the goods they would pick up in town. Jo and Al went to a small grocery store and Al let Jo gather what she needed to keep them fed for a week. Al told Jo he was going to get a haircut while she was getting the groceries .Rocky saw them go into the grocery store and he saw Al leave .Rocky went into the store to talk to Jo. She told Rocky about Al going to the shop before they left home probably to get some money. Rocky said that’s where the safe is most likely to be. The cashier knew Al and everyone else in town since it was a small town. She saw Jo come in with Al and now talking to another stranger.. Al got his haircut and stopped to see Nick at the bar while in town. Nick told Al that the man Jo came in with was staying in the motel. down the street. Algernon remembered Josaid she had hitched a ride with that man .Al asked Nick what the man looked like .Well said Nick, he was tall , well built and had a cajun like accent, Nick said the man also had a small scar on his chin that looked like a potato chip . Al knew that man was Rocky Webster from New Orleans .Al wondered why Rocky had went out when he came into the bar the other night. Nick said that Jo and Rocky had been talking about doing something to get some money .Al asked Nick if would keep an eye on the guy for him .Nick said “you bet I will, don’t like his looks anyway”. When Al got back to the grocery store to meet Jo she was almost ready to check out. Kate Carter the cashier asked Al if he would help her put a big box on the top of a tall shelf. As Algernon was helping herKate told him about Jo talking to the stranger Al asked Kate did the stranger have a scar on his chin.Kate said yes, do you know him. “ I think so” Al said to Kate.” Maybe I know him to good”. Al was not Ignorant by no means so he wondered why Jo hadn't just said she got a ride with Rocky instead of just a man. Al didn't want Jo to leave him so He did not say anything about what he had heard from Nick and Kate while they were shopping in town. Al didn't know that Rocky and Joan had just planned to search his shop later that night .When Joan and Algernon got back Al went to work and told Jo to put up the groceries. Jo did what Al told her to but as soon as she finished she went to the shop to have a look around. Jo needed to have some information about the shop layout for Rocky .As Jo went into the shop she heard Al doing something in the office. Jo peeked through a crack in the old walls and she saw Al dialing the combination on the safe .A number she would easily remember 38-24-36 ,exactly her measurements. That was all the information she needed to tell Rocky. Now she thought Do I really need Rocky since I already know the combination .Jo rushed back to the house to call Rocky and tell him where the safe was located. Jo lied to Rocky about where the safe was located. Jo wanted to open it first and get a lot of the money without Rocky knowing about it and keep it for herself. Joan and Rocky's plan was that she would have sex and drinks with Al until very late and when Al passed out they would meet at the shop get the money from the safe and leave Nugene for the Florida Keys. Everything was working fine at the house. Rocky was on his way to the shop down the long dirt road to meet Jo. Rocky looked at his watch to see what time it was because they had set the time to meet at 3 am. While looking at his watch Rocky ran off the road into the swamp below. He was thrown into the dashboard and killed instantly.Rocky’s feet were hanging out the door floating in the swamp water. Jo was getting up to meet Rocky at the shop .She waited a half hour longer that what was planned so she went in, opened the safe and got the money bag .Jo did not count the money she just took the bag and walked down the road to meet Rocky. After a mile up the road Jo saw the headlights off the road ahead .She ran to the truck ,she knew it was Rocky's over in the swamp .When Jo got close to the truck she saw Rocky still in the truck. She thought he was knocked out and was unconscious . She checked his pulse she found out that he was dead. Though she hated the fact that Rocky had died she was going on with the plan. It was another 8 or 9 miles yet to Nugene so she headed back to Al's shop to get a boat and go by water to Nugene. Jo got the boat and started back to town very slowly because she didn't know the swamp or the boat that well. Going slow was the worse thing that Jo could do. Joan hit the bubbles in the swamp, gas was released and she was breathing the fumes. The more gas Jo inhaled the fainter she got. The fog and the gas soon got to Jo and she hit a stump and was thrown out of the boat. She struggled to hold onto the bag but she finally let go of the bag to hold on to a stump Jo slipped loose from the stump and drowned. A crocodile came and ate Jo’s arms and legs leaving the bag floating in the water near her mangled torso. That morning Al was a little slow about getting up and around He noticed Jo was gone so he fixed some coffee for himself and one for Jo thinking maybe she was outside somewhere. The phone rang so Al answered it. It was Nick Noland from the bar He wanted to let Al know that one of his boats had drifted up near the bar .Al said he would get Jo and pick it up later that day. When Al got to the shop he saw the safe was opened and empty. Al called for Jo but she never answered .Al wanted to tell her that someone had. opened his safe during the night. When Al didn't find Jo he got his truck and was going to Nick's to check on his boat . On the way he saw his bag from the safe floating in the swamp near Rocky's truck down in the swamp. All that Al saw was Rocky’s head, and he was sure Rocky had been eaten by a crocodile. Algernon got a stick and pulled his bag back so he could grab it. When Al got to Nick's he saw his boat tied up to the dock. Algernon told Nick that Jo was gone and a friend of hers named Rocky Webster was eaten by a gator most likely .Al showed Nick the bag that was from his safe. Nick said isn’t that bag the one you keep old papers in..Yes said Al but someone must have thought it had money .Nobody knows I let you keep my money in your Safe .Yes said Nick, you are so careful with your money, more careful than most people. Nick said“Al you always stay one step ahead of your friends and a block ahead of your enemies.” Al said the only one that got anything out of that deal was the crocs. That’s right Al now how about that free drink you always get, and I’ll take it out of your money in my safe. Make that a double my friend, said Al and one for you too. Al said “ Nick ,I wonder where the girl went I just found Rocky’s head by his truck down in the swamp..Al said maybe she is lost out there somewhere. Nick said maybe she is the one that had your boat. You may be right Al said, but she must have got here and got a ride to somewhere else.Al told Nick he would look for Jo again on the way back home. Al loaded the boat on Nicks trailer and headed back to his house. On the way back Al found Joan’s torso and head near some small trees in the water .Joan’s face had a bluish tint to it. Al tried to get the body out of the water but a gator got it just as he started to pull it out . When Al got home he called Nick and asked if he ever saw someone drowned with a bluish face.Nick said he saw one person like that and it was caused by breathing swamp gas. Nick said it must have happened during the night because if it had been longer than that the color would have gone away. Al said I guess they were together and they loved together and died together and the gators got desert, Al said I didn’t care to much for Rocky but I sure will miss Joan. Me too said Nick, she was the best looking woman around this old swamp town. Seems like you just can’t keep a woman here Nick said. Algernon is still running the boat business and He has still got his money. The swamp has been good to the locals in Nugene ,Florida. Publication Date: September 4th 2009 https://www.bookrix.com/-daniel.books

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-nicole-rose-when-i-see-you-again/

Nicole Rose When I See You Again Will it Happen First Day "April! Wake up! First day at you're new high school!" Mom called to me. I got out of bed sleepy and put on my black skinny jeans, my black parade shirt and convers. I threw on some make up and did my hair. I grabbed my backpack and rushed out the door to the bus stop. I pulled out my earbuds and ipod. All the other busriders looked at me while I got on the bus. i sat in the back where no one was. I got off the bus, hidded to the office to get my school things and locker number and combo. "Come on, math has to be my first hour," I mummbled to myself. "Ahh and you must be April," Said the math teacher. I just shook my head and headed to the back of the room. It was going good up to lunch. I sat at the end of an almost empty table. I pulled out my earpuds and ipod and listened to music while eatting. Someone sat down across from me. I took out my earbuds and looked at them. "So you're the schools emo kid?" A girl wearing bright pink. I just rolled my eyes. "Hey what are you listen to?" The girl took my ipod. "My Chemical Romance? You listen to the band that causes suicide?" "Give that back. They don't cause suicide." I snapped. She got up, gave me my ipod and walked away. I looked at them and saw a girl, she was looking at me. She looked like she felt bad for me. I walked to english then the girl in the pink tripped me. "What the hell was that for?" I asked. She laughed and walked away. I got up and headed to english. When school was done mom picked me up. "How was school?" Mom asked. "Horrible," I answered. "What happend?" "This girl was picking on me." "I'm sorry April." "No need to be sorry." I got out of the car, walked inside and ran to my room to draw. Publication Date: June 17th 2015 https://www.bookrix.com/-mn6407c87a1a755

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-momkey-the-annual-anniversary/

momkey The Annual Anniversary He slept like a baby, although he wasn’t aware of sleeping at all it. When he awoke he found himself in an unfamiliar territory. A wave of heat, fear, and confusion swept over him. There were so many raw, powerful emotions that the sheer co-existence of them all at the same time almost froze him. After taking a moment to compose himself he examined the room. Everything seemed quiet, given he couldn’t hear anything over the sound of his beating heart. He was completely unaware of, not only where he was, but also how he got there. The bed he awoke in was made for two. There was an indentation where the other pillow lay, and after closer examination he found a strand of hair. He determined that it was, indeed, a human hair. This only raised more uncertainty in him. He took a moment, then arose from the bed. The amount of courage it took to do so, was tremendous, so much in fact that he almost felt proud of himself. Realizing that now was not the time for such action, he resumed his examination of the room. Every square inch of the walls were covered with photographs. He walked to get a closer look at them. When he arrived at the wall he was immersed by the same wave of heat, fear, and confusion from before, but to a lesser extent. He was in every single one of the photographs. There were in, what looked to be, chronological order. The photos at the far left side of the wall were in black and white and as he moved down the wall the quality of the pictures increased. At the far left side there were pictures of him as a child, he moved down. He saw pictures of him in, what looked to be, the military. He didn’t remember joining the military. He thought to himself: “It might be someone who looks identical to me?” He continued to move right, he saw a picture of him in a suit, next to him was a blonde woman, of about the same age he was when the photo was taken. She was wearing a white dress. They looked happy. He again thought to himself: “Do I have an identical twin? If so, am I in his house?” At this point he was about halfway down the wall, when he herd a sound coming from bellow him. He was again struck with a wave of emotions. This time he was overwhelmed by them and was completely frozen. He didn’t know what to do. He then remember the courage it took for him to rise from the bed, it wasn’t so bad, he thought. He began to move towards the door, slowly and quietly. He arrived at the door and saw a staircase leading down. He took a deep breath, and step by step he made his way down the staircase. The room that was at the bottom of the staircase, had windows on each wall, and with the sun shinning through, he had to shield his eyes. The room only had one door, therefore he only had one option. He went through the door and was startled by what he saw, he was so startled in fact, that he instinctively jumped back. In what looked to be a kitchen, there was a woman. He chuckled when he realized that he was startled for such a silly reason, they were about the same age. He chuckled louder than he expected, and the woman herd him. She turned, and greeted him “Charles, darling, good morning.” After hearing her response Charles, unintentionally, gave her a dirty look. He didn’t recognize her. She looked just as confused as he did for a moment, then responded: “Didn’t you see the pictures?” Still just as confused he answered: “Of course I saw the pictures. I just don’t understand the relevance of them.” She responded: “Sorry, darling, it’s just normally when you she the pictures you remember.” He started to get impatient, and when she noticed she gave him a card. “What is this?” he responded. “Read it, just read it.” “Happy 50th anniversary, here’s to 50 more years.” He stops reading, “I didn’t know they made an anniversary card for 50 anniversary’s.” “You still don’t remember, do you?” “Only as far as I can guess. I don’t have any recollection of you. So, for starters, what’s your name?” She seems uneasy, by his lack of memory, then response “I keep the pictures up in the bedroom, in chronicle order, to help you remember your past, and normally it does.” “That was uncompromisingly forthright and not to mention very blunt. And you ignored my question, from before, you know the one about your name.” “Well after 50 years of living with you, I’ve learn to be straightforward and as clear as possible. On a side note, I’m glad you haven’t lost your sense of humor.” “So now what?” “Well, my name is Lila. Follow me I have something for you.” They walk through a couple of rooms, then arrive in a dark, poor lit closet. She shuffles through some boxes then pulls out whatever she was looking for. “What is that?” “You’ll find out in good time. Just follow me.” They walk back through the rooms, past the kitchen, and into, what can be characterized as a living room. There is a television in the center of the room. It looks like that is her destination. She arrives at the t.v. and puts the a VCR tape, the object she was carrying from before, into the VCR machine. “Have a seat, this might be difficult for you.” He sits down, then she continues, “hell, it’s probably going to be difficult for me.” She sits down. Then presses play on the remote. The tape is poor quality as if it was filmed by one of the first home camera-corders. It is christmas and there are two boys, who are twins, gathered around the tree, they look excited. One of the children gets up and takes the camera-corder. He turns it so that he is recording his parents. In response to what he is seeing, Charles responds “That’s us?” “Yeah, 42 years ago.” They looked happy, they looked in love. The child gives back the camera-corder and the children are preparing to open their presents. They are jumping with excitement and joy. They start opening their presents. “You always knew exactly what to get them,” responded Lila. After not hearing a response, she looks over to him, he is crying. “I remember. I remember everything.” Not knowing exactly how to respond she says, “I’m sorry you have to go through this.” The alzheimer's is taking its toll on both of them. He slept like a baby, although he wasn’t aware of sleeping at all it. When he awoke he found himself in an unfamiliar territory. A wave of heat, fear, and confusion swept over him. There were so many raw, powerful emotions that the sheer co-existence of them all at the same time almost froze him. After taking a moment to compose himself he examined the room. Everything seemed quiet, given he couldn’t hear anything over the sound of his beating heart. He was completely unaware of, not only where he was, but also how he got there. He had no recollection of the days past events. Publication Date: March 30th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-momkey

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-hayden-terry-making-changes/

Hayden Terry Making Changes A 15 year old girl understands all of the hard things that happend for a reason. Now she starts high school. Chapter 1. -Remembering the Past- "Mom?"  "Dad!"I screamed "Mommy isn't moving.is she sleeping?" I ran down the hall. . " Dad. Mommy isnt moving". He still never heard my scream. I ran into his office.Dad was working quietly while listening to music. I took off his earphones and looked into his blue eyes and said  "Daddy! Mom isn't moving! is she sleeping?". Dad looked alarmed. he took off his glasses and set them on the table. "Where is she Allison" . he put his hands on my shoulders and shook me. he yelled. "Where is she!".His light blue eyes stared big right into myn. I got up and he followed me.I ran down the hall with Dad right at my heels. He yelled to Mom. "Sandra? Sandra are you alright.?" His voice was a worried tone but a soft feeling. "Sandra?" He pushed me away from the door of Mom's bedroom and walked in. Scanning the room in horror. Mom once and still a beautiful woman lying on the ground, Motionless, Completly motionless. Eyes closed with her hand over her heart lying on the soft carpet. Next to the silk bed, Mommy and Daddy always sleep in. "Mommy?. Wake up Mommy! Wake up!." "Go away Allison. Hurry! Go get me the phone. Please! Go get me the phone. Now!!"  Daddy roared and yelled at me. I knew something was happening and unusual so I ran and got the phone. But I looked behind my shoulder and saw Daddy knelting down to Mom singing their song while welting his eyes out. I turned foward and ran to go get the phone. " Sandra I Love you. You are beautiful. What about our daughter! What about me? I Love you Sandra, I love you. I returned with the phone clutched hard with my sweaty fingers. My forehead hurt and my body was sweating everywhere. I asked Dad "Dad? Is Mommy still sleeping? is Mommy alright? "Leave Just Leave! I dont need this phone. I dont need anything just leave! Go away!" He yelled in terror. My eyes started tearing up. I couldn't see. I wiped my eyes with my pink sweaty hands. he got up and walked towards me. He pushed me out of the bedroom doorway. Not Hard but softly. He slammed the door. My eyes stared right at the wooden door. I heard sobbing in the room. I heard foot steps. Then i heard vases breaking. I looked trough the keyhole. Dadddy was throwing stuff everywhere. I stepped back. I knew i was supposed to leave mommy and daddy alone. Then I had realized. My eyes went open. I stared. Mommy had passed away. I fell to the ground. I hopped up quick and pounded on the door. "NO". My eyes opened up immediatly. I was in bed. The door  opened and creaked a crack. Dad looked through the crack. "Allison? Are you alright? What is wrong? My God Allison you scared the hell out of me." Dads eyes were as big as basketballs. Sorry Dad. I was just thinking about Mom again. " God just don't talk about alright Ally"  "Yes Dad".  God Help me. 10 years ago and i'm still remebering. Its been 10 years ago. Why can't i just froget about Mom just like Dad. I went downstairs for Breakfest. Chapter 2 -Thunderstorms- My Sister Anna came down right after me. We both sat at the table quietly. Her Auburn hair was really messy tucked behind her ear. Anna was born 4 weeks before Mom died. Her dry voice sounded just like Mom's. I always remembered Mom by Anna's voice. Anna is 9 years old. She talked in her dry voice and said " Hey Ally. I heard you scream last night. You know im here for you." Her big brown eyes stared deeply and dark but still beautiful just like Mom's.  "If you need me...". I was still thinking about the resembelance as Anna shouted loudly and said "Do you?!. Do You need me?!. "We all need each other. You should go back to bed its Summer and I couldn't risk you getting hurt. The word hurt reminded me of Mom and I couldn't take the chance saying the word "Killed". My sister just shook her head. "Fine". Her face was laced with dissapointment. I could also see something in her eyes. Sorrow. Pain. Anger. My poor little sister.. I just couldn't let her die like Mom did. I need Her and Dad. I could not loose Dad or Anna. Dad... An empty soul. Just like a dementor from Harry Potter had sucked his soul away. Then he came down Breakfest. His hair was brown. A dirty brown. Like mud mixed with clay. His hair was unruly and eyes bloodshot. But that's not what bothers me. Its the look in his eyes. I-I Can't even describe it.... "Allison Manning I will never let anyone harm you. Ever! For as long as i live, no,one will ever dare to-to.. Allison.... I just don't want you to end up like Mommy. The word came out. (Mommy). She died before I could even stop calling her that. I started crying. My heart snapped just like that. It broke like that. Once i heard "Mommy" I couldn't take it. I ran outside and sat on the old chipped white wood. I decided to go out to the barn house and lay down with my old cat. It was my mom's cat once. Now it's myn. She gave it to me 4 months before she died. I walked into the Barn. The door creaked like a cry for help. I looked inside. " Sandy"?. The cat was dead. Lying there like mom. I knelted down. "No...No...no.. Please Sandy. Please stay." A tear came down from my eye. My eyes fogged up. Motionless. Kneeled down. "Sandy please.. I love you. Your Me and Mom's cat.. I love you Sandy. I Love you." I didn't want to cry but my eyes started to tear up and I just let it all go. From the Beginning. No one was with me. Lightning struck. A Loud BOOM came from outside of the Barn. I stood up. I grabbed the 3 Blankets from up on the shelf. I laid on the hard ground and held my cat. "I Love you". I closed my eyes with the rain clicking against the Barn window. Laying on the hard ground holding my dead cat that I loved with all my life. I Slept through thunderstorms. When I woke up I was on the ground. The barn was foggy and my hands were covered with hair. "Where's my cat?" Sandy was walking around the barn by his cat cage. "Sandy!". I yelled. My eyes were open wide with fear and excitement." But-But I thought you-you.... " I picked up Sandy. I held him close to my chest. His eyes were dark green and his fur was a beautiful sand color. His eyes looked right into myn. I understood everything. Mom was thunder. She brought Sandy back to life.   Chapter 3 -Talking to Them- I picked up my cat. I stood up and steadily balanced. My back felt broken. Laying on the hard ground probably has broke my back.. I walked to the door. Looked back, and smiled to myself.Then went back to the house. As i opened the door my cat jumped out of my hands and ran back to the Barn. "Sand" I started to yell and then stopped myself. Thats what it feels like to be free. I would love that. So Sandy would.I looked back towards the door and opened it with the dusty old handel. The outside was grey and foggy just like mother. It was musty and cold. I walked into the house and my Dad was standing there waiting for me. "Father?". I said. The look on his face looked confused and sad. "Honey. I have some news." Dad said looking down. "Daddy? Is-Is everything alright? I looked around the dirty old house. My clothes were still pajamas and my brown hair was in a ponytail. My blue eyes looked at him. " Hell no. Your mother has had plans for you. I never even knew about them. She never told me." He cried softly as he looked at me. He turned away. His back was facing me. As I could tell he was sweating and shaking. " Dad? Whats wrong? ". He turned to me. His face red. "Your going to high school. But we will not have enough money since Mom's not alive." I was so excited, but when i heard "Not enough money" I Broke. Into pieces. Literally I have always wanted to go to  a real school. Then I remembered my bank account. "Dad! I Know what to do. Mom and me made a Bank Account when I was little. She said it was for a special suprise. No I Think she meant this." I shouted and smiled at my dad. " Hold on... That's brilliant." He smiled at me. It was like all of a sudden a cloud turned from grey to white. I just decided to let it all out. To Take this time, and scream, and jump. Like i was a little kid going to Disneyland. " Thank you so much father" I said. I hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. I ran up too my room but before i reached the stairs I slightly turned my head to look at him and he smiled and gave me a wink. I studied why he had did that. Mom and Him would used to do that at each other. He hasn't winked since. It gave me a good feeling inside. Like he has changed Maybe I should change. Chapter 5 -High School Bus- M y clothes were very uncomfortable. I wore a black sweatshirt that was my Dad's. I wore some ripped jeans that my Dad bought me 2 years ago. I also wore some of my sisters pink tennis shoes. I usually wore pajamas my whole life. Once in a while I would wear some jeans and my Dad's long T-shirts. I never wore shoes. We were the only ones in our whole family. Everyone else had died. Including Mom. I kissed My sister on top of her head and my Father gave me a huge hug. I walked outside in the cornfield and crossed the farm. I was at the road by now. The only time I've ever been at the road was when my father got the groceries. I stood there for a while. Once it had been 5 minutes a girl came out of no where. She came from the left of me. She had long black hair with brown streaks in it. She had big green eyes. Like the color of our pond. She wore a long pink sundress. She wore cowboy boots with it. They had golden spurs on the back. She looked like a rich snob. My daddy always used to say Rich people like her can be nice rarely. "Hello Im Jazzmin" She said in a sweet voice. Her skin was tan like she sun tanned for ever. Like she had been outside her whole life. " Hi im Allison. People call me Ally, Alli Bear, or  Al. I said. I had a wierd tone in my voice. I've never had before. Like i was trying. Trying to be better. My heart hurt. My eyes felt dry. I turned away. She looked at me like she was confused. " Are you alright Ally?" Jazzmin said in a confused voice. Her face was laced with confusion. SHe twiddled her thumbs. "I-I-Im Fine." I studderd. We both heard a rumbling down the road. A Yellow Old Creaking Bus came rumbling and trying to stay on the right lane, coming right at us. It stopped before it could hit us. The ugly old dirty doors creaked open leaving us to get on it. "Get in you o'l Maggots." Said a voice coming from inside. As we walked on I was following Jazmin. " Whats you name, Pink Dress?"  An old man with smelly clothes and tattoos all over his face and body and legs. "Jazzmin Marie" She said in a sweet voice. "Get away" The old man said. Jazzmin walked all the way to the back of the old bus. Nobody was on it. As I was looking around I stared right back into the man's eyes. He glared at me with horror. "What are you"? He said in a disgusted voice. " Um-Um Well I'm Allison." I said in a studdered voice. "Go away" He said. I went to the back where Jazzmin was sitting and she looked at me in horror. "This is creepy" She said. Her face really did look scared to death. " I know but it will be alright" I said trying to sound tough. But really I felt creeped out, Just like Jazzmin. Chapter 6 -High School- The Bus had gotton to the school without wrecking. The bus swayed side to side the whole ride to school. I felt very dizzy like I was going to fall down. It looked like Jazzmin was a bit green too. People out the window were looking at us. They were scanning the bus in fear of what was inside.The only ones on here was Me and Jazzmin. We went to the doors and walked outside. My eyes were amazed by all these people. One girl had a sundress on. One boy was holding her hand. I walked up them and asked "Are you guys married"? I felt so confused and embarrased. "Leave us alone you creep" The boy said. They walked away still holding hands. I stood alone outside by the tree. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Jazzmin coming towards me. Her hair was flowing through the wind. She was so beautiful. She came up to me and said "Are alright Ally.? I have a question. Do you want to be friends?"She looked at me then slightly smiled. " I um-um" I paused for a moment. " Sure." I said then smiled. A gust of wind came out of no where the blew my bag away. I ran to go catch it. I stopped. Mom? It's Mom. I turned and looked toward Jazzmin. No one was outside. The wind was blowing. Blow. Stop Blowing. Blow. Stop Blowing. I saw Moms face in the clouds. "Mom! I yelled. Mom! I love you." Her face dissapeared. I turned around. People were everywhere. Standing around me. Laughing. Yelling "Mommy!!! Haha. Mommy please come to me." The whined mimicking me. I ran inside of High School and went in the bathroom. I stood in the stall crying. This is High School. This is People of High School. Jazzmin came into the bathroom. "Hey um.. are you alright"? She said with a convincing voice." Go Away!" I screamed. The day was not even half way over. Chapter 7 -Big News- The Bus had dropped Me and Jazzmin off. Jazzmin said before she had walked away "Goodbye Allison". She waved the walked away. I turned around and yelled "Goodby..." My voice stopped. I turned foward and walked home. Dad was making dinner. For the first time Mom had died. He was making some vegetables we had gotton from our garden. Broccoli, Carrots and Spinach. I asked him what he was doing."Dad? What are you doing." I asked in a sweet voice trying to sound like Jazzmin. He jumped when he heard my voice."Honey.I um-um" Dad choaked on his words. " Thats so sweet to be making dinner for me and Anna". I said smileing. Dad shook his head. "Honey its just that" Dad stopped. "That what? Dad what's going on"? I said trying to make him think that I was worried. Really I wasn't. He stopped mashing the potatoes and sat down at the dinner table. In Mom's seat. His face looked worried. "Honey I have something to tell you". He said. I sat down next to him. In Dad's usual chair. "Honey I found a Woman. That I really love. I want to go far in life with her. Her name is Isabelle. She has 1 little girl of her own. I met her at the grocery store. We are going to get married soon. But tonight she wants to meet you kids and have dinner with me. My eyes looked like huge baseballs. My eyes teared up. I pounded the table hard with my fist. My Heart pounded just like my fist. I flipped the table dad was sitting at.I screamed like a chimpanzee. I ran upstairs to my bedroom. I cryed. Into my pillow. I kicked my bed. My toe slammed into my bed like a hard nail. I looked at my toe and it was bloody. Its nail had came off and it was on the carpet. I had punched my pillow and went into the bathroom. I calmed myself down by taking a cold bubble bath. I took my towel and looked into the mirror. My face was red.  I looked out the window. I needed a glass of water because whatever I saw was wrong. My heart was pounding. I made an ice glass water and went back up to my bedroom. I saw my Dad outside by a blue Jeep. I went backwards down the stairs not keeping one eye off the Jeep. I saw a woman next to it. Brown Hair. Big Brown Eyes. Just like Mom's. She was holding a little girls hand. Talking to my Father. They were both smiling. Her hair was down to her waist. The little girl had Brown curly lock hair. She looked about 7. She had light blue eyes. Just like Dad's. I felt a tear drip down my Face. I thought about Mom watching down on Dad and cursing him with the name of God. But really, she was probably happy for him. Just like I should be. Chapter 8 -Meeting Her-  I Looked at her outfit. Rich. She wore a gold sparkly sweater and blue jeans. Skinny Blue Jeans. No Mud on them. Nothing. Her Makeup was perfectly decorated and finely lined up. Her teeth were Bright and White. Isabelle was beautiful. She looked like a sweet woman. Very Organized and Very Prissy. But she still looked nice. They both turned toward the house. Dad put his hand toward the house, like he was showing her the way. She walked right by him and put her arm out. She held my Dad's hand! I ran up to my bedroom so she wouldn't see me. I could here the talking from outside. I looked out my window. The little girl saw me and tapped her mom and pointed to me. Isabelle looked at me and I ducked down as fast I could. I could hear her tell my Dad that she saw me looking at them. Then they came inside Dad yelled. "Allliiisooon!"  Then He yelled. "Aaaannnnnaa"! . Anna walked out her door and went downstairs. "Hello Anna. I'm Isabelle. Im dating your father". Anna said "Hi Mom." Isabelle and Dad both laughed. "Dating your Father" Sunk into my head like a cookie dropped in milk. What did Anna say?! "Mom?".... I ran downstairs in the living room, where they were all sitting, and I grabbed Anna by the arm. I ran upstairs with her. Tugging by her, I looked back at Isabelle before we reached the top of the stairs. She was looking at me like I was crazy. I wanted to pull her head off and put it in Dad's new Vegetable soup he was making for her. But I turned back around and pulled Anna into my bedroom. I whispered to her "Anna! She isn't Mom. She is trying to steal Daddy from us." I  said. Anna just glared at me."Ally Bear.. We need a Mom. I know you are worried about Mom but we need to get over it. Mom had a heart attack and now we are over it. Except you. We need a new Mom. That will brush our hair and sing to us. We can't live on like this" She smiled. That is the most deepest and longest sentence she has ever said to me in my life. "Annabella you are so beautiful". I brushed her auburn hair behind her ear and kissed her on the cheek. For Once, I felt like I should give Isabelle a chance. We both walked down the stairs holding each others hands. I was still in my Dad's sweatshirt and jeans from School. Anna had on her Princess pajamas. The little girl had on a yellow sundress with white sandals. " Hello Ladies. Hi Ally. You girls want to go Shopping after me and your Father have soup." Isabelle seemed like the nicest person in the world. " Sorry but we already got food" I smiled to be as poliet as I could. " No No No Sweetie. I meant Clothes shopping." Isabelle smiled. "Wow. I've never actually went to go get clothes" Me and Anna said the Same thing at the same time. We laughed. Isabelle laughed. " Well lets do it." Isabelle said. We looked at Dad. He nodded his head. We both jumped up and down. High School Starts. New Clothes. New Replacement for Mom. New Life. I can do this. Try this... Chapter 9 -New Life- I got in her jeep. The seats were soft with leapord covers. Her eyes looked in myn. So sweet and beautiful. She smiled at me. I smiiled back. "So where whould you like to go"?  She asked. I looked back. My eyes teared up. I hugged Isabelle. Crying feeling like a kid. I told her "Please be my mom". She kissed my head. Today is time to make some changes. Publication Date: September 5th 2014 https://www.bookrix.com/-skec730425e8f35

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-bast-unknown-a-life-that-never-existed/

Bast Unknown A Life that Never Existed... FAke I spent 1 day on this, I really don't know what to write about. HELP!! NEED IDEAS!!! Happy Chapter 1: What Up? So, whatsup, my name’s Katherine. I’m pretty much writing a diary of all I experience. My news of the day. If you would like to proceed with this diary, please proceed, if not, I suggest you look for other diaries. I love my life, but this is all I can really think of: What happens when we die? Why do we have to live? Did we live just to see what humans can do to damage the world? Did we come to suffer? Why are people fighting against each other? And so on………………………….   .   Not HAppy Chapter 2: I Have a Bad Feeling Something Bad Is Going On Today I’ve spent time with my friends watching anime. Pretty boring to me, but all the craziness is actually amusing for some reason. I guess now I know the answer to one question. I guess we fight each other for amusement? Oh well, I’m going to try to not do anything violent at all this year. Hahaha, I’m thinking, what can go wrong? That’s when one of the new kids in my class is in the corner, surrounded by a whole lot of dumbasses who are very sadistic, these are called Bullies. Even though, all I think is that they bully people because they have a fear towards them. My conscience is ignored and I’m actually READY TO FIGHT! HAppy Chapter 3: My Bad Feelings are right Now I’d love to say my fight was the best and I was victorious. I’d also love to say I had no scratches or anything. Thing is most bullies are fat, and have meaty hands, so when they push you, imagine a truck pushing you. FUCK, I was thinking, plus, the new kid wouldn’t do anything. Okay here’s what happened. I went right for the main bully’s jaw, and that was great. But I got hit with his meaty hand on my nose. I’d like to say not to imagine it since there is lots of blood when your nose is bleeding. Then at last the kid reacted, and thanks God or else I wouldn’t be here writing this, I might as well would’ve been in a coma in the hospital Not HAppy Chapter 4: I Have Problems With The Boy Not Saying Thank You. LOL It’s pretty normal, some boys are so ungrateful. I sent the bully to the nurse, and this guy just flips out of his daze and gives these kids this creepy stare. I don’t know what it did because those kids started running like crazy. I guess I have met the weirdest boy in my whole life. Publication Date: October 19th 2015 https://www.bookrix.com/-da6e654edc95265

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-lpsrfun123-part/

Lpsrfun123 Part Book 1 "I dont know anyone that dumb to do that!" some other wolf said. No one did not know this, but Jessie was listening to everyone's conversatoinsg HUMAN girl in their land. Jessie knew that it was imposbile, so she went to town square and saw the girl tied up on the pole trying to break free. Sure enough the girl broke the rope. "She is free! The Girl is free!" That got everyone's attentoin. The guards came to get the girl and were starting to sell her to other werewolves to sell the young girl, but one thing is this 'If you dont get bought you will be used as a scarifce to keep our moon full. Jessie yelled" I want the girl!" Everyone stood there silent. That was the first time Jessie got a girl, a human one. Jessie said agian "I want the girl!" "Please dont mama I cant stay here I need to go somewhere else. More important." Jessie knows that if she lets the girl go she will get killed. "So... Come here now!" The girl walked slowly to Jessie as the guards unhandcupped her. Soon the girl punched one of the guards and ran off. Jessie went after here. Jessie has been running for hours, but Jessie knows that a human girl should of been taking a breack by now, but she could not find her. It is like the closer she got the father the girl is. "Whew... How can she run that fast." "Why thank you for saying that." Jessie looked up and saw the same girl. "My name is Zsa!" "Ok... My name is Jessie. What is it so important." When Jessie was done talking the girl was gone. "Ok she is not human for sure she is a monster" Jessie said in her head. "You know that is mean." Jessie turned around and saw Zsa. "What are you?" "You mean who are you?" "I know your name already!" "Ok and a name is not completed." "Fine since I know your name can You tell me what....kind of person are you.' "Im a girl and a...." "A what?!" "I shouldnt tell you just yet." "I order you too!" "Yeah right I know I dont need to listen to you. I can tell in your eyes that you dont want to do this. Am I right?" "You are. We are like prisoners here where I live. I want to get out of wolfville and explore, rather then stay here all the time!" "Then come with me." Zsa jumped down from the tree and walked away. Of course Jessie follwed. They went thourgh a cave and Jesssie saw pictures on the cave walls. The pictures had one thing in common. The same person in everyone. "Why is there the same girl in every picture?" "You can see that!" "Yes I can." I said "Did you ever heard about he legened then?" "What legened.?" "Oh. I guess not." Then the girls saw a bright light. It was the end of the cave; right then Jessie knew she could get killed in that world, but she went anyway. "So do you like it?" Jessie saw a beutiful night sky that had all kinds of colors, but was it night? "That is a sun set... It is so wonderful." "Im going!" "WHAT!" "Yeah im going; im going to get killed here, so bye!" Jessie ran off, back into the cave. "Why cant I make friends." I said. I walked into the wood, hoping that no one was following and turned into a fairy and flew up high into a tree, that I called home. "Why? Why me?" Suddenly I heard a noise, then a voice. "Come on son we need to find something magicl and we will be rich forever!' "DAD! That is just plain old stupid, there is no such thing as magic." "Fine son. Just watch me catch something." "Fine with me." I gulped I knew they could find me very easily, but if I move a muscle they would find me and catch me. "Son see that tree over there climb it and see if there is something in that hole." I know that there were many trees that have holes. Then I heard footsteps on the tree I lived in; i was in trouble. The only thing I could do was fly out of the tree, but... I was to late. "Dad! I caught something!" "Let me go!!!" "You did son. I m so proud of you come here." "Coming." I had an plan a evil one. "Im warning you let me go." "NEVER!" "Ok." Then I turned my self into a werewolf. The boy fell down the tree, not injurining him, but scearmed in terror. "I warned you. Now run away form here." The boy got up and started to run of, but i think the father did way before him. I turned intoa fairy agian and-! "WHAT THE HECK!" "I got you know." Oh no. "Also you are powerlesss!" "Ok, see if i care." "Well see about that." "What ever! :p" "Why did you do that?" "I dont know." Suddenly I was about to turn into a human, well human form. "Ahhh" "Are you ok?" "No!" ""Put me down." "Never." The glass satrted to crack then it busted I broke free from the glass jar. The last thing I saw was the man running off. When I woke up I saw pitch black. "It must be night." I said to my self. I started to get up and walk but realize that there was something in the dirt. I dug it up... A heart necklace!? I wonder who lost it... It could be anybody's I'll keep it. I gently put the neckale on and it felt wonderful. "I know I saw one she was over there." "We need to kill that monster!" "I know.. And we will be rich forever!" I just stod there and ran off what did they think Im a killer no way. I started to jump into a tree and stoped there realizing there was a small town up ahead. I must go there even if they live there. When i arrived at the city they were doing alot of contruction. Knocking down statues of some sort of animal. And putting new ones up. People walking talking about the story of an animal called a.. Peacy and how they are exticted and now respecting Flamers. I blinked and stod shock how come Peacy sounded familair. Then I remebered that I was one... And a peace keeper. Heck I bascially everything. Despite that I just contuined in the city. People looking at me strangely... I had an Idea I ran and hide somewhere and turned into my Peacy form. I went out of my hiding place and- "People look there is a Peacy!" People started to scearm and ran to my direction some with nothing, some with guns. I started to run and went back to the werewolf village and vampire. Those people were scared after that and ran back home. That will teach them. Then a young vampire and werewolf came up to me and said wait are you. I told them a part and turned into my human form. The werewolf and vampire people were suprised. The jessie came out. "That is not right they dont exict any more." " Well then you dont know then." I smiled this is gonna be great, now I dont need to worry about getting killed here, but what about at thier village. Now the vampires and werewolves are not safe. What had I done? Publication Date: June 15th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-lpsrfun123

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-nyquashia-washington-he-is-mine/

nyquashia washington he is mine the beginging He is mine Hi iam cloe and iam 25yrs old iam married to josh martin but are marrige is not the best but lets start from the beginging. It was the year of 1989 snd i was going to mms highv school Publication Date: August 9th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-quashia

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-devon-bridges-my-life/

Devon Bridges My Life You'll never have a normal life The beginning My name is Tasha I am 13 I have a hard life I live in a trailer my dad only can get temporary jobs so, yes that means I am broke. My mom has had three different husbands, lets just hope this one sticks, so far he has been good, I mean he is 21 and my mom is 33 so its kind of hard but we try so you no about me how about you live my life. April 22, 2011, I am on my laptop top talking to my friends, Tasha my mom says in rage, what mother? Get in here! Did you do this? No mom just because that one time does not mean I am always gonna do that it was one time. GOSH... listen young lady don't get that tone with your mother. Whatever... ! Just because we aren't rich does not mean that you have to be a brat. I am not mad that we aren't rich mom I am mad because I wont a normal life!!! Ugh... boom, the door slams. I hate her I wish that I had different parents she is such a bitch!!! So school is tomorrow I need to get my clothes out. I wake up to yelling like usual but I just ignore it! The bus is here! I get on the bus like every morning. The bus makes this terrible noise and I am at school. I go in the cafeteria because I don't ever have time to eat at home. Hey Tasha, Lindsey said, shes one of my friends. So I go and get my food they had rectangle left over pizza from yesterday!!! I sit down with my boyfriend, his name is Hunter I don't know if I love him hes sweat and we tell each other we love each other. The bell rings and I go to choir. Mrs. Jenkins is a bitch. She is always yelling and shes always getting on to everybody, especially me because somthing is wrong with my voice so I don't sing sometimes. So I get called to the principals office!!! What does she want now>>> Ms. Murphy get your butt in here. What do you want? I was told that you was making out with Sabastian, is it true? Yea, so what? So what, its against school rules. Oh, yea so y'all are going to stop kids from showing how they feel, that is stupid, I think that the rules are a bitch. Nobody cares what you think. So on!!! Text: Devon Bridges Images: Devon Brides Editing: Alexis White All rights reserved. Publication Date: May 5th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-vampireromance14

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-chloe-cullen-important-message/

Chloe Cullen IMPORTANT MESSAGE I'm Sorry! All my fans and readers. So sorry I have come to a descision that i'm going to delete all my books. Not that i don't like writting, i love it really and the fan base is great! I won't delete my Bookrix acount, and i'm here to give advice and to help with anything (Especially covers! I love doing those! Lol). Now, this is why: I have decided to do this awsome story, but it is going to take a while. A long while. So instead of posting every chapter and update and shizz, i'm going to post the book, most of the way through it or when it is completed. So you won't see any books or stuff until i have completed it. But i do have a blurb for you to get excited about and some snippets! It's going to be Called BRING THE NOISE : Pixie Ray has moved on. Moving in with her long distance best friend, she’s ready for anything and everything that comes her way. She has just gotten herself a gig at a the stand-out bar/café: Contagious, but it’s nothing too extravagant. When she literally bumps into Blade, a lead guitarist looking for a lead singer for his band Bring the Noise, she is her usual sarcastic, sweet, punk self. But when Blade bumps into her again after one of her gigs and his friends ask her to try out for their band, she’s ecstatic, this is the break she has been looking for. But can she and Blade keep their hatred toward each other at bay? Or is hate really just passion in disguise? For Pixie, life is one grand, sweet song, so bring the noise! So for all who love my stories and shizz biscuits i'm so sorry! You don't know how sorry i am!. But i love you guys. Love CJ <3 Publication Date: May 30th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-chloe.cullen

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-narutolover11-vocaloid-school-3-finale/

narutolover11 vocaloid school 3 (finale) well they got onto the bus and waited to get there they did what they had to and won hey miku theres something i wanna gift u that i gifted all or other friends its a bff neckless" aww so pretty miku hugged rin and walked home ate and went to bed (3 weeks later ) miku went to work out she tied her hair up" and jogged for 2 minutes kaito screamed icecream and then miku turned to dark miku and blasted him 200 miles away from her".. and never do it again u give me headache"s rin and neru was watching and said thatas what he gets for saying something he wasn't sapose to to many times" miku untied her hair and grabbed her pink bag" and neko toy* hey u guy's lets go grab a bite to eat im starveing" miku walked rin neru and teto towards a close by resteraunt and ate sushi" with a side of shrimp and ketchup for fries" they ate a buffet and everything so they had crabs fish shrimp chicken burgers icecreame" but miku only ate crab and shrimp with fries the rest stuffed themselfs" u guy's im washing my hands then we leave:" neru noded and agreed she got tired" 2 weeks later miku and rin planned a pool party" rin screamed " cant wait onii chan she glomped eevrybody in the room" and smiled i cant let them be more popular than me i will go to that party without an invitation" sally said " watching them who was so jealous of their beauty and talent" aspecially neru and miku" ( To Be Continued pool party surprise) Publication Date: September 6th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-narutolover11

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-sabrina-smith-february-12th/

Sabrina Smith February 12th It’s February 12th, 2012. Nobody remembers that this is an anniversary but me. It’s not for a death, or marriage, or anything. It’s for the day that ruined the best friendship I ever had. It all started two years ago, in October 2010 I believe. My mom had arranged a seminar with an inspirational speaker named Don Ray; there were four two day seminars across a series of a couple months. That’s where I met David. I willingly admitted that he was attractive, and cautiously studied him throughout the seminars. I remember distinctly that I stole his hat once; I had an unnatural obsession with hats. Sigh…good times. Well, onward we go. I started Washington Academy that fall. And guess who started there, too? That’s right; David. I remember thinking “Hey, I know you…” but having no further interest. But that all changed when I got his number from a friend. I don’t think I’ve ever texted someone so much. I felt so comfortable with him, like I could tell him anything about me and he would accept it as it was with no judgment. I can’t say that I treated him that way all the time. I constantly had to remember to be open and non-judgmental. Now that I think about it, I was a horrible friend compared to him. But he didn’t seem to mind. He was a great source of comfort and insight that year, and I am so grateful he was there to hold my hand (that is in the theoretical sense though, considering it was an online school). I was so stupid. How could I not have noticed that he was falling for me? I mean, why would someone stay up until 4am talking to me because I had a bad day unless they felt something more than friendship going on? It frustrates me that I didn’t read the signs. I knew I was falling for him, however much I tried to deny it, but I never imagined that he could ever feel anything for me. One day while we were chatting on Facebook, my friend Bella let it slip to David that I had feelings for him. I was furious, but he assured me he already knew, and told me that he loved me, but that we could only be friends. Disappointed but slightly reassured that it couldn’t work out, therefore my feelings were harmless. Well, for New Year’s David went on a vacation with his family. I believe we grew even closer together through our mutual need for a friend who wouldn’t judge us. I think it’s safe to say it all went downhill from there. On February 12th, I got on the school’s forum and found a message in my inbox from David, declaring his love for me and how the biggest mistake he made was telling me that we should just be friends. HOW THE HECK TO YOU RESPOND TO SOMETHING LIKE THAT? Of course, you’d think the obvious answer would be “Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!” right? But…here’s the thing. I’m LDS. I can’t date until I turn 16. And at the time, I was 14. And I had made up my mind that I would keep my standards. I cried so much, but I told him I couldn’t do it, but that I still wanted to keep him as a friend. I didn’t want to lose him as a friend. Of course, he said he’d act like he didn’t feel anything beyond friendship. You know what happened? All that comfort, all that love and hand holding? It disappeared. He was avoiding talking about anything serious. And it killed me. Several times I almost broke down and told him that I loved him; but I restrained myself. Then came the conversation about his daydreams. He said he had four of them, so I waited as he typed them out, one by one. First one, then two…then number four. He refused to tell me what number three was about until I told him what I’d been trying to tell him for weeks. I felt cornered and emotional. But I did it. I told him that I loved him. It felt good. It felt right. And you know what the daydream was about? Me. And kissing. And ocean waves and talking…*content sigh* After I read the daydream, we talked about going on walks together. But you know what happens after that? I can’t remember. I just…can’t. I remember telling my friends that he was a jerk, that he’d become distant and wasn’t talking to me. I remember crying when they told me that I broke his heart. But I don’t remember how it ended. And it kills me inside. I spent all that summer trying to avoid talking about him. I tried to forget him. I kept thinking that if only he hadn’t said anything, everything would be okay. But it wouldn’t have been okay, and it wasn’t okay. And it hurt. About August, I went to a dance at my church. I met this guy named Jason, who reminded me so much of David. I couldn’t get over it. I had spent all summer trying to forget, and here’s this guy who has an uncanny resemblance to him. Great. I broke down. I cried. I spent half an hour composing a message, apologizing for my behavior, saying that I wanted to try and be his friend. I used a lyric from a Taylor Swift song as my final line; this is me swallowing my pride standing in front of you saying I’m sorry for that night. I’d go back in time and change it, but I can’t. So if the chain is on your door I understand. He said we could be friends. I never pushed to talk to him. I was almost afraid to annoy him, and I think that was one of my problems. I allowed him to have power over me. I always worried what he’d think about what I did, worried that he’d get annoyed and not talk to me. Our friendship was never the same. Twice he told me we couldn’t be friends. But I was persistent. I kept texting, even when he said not to. Finally, I got him to admit he missed me, too. But we were still cautious. I let him get away with talking ways I hadn’t let him before in order to get him to keep talking. I think I should have kept those boundaries. Either way, we were only friends, and not close friends. The kind of friends that barely ever talk. It sucked. And then he dropped the biggest bomb that hurt to the core. He started dating my best friend Claire. WHO DOES THAT? Oh right; bitter ex-boyfriends who you didn’t ever actually date. And I was extremely angry. Because I knew he didn’t actually like her. She knew that he didn’t actually like her. But he is dang good at pretending. And she’s blinded by love for him and lets him get away with treating her like trash. And it pisses. Me. Off. And he knows it. Oh boy does he know it. I’ve asked him twice why he was dating Claire. The first time he fed me bull crap about how “hey, she’s kinda cute, and she’s fun to hang out with, has a fun personality, why not?” The second time? He basically told me he was doing it so that he could break her heart to get back at me, because watching someone close to you get hurt because of you hurts more than getting hurt yourself. Yes, he’s cruel and twisted. And I still love him. Not in the “I want you back” sense, but I remember us and it makes me sad to see what we’ve turned into. Anyway, it took me a couple weeks, but I finally told Claire what David had said. Basically, she was in shock, and said she was seeing him that night, and would talk to him about it. You know what she did? She put it off. She claimed there wasn’t time to tell him, that he only stayed twenty minutes. Girl, you need to put your big girl pants on, take a step back and look at this for what it is. I am not a delusional ex-girlfriend who wants her guy back. I haven’t wanted him back for a while. But he’s treating you like trash, and you deserve better. But does she believe me? No, she doesn’t. Well, it’s February 12th, and I remember how life used to be, before all this happened. But no one else seems to. Publication Date: February 14th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-sabrina.13

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-aaliyah-life-isn-039-t-the-same-still-editing/

Aaliyah Life isn't the same (Still editing ) Amanda I was sitting next too my twin sister Lisa. She had black hair , blue eyes skin so pale it could be the color of snow. She was skinny and she was 4'12. Me on the other hand , I was pale too i had green eyes and my hair was black too. I was alway the party type of girl and so was my sister. "Lisa were going too a party today." I told her. "Okay , imma get my hair done today ." She answers. Im getting ready too go on a lunch date with Ethan. I had my hair in a ponytail , a black dress with white leggings and black uggs. I had smoky eye shadow look and pink lipstick on . The doorbell rang and i went too open it . "Hey Ethan." I said and hugged him .Ethan is was my bestfriend for 13 years , he had brown hair tan skin and hazel eyes. He had s blue shirt with jeans on and cute sneakers. " How are you monkey?" He said. "Great." I answered and we left too the park . When we got there i went too the swings and he sat on the other one. " I missed you a lot Ethan. " I told him and smiled . " I missed you too Manda a lot." He answered and smiled back ." Wanna go too a party tonight ?" I asked. "Who's party is it ?" He asked. " Alli's I heard she throws the best parties in town and besides it'd be way awesome if you came along ." I told him . "Oh Alli she is hot! I'm so going !" He told me . We stayed there till it was 6:39 just walking around . "Ethan we should go too the spot were we met ! " I suggested . I ran there and he followed . " It look perfect here ." He told me . it look amazing the stars were up and it was just perfect i thought. Two hours later I was making out with my bestfriend Ethan , i never thought in a million years i'd be making out with Ethan . I mean he is just my bestfriend ! Just then my sister called . " Hey Mandy , where are you we have too go too the party." She said over the phone. " Alright be over there soon." I told her and hanged up . "Ethan we gotta go too the party." I told him . We both got up and walked back too my house and met Lisa , then went too the party. When in went the house it smelled like weed. "Oh my god is Amanda ! You look amazing! " Alli told me. Alli and i had been friends for 3 years then stopped talking. She was lightly dark skin and tall and she has short wavy hair. And she had a perfect body "Thank you ! You look beautiful like always." I told her. " We should hang out more!" She responded." "Okay , i'll give you my number. Its 646-834-923 , We can do something next week if you'd like " I said and smiled. "Alright, thanks." She responded and left. When she left me i went and got something too drink. I found my fave drink ever a "Bloody Mary" Its strong for me so by time i drink half of this bottle . I started to chug instead of drinking and all i heard was " CHUG ! CHUG ! CHUG ! " Over and over so annoying but i finished the whole glass and ask for some vodka. I got back too vodka bottles what i didnt ask for but yay ! All of a sudden i heard " chug! chug! chug! " All over again and thats what i did , by the time at the end of the second bottle i had drinks stacking up by me and i just drank them. But then i stopped around my 6 bottle. I was so drunk that i know. I started dancing on random people it was funny then i saw Ethan and started dancing on him , we kissed and started making out. " Lets go up stairs." He said and smirked. So he tooked my hand and lead me up stairs. We began to make-out , shirts were taken off and we had sexay time. It was morning and i had a hang over. I ran over to the bathroom and began just throwing up , non stop. I felt someone have there hand on my shoulder and I was going too turn around to see who it was but i didn't i just stopped because i knew who it was it was Ethan . I stopped vomiting and wash my moth and flushed the toilet and went out of the bathroom. "Can you give me a ride? " He asked me. "Alright lets go." I told him and we left and went too my car. "So did we..have fun?" He asked . "Yes , please don't tell the others, okay?" I told him. "Alright.' He told me. i drove him too his house and went back to mine. Few hours later he called me and i didnt answer. I just went to bed. Ethan I'm back home and i feel sad. "Why isn't she talking too me? It was just one mistake... if i could take it back i would." I said too myself. A hour later Max came in. He's my best friend we've been bestfriends since we were kids. Maxs was brown with hazel eyes and he was 6'9 . "Sup man?" Max said. "Well nothing , just thinking ." I replied "About?" Max said looking up at me . "I hooked up with Amanda " I said quietly. " You what? " Max was shocked. " I hooked up with Mandy and it as a mistake. I really didn't want too. " I sighed as i told Max. "Look man just come with me too their place and you will sort thing out, Maybe it'll make thing better. " Max told me . "Alright.. " I waked out of the door and Max followed me . We walked all the way too there house and i knocked on their door."Who is it?" Lisa asked. "Its Max and Ethan. " I told her. She unlocked the door and hugged me and Max. " Hey guys." She said. " Hey babe face." Max said too Lisa. Max and Lisa were a thing but broke up and stayed friends. But everyone know they so like each other. " Hey Lisa wheres Amanda? " I asked . "She went out too get something too eat Ethan." She told me. " Thanks bugs bunny" I smiled and took a seat on the couch. Amanda walked in. " What are you doing here!?!" She yelled . "E-I.. I just wanted too talk about what happened. Is it okay if you come to my place?" I asked her. "Fine but if you try anything i will kick you ." She replied. We drive too my place and i opened the door. And sat on the couch. " Look i'm really sorry i didnt mean for this too happen." I looked at her with a sad face . " If this is going too ruin our friendship tell me now." I added. Amanda look scared like she was hiding something from me . "Look.. Ethan .. I really don't want this too ruin our friendship. Okay.. Look i have something too tell you .." She replied. " Your prego? " I asked. "How'd you know? " She asked. "Your belly is much bigger not trying too be mean but yeah and that night i was going too ask if you could be mine. But the party and everything." I told her . She came and sat on my lap i kissed her and asked her too be mine, she said yes . 6 months later my twins were born. They were small but healthy. Katy and Jacob were born. "Their so beautiful." Lisa told me and Amanda and smiled. " I know."Amanda and I told her and smiled back. Amanda was holding them she couldn't believe she brought them into this world. I smiled at the sight of my two kids. "Me and Max have something to tell you guys" Lisa announced. " What is it ?" Amanda said and smiled."Me and Max have been dating for a while , and i might be preggo" She told us all and smiled. "Really?" Amanda asked. "Yes." She responded. "Aww! " I said to everything. Hours later we brought back the babies home and they slept , cried , pooped , peed . And i help do everything. Lisa "Lisa we need to talk." Max said. "Alright." I responded and sat on the couch. "Alright , so I loved this girl for about 13 years." He said. "And i don't want to be your boyfriend anymore." He added. I looked at him and just started crying. "I want to be your husband, look i can't live without you, will you marry me?" He said and got down on one knee then got out the ring. "Oh my god ! Yes yes yes !" I said to him and kissed him passionately. He smiled and kissed back then put the ring on my finger. Two days later.. "Come quick i can't walk." I said to Amanda on the phone. She ran over here and helped me up. "What the hell happened? She asked. "I guess i was just here at the wrong time , and i guess I lost my baby." I told , tears gushed from our eyes. It was quiet for a bit and i was taken to the doctor. " She was in a fight , but i don't think she hurt badly , i think theres a chance the baby is dead." My sister said and broke down in tears. I was just sitting there crying my eyes out . Wondering why does this have to happen to me? "Can everyone leave the room?" The Doctor asked. "Were going to do a ultra sound to see if there's a slight chance the baby is still alive. But before we do that what happen ?" She said. " I dont wanna talk about... Please just find out if my baby is still alive." I told her. Images: 3g Editing: gf Translation: ww All rights reserved. Publication Date: December 22nd 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-aaliyahlovescookies

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-ayaome-d-039-anna-s-f-f-dancer-in-the-night/

Ayaome D&#39;anna .S.F.F. Dancer In The Night This is a book i thought might bring joy into young people to love the art of dance thanks to people in Dayton Leadership Academy for the respect and the support for eveything First Time To Meet Once in a little pound lives a duck name Yuri.She was so interested in ballet that one day she dream of dancing with a prince.then one day her dream came true when she found a purple necklace. She puts it on but a big light came from it.When she opened her eyes she felt bigger and heaver.She went to scratched her head but when she did she saw fleash not feathers.She screams and try to find out what happened.But before she could she passed out. A boy was walking 2 feed the ducks but he paused.He saw Yuri passed out in the pound.He as shocked so he covered her up and took her in he's dormroom.When he laid her down on the bed and went to get her some water.When she opened her eyes she was scared that she was not at the pound.She was in a bed.When the boy walked in he sees her sitting up on the bed."Are you ok miss" the boy said. "Yes just sleepy" Yuri said."You can stay and rest if you like" the boy said. "thanks alot but what is your name"."My name is kyo Yoshida it's very nice to meet you and yours" kyo says."oh thats a good name". Dance class Text: Copyright @ by Ayaome D'anna .S.F.F. All rights reserved. Publication Date: December 16th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-ayaome111

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-kiwiakaciara-the-evil-poo-who-stoll-the-queens-bumfluff/

kiwiakaciara the evil poo who stoll the queens bumfluff haha lol muhahaha There once was an girl called Emily pontifract. she had a number2 which jumped out the toilet went to the queend house ate the queen and murdered the whole royal family yes the whole royal family Publication Date: December 9th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-kiwiakaciara

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-otto-cleveland-the-mother-goose-interviews/

Otto Cleveland The Mother Goose Interviews A collection of plays and skits based on Mother Goose Rhymes Publication Date: April 26th 2010 https://www.bookrix.com/-otto12

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-andromeda-moore-the-subway/

Andromeda Moore The Subway To Audrey: I hope you find your way, somehow... Tia was beautiful, true. She had a frailness about her, a paleness of skin and hair that gave her a waiflike appearance. This slenderness was only enhanced by her illness. She was gravely ill; permanently so, and this caused her to be sheltered her entire life. These sixteen years were seasoned with various hospital trips, blood transfusions, and physicals to determine whether she was able to enter the world around her. The answer was always, “We’ll see.” “You’re going to Dr. Dailee to have a routine checkup,” her mother said. “I wanted to go to the mall,” Tia sighed. “Tia, you know you can’t,” her mother admitted in a low voice. “Your Huntington’s.” She uttered this last phrase as if Tia was cursed, and speaking the disease out loud would trigger another bout of her illness. Tia sat down, looking through her sketchbook. It was mostly macabre things towards the beginning of the book. Dismembered hands, distorted faces, and demonic eyes were prevalent in the crowded notes. However, further along the dismembered hands were replaced by nature scenes and still life portraits. The faces in these portraits were mostly of strangers- mainly people she’d met on the subway. She didn’t really see anything wrong with sketching people’s faces; she was a good artist, after all. Most of them didn’t notice, and even if they did, they paid it little to no attention. Her mother entered the room, pressing two subway tokens into her hand. “The subway leaves in ten minutes,” she instructed. “Be careful.” Tia nodded, hoisting her purse over her shoulder and leaving the house. At the entrance to the subway, Tia paid her toll and waited patiently for the subway car to arrive. As she waited, she pulled out her sketchpad and sketched a lapdog that had poked its head out of a young woman’s Louis Vutton purse. The subway pulled in, and Tia made her way to the nearest entrance, weaving through the heavy pedestrian traffic. A body jostled her, and her sketchpad flew out of her hands, landing faceup in the entrance of the subway. It opened to the third page, where a single rose blossom lay, its petals unfolding to reveal a crimson eye. This eye stared up at Tia as she scrambled to pack it up before the subway left without her. However, a young man reached down from behind her, scooping it up and handing it to her. She met his gaze for a split second, just enough to take in his overall appearance. What really struck her were his eyes. They were deep green, thoughtful eyes. As she took it, their fingers brushed briefly. She lowered her eyes, affixing her gaze on his guitar case, then on the floor. “I’m sorry,” he said. She mumbled something in response, then took a seat across from him. He didn’t notice she was sketching him. She could draw the length of his hair just fine, but she just couldn’t capture the expression in his eyes with simple lead pencil! Finally, as she left the subway, she had a few sketches she was satisfied with. He didn’t notice she was drawing him. They never did. When Tia returned, her mother greeted her with a concerned look on her face. “How did it go?” she asked. “Fine.” Tia muttered. She returned to her room, feeling slightly dizzy. As she leaned against the bedpost, steadying herself, her sketchpad fell out of her bag, opening to her most recent sketch. The pencil sketch of the guitarist on the subway stared up at her as she collapsed on her bed. As she centered herself, she felt the day’s events come back to her. She barely had time to glance at the drawing she had done before her weariness overcame her. Over the next few weeks, no matter how she tried to occupy her time, her mind kept traveling back to the young man from the subway. He had many names in her mind, many different locations. Monday, he was Luke, and she was backstage at his sold-out concert. Tuesday, his name was David, and they talked for hours at the mall. Wednesday, he was the host at a ball, and she was the guest of honor. The list of fantasies was all played out in her head, but the strange thing was, she wasn’t even sure if she was in love! After all, it had never happened to her before. Tia awoke that Tuesday night with a terrible cough. When she pulled her hand away from her mouth, she found it covered in vermillion blood. She quickly rushed to the phone, dialing 9-1-1 with trembling fingers. As the ambulances arrived, her mother came out of her bedroom, still dressed in her pajamas. “What is it?” she asked, but she already knew. They were loaded into the ambulances and taken away. Tia was admitted to the hospital at 3:13 A.M. She was sent to the waiting room, where she sat in silence. That is, until she looked up. Sitting across from her, in one of the cheap hospital folding chairs, was the man from the subway. The guitar case was replaced with a sling, however, and he wore a scowl instead of a smile. “What happened?” Tia asked him, worried. “Who the hell are you?” he asked her. “I fell off my motorcycle, if you really want to know.” “Um… I met you… subway.” Tia muttered in an ashamed way. “Sorry. Don’t remember you.” He admitted. “Brian Halley?” asked the nurse, poking her head in the door. “Your turn.” Said the woman next to him. She was a gorgeous brunette in a little black dress. She looked like she could be at a cocktail party, not the hospital. She kissed him briefly before he got up, exiting the waiting room. Tia felt literally broken. But what’s the use in losing love when she never had it in the first place? Tia was taken into her room. She was given a few examinations before being left alone in a two-bed room with a divider. She lay back on her bed, being glad for the silence. “I finally have a roommate, huh?” asked a voice from behind the divider. Tia looked around, surprised at the intrusion. Finally, the divider was pulled back from the inside. Her roommate sat up. “You think you have it bad?” he asked. “Try living as an amputee.” Sure enough, his left arm ended at the shoulder. Tia’s eyes traveled to his face, and found he had dark brown hair cut short, and deep blue eyes. “Name’s Mark, by the way,” he said. “Mine’s Tia.” “So, what state do you live in?” he asked. Tia smiled. “Confusion.” “Me too.” He said. “I guess we’re all a bit more confused, now.” They talked for hours. He was actually a pretty funny person. Tia felt her worries easing as they talked. Finally, she was content. A few days had passed, and Tia was relatively stable. Her mother was talking with the nurse in the corner of the room. Their voices were low, and Tia strained to listen. Finally, they had come to a consensus. “Tia Jackson?” the nurse asked. “You’re free to go.” Her mother smiled. Tia got up and was about to make her way over, but Mark stopped her, handing her a piece of paper. Tia took it, unfolding it to reveal a phone number written in shaky handwriting. Tia smiled before rejoining her mother. Sure, it was foolish to fall in love at first sight, Tia thought. I know that now. But with this knowledge, I can move on. Publication Date: October 16th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-seihana25

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-gleekauthor-plan-b/

GleekAuthor PLAN-B This book goes out to you. The reader. Thank you! Chapter 1 Sam was lying in bed with the greatest feeling ever. He was dating the captain of the cheerios, was the quarter back of the football team. Sam had the perfect life any other boy at McKinley High School could possibly want. It was night and the tall, blond, handsome boy was reflecting about his life, staring up to the sealing A knock came from the door. It was Sam’s mom. She opened the door and entered the room checking on her 17 year old son. “Good night honey!” She bent down and kissed her son’s blond hair. “Good night mom.” He replied. She closed the blind of the curtain a little bit more, and left the room closing the door behind her. Since little, Sam’s mom always hung a dream catcher on top of his bed. She did not want her son to lose any of the wonderful dreams, that as teenagers, we worship so much. The alarm clock went on, announcing it was 7:00. In other words, Sam’s wake up time. He jumped out of bed and in his briefs and went to the bathroom. He washed his face with cold water then dried it with a towel. After all that is what you need to do if you are dating Quinn Fabray. He came back, opened his wardrobe. He got his favorite blue jeans, the one he wore at his first date with Quinn. He picked a white normal non-sleeve shirt, which cautiously marked his 6-pack. He took a glance at the clock which marked 7:20. He went towards the stairs and then sled down the handrail. He went to the kitchen and got a blue bowl of the cupboard, got the cereals that was on top of the kitchen counter and poured it in the bowl. He then opened the refrigerator and took his milked and poured some in a cup and in the bawl. He ate his cereals as fast as he could move his large spoon up and down. He then drank his milk rapidly and ran upstairs to wash his teeth. On his way out of the bathroom he got his backpack which was sitting on top of his bed, and ran down skipping a few steps on the stair. As he was going down these stairs his mom was waiting at the door with the car keys on her hand. They both left the house and got in the car. Arriving at the school Sam met up with Finn, his best friend. He knew he could trust Finn on whatever he needed, on their way to their lockers he felt someone pull him by the shoulder. He looked around. It was Quinn. “Hey Handsome” Quinn said, smiled, and blinked at him. “Hey!” Sam said. “So, are you going to do anything tonight?” Quinn asked waiting anxiously for an answer. “What day is today?” “Thursday, Sam. Thursday.” “Yeah! I’m free, beauty.” “Ok great! Come to my place at six. Got something planed.” Quinn said and walked away. The bell rang and students had to go to class. The day flew by as usual, and the next thing Sam knew it was already 3:15. “Wow! The day flew by so fast man” Sam said, talking to Finn. “Yeah! I noticed that as well!” Finn nodded. The day went by and Sam was on his way to Quinn’s house. The door of the house was opened. He got down of the car, waved at his mom and went in. “Quinn?” Sam shouted, hoping to get an answer somewhere in, what seemed to be, an empty house. “I am up here!” a voice came from upstairs. Sam followed the stairs into the second floor, where he saw Quinn dressed in a small purple see-through dress covering her black lingerie. “Wow” he let out a sound with his opened huge mouth. “You like it?” Quinn asked, now moving closer to the tall boy, and pulling him by the arm into her room. “Your parents?” He asked. “Travelling.” A simple reply that changed, the young virgin boy’s life, upside down. He did it. He wasn't a virgin anymore! Sam was proud! He woke up next day lying in bed next to his wonderful girlfriend. “Oh, what a night!” Sam commented, while stretching his arms, and reaching for the phone. He could hear Quinn’s soft moan, as she was lying against his stomach. “6 missed calls? Oh my god, my mom must be wanting to kill me!” Sam was nervous now. “Call her! And tell her you will go to school with me. I will ask my driver to give us a ride” “OK! But you know it’s already 7:40 right?” Sam questioned, the little, blond, rich girl. “Shit! Get dressed!” Sam stood up and pulled the covers off. He was naked, and needed to get dressed rapidly. “Where is my underwear?!?!?” Sam shouted confused, and feeling cold. “Here they are, hot mess” Quinn threw his grey briefs to him. He put them on as fast as he could then adjusted it better. He got his pair of skinny jeans and putted the on, then his shirt, sox, and finally his shoes. He was tired. But still, no one could now take that gigantic smile off his face. He was now a true man. Quinn was almost ready, she opened her pink wardrobe and reached for a pair of flip-flops. She put them on. “You are going to freeze in those!” Sam said. “I know, but we don’t have all that time!” Quinn responded. Both flew down the stairs and opened the front door, where Quinn’s driver was already awaiting them. They got in the car and went rapidly to school. Both Sam and Quinn were juniors.. Both of them were now late for Spanish. They got in the class and everyone was immediately looking at them. They spotted two sits in the back, and rushed to sit there. After school, while Sam was opening his locker, Finn came up, and opened his locker which was right beside Sam’s. “Congrats man!” Finn smiled at Sam, leaving the blond boy confused. “For what?” Sam asked, knowing exactly what Finn meant. “Your V. You lost it…” Finn smiled to his bro, even more now. “You bet I did!” Sam said. “But how did you know? I didn't plan on telling you here at school, and neither on the phone” “Your smile!” Finn noted. “I know that smile! The smile of a seven-teen year old who had an amazing night.” “Ha-ha you are smart!” Finn remarked. “But did you really not know what I was talking about?” “I knew. Of course I knew.” Sam said, smiling, and with a swing, closed the locker door making a loud noise. Sam was a smart guy. He always knew what to say, or what others would say. He knew all answers to the tests, and questions. At his old school, he was reminded daily that he was a nerd. Other kids would make fun of him, call him names. He dint want to live all that again. So he decided to pretend like he wasn't that smart. He never told anyone of his past. Past. A word that Sam never wants to be reminded of again. Chapter 2 During the weekend, Sam had no parties to go to. It was one of those boring weekends, that he usually spent playing video games, or watching TV. On Sunday night, while Sam was going to bed he overheard a discussion coming from his dad’s office. It was his mom and his dad. “And how long did you plan on hiding this from me, William?” It was Sam’s mom voice. She sounded angry. Sam knew exactly how she sounded when she was mad. He had to hear that same voice on his way to school with Quinn. “I was just hoping they would call me back!” Sam once again heard a voice. This time it was from his dad. “Well they won’t! And the kids! What about the kids?!?! How will I tell them?” Sam’s mom asked. “I will think of a way! I will, Margaret!” Sam was wondering, what that talk was about. He seemed confused. He sat on the floor. Suddenly he saw the door knob turn. It was opening, he stood from the ground and left the front of the door. He went to his room, and pretended to be asleep. His mom entered his room, and wished him good night. He pretended to be asleep and dint even reply. She kissed him on the forehead, and left, again, closing the door behind her. Sam stood up and took his clothes of, until he was just in his underwear. He got back under the covers, and went to sleep. The car ride was silent. Both he and his mom did not share a word. She looked nervous, which led Sam to remember the conversation he overheard last night. He got into school and went to his classes. He dint really learn anything that day. He just wouldn't stop thinking about his mom and dad. What were they talking about? What did his dad meant when he said they “would call him back”? So many questions were left unanswered in the thin young man’s mind. When Sam got home, he heard his parents fighting. They had never fought like this before. It was weird. Sam was nervous. His little sister came, and grabbed his right leg. She was crying. Sam took her in his arms, and began rocking her smoothly. “Sammy! Why are mommy and daddy fighting?” She asked. “I don’t know honey, but hey! It’s all going to be ok!” Sam hugged her tight. “You promise me Sammy?” “Promise honey.” He wiped the tears from her soft white skin. “What about we go watch some TV?” he asked her. “Sponge Bob!” she shouted! “Sponge bob it is then!” He sat with his little sister in front of the TV watching sponge bob. He knew something was up. Something extremely important. But he dint want to show any feelings. He dint want his siblings to notice. His little brother came and sat on the couch with them. He was in the middle, and both were lying, resting their heads on his lap. The fighting soon stopped. Both of his siblings were now asleep on his lap. He took them to their bedrooms, and put them to sleep. Sam loved his little brother and sister. He loved to be a big brother. Sam actually loved his family. It is hard now a day to find a seven-teen year old that worships his family so much. He does. He has the nicest mom. The coolest dad. The cutest little sister and the most awesome little brother. Once he had put both five years old to sleep, he was heading to his room and met with his mom along the way. “Where are Mathew, and Alice?” the tall blond women asked. “I put them to sleep!” Sam replied. “Thank you honey! I owe you one!” She said. Margaret reached out for her son, bringing him closer to her for a hug. “Can you at least tell me what this is all about? I am not sleeping well. I can’t even concentrate in class.” Sam said to his mom. “Baby! It’s nothing! Don’t worry.” She hugged her son even more. Sam knew she was lying. She was saying that just so he would feel better. He knew that something was up. But the question is… what? Chapter 3 On Wednesday morning Sam noticed his dad stayed home again. This was unusual. His dad always woke up at 6:00 and left the house around 7:00. Even before Sam woke up. But for the last three days, he has been at home. A thought crossed his mind. Was his dad sick? Cancer? Aids? His heart began to tighten. But it could not be. Why would his mother be fighting with his dad, if he was sick? But one question disquieted him the most. If they were really going to “tell the kids”… when was that going to be? When he got home, that day of school he was very happy. His school day had been amazing. He had and amazing glee club and football practice. On his way to his room, he heard his mom he heard his mom calling him. It was coming from his dad’s office. He left his backpack on top of the bed and went to see what they were calling him for. Arriving in the office he began feeling scared. He stood at the door, in sight of both of his dad sitting on the couch and his mom standing, already shading tears. “Hey son!” His dad greeted. “Come take a sit!” Sam’s dad pointed his fingers, instructing Sam to sit on the couch next to him. Sam did so. He entered the room, closed the office door, and took a sit next to his dad. “Yes dad?” he asked, almost chocking. He was high-strung. “Son, this is the most difficult thing I ever had to say, or even go through in my forty years of existence.” William Evans said. “In life, things are very unstable. One day everything is ok. On the other things have changed.” “Just tell me what happened.” Sam said. “I am ready.” “I lost my job”. His dad took a deep breath. “I am afraid we are broke.” “What?” Sam said. “I am afraid we lost too much money. We have too little. I can’t pay taxes. I can’t pay bills.” Sam was devastated. He wanted to run away and cry himself out. But he held on, for his parents. They were already devastated enough. Him crying in front of them would only make things worse. “Sooner or later the bank will come after our stuff.” Mr. Evans continued. “We need your help.” “So you are saying I need to get a job?” Sam asked, fearful of the answer. “I am afraid so” His dad responded. “Where?” Sam asked. “I don’t know” His dad took a deep breath. “Would you go looking for one?" “Sure dad.” He dint want to. But due to the situation, he had no choice but to do so. But where? Sam was lost. Would he have to say goodbye to his normal life? What if the other kids at school heard about this? He wouldn't ever be treated the same way again! Would they think of him more like a freak? Sam left the room. Tears started falling from his eyes, halfway out the door. He ran into his bed and laid with his face sunk onto his pillow, which soon became soaked. He never thought it would all come to this. His life was perfect. Now it’s all a mess. But the rough part was that, he would have to get a job. But where? Chapter 4 The next day, Sam dint really talk at school. He knew there was one person he could trust, and could talk about it at any moment. Finn. But the Sam is just not ready to talk about it yet. He is scared. And especially at school. Sam always had this paranoid about talking about personal stuff at school. He always had the feeling someone was overhearing him. Something Sam always had, since the seventeen year old can remember. “You want to talk about something?” Finn asked. “Not really.” Sam replied. “You seem sad, and plus, you haven’t spoken a word the whole day! Not even when Ms. Pillsbury called you!” “She called me?” “See! That’s what I am talking about!” Finn explained. “I am fine, OK?” Sam looked him in the eyes. “I just need some time.” Finn knew Sam. He knew him for almost 6 years now. They were best friends since the moment they looked at each other, in 5th grade. Sam wasn't sure if it was a good Idea or not. If he should tell or not. He knew he could trust Finn, he always did. But still… There was something about telling someone what he was going through that dint seem right. The problem is, he just did not feel comfortable. Not even thinking of it by himself. After school, Sam went straight to the pizza parlor next to his house. He used to have dinner with Quinn there all the time, and there was something about getting a job there that frightened him a lot. What would the others think? They would think of him as a bigger freak then he already was. ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬ Getting there he asked the worker if they had any available spots, because he was looking for a job. “We don’t have any left. There was one last week but I believe it has been taken.” The waiter said. Sam took breath in despair and demonstrated some disappointment, before he was interrupted by the waiter. “But, hey. Take a sit and I will go ask the boss, if there is any left” He said. Sam did so. He pulled the chair of a table next to the door and laid his heads on his arms. He was worried, where would he get a job? He hasn't even graduated yet. The waiter came back and broke unfortunate news. “Sorry bro. There is none left, we even checked other pizza parlors around to see if we could get you somewhere, they are all full” He said. “Good Luck” “Its OK!” Sam said, turned around was right about to pull the door to leave when he turned around and thanked the men. He normally would catch a cab and go home, but in the state that his family was he decided it was better to walk home. He was close. When he got there, he noticed his mom crying on the front of the house and the door of the house wide opened and there was a lot of unknown people in there. Sam walked closer to his mom and in a choke asked his mom what was going on, and got the worse response a human being passably could. “The bank. They. Took.” His mom choked. “They took our house”. Sam wanted to cry, but he could not. He was holding the tears but a few were already starting to form. He did not know where they would go, or if they would stay. Where would all the stuff go? He walked in the house and went to a group of men who were talking to his dad, to listen to the conversation. “But what should I do with the things” his dad asked, the tall white man, in a black suit. “According to the papers we have here, your debt is so big, that even if you hand the house to us with everything in it, you will still be owing us money” the men said. “Will it help?” his dad asked. “Sure it will. But you will still be owning.” The smaller man next to him responded. “Can any of you tell me how much?” his dad chocked. “Let me see” the men took a calculator from his pocket and kept pressing on the buttons for about 10 minutes before he broke the silence, “4.000” will be left to pay. “Let me think” His dad looked at him, and asked. “Sam, did you find the job you were looking for?” Sam could not disappoint his dad. Four Thousands were a lot of money they were owing. He could not tell him he hadn't. “Yes.” Sam managed to choke the words out. “In the parlor” he continued. “Awesome.” His dad, closed his eyes and asked Sam to follow him into the living room, where they could be alone. “Sam” His dad said. “Me and mom will have to be out looking for jobs.” He continued. “Do you think, you can manage to get us the 4.000 we need?” He asked. “Y-y-y-es.” Sam said. “They pa-pa-pay well in the parlor, dad” Text: © All rights of the characters go to Fox’s original show “Glee” © Editing: GleekAuthor All rights reserved. Publication Date: January 25th 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-gleekauthor

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-kastesha-brumfield-what-animals-do/

Kastesha Brumfield What Animals Do The News Aaron wait stop this dosent feel right. This is right Animals do it all the time, but thats different Aaron we are humans we are not supposed to do this yes we are now baby lay down and let me do you right .when Heaven lays down and Aaron begins when they are finished haven begind to write in her diary Dear diary me and my brother jut did something im not proud of if my mother found out she would flip i wonder if her and her brother ever did this well talk to you tommorow. 5 months later My belly has gotten really big i think im pregnant im going to the doctor today i wonder what hell say well Heaven you are definatly pregnant mom says what how did this happen whos the father moma i tell you at home okay baby doc ddo you know what im having yea you are having a boy 10 months later Aww this baby is so cute it looks just like your brother to much ike him whats going on i know they didnt Heaven ! whos the father to this baby umm moma sit down Aarons the father what you are not supposed to do that now he is taking care of his nephew and his son im surprise the baby dont have serious problems you are not supposed to mix blood types that is not good now when you grandma see this baby shes going to flip people are going to think you to are the nasties in the world why wotld you do that omg i am really dissapointed in you Aaron mom animals do it why cand we what animals do is not what we do!!!! To find out what happens read Part 2 Raising My Nephew And My Son Coming Soon Publication Date: November 29th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-msalwayspretty

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-nicole-rosa-a-scream-in-the-silence/

Nicole Rosa A scream in the silence short story In a cloudy day, a new car enters in Townsville, a country city in Colorado, it’s a new “family”, if you can call like this. Sandra, a divorced woman, unemployed, barely cares about her daughter, Effy. Effy is a 17 years old girl, with a lot of questions about your life, she is a little bit overweight and this bothers her a lot, her father lives in another state, with his new wife and he never sees Effy. Sandra moved to Townsville for trying to find a new job and Effy had to go together, which is a very tough thing for a teenager, in the middle of high school. Today is the first day of Effy’s new school, she woke up, put a jeans on and a sweater and went to the school. She was listening to a dark song in her headphones, looked through the car’s window and saw the rain. When her mother stopped the car in front of the school, Effy saw a lot of teenagers, smiling, looking happy. Effy barely closed the car’s door and her mother got away, but it didn’t affected her as usual, “today is just another day, without friends or someone to talk ”she thought “I’m just a fat girl in the middle of so much prettier girls”. She entered the school, and you know one of those moments when everybody stops what their doing and look at you? Well that happened to her, I think this happened because she was different and different things scare people. With her headphones on in the maximum volume and head down, she kept walking into the hall full of people and thought “Why all the girls use so much makeup at 7 a.m. in school?” these was one of hers frequently question about the girl’s behavior, she didn’t understand "why so much makeup?, why people pretend they’re something that they weren’t? and essentially why people pretend to be happy but in reality  they aren’t?" Her first class was Math, the hardest subject for her, when she entered her classroom, it only had one chair empty in the back, everybody was already seated, she seated almost freezing of shame. The first period passed and then was time for the most difficult part to a new student in a new class, the lunch time , where everybody sit with theirs groups and never let someone new and different in. She arrived in the cafeteria, get just a salad and sit in the table alone. While she was eating, Effy started to look and think about the people there: “ I think in all schools have: the popular girls that usually are cheerleaders, the popular boys that usually are the football team, the nerd, the gothics, and a lot more of stereotypes, Why everybody have a specific type? Why can’t be all together? Why we can’t be more than one thing?” During the lunch time she felt someone touching her, she turn around and saw one of the popular girl, staring at her. Cassie was her name, she was a rich girl and she always wanted we think that her life is perfect, but wasn’t. Cassie was the kind of girl that were always making jokes about the people that weren’t so popular as she, what included Effy. In her group there are two more other girls, almost identical with Cassie. In these type of group (popular) no one is ever honest, they’re regularly lying to each other and gossiping. Effy was confused, “why this girl it’s here?”, she thought, Cassie smile to her and say something that Effy will never forget, she say: Hi my name is Cassie, but obviously you already know that, so I saw you here alone, Why don’t you come sit with us? Clearly Effy wondered if it was a good idea go sit with her, so she decided to ignore her own questions with this being a good or a bad idea and she followed Cassie until her table. Unfortunately for Effy this was a big mistake, because now came the worst part of her life. The popular girls started to invite Effy to go to the mall and make some changes, but Effy had two problems: she didn’t had money and these girls were trying to change her, however those things didn’t stopped her to go. In two weeks Effy was completely changed, her clothes were shorter, her hair was pink, she was wearing make up now. For her these was super cool and for the popular girl too, because they were trying to discover all of her secrets. Effy didn’t realised that Cassie and her friends were laughing in her back, telling lies about her for the whole school and making jokes about her simple life. One day she was passing in the hall and she heard Cassie saying to her friends Look her clothes today, she think we didn’t notice that she is SUPER FAT (laughs). Pour Effy, so innocent and tacky, but she can’t imagine that we are telling all her’s secrets to everybody   When she said that all the other girls start laughing and Effy runned crying, thinking how these happened to her and how some people can be so mean and cruel and now she knew that she can’t trust in anyone and her life will be worst that was already. She get home crying and went to her room, locked the door, turned off the lights and hide herself under the covered and stayed there without eat and do anything else that wasn’t cry during 3 days. Passing those 3 days she went to school again and didn’t talk or look to anyone, but she knew that everyone was talking about her, so she make what she always did in hard moments of her life, she put her headphones on and ignored everything and everyone. One day she was at her room, in the dark, listening to sad musics and she started to think and write, she wrote a letter to her mother that said:   “ Dear Mama, I know that I’m not the daughter that you wanted for yourself, I know that we were never the perfect family or something close to that. I don’t know if you notice but I left a long time ago, my soul isn’t here anymore. I can’t handle this feeling anymore, I have so many questions that I know that don’t have answers. I can’t eat anymore, I feel like my body will explode if eat something so I stopped eating, thanks to the pills that I’m taking now. Why am I telling you all of this? Because I’m gone, but I want you to know that none of this is your fault, I always loved you, in my way. Is not nobody's fault, actually was mine. I didn’t fit in these society. While you’re reading this I’m not longer with you so all I have to say know is have a good life mom.”   And like this Effy was gone forever.   Publication Date: April 26th 2016 https://www.bookrix.com/-pieb0f6cedff175

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-sassyjerrica101-true-evil/

sassyjerrica101 True Evil Evil twin have to get called that name for a reason! At Home and on My way to School One day there was a little girl named Elosie, playing in her romm wither her Barbie dolls. Then she saw a huge white truck pass by her window. She ran downstairs in fright. She asked her mom Tori who is that and Tori said that's the new neighbors Text: sassayjerrica101 Images: sassyjerrica101 Editing: my best friend read it and said its geting good and my mom loves it also. Translation: English is the only language i know sorry. All rights reserved. Publication Date: July 24th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-sassyjerrica101

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-amethyst-bronx-to-be-or-not-to-be/

Amethyst Bronx To Be or Not to Be It's a Question To: Albert and Meg Introduction It was the 53rd century. Angels flew around in the same graceful manner, sprites ran making their usual mischief, and love archers swooped about, shooting their weapons into the hearts of the unexpected. Unicorns galloped through colorful waterfalls with pure, sparkling water. Skeletal horses did nothing, as usual. Any magical creature you could think of and much, much more had been brought back to life in the new world, resurrected by the Whiz Bang. The Whiz Bang was a sort of magical earthquake, that Mother Earth, or Gaea, saw forth ridding every part of her where humans inhabited. This way, she slowly began building up and regenerating small pieces of ancient, powerful magic. She summoned and gathered, and finally, in the 51st century, it just exploded. Like the Big Bang, but more...mystical. Because of that Whiz Bang, as it was later called, streams of magic shot out of every part of Mother Earth, and those whimsical streaks mingled and mashed, and forced out beautiful, wonderful things, while yet others became disatrously evil and dark. But because of the great changes the new world gave its inhabitants, no one ralized that a big chunk of the magic was missing.... Queen Hailey "Order, ORDER!!" Queen Hailey Heather Holly Hennrietta Smyth pounded the hilt of her black silver, exquisitely carved sword on the floor. The impact on the hard, marble floor sent a vibration through the nearly empty hall. As small as the place was, only the front row was completely occupied. She hated to admit it, but her kingdom was losing power. Queen Hailey, or Hailstorm, as she liked to be called, lived up to her name. She was a cold and pitiless ruler, staring at her small, depleting city, once vast and glorious, with faded, gray eyes. They where like an empty town after a storm, lost, lonely, and motionless. There was no feeling. She hadn't felt anything for a long, long time. Her jet black hair, once long and shiny, hung around her face in an empty curtain. She also missed her daughter, Raven. She too, was gone, like everything else that the Queen holded dear. Was her kingdom going to dissapear next? She had decided a long time ago that she would fight to the death for her country. But her people where already dying, and she wasn't. Perhaps she was still alive for a reason. The Queen faced her audience with faded eyes. In a low and monotonous tone, she began her weekly reports. "Thirteen more have died, please stand by to hear the names, which you probably know already. Then I won't say them. Mr. Morrinson has not decided to come, please check his house and the river for any signs of death or suicide. The StarMappers, my trusted astromomers, have spotted a new sudden growth on the Starblock." The Starblock was the clump of magic Gaea had released. "It seems," she said, ignoring the growing confusion in the crowd, "that it has been dubling, then tripling, and quadrupling." Here, she stopped, finding it harder to speak. "And we concluded that apparently, it has been feeding off the souls of our dead." It's Small World After All "Don't be suprised. You all have sensed the sudden change of your strength. But i guess I should even out the lovely atmosphere in here with yet MORE awful news." She lifted her pale bony hand and dragged it through the air as if erasing bad luck. Swirling bits of silver flecks spun into a hyptonizing dancing square. As the Queen spoke, they arranged themselves into a picture. At first glance, the picture could have seem like a grainy video, one of those that gives you a massive headache. But as the picture zoomed in to reveal a small planet, the citizens of Wits End couldn't help but think it was a picture of comfort. They needed to know that life outside in other worlds was continuing, that they still had hope. Publication Date: July 1st 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-stormy.tears

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-stephen-lamington-supermarket-bouncers-more/

Stephen Lamington Supermarket Bouncers & More Three 100-word Funny Stories For couples, colors and church-goers. Seriously, how long does it take to pick up a carton of milk? It feels like days since she abandoned me at the checkout line. Here I am being an irresponsible supermarket bouncer, letting shopper after shopper go ahead of me unchecked. To pass the time, I examine the products around me and discover more flavors of condoms than gum. Suddenly, I recognize a waving hand just as the lady in front finishes. Clearing a path through unattractive shoppers for my wife, I questioned her about the unprecedented rambutans and missing milk. "“Sorry honey, I got distracted. Be right back!" I am green and I serve thee. I can be a leaf or grasshopper, but never a stop sign. Master, what do you bid of me? I am red and I serve thee. I have been bled on battlefields and forged in fire but never will I feel blue. Master, what do you bid of me? I am blue and I serve thee. I am the sky, the sea and a mood. Humor me not master, what do you bid of me? I am your master and I bid thee mix with flit. For without light, I can't see shit. Arthur Bench was a hardworking carpenter. From dusk till dawn, he saw to put supper on the table. Every Sunday he would come to pray at that very spot. As a bored lad he sat there, carving pictures into the wood. As a nervous groom he stood there, waiting for his bride. As a proud father he wept there, witnessing his child's baptism. Thus, it is almost of divine satire that a cupboard would fall through the roof of this church and land on that very spot. To commemorate his unfortunate demise, the replacement pew will be named "A. Bench". Publication Date: September 5th 2010 https://www.bookrix.com/-stlz21121

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-william-shakespeare-measure-for-measure/

William Shakespeare Measure for Measure PERSONS REPRESENTED. VICENTIO, Duke of Vienna. ANGELO, Lord Deputy in the Duke's absence. ESCALUS, an ancient Lord, joined with Angelo in the deputation. CLAUDIO, a young Gentleman. LUCIO, a Fantastic. Two other like Gentlemen. VARRIUS, a Gentleman, Servant to the Duke. PROVOST. THOMAS, friar. PETER, friar. A JUSTICE. ELBOW, a simple Constable. FROTH, a foolish Gentleman. CLOWN, Servant to Mistress Overdone. ABHORSON, an Executioner. BARNARDINE, a dissolute Prisoner. ISABELLA, Sister to Claudio. MARIANA, betrothed to Angelo. JULIET, beloved by Claudio. FRANCISCA, a nun. MISTRESS OVERDONE, a Bawd. Lords, Gentlemen, Guards, Officers, and other Attendants. SCENE: Vienna ACT I. SCENE I. An apartment in the DUKE'S Palace. [Enter DUKE, ESCALUS, LORDS, and ATTENDANTS.] DUKE. Escalus, - ESCALUS. My lord. DUKE. Of government the properties to unfold, Would seem in me to affect speech and discourse; Since I am put to know that your own science Exceeds, in that, the lists of all advice My strength can give you: then no more remains But that to your sufficiency, as your worth is able, And let them work. The nature of our people, Our city's institutions, and the terms For common justice, you are as pregnant in As art and practice hath enriched any That we remember. There is our commission, From which we would not have you warp. - Call hither, I say, bid come before us, Angelo. - [Exit an Attendant.] What figure of us think you he will bear? For you must know we have with special soul Elected him our absence to supply; Lent him our terror, drest him with our love, And given his deputation all the organs Of our own power: what think you of it? ESCALUS. If any in Vienna be of worth To undergo such ample grace and honour, It is Lord Angelo. [Enter ANGELO.] DUKE. Look where he comes. ANGELO. Always obedient to your grace's will, I come to know your pleasure. DUKE. Angelo, There is a kind of character in thy life That to th' observer doth thy history Fully unfold. Thyself and thy belongings Are not thine own so proper as to waste Thyself upon thy virtues, they on thee. Heaven doth with us as we with torches do, Not light them for themselves: for if our virtues Did not go forth of us, 'twere all alike As if we had them not. Spirits are not finely touch'd But to fine issues: nor nature never lends The smallest scruple of her excellence But, like a thrifty goddess, she determines Herself the glory of a creditor, Both thanks and use. But I do bend my speech To one that can my part in him advertise; Hold, therefore, Angelo; In our remove be thou at full ourself: Mortality and mercy in Vienna Live in thy tongue and heart! Old Escalus, Though first in question, is thy secondary: Take thy commission. ANGELO. Now, good my lord, Let there be some more test made of my metal, Before so noble and so great a figure Be stamped upon it. DUKE. No more evasion: We have with a leaven'd and prepared choice Proceeded to you; therefore take your honours. Our haste from hence is of so quick condition That it prefers itself, and leaves unquestion'd Matters of needful value. We shall write to you As time and our concernings shall importune, How it goes with us; and do look to know What doth befall you here. So, fare you well: To the hopeful execution do I leave you Of your commissions. ANGELO. Yet give leave, my lord, That we may bring you something on the way. DUKE. My haste may not admit it; Nor need you, on mine honour, have to do With any scruple: your scope is as mine own: So to enforce or qualify the laws As to your soul seems good. Give me your hand; I'll privily away: I love the people, But do not like to stage me to their eyes: Though it do well, I do not relish well Their loud applause and 'aves' vehement: Nor do I think the man of safe discretion That does affect it. Once more, fare you well. ANGELO. The heavens give safety to your purposes! ESCALUS. Lead forth and bring you back in happiness. DUKE. I thank you. Fare you well. [Exit.] ESCALUS. I shall desire you, sir, to give me leave To have free speech with you; and it concerns me To look into the bottom of my place: A pow'r I have, but of what strength and nature I am not yet instructed. ANGELO. 'Tis so with me. - Let us withdraw together, And we may soon our satisfaction have Touching that point. ESCALUS. I'll wait upon your honour. [Exeunt.] SCENE II. A street. [Enter Lucio and two Gentlemen.] LUCIO. If the duke, with the other dukes, come not to composition with the King of Hungary, why then all the dukes fall upon the king. FIRST GENTLEMAN. Heaven grant us its peace, but not the King of Hungary's! SECOND GENTLEMAN. Amen. LUCIO. Thou concludest like the sanctimonious pirate that went to sea with the ten commandments, but scraped one out of the table. SECOND GENTLEMAN. Thou shalt not steal? LUCIO. Ay, that he razed. FIRST GENTLEMAN. Why, 'twas a commandment to command the captain and all the rest from their functions; they put forth to steal. There's not a soldier of us all that, in the thanksgiving before meat, do relish the petition well that prays for peace. SECOND GENTLEMAN. I never heard any soldier dislike it. LUCIO. I believe thee; for I think thou never wast where grace was said. SECOND GENTLEMAN. No? A dozen times at least. FIRST GENTLEMAN. What? in metre? LUCIO. In any proportion or in any language. FIRST GENTLEMAN. I think, or in any religion. LUCIO. Ay! why not? Grace is grace, despite of all controversy. As, for example; - thou thyself art a wicked villain, despite of all grace. FIRST GENTLEMAN. Well, there went but a pair of shears between us. LUCIO. I grant; as there may between the lists and the velvet. Thou art the list. FIRST GENTLEMAN. And thou the velvet: thou art good velvet; thou'rt a three-piled piece, I warrant thee: I had as lief be a list of an English kersey as be piled, as thou art piled, for a French velvet. Do I speak feelingly now? LUCIO. I think thou dost; and, indeed, with most painful feeling of thy speech. I will, out of thine own confession, learn to begin thy health; but, whilst I live, forget to drink after thee. FIRST GENTLEMAN. I think I have done myself wrong; have I not? SECOND GENTLEMAN. Yes, that thou hast, whether thou art tainted or free. LUCIO. Behold, behold, where Madam Mitigation comes! I have purchased as many diseases under her roof as come to - SECOND GENTLEMAN. To what, I pray? FIRST GENTLEMAN. Judge. SECOND GENTLEMAN. To three thousand dollars a year. FIRST GENTLEMAN. Ay, and more. LUCIO. A French crown more. FIRST GENTLEMAN. Thou art always figuring diseases in me, but thou art full of error; I am sound. LUCIO. Nay, not, as one would say, healthy; but so sound as things that are hollow: thy bones are hollow: impiety has made a feast of thee. [Enter BAWD.] FIRST GENTLEMAN. How now! which of your hips has the most profound sciatica? BAWD. Well, well; there's one yonder arrested and carried to prison was worth five thousand of you all. FIRST GENTLEMAN. Who's that, I pray thee? BAWD. Marry, sir, that's Claudio, Signior Claudio. FIRST GENTLEMAN. Claudio to prison! 'tis not so. BAWD. Nay, but I know 'tis so: I saw him arrested; saw him carried away; and, which is more, within these three days his head to be chopped off. LUCIO. But, after all this fooling, I would not have it so. Art thou sure of this? BAWD. I am too sure of it: and it is for getting Madam Julietta with child. LUCIO. Believe me, this may be: he promised to meet me two hours since, and he was ever precise in promise-keeping. SECOND GENTLEMAN. Besides, you know, it draws something near to the speech we had to such a purpose. FIRST GENTLEMAN. But most of all agreeing with the proclamation. LUCIO. Away; let's go learn the truth of it. [Exeunt Lucio and Gentlemen.] BAWD. Thus, what with the war, what with the sweat, what with the gallows, and what with poverty, I am custom-shrunk. How now! what's the news with you? [Enter CLOWN.] CLOWN. Yonder man is carried to prison. BAWD. Well: what has he done? CLOWN. A woman. BAWD. But what's his offence? CLOWN. Groping for trouts in a peculiar river. BAWD. What! is there a maid with child by him? CLOWN. No; but there's a woman with maid by him. You have not heard of the proclamation, have you? BAWD. What proclamation, man? CLOWN. All houses in the suburbs of Vienna must be plucked down. BAWD. And what shall become of those in the city? CLOWN. They shall stand for seed: they had gone down too, but that a wise burgher put in for them. BAWD. But shall all our houses of resort in the suburbs be pulled down? CLOWN. To the ground, mistress. BAWD. Why, here's a change indeed in the commonwealth! What shall become of me? CLOWN. Come, fear not you; good counsellors lack no clients: though you change your place you need not change your trade; I'll be your tapster still. Courage; there will be pity taken on you: you that have worn your eyes almost out in the service, you will be considered. BAWD. What's to do here, Thomas Tapster? Let's withdraw. CLOWN. Here comes Signior Claudio, led by the provost to prison: and there's Madam Juliet. [Exeunt.] Scene III. The same. [Enter PROVOST, CLAUDIO, JULIET, and Officers; LUCIO and two Gentlemen.] CLAUDIO. Fellow, why dost thou show me thus to the world? Bear me to prison, where I am committed. PROVOST. I do it not in evil disposition, But from Lord Angelo by special charge. CLAUDIO. Thus can the demi-god Authority Make us pay down for our offence by weight. - The words of heaven; - on whom it will, it will; On whom it will not, so; yet still 'tis just. LUCIO. Why, how now, Claudio, whence comes this restraint? CLAUDIO. From too much liberty, my Lucio, liberty: As surfeit is the father of much fast, So every scope by the immoderate use Turns to restraint. Our natures do pursue, - Like rats that ravin down their proper bane, - A thirsty evil; and when we drink we die. LUCIO. If I could speak so wisely under an arrest, I would send for certain of my creditors; and yet, to say the truth, I had as lief have the foppery of freedom as the morality of imprisonment. - What's thy offence, Claudio? CLAUDIO. What but to speak of would offend again. LUCIO. What, is't murder? CLAUDIO. No. LUCIO. Lechery? CLAUDIO. Call it so. PROVOST. Away, sir; you must go. CLAUDIO. One word, good friend. - Lucio, a word with you. [Takes him aside.] LUCIO. A hundred, if they'll do you any good. Is lechery so lookeed after? CLAUDIO. Thus stands it with me: - Upon a true contract I got possession of Julietta's bed: You know the lady; she is fast my wife, Save that we do the denunciation lack Of outward order;: this we came not to Only for propagation of a dower Remaining in the coffer of her friends; From whom we thought it meet to hide our love Till time had made them for us. But it chances The stealth of our most mutual entertainment, With character too gross, is writ on Juliet. LUCIO. With child, perhaps? CLAUDIO. Unhappily, even so. And the new deputy now for the duke, - Whether it be the fault and glimpse of newness, Or whether that the body public be A horse whereon the governor doth ride, Who, newly in the seat, that it may know He can command, lets it straight feel the spur: Whether the tyranny be in his place, Or in his eminence that fills it up, I stagger in. - But this new governor Awakes me all the enrolled penalties Which have, like unscour'd armour, hung by the wall So long that nineteen zodiacs have gone round And none of them been worn; and, for a name, Now puts the drowsy and neglected act Freshly on me; 'tis surely for a name. LUCIO. I warrant it is: and thy head stands so tickle on thy shoulders that a milkmaid, if she be in love, may sigh it off. Send after the duke, and appeal to him. CLAUDIO. I have done so, but he's not to be found. I pr'ythee, Lucio, do me this kind service: This day my sister should the cloister enter, And there receive her approbation: Acquaint her with the danger of my state; Implore her, in my voice, that she make friends To the strict deputy; bid herself assay him; I have great hope in that: for in her youth There is a prone and speechless dialect Such as moves men; beside, she hath prosperous art When she will play with reason and discourse, And well she can persuade. LUCIO. I pray she may; as well for the encouragement of the like, which else would stand under grievous imposition, as for the enjoying of thy life, who I would be sorry should be thus foolishly lost at a game of tick-tack. I'll to her. CLAUDIO. I thank you, good friend Lucio. LUCIO. Within two hours, - CLAUDIO. Come, officer, away. [Exeunt.] SCENE IV. A Monastery. [Enter DUKE and FRIAR THOMAS.] DUKE. No; holy father; throw away that thought; Believe not that the dribbling dart of love Can pierce a complete bosom: why I desire thee To give me secret harbour hath a purpose More grave and wrinkled than the aims and ends Of burning youth. FRIAR. May your grace speak of it? DUKE. My holy sir, none better knows than you How I have ever lov'd the life remov'd, And held in idle price to haunt assemblies Where youth, and cost, a witless bravery keeps. I have deliver'd to Lord Angelo, - A man of stricture and firm abstinence, - My absolute power and place here in Vienna, And he supposes me travell'd to Poland; For so I have strew'd it in the common ear, And so it is received. Now, pious sir, You will demand of me why I do this? FRIAR. Gladly, my lord. DUKE. We have strict statutes and most biting laws, - The needful bits and curbs to headstrong steeds, - Which for this fourteen years we have let sleep, Even like an o'ergrown lion in a cave, That goes not out to prey. Now, as fond fathers, Having bound up the threat'ning twigs of birch, Only to stick it in their children's sight For terror, not to use, in time the rod Becomes more mock'd than fear'd; so our decrees, Dead to infliction, to themselves are dead; And liberty plucks justice by the nose; The baby beats the nurse, and quite athwart Goes all decorum. FRIAR. It rested in your grace To unloose this tied-up justice when you pleas'd; And it in you more dreadful would have seem'd Than in Lord Angelo. DUKE. I do fear, too dreadful: Sith 'twas my fault to give the people scope, 'Twould be my tyranny to strike and gall them For what I bid them do: for we bid this be done When evil deeds have their permissive pass And not the punishment. Therefore, indeed, my father, I have on Angelo impos'd the office; Who may, in the ambush of my name, strike home, And yet my nature never in the fight To do in slander. And to behold his sway, I will, as 'twere a brother of your order, Visit both prince and people: therefore, I pr'ythee, Supply me with the habit, and instruct me How I may formally in person bear me Like a true friar. Moe reasons for this action At our more leisure shall I render you; Only, this one: - Lord Angelo is precise; Stands at a guard with envy; scarce confesses That his blood flows, or that his appetite Is more to bread than stone: hence shall we see, If power change purpose, what our seemers be. [Exeunt.] SCENE V. A Nunnery. [Enter ISABELLA and FRANCISCA.] ISABELLA. And have you nuns no further privileges? FRANCISCA. Are not these large enough? ISABELLA. Yes, truly; I speak not as desiring more, But rather wishing a more strict restraint Upon the sisterhood, the votarists of Saint Clare. LUCIO. [Within.] Ho! Peace be in this place! ISABELLA. Who's that which calls? FRANCISCA. It is a man's voice. Gentle Isabella, Turn you the key, and know his business of him; You may, I may not; you are yet unsworn: When you have vow'd, you must not speak with men But in the presence of the prioress; Then, if you speak, you must not show your face; Or, if you show your face, you must not speak. He calls again; I pray you answer him. [Exit FRANCISCA.] ISABELLA. Peace and prosperity! Who is't that calls? [Enter LUCIO.] LUCIO. Hail, virgin, if you be; as those cheek-roses Proclaim you are no less! Can you so stead me As bring me to the sight of Isabella, A novice of this place, and the fair sister To her unhappy brother Claudio? ISABELLA. Why her unhappy brother? let me ask; The rather, for I now must make you know I am that Isabella, and his sister. LUCIO. Gentle and fair, your brother kindly greets you: Not to be weary with you, he's in prison. ISABELLA. Woe me! For what? LUCIO. For that which, if myself might be his judge, He should receive his punishment in thanks: He hath got his friend with child. ISABELLA. Sir, make me not your story. LUCIO. It is true. I would not - though 'tis my familiar sin With maids to seem the lapwing, and to jest, Tongue far from heart - play with all virgins so: I hold you as a thing ensky'd and sainted; By your renouncement an immortal spirit; And to be talk'd with in sincerity, As with a saint. ISABELLA. You do blaspheme the good in mocking me. LUCIO. Do not believe it. Fewness and truth, 'tis thus: Your brother and his lover have embraced: As those that feed grow full: as blossoming time, That from the seedness the bare fallow brings To teeming foison; even so her plenteous womb Expresseth his full tilth and husbandry. ISABELLA. Some one with child by him? - My cousin Juliet? LUCIO. Is she your cousin? ISABELLA. Adoptedly, as school-maids change their names By vain though apt affection. LUCIO. She it is. ISABELLA. O, let him marry her! LUCIO. This is the point. The duke is very strangely gone from hence; Bore many gentlemen, myself being one, In hand, and hope of action: but we do learn By those that know the very nerves of state, His givings out were of an infinite distance From his true-meant design. Upon his place, And with full line of his authority, Governs Lord Angelo: a man whose blood Is very snow-broth; one who never feels The wanton stings and motions of the sense. But doth rebate and blunt his natural edge With profits of the mind, study, and fast. He, - to give fear to use and liberty, Which have for long run by the hideous law, As mice by lions, - hath pick'd out an act, Under whose heavy sense your brother's life Falls into forfeit: he arrests him on it; And follows close the rigour of the statute To make him an example; all hope is gone. Unless you have the grace by your fair prayer To soften Angelo: and that's my pith Of business 'twixt you and your poor brother. ISABELLA. Doth he so seek his life? LUCIO. Has censur'd him Already; and, as I hear, the provost hath A warrant for his execution. ISABELLA. Alas! what poor ability's in me To do him good. LUCIO. Assay the power you have. ISABELLA. My power! alas, I doubt, - LUCIO. Our doubts are traitors, And make us lose the good we oft might win By fearing to attempt. Go to Lord Angelo, And let him learn to know, when maidens sue, Men give like gods; but when they weep and kneel, All their petitions are as freely theirs As they themselves would owe them. ISABELLA. I'll see what I can do. LUCIO. But speedily. ISABELLA. I will about it straight; No longer staying but to give the Mother Notice of my affair. I humbly thank you: Commend me to my brother: soon at night I'll send him certain word of my success. LUCIO. I take my leave of you. ISABELLA. Good sir, adieu. [Exeunt.] ACT II. Scene I. A hall in ANGELO'S house. [Enter ANGELO, ESCALUS, a JUSTICE, PROVOST, Officers, and other Attendants.] ANGELO. We must not make a scarecrow of the law, Setting it up to fear the birds of prey, And let it keep one shape till custom make it Their perch, and not their terror. ESCALUS. Ay, but yet Let us be keen, and rather cut a little Than fall and bruise to death. Alas! this gentleman, Whom I would save, had a most noble father. Let but your honour know, - Whom I believe to be most strait in virtue, - That, in the working of your own affections, Had time coher'd with place, or place with wishing, Or that the resolute acting of your blood Could have attain'd the effect of your own purpose, Whether you had not sometime in your life Err'd in this point which now you censure him, And pull'd the law upon you. ANGELO. 'Tis one thing to be tempted, Escalus, Another thing to fall. I not deny The jury, passing on the prisoner's life, May, in the sworn twelve, have a thief or two Guiltier than him they try. What's open made to justice, That justice seizes. What knows the laws That thieves do pass on thieves? 'Tis very pregnant, The jewel that we find, we stoop and take it, Because we see it; but what we do not see We tread upon, and never think of it. You may not so extenuate his offence For I have had such faults; but rather tell me, When I, that censure him, do so offend, Let mine own judgment pattern out my death, And nothing come in partial. Sir, he must die. ESCALUS. Be it as your wisdom will. ANGELO. Where is the provost? PROVOST. Here, if it like your honour. ANGELO. See that Claudio Be executed by nine to-morrow morning: Bring him his confessor; let him be prepard; For that's the utmost of his pilgrimage. [Exit PROVOST.] ESCALUS. Well, heaven forgive him! and forgive us all! Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall: Some run from brakes of vice, and answer none, And some condemned for a fault alone. [Enter ELBOW, FROTH, CLOWN, Officers, &c.] ELBOW. Come, bring them away: if these be good people in a commonweal that do nothing but use their abuses in common houses, I know no law; bring them away. ANGELO. How now, sir! What's your name? and what's the matter? ELBOW. If it please your honour, I am the poor duke's constable, and my name is Elbow; I do lean upon justice, sir, and do bring in here before your good honour two notorious benefactors. ANGELO. Benefactors! Well; what benefactors are they? are they not malefactors? ELBOW. If it please your honour, I know not well what they are; but precise villains they are, that I am sure of; and void of all profanation in the world that good Christians ought to have. ESCALUS. This comes off well; here's a wise officer. ANGELO. Go to; - what quality are they of? Elbow is your name? Why dost thou not speak, Elbow? CLOWN. He cannot, sir; he's out at elbow. ANGELO. What are you, sir? ELBOW. He, sir? a tapster, sir; parcel-bawd; one that serves a bad woman; whose house, sir, was, as they say, plucked down in the suburbs; and now she professes a hot-house, which, I think, is a very ill house too. ESCALUS. How know you that? ELBOW. My wfe, sir, whom I detest before heaven and your honour, - ESCALUS. How! thy wife! ELBOW. Ay, sir; who, I thank heaven, is an honest woman, - ESCALUS. Dost thou detest her therefore? ELBOW. I say, sir, I will detest myself also, as well as she, that this house, if it be not a bawd's house, it is pity of her life, for it is a naughty house. ESCALUS. How dost thou know that, constable? ELBOW. Marry, sir, by my wife; who, if she had been a woman cardinally given, might have been accused in fornication, adultery, and all uncleanliness there. ESCALUS. By the woman's means? ELBOW. Ay, sir, by Mistress Overdone's means: but as she spit in his face, so she defied him. CLOWN. Sir, if it please your honour, this is not so. ELBOW. Prove it before these varlets here, thou honourable man, prove it. ESCALUS. [To ANGELO.] Do you hear how he misplaces? CLOWN. Sir, she came in great with child; and longing, - saving your honour's reverence - for stew'd prunes; sir, we had but two in the house, which at that very distant time stood, as it were, in a fruit dish, a dish of some threepence; your honours have seen such dishes; they are not China dishes, but very good dishes. ESCALUS. Go to, go to; no matter for the dish, sir. CLOWN. No, indeed, sir, not of a pin; you are therein in the right; but to the point. As I say, this Mistress Elbow, being, as I say, with child, and being great-bellied, and longing, as I said, for prunes; and having but two in the dish, as I said, Master Froth here, this very man, having eaten the rest, as I said, and, as I say, paying for them very honestly; - for, as you know, Master Froth, I could not give you threepence again, - FROTH. No, indeed. CLOWN. Very well; you being then, if you be remember'd, cracking the stones of the foresaid prunes, - FROTH. Ay, so I did indeed. CLOWN. Why, very well: I telling you then, if you be remember'd, that such a one and such a one were past cure of the thing you wot of, unless they kept very good diet, as I told you, - FROTH. All this is true. CLOWN. Why, very well then. ESCALUS. Come, you are a tedious fool: to the purpose. What was done to Elbow's wife that he hath cause to complain of? Come me to what was done to her. CLOWN. Sir, your honour cannot come to that yet. ESCALUS. No, sir, nor I mean it not. CLOWN. Sir, but you shall come to it, by your honour's leave. And, I beseech you, look into Master Froth here, sir, a man of fourscore pound a-year; whose father died at Hallowmas: - was't not at Hallowmas, Master Froth? FROTH. All-hallond eve. CLOWN. Why, very well; I hope here be truths: He, sir, sitting, as I say, in a lower chair, sir; - 'twas in the 'Bunch of Grapes', where, indeed, you have a delight to sit, have you not? - FROTH. I have so; because it is an open room, and good for winter. CLOWN. Why, very well then; - I hope here be truths. ANGELO. This will last out a night in Russia, When nights are longest there: I'll take my leave, And leave you to the hearing of the cause; Hoping you'll find good cause to whip them all. ESCALUS. I think no less. Good morrow to your lordship. [Exit ANGELO.] Now, sir, come on; what was done to Elbow's wife, once more? CLOWN. Once, sir? there was nothing done to her once. ELBOW. I beseech you, sir, ask him what this man did to my wife. CLOWN. I beseech your honour, ask me. ESCALUS. Well, sir: what did this gentleman to her? CLOWN. I beseech you, sir, look in this gentleman's face. - Good Master Froth, look upon his honour; 'tis for a good purpose. - Doth your honour mark his face? ESCALUS. Ay, sir, very well. CLOWN. Nay, I beseech you, mark it well. ESCALUS. Well, I do so. CLOWN. Doth your honour see any harm in his face? ESCALUS. Why, no. CLOWN. I'll be supposed upon a book his face is the worst thing about him. Good then; if his face be the worst thing about him, how could Master Froth do the constable's wife any harm? I would know that of your honour. ESCALUS. He's in the right. Constable, what say you to it? ELBOW. First, an it like you, the house is a respected house; next, this is a respected fellow; and his mistress is a respected woman. CLOWN. By this hand, sir, his wife is a more respected person than any of us all. ELBOW. Varlet, thou liest; thou liest, wicked varlet: the time is yet to come that she was ever respected with man, woman, or child. CLOWN. Sir, she was respected with him before he married with her. ESCALUS. Which is the wiser here, Justice or Iniquity? - is this true? ELBOW. O thou caitiff! O thou varlet! O thou wicked Hannibal! I respected with her before I was married to her? If ever I was respected with her, or she with me, let not your worship think me the poor duke's officer. - Prove this, thou wicked Hannibal, or I'll have mine action of battery on thee. ESCALUS. If he took you a box o' th' ear, you might have your action of slander too. ELBOW. Marry, I thank your good worship for it. What is't your worship's pleasure I should do with this wicked caitiff? ESCALUS. Truly, officer, because he hath some offences in him that thou wouldst discover if thou couldst, let him continue in his courses till thou knowest what they are. ELBOW. Marry, I thank your worship for it. - Thou seest, thou wicked varlet, now, what's come upon thee; thou art to continue now, thou varlet; thou art to continue. ESCALUS. [To FROTH.] Where were you born, friend? FROTH. Here in Vienna, sir. ESCALUS. Are you of fourscore pounds a-year? FROTH. Yes, an't please you, sir. ESCALUS. So. - [To the CLOWN.] What trade are you of, sir? CLOWN. A tapster; a poor widow's tapster. ESCALUS. Your mistress' name? CLOWN. Mistress Overdone. ESCALUS. Hath she had any more than one husband? CLOWN. Nine, sir; Overdone by the last. ESCALUS. Nine! - Come hither to me, Master Froth. Master Froth, I would not have you acquainted with tapsters: they will draw you, Master Froth, and you will hang them. Get you gone, and let me hear no more of you. FROTH. I thank your worship. For mine own part, I never come into any room in a taphouse but I am drawn in. ESCALUS. Well, no more of it, Master Froth: farewell. [Exit FROTH.] - Come you hither to me, master tapster; what's your name, master tapster? CLOWN. Pompey. ESCALUS. What else? CLOWN. Bum, sir. ESCALUS. 'Troth, and your bum is the greatest thing about you; so that, in the beastliest sense, you are Pompey the great. Pompey, you are partly a bawd, Pompey, howsoever you colour it in being a tapster. Are you not? come, tell me true; it shall be the better for you. CLOWN. Truly, sir, I am a poor fellow that would live. ESCALUS. How would you live, Pompey? by being a bawd? What do you think of the trade, Pompey? is it a lawful trade? CLOWN. If the law would allow it, sir. ESCALUS. But the law will not allow it, Pompey: nor it shall not be allowed in Vienna. CLOWN. Does your worship mean to geld and splay all the youth of the city? ESCALUS. No, Pompey. CLOWN. Truly, sir, in my poor opinion, they will to't then. If your worship will take order for the drabs and the knaves, you need not to fear the bawds. ESCALUS. There is pretty orders beginning, I can tell you. It is but heading and hanging. CLOWN. If you head and hang all that offend that way but for ten year together, you'll be glad to give out a commission for more heads. If this law hold in Vienna ten year, I'll rent the fairest house in it, after threepence a bay. If you live to see this come to pass, say Pompey told you so. ESCALUS. Thank you, good Pompey; and, in requital of your prophecy, hark you, - I advise you, let me not find you before me again upon any complaint whatsoever, no, not for dwelling where you do; if I do, Pompey, I shall beat you to your tent, and prove a shrewd Caesar to you; in plain dealing, Pompey, I shall have you whipt: so for this time, Pompey, fare you well. CLOWN. I thank your worship for your good counsel; but I shall follow it as the flesh and fortune shall better determine. Whip me? No, no; let carman whip his jade; The valiant heart's not whipt out of his trade. [Exit.] ESCALUS. Come hither to me, Master Elbow; come hither, Master Constable. How long have you been in this place of constable? ELBOW. Seven year and a half, sir. ESCALUS. I thought, by the readiness in the office, you had continued in it some time. You say seven years together? ELBOW. And a half, sir. ESCALUS. Alas, it hath been great pains to you! - They do you wrong to put you so oft upon't. Are there not men in your ward sufficient to serve it? ELBOW. Faith, sir, few of any wit in such matters: as they are chosen, they are glad to choose me for them; I do it for some piece of money, and go through with all. ESCALUS. Look you, bring me in the names of some six or seven, the most sufficient of your parish. ELBOW. To your worship's house, sir? ESCALUS. To my house. Fare you well. [Exit ELBOW.] What's o'clock, think you? JUSTICE. Eleven, sir. ESCALUS. I pray you home to dinner with me. JUSTICE. I humbly thank you. ESCALUS. It grieves me for the death of Claudio; But there's no remedy. JUSTICE. Lord Angelo is severe. ESCALUS. It is but needful: Mercy is not itself that oft looks so; Pardon is still the nurse of second woe: But yet, - Poor Claudio! - There's no remedy. Come, sir. [Exeunt.] SCENE II. Another room in the same. [Enter PROVOST and a SERVANT.] SERVANT. He's hearing of a cause; he will come straight. I'll tell him of you. PROVOST. Pray you do. [Exit Servant.] I'll know His pleasure; may be he will relent. Alas, He hath but as offended in a dream! All sects, all ages, smack of this vice; and he To die for it! [Enter ANGELO.] ANGELO. Now, what's the matter, provost? PROVOST. Is it your will Claudio shall die to-morrow? ANGELO. Did not I tell thee yea? hadst thou not order? Why dost thou ask again? PROVOST. Lest I might be too rash: Under your good correction, I have seen When, after execution, judgment hath Repented o'er his doom. ANGELO. Go to; let that be mine: Do you your office, or give up your place, And you shall well be spared. PROVOST. I crave your honour's pardon: What shall be done, sir, with the groaning Juliet? She's very near her hour. ANGELO. Dispose of her To some more fitter place; and that with speed. [Re-enter Servant.] SERVANT. Here is the sister of the man condemned Desires access to you. ANGELO. Hath he a sister? PROVOST. Ay, my good lord; a very virtuous maid, And to be shortly of a sisterhood, If not already. ANGELO. Well, let her be admitted. [Exit Servant.] See you the fornicatress be remov'd; Let her have needful but not lavish means; There shall be order for it. [Enter Lucio and ISABELLA.] PROVOST. [Offering to retire.] Save your honour! ANGELO. Stay a little while. - [To ISABELLA.] You are welcome. What's your will? ISABELLA. I am a woeful suitor to your honour, Please but your honour hear me. ANGELO. Well; what's your suit? ISABELLA. There is a vice that most I do abhor, And most desire should meet the blow of justice; For which I would not plead, but that I must; For which I must not plead, but that I am At war 'twixt will and will not. ANGELO. Well; the matter? ISABELLA. I have a brother is condemn'd to die; I do beseech you, let it be his fault, And not my brother. PROVOST. Heaven give thee moving graces. ANGELO. Condemn the fault and not the actor of it! Why, every fault's condemn'd ere it be done; Mine were the very cipher of a function, To find the faults whose fine stands in record, And let go by the actor. ISABELLA. O just but severe law! I had a brother, then. - Heaven keep your honour! [Retiring.] LUCIO. [To ISABELLA.] Give't not o'er so: to him again, entreat him; Kneel down before him, hang upon his gown; You are too cold: if you should need a pin, You could not with more tame a tongue desire it: To him, I say. ISABELLA. Must he needs die? ANGELO. Maiden, no remedy. ISABELLA. Yes; I do think that you might pardon him, And neither heaven nor man grieve at the mercy. ANGELO. I will not do't. ISABELLA. But can you, if you would? ANGELO. Look, what I will not, that I cannot do. ISABELLA. But might you do't, and do the world no wrong, If so your heart were touch'd with that remorse As mine is to him? ANGELO. He's sentenc'd; 'tis too late. LUCIO. [To ISABELLA.] You are too cold. ISABELLA. Too late? Why, no; I, that do speak a word, May call it back again. Well, believe this, No ceremony that to great ones 'longs, Not the king's crown nor the deputed sword, The marshal's truncheon nor the judge's robe, Become them with one half so good a grace As mercy does. If he had been as you, and you as he, You would have slipp'd like him; But he, like you, would not have been so stern. ANGELO. Pray you, be gone. ISABELLA. I would to heaven I had your potency, And you were Isabel! should it then be thus? No; I would tell what 'twere to be a judge And what a prisoner. LUCIO. [Aside.] Ay, touch him; there's the vein. ANGELO. Your brother is a forfeit of the law, And you but waste your words. ISABELLA. Alas! alas! Why, all the souls that were were forfeit once; And He that might the vantage best have took Found out the remedy. How would you be If He, which is the top of judgment, should But judge you as you are? O, think on that; And mercy then will breathe within your lips, Like man new made. ANGELO. Be you content, fair maid: It is the law, not I, condemns your brother: Were he my kinsman, brother, or my son, It should be thus with him; - he must die to-morrow. ISABELLA. To-morrow! O, that's sudden! Spare him, spare him! He's not prepared for death. Even for our kitchens We kill the fowl of season: shall we serve heaven With less respect than we do minister To our gross selves? Good, good my lord, bethink you: Who is it that hath died for this offence? There's many have committed it. LUCIO. Ay, well said. ANGELO. The law hath not been dead, though it hath slept: Those many had not dared to do that evil If the first that did the edict infringe Had answer'd for his deed: now 'tis awake; Takes note of what is done; and, like a prophet, Looks in a glass that shows what future evils, - Either now, or by remissness new conceiv'd, And so in progress to be hatch'd and born, - Are now to have no successive degrees, But, where they live, to end. ISABELLA. Yet show some pity. ANGELO. I show it most of all when I show justice; For then I pity those I do not know, Which a dismiss'd offence would after gall, And do him right that, answering one foul wrong, Lives not to act another. Be satisfied; Your brother dies to-morrow; be content. ISABELLA. So you must be the first that gives this sentence; And he that suffers. O, it is excellent To have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous To use it like a giant. LUCIO. That's well said. ISABELLA. Could great men thunder As Jove himself does, Jove would ne'er be quiet, For every pelting petty officer Would use his heaven for thunder: nothing but thunder. - Merciful Heaven! Thou rather, with thy sharp and sulphurous bolt, Splits the unwedgeable and gnarled oak Than the soft myrtle; but man, proud man! Dress'd in a little brief authority, - Most ignorant of what he's most assured, His glassy essence, - like an angry ape, Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven As makes the angels weep; who, with our spleens, Would all themselves laugh mortal. LUCIO. O, to him, to him, wench: he will relent; He's coming; I perceive 't. PROVOST. Pray heaven she win him! ISABELLA. We cannot weigh our brother with ourself: Great men may jest with saints: 'tis wit in them; But, in the less, foul profanation. LUCIO. Thou'rt i' the right, girl; more o' that. ISABELLA. That in the captain's but a choleric word Which in the soldier is flat blasphemy. LUCIO. Art advised o' that? more on't. ANGELO. Why do you put these sayings upon me? ISABELLA. Because authority, though it err like others, Hath yet a kind of medicine in itself That skins the vice o' the top. Go to your bosom; Knock there; and ask your heart what it doth know That's like my brother's fault: if it confess A natural guiltiness such as is his, Let it not sound a thought upon your tongue Against my brother's life. ANGELO. She speaks, and 'tis Such sense that my sense breeds with it. - Fare you well. ISABELLA. Gentle my lord, turn back. ANGELO. I will bethink me: - Come again to-morrow. ISABELLA. Hark how I'll bribe you. Good my lord, turn back. ANGELO. How! bribe me? ISABELLA. Ay, with such gifts that heaven shall share with you. LUCIO. You had marr'd all else. ISABELLA. Not with fond shekels of the tested gold, Or stones, whose rates are either rich or poor As fancy values them: but with true prayers, That shall be up at heaven, and enter there, Ere sunrise: prayers from preserved souls, From fasting maids, whose minds are dedicate To nothing temporal. ANGELO. Well; come to me To-morrow. LUCIO. [Aside to ISABELLA.] Go to; 'tis well; away. ISABELLA. Heaven keep your honour safe! ANGELO. [Aside.] Amen: for I Am that way going to temptation, Where prayers cross. ISABELLA. At what hour to-morrow Shall I attend your lordship? ANGELO. At any time 'fore noon. ISABELLA. Save your honour! [Exeunt LUCIO, ISABELLA, PROVOST.] ANGELO. From thee; even from thy virtue! - What's this, what's this? Is this her fault or mine? The tempter or the tempted, who sins most? Ha! Not she; nor doth she tempt; but it is I That, lying by the violet, in the sun Do, as the carrion does, not as the flower, Corrupt with virtuous season. Can it be That modesty may more betray our sense Than woman's lightness? Having waste ground enough, Shall we desire to raze the sanctuary, And pitch our evils there? O, fie, fie, fie! What dost thou? or what art thou, Angelo? Dost thou desire her foully for those things That make her good? O, let her brother live; Thieves for their robbery have authority When judges steal themselves. What! do I love her, That I desire to hear her speak again And feast upon her eyes? What is't I dream on? O cunning enemy, that, to catch a saint, With saints dost bait thy hook! Most dangerous Is that temptation that doth goad us on To sin in loving virtue: never could the strumpet, With all her double vigour, art, and nature, Once stir my temper; but this virtuous maid Subdues me quite. - Ever till now, When men were fond, I smil'd and wonder'd how. [Exit.] SCENE III. A Room in a prison. [Enter DUKE, habited like a Friar, and PROVOST.] DUKE. Hail to you, provost! so I think you are. PROVOST. I am the provost. What's your will, good friar? DUKE. Bound by my charity and my bless'd order, I come to visit the afflicted spirits Here in the prison: do me the common right To let me see them, and to make me know The nature of their crimes, that I may minister To them accordingly. PROVOST. I would do more than that, if more were needful. [Enter JULIET.] Look, here comes one; a gentlewoman of mine, Who, falling in the flaws of her own youth, Hath blister'd her report. She is with child; And he that got it, sentenc'd: a young man More fit to do another such offence Than die for this. DUKE. When must he die? PROVOST. As I do think, to-morrow. - [To JULIET.] I have provided for you; stay awhile And you shall be conducted. DUKE. Repent you, fair one, of the sin you carry? JULIET. I do; and bear the shame most patiently. DUKE. I'll teach you how you shall arraign your conscience, And try your penitence, if it be sound Or hollowly put on. JULIET. I'll gladly learn. DUKE. Love you the man that wrong'd you? JULIET. Yes, as I love the woman that wrong'd him. DUKE. So then, it seems, your most offenceful act Was mutually committed. JULIET. Mutually. DUKE. Then was your sin of heavier kind than his. JULIET. I do confess it, and repent it, father. DUKE. 'Tis meet so, daughter: but lest you do repent As that the sin hath brought you to this shame, - Which sorrow is always toward ourselves, not heaven, Showing we would not spare heaven as we love it, But as we stand in fear, - JULIET. I do repent me as it is an evil, And take the shame with joy. DUKE. There rest. Your partner, as I hear, must die to-morrow, And I am going with instruction to him. - Grace go with you! DUKE. Benedicite! [Exit.] JULIET. Must die to-morrow! O, injurious law, That respites me a life whose very comfort Is still a dying horror! PROVOST. 'Tis pity of him. [Exeunt.] SCENE IV. A Room in ANGELO'S house. [Enter ANGELO.] ANGELO. When I would pray and think, I think and pray To several subjects. Heaven hath my empty words; Whilst my invention, hearing not my tongue, Anchors on Isabel: Heaven in my mouth, As if I did but only chew his name; And in my heart the strong and swelling evil Of my conception. The state whereon I studied Is, like a good thing, being often read, Grown sear'd and tedious; yea, my gravity, Wherein - let no man hear me - I take pride, Could I with boot change for an idle plume, Which the air beats for vain. O place! O form! How often dost thou with thy case, thy habit, Wrench awe from fools, and tie the wiser souls To thy false seeming! Blood, thou art blood: Let's write good angel on the devil's horn, 'Tis not the devil's crest. [Enter Servant.] How now, who's there? SERVANT. One Isabel, a sister, desires access to you. ANGELO. Teach her the way. [Exit SERVANT.] O heavens! Why does my blood thus muster to my heart, Making both it unable for itself And dispossessing all the other parts Of necessary fitness? So play the foolish throngs with one that swoons; Come all to help him, and so stop the air By which he should revive: and even so The general, subject to a well-wished king Quit their own part, and in obsequious fondness Crowd to his presence, where their untaught love Must needs appear offence. [Enter ISABELLA.] How now, fair maid? ISABELLA. I am come to know your pleasure. ANGELO. That you might know it, would much better please me Than to demand what 'tis. Your brother cannot live. ISABELLA. Even so? - Heaven keep your honour! [Retiring.] ANGELO. Yet may he live awhile: and, it may be, As long as you or I: yet he must die. ISABELLA. Under your sentence? ANGELO. Yea. ISABELLA. When? I beseech you? that in his reprieve, Longer or shorter, he may be so fitted That his soul sicken not. ANGELO. Ha! Fie, these filthy vices! It were as good To pardon him that hath from nature stolen A man already made, as to remit Their saucy sweetness that do coin heaven's image In stamps that are forbid; 'tis all as easy Falsely to take away a life true made As to put metal in restrained means To make a false one. ISABELLA. 'Tis set down so in heaven, but not in earth. ANGELO. Say you so? then I shall pose you quickly. Which had you rather, - that the most just law Now took your brother's life; or, to redeem him, Give up your body to such sweet uncleanness As she that he hath stain'd? ISABELLA. Sir, believe this, I had rather give my body than my soul. ANGELO. I talk not of your soul; our compell'd sins Stand more for number than for accompt. ISABELLA. How say you? ANGELO. Nay, I'll not warrant that; for I can speak Against the thing I say. Answer to this; - I, now the voice of the recorded law, Pronounce a sentence on your brother's life: Might there not be a charity in sin, To save this brother's life? ISABELLA. Please you to do't, I'll take it as a peril to my soul It is no sin at all, but charity. ANGELO. Pleas'd you to do't at peril of your soul, Were equal poise of sin and charity. ISABELLA. That I do beg his life, if it be sin, Heaven let me bear it! You granting of my suit, If that be sin, I'll make it my morn prayer To have it added to the faults of mine, And nothing of your answer. ANGELO. Nay, but hear me: Your sense pursues not mine: either you are ignorant Or seem so, craftily; and that's not good. ISABELLA. Let me be ignorant, and in nothing good But graciously to know I am no better. ANGELO. Thus wisdom wishes to appear most bright When it doth tax itself: as these black masks Proclaim an enshielded beauty ten times louder Than beauty could, displayed. - But mark me; To be received plain, I'll speak more gross: Your brother is to die. ISABELLA. So. ANGELO. And his offence is so, as it appears, Accountant to the law upon that pain. ISABELLA. True. ANGELO. Admit no other way to save his life, - As I subscribe not that, nor any other, But, in the loss of question, - that you, his sister, Finding yourself desir'd of such a person, Whose credit with the judge, or own great place, Could fetch your brother from the manacles Of the all-binding law; and that there were No earthly mean to save him but that either You must lay down the treasures of your body To this suppos'd, or else to let him suffer; What would you do? ISABELLA. As much for my poor brother as myself: That is, were I under the terms of death, The impression of keen whips I'd wear as rubies, And strip myself to death, as to a bed That longing have been sick for, ere I'd yield My body up to shame. ANGELO. Then must your brother die. ISABELLA. And 'twere the cheaper way: Better it were a brother died at once Than that a sister, by redeeming him, Should die for ever. ANGELO. Were not you, then, as cruel as the sentence That you have slandered so? ISABELLA. Ignominy in ransom and free pardon Are of two houses; lawful mercy Is nothing kin to foul redemption. ANGELO. You seem'd of late to make the law a tyrant; And rather prov'd the sliding of your brother A merriment than a vice. ISABELLA. O, pardon me, my lord! It oft falls out, To have what we would have, we speak not what we mean: I something do excuse the thing I hate For his advantage that I dearly love. ANGELO. We are all frail. ISABELLA. Else let my brother die, If not a feodary, but only he, Owe, and succeed by weakness. ANGELO. Nay, women are frail too. ISABELLA. Ay, as the glasses where they view themselves; Which are as easy broke as they make forms. Women! Help heaven! men their creation mar In profiting by them. Nay, call us ten times frail; For we are soft as our complexions are, And credulous to false prints. ANGELO. I think it well: And from this testimony of your own sex, - Since, I suppose, we are made to be no stronger Than faults may shake our frames, - let me be bold; - I do arrest your words. Be that you are, That is, a woman; if you be more, you're none; If you be one, - as you are well express'd By all external warrants, - show it now By putting on the destin'd livery. ISABELLA. I have no tongue but one: gentle, my lord, Let me intreat you, speak the former language. ANGELO. Plainly conceive, I love you. ISABELLA. My brother did love Juliet; and you tell me That he shall die for it. ANGELO. He shall not, Isabel, if you give me love. ISABELLA. I know your virtue hath a license in't, Which seems a little fouler than it is, To pluck on others. ANGELO. Believe me, on mine honour, My words express my purpose. ISABELLA. Ha! little honour to be much believed, And most pernicious purpose! - Seeming, seeming! - I will proclaim thee, Angelo; look for't: Sign me a present pardon for my brother Or, with an outstretch'd throat, I'll tell the world Aloud what man thou art. ANGELO. Who will believe thee, Isabel? My unsoil'd name, th' austereness of my life, My vouch against you, and my place i' the state, Will so your accusation overweigh That you shall stifle in your own report, And smell of calumny. I have begun, And now I give my sensual race the rein: Fit thy consent to my sharp appetite; Lay by all nicety and prolixious blushes That banish what they sue for: redeem thy brother By yielding up thy body to my will; Or else he must not only die the death, But thy unkindness shall his death draw out To lingering sufferance: answer me to-morrow, Or, by the affection that now guides me most, I'll prove a tyrant to him. As for you, Say what you can, my false o'erweighs your true. [Exit.] ISABELLA. To whom should I complain? Did tell this, Who would believe me? O perilous mouths That bear in them one and the self-same tongue Either of condemnation or approof! Bidding the law make court'sy to their will; Hooking both right and wrong to the appetite, To follow as it draws! I'll to my brother: Though he hath fallen by prompture of the blood, Yet hath he in him such a mind of honour That, had he twenty heads to tender down On twenty bloody blocks, he'd yield them up Before his sister should her body stoop To such abhorr'd pollution. Then, Isabel, live chaste, and, brother, die: More than our brother is our chastity. I'll tell him yet of Angelo's request, And fit his mind to death, for his soul's rest. [Exit.] ACT III. SCENE I. A Room in the prison. [Enter DUKE, CLAUDIO, and PROVOST.] DUKE. So, then you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo? CLAUDIO. The miserable have no other medicine But only hope: I have hope to live, and am prepar'd to die. DUKE. Be absolute for death; either death or life Shall thereby be the sweeter. Reason thus with life, - If I do lose thee, I do lose a thing That none but fools would keep: a breath thou art, Servile to all the skiey influences, That dost this habitation, where thou keep'st Hourly afflict; mere'y, thou art death's fool; For him thou labour'st by thy flight to shun, And yet runn'st toward him still. Thou art not noble; For all the accommodations that thou bear'st Are nurs'd by baseness. Thou art by no means valiant; For thou dost fear the soft and tender fork Of a poor worm. Thy best of rest is sleep, And that thou oft provok'st; yet grossly fear'st Thy death, which is no more. Thou art not thyself: For thou exist'st on many a thousand grains That issue out of dust. Happy thou art not; For what thou hast not, still thou striv'st to get; And what thou hast, forgett'st. Thou art not certain; For thy complexion shifts to strange effects, After the moon. If thou art rich, thou art poor; For, like an ass whose back with ingots bows, Thou bear'st thy heavy riches but a journey, And death unloads thee. Friend hast thou none; For thine own bowels, which do call thee sire, The mere effusion of thy proper loins, Do curse the gout, serpigo, and the rheum, For ending thee no sooner. Thou hast nor youth nor age, But, as it were, an after-dinner's sleep, Dreaming on both: for all thy blessed youth Becomes as aged, and doth beg the alms Of palsied eld; and when thou art old and rich Thou hast neither heat, affection, limb, nor beauty, To make thy riches pleasant. What's yet in this That bears the name of life? Yet in this life Lie hid more thousand deaths: yet death we fear, That makes these odds all even. CLAUDIO. I humbly thank you. To sue to live, I find I seek to die; And, seeking death, find life. Let it come on. ISABELLA. [Within.] What, ho! Peace here; grace and good company! PROVOST. Who's there? come in: the wish deserves a welcome. DUKE. Dear sir, ere long I'll visit you again. CLAUDIO. Most holy sir, I thank you. [Enter ISABELLA.] ISABELLA. My business is a word or two with Claudio. PROVOST. And very welcome. Look, signior, here's your sister. DUKE. Provost, a word with you. PROVOST. As many as you please. DUKE. Bring me to hear them speak, where I may be conceal'd. [Exeunt DUKE and PROVOST.] CLAUDIO. Now, sister, what's the comfort? ISABELLA. Why, As all comforts are; most good, most good, in deed: Lord Angelo, having affairs to heaven, Intends you for his swift ambassador, Where you shall be an everlasting leiger: Therefore, your best appointment make with speed; To-morrow you set on. CLAUDIO. Is there no remedy? ISABELLA. None, but such remedy as, to save a head, To cleave a heart in twain. CLAUDIO. But is there any? ISABELLA. Yes, brother, you may live: There is a devilish mercy in the judge, If you'll implore it, that will free your life, But fetter you till death. CLAUDIO. Perpetual durance? ISABELLA. Ay, just; perpetual durance; a restraint, Though all the world's vastidity you had, To a determin'd scope. CLAUDIO. But in what nature? ISABELLA. In such a one as, you consenting to't, Would bark your honour from that trunk you bear, And leave you naked. CLAUDIO. Let me know the point. ISABELLA. O, I do fear thee, Claudio; and I quake, Lest thou a feverous life shouldst entertain, And six or seven winters more respect Than a perpetual honour. Dar'st thou die? The sense of death is most in apprehension; And the poor beetle that we tread upon In corporal sufferance finds a pang as great As when a giant dies. CLAUDIO. Why give you me this shame? Think you I can a resolution fetch From flowery tenderness? If I must die, I will encounter darkness as a bride And hug it in mine arms. ISABELLA. There spake my brother; there my father's grave Did utter forth a voice! Yes, thou must die: Thou art too noble to conserve a life In base appliances. This outward-sainted deputy, - Whose settled visage and deliberate word Nips youth i' the head, and follies doth emmew As falcon doth the fowl, - is yet a devil; His filth within being cast, he would appear A pond as deep as hell. CLAUDIO. The precise Angelo? ISABELLA. O, 'tis the cunning livery of hell The damned'st body to invest and cover In precise guards! Dost thou think, Claudio, If I would yield him my virginity Thou mightst be freed? CLAUDIO. O heavens! it cannot be. ISABELLA. Yes, he would give it thee, from this rank offence, So to offend him still. This night's the time That I should do what I abhor to name, Or else thou diest to-morrow. CLAUDIO. Thou shalt not do't. ISABELLA. O, were it but my life, I'd throw it down for your deliverance As frankly as a pin. CLAUDIO. Thanks, dear Isabel. ISABELLA. Be ready, Claudio, for your death to-morrow. CLAUDIO. Yes. - Has he affections in him That thus can make him bite the law by the nose When he would force it? Sure it is no sin; Or of the deadly seven it is the least. ISABELLA. Which is the least? CLAUDIO. If it were damnable, he, being so wise, Why would he for the momentary trick Be perdurably fined? - O Isabel! ISABELLA. What says my brother? CLAUDIO. Death is a fearful thing. ISABELLA. And shamed life a hateful. CLAUDIO. Ay, but to die, and go we know not where; To lie in cold obstruction, and to rot; This sensible warm motion to become A kneaded clod; and the delighted spirit To bathe in fiery floods or to reside In thrilling regions of thick-ribbed ice; To be imprison'd in the viewless winds, And blown with restless violence round about The pendent world; or to be worse than worst Of those that lawless and incertain thought Imagine howling! - 'tis too horrible! The weariest and most loathed worldly life That age, ache, penury, and imprisonment Can lay on nature is a paradise To what we fear of death. ISABELLA. Alas, alas! CLAUDIO. Sweet sister, let me live: What sin you do to save a brother's life Nature dispenses with the deed so far That it becomes a virtue. ISABELLA. O you beast! O faithless coward! O dishonest wretch! Wilt thou be made a man out of my vice? Is't not a kind of incest to take life From thine own sister's shame? What should I think? Heaven shield my mother play'd my father fair! For such a warped slip of wilderness Ne'er issued from his blood. Take my defiance: Die; perish! might but my bending down Reprieve thee from thy fate, it should proceed: I'll pray a thousand prayers for thy death, - No word to save thee. CLAUDIO. Nay, hear me, Isabel. ISABELLA. O fie, fie, fie! Thy sin's not accidental, but a trade: Mercy to thee would prove itself a bawd: 'Tis best that thou diest quickly. [Going.] CLAUDIO. O, hear me, Isabella. [Re-enter DUKE.] DUKE. Vouchsafe a word, young sister, but one word. ISABELLA. What is your will? DUKE. Might you dispense with your leisure, I would by and by have some speech with you: the satisfaction I would require is likewise your own benefit. ISABELLA. I have no superfluous leisure; my stay must be stolen out of other affairs; but I will attend you awhile. DUKE. [To CLAUDIO aside.] Son, I have overheard what hath passed between you and your sister. Angelo had never the purpose to corrupt her; only he hath made an assay of her virtue to practise his judgment with the disposition of natures; she, having the truth of honour in her, hath made him that gracious denial which he is most glad to receive: I am confessor to Angelo, and I know this to be true; therefore prepare yourself to death. Do not satisfy your resolution with hopes that are fallible: to-morrow you must die; go to your knees and make ready. CLAUDIO. Let me ask my sister pardon. I am so out of love with life that I will sue to be rid of it. DUKE. Hold you there. Farewell. [Exit CLAUDIO.] [Re-enter PROVOST.] Provost, a word with you. PROVOST. What's your will, father? DUKE. That, now you are come, you will be gone. Leave me a while with the maid; my mind promises with my habit no loss shall touch her by my company. PROVOST. In good time. [Exit PROVOST.] DUKE. The hand that hath made you fair hath made you good; the goodness that is cheap in beauty makes beauty brief in goodness; but grace, being the soul of your complexion, shall keep the body of it ever fair. The assault that Angelo hath made to you, fortune hath conveyed to my understanding; and, but that frailty hath examples for his falling, I should wonder at Angelo. How will you do to content this substitute, and to save your brother? ISABELLA. I am now going to resolve him; I had rather my brother die by the law than my son should be unlawfully born. But, O, how much is the good duke deceived in Angelo! If ever he return, and I can speak to him, I will open my lips in vain, or discover his government. DUKE. That shall not be much amiss: yet, as the matter now stands, he will avoid your accusation; he made trial of you only. - Therefore fasten your ear on my advisings; to the love I have in doing good a remedy presents itself. I do make myself believe that you may most uprighteously do a poor wronged lady a merited benefit; redeem your brother from the angry law; do no stain to your own gracious person; and much please the absent duke, if peradventure he shall ever return to have hearing of this business. ISABELLA. Let me hear you speak further; I have spirit to do anything that appears not foul in the truth of my spirit. DUKE. Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful. Have you not heard speak of Mariana, the sister of Frederick, the great soldier who miscarried at sea? ISABELLA. I have heard of the lady, and good words went with her name. DUKE. She should this Angelo have married; was affianced to her by oath, and the nuptial appointed: between which time of the contract and limit of the solemnity her brother Frederick was wrecked at sea, having in that perished vessel the dowry of his sister. But mark how heavily this befell to the poor gentlewoman: there she lost a noble and renowned brother, in his love toward her ever most kind and natural; with him the portion and sinew of her fortune, her marriage-dowry; with both, her combinate husband, this well-seeming Angelo. ISABELLA. Can this be so? Did Angelo so leave her? DUKE. Left her in her tears, and dried not one of them with his comfort; swallowed his vows whole, pretending, in her, discoveries of dishonour; in few, bestow'd her on her own lamentation, which she yet wears for his sake; and he, a marble to her tears, is washed with them, but relents not. ISABELLA. What a merit were it in death to take this poor maid from the world! What corruption in this life that it will let this man live! - But how out of this can she avail? DUKE. It is a rupture that you may easily heal; and the cure of it not only saves your brother, but keeps you from dishonour in doing it. ISABELLA. Show me how, good father. DUKE. This forenamed maid hath yet in her the continuance of her first affection; his unjust unkindness, that in all reason should have quenched her love, hath, like an impediment in the current, made it more violent and unruly. Go you to Angelo; answer his requiring with a plausible obedience; agree with his demands to the point: only refer yourself to this advantage, - first, that your stay with him may not be long; that the time may have all shadow and silence in it; and the place answer to convenience: this being granted in course, and now follows all. We shall advise this wronged maid to stead up your appointment, go in your place; if the encounter acknowledge itself hereafter, it may compel him to her recompense: and here, by this, is your brother saved, your honour untainted, the poor Mariana advantaged, and the corrupt deputy scaled. The maid will I frame and make fit for his attempt. If you think well to carry this as you may, the doubleness of the benefit defends the deceit from reproof. What think you of it? ISABELLA. The image of it gives me content already; and I trust it will grow to a most prosperous perfection. DUKE. It lies much in your holding up. Haste you speedily to Angelo; if for this night he entreat you to his bed, give him promise of satisfaction. I will presently to Saint Luke's; there, at the moated grange, resides this dejected Mariana. At that place call upon me; and despatch with Angelo, that it may be quickly. ISABELLA. I thank you for this comfort. Fare you well, good father. [Exeunt severally.] Scene II. The Street before the Prison. [Enter DUKE, as a Friar; to him, ELBOW, CLOWN and Officers.] ELBOW. Nay, if there be no remedy for it, but that you will needs buy and sell men and women like beasts, we shall have all the world drink brown and white bastard. DUKE. O heavens! what stuff is here? CLOWN. 'Twas never merry world since, of two usuries, the merriest was put down, and the worser allowed by order of law a furred gown to keep him warm; and furred with fox on lamb-skins too, to signify that craft, being richer than innocency, stands for the facing. ELBOW. Come your way, sir. - Bless you, good father friar. DUKE. And you, good brother father. What offence hath this man made you, sir? ELBOW. Marry, sir, he hath offended the law; and, sir, we take him to be a thief too, sir; for we have found upon him, sir, a strange picklock, which we have sent to the deputy. DUKE. Fie, sirrah, a bawd, a wicked bawd; The evil that thou causest to be done, That is thy means to live. Do thou but think What 'tis to cram a maw or clothe a back From such a filthy vice: say to thyself - From their abominable and beastly touches I drink, I eat, array myself, and live. Canst thou believe thy living is a life, So stinkingly depending? Go mend, go mend. CLOWN. Indeed, it does stink in some sort, sir; but yet, sir, I would prove - DUKE. Nay, if the devil have given thee proofs for sin, Thou wilt prove his. Take him to prison, officer; Correction and instruction must both work Ere this rude beast will profit. ELBOW. He must before the deputy, sir; he has given him warning: The deputy cannot abide a whoremaster: if he be a whoremaster, and comes before him, he were as good go a mile on his errand. DUKE. That we were all, as some would seem to be, Free from our faults, as faults from seeming free! ELBOW. His neck will come to your waist, a cord, sir. CLOWN. I spy comfort; I cry bail! Here's a gentleman, and a friend of mine. [Enter LUCIO.] LUCIO. How now, noble Pompey? What, at the wheels of Caesar! Art thou led in triumph? What, is there none of Pygmalion's images, newly made woman, to be had now, for putting the hand in the pocket and extracting it clutched? What reply, ha? What say'st thou to this tune, matter, and method? Is't not drowned i' the last rain, ha? What say'st thou to't? Is the world as it was, man? Which is the way? Is it sad, and few words? or how? The trick of it? DUKE. Still thus, and thus! still worse! LUCIO. How doth my dear morsel, thy mistress? Procures she still, ha? CLOWN. Troth, sir, she hath eaten up all her beef, and she is herself in the tub. LUCIO. Why, 'tis good: it is the right of it: it must be so: ever your fresh whore and your powdered bawd - an unshunned consequence:; it must be so. Art going to prison, Pompey? CLOWN. Yes, faith, sir. LUCIO. Why, 'tis not amiss, Pompey. Farewell; go, say I sent thee thither. For debt, Pompey? or how? ELBOW. For being a bawd, for being a bawd. LUCIO. Well, then, imprison him: if imprisonment be the due of a bawd, why, 'tis his right: bawd is he doubtless, and of antiquity, too: bawd-born. Farewell, good Pompey. Commend me to the prison, Pompey. You will turn good husband now, Pompey; you will keep the house. CLOWN. I hope, sir, your good worship will be my bail. LUCIO. No, indeed, will I not, Pompey; it is not the wear. I will pray, Pompey, to increase your bondage: if you take it not patiently, why, your mettle is the more. Adieu, trusty Pompey. - Bless you, friar. DUKE. And you. LUCIO. Does Bridget paint still, Pompey, ha? ELBOW. Come your ways, sir; come. CLOWN. You will not bail me then, sir? LUCIO. Then, Pompey, nor now. - What news abroad, friar? what news? ELBOW. Come your ways, sir; come. LUCIO. Go, - to kennel, Pompey, go: [Exeunt ELBOW, CLOWN, and Officers.] What news, friar, of the duke? DUKE. I know none. Can you tell me of any? LUCIO. Some say he is with the Emperor of Russia; other some, he is in Rome: but where is he, think you? DUKE. I know not where; but wheresoever, I wish him well. LUCIO. It was a mad fantastical trick of him to steal from the state and usurp the beggary he was never born to. Lord Angelo dukes it well in his absence; he puts transgression to't. DUKE. He does well in't. LUCIO. A little more lenity to lechery would do no harm in him: something too crabbed that way, friar. DUKE. It is too general a vice, and severity must cure it. LUCIO. Yes, in good sooth, the vice is of a great kindred; it is well allied: but it is impossible to extirp it quite, friar, till eating and drinking be put down. They say this Angelo was not made by man and woman after this downright way of creation: is it true, think you? DUKE. How should he be made, then? LUCIO. Some report a sea-maid spawned him; some, that he was begot between two stock-fishes. - But it is certain that when he makes water, his urine is congealed ice; that I know to be true. And he is a motion ungenerative; that's infallible. DUKE. You are pleasant, sir, and speak apace. LUCIO. Why, what a ruthless thing is this in him, for the rebellion of a codpiece to take away the life of a man! Would the duke that is absent have done this? Ere he would have hanged a man for the getting a hundred bastards, he would have paid for the nursing a thousand. He had some feeling of the sport; he knew the service, and that instructed him to mercy. DUKE. I never heard the absent duke much detected for women; he was not inclined that way. LUCIO. O, sir, you are deceived. DUKE. 'Tis not possible. LUCIO. Who, not the duke? yes, your beggar of fifty; - and his use was to put a ducat in her clack-dish: the duke had crotchets in him. He would be drunk too: that let me inform you. DUKE. You do him wrong, surely. LUCIO. Sir, I was an inward of his. A shy fellow was the duke: and I believe I know the cause of his withdrawing. DUKE. What, I pr'ythee, might be the cause? LUCIO. No, - pardon; - 'tis a secret must be locked within the teeth and the lips: but this I can let you understand, - the greater file of the subject held the duke to be wise. DUKE. Wise? why, no question but he was. LUCIO. A very superficial, ignorant, unweighing fellow. DUKE. Either this is envy in you, folly, or mistaking; the very stream of his life, and the business he hath helmed, must, upon a warranted need, give him a better proclamation. Let him be but testimonied in his own bringings forth, and he shall appear to the envious a scholar, a statesman, and a soldier. Therefore you speak unskilfully; or, if your knowledge be more, it is much darkened in your malice. LUCIO. Sir, I know him, and I love him. DUKE. Love talks with better knowledge, and knowledge with dearer love. LUCIO. Come, sir, I know what I know. DUKE. I can hardly believe that, since you know not what you speak. But, if ever the duke return, - as our prayers are he may, - let me desire you to make your answer before him. If it be honest you have spoke, you have courage to maintain it: I am bound to call upon you; and, I pray you, your name? LUCIO. Sir, my name is Lucio; well known to the duke. DUKE. He shall know you better, sir, if I may live to report you. LUCIO. I fear you not. DUKE. O, you hope the duke will return no more; or you imagine me too unhurtful an opposite. But, indeed, I can do you little harm: you'll forswear this again. LUCIO. I'll be hanged first! thou art deceived in me, friar. But no more of this. Canst thou tell if Claudio die to-morrow or no? DUKE. Why should he die, sir? LUCIO. Why? for filling a bottle with a tun-dish. I would the duke we talk of were returned again: this ungenitured agent will unpeople the province with continency; sparrows must not build in his house-eaves because they are lecherous. The duke yet would have dark deeds darkly answered; he would never bring them to light: would he were returned! Marry, this Claudio is condemned for untrussing. Farewell, good friar; I pr'ythee pray for me. The duke, I say to thee again, would eat mutton on Fridays. He's not past it; yet, and, I say to thee, he would mouth with a beggar though she smelt brown bread and garlic. Say that I said so. - Farewell. [Exit.] DUKE. No might nor greatness in mortality Can censure 'scape; back-wounding calumny The whitest virtue strikes. What king so strong Can tie the gall up in the slanderous tongue? But who comes here? [Enter ESCALUS, PROVOST, BAWD, and Officers.] ESCALUS. Go, away with her to prison. BAWD. Good my lord, be good to me; your honour is accounted a merciful man; good my lord. ESCALUS. Double and treble admonition, and still forfeit in the same kind? This would make mercy swear and play the tyrant. PROVOST. A bawd of eleven years' continuance, may it please your honour. BAWD. My lord, this is one Lucio's information against me: Mistress Kate Keepdown was with child by him in the duke's time; he promised her marriage: his child is a year and a quarter old come Philip and Jacob; I have kept it myself; and see how he goes about to abuse me. ESCALUS. That fellow is a fellow of much license: - let him be called before us. - Away with her to prison. Go to; no more words. [Exeunt BAWD and Officers.] Provost, my brother Angelo will not be altered, Claudio must die to-morrow: let him be furnished with divines, and have all charitable preparation: if my brother wrought by my pity it should not be so with him. PROVOST. So please you, this friar hath been with him, and advised him for the entertainment of death. ESCALUS. Good even, good father. DUKE. Bliss and goodness on you! ESCALUS. Of whence are you? DUKE. Not of this country, though my chance is now To use it for my time: I am a brother Of gracious order, late come from the see In special business from his holiness. ESCALUS. What news abroad i' the world? DUKE. None, but that there is so great a fever on goodness, that the dissolution of it must cure it: novelty is only in request; and as it is as dangerous to be aged in any kind of course as it is virtuous to be constant in any undertaking. There is scarce truth enough alive to make societies secure; but security enough to make fellowships accurst: much upon this riddle runs the wisdom of the world. This news is old enough, yet it is every day's news. I pray you, sir, of what disposition was the duke? ESCALUS. One that, above all other strifes, contended especially to know himself. DUKE. What pleasure was he given to? ESCALUS. Rather rejoicing to see another merry, than merry at anything which professed to make him rejoice: a gentleman of all temperance. But leave we him to his events, with a prayer they may prove prosperous; and let me desire to know how you find Claudio prepared. I am made to understand that you have lent him visitation. DUKE. He professes to have received no sinister measure from his judge, but most willingly humbles himself to the determination of justice: yet had he framed to himself, by the instruction of his frailty, many deceiving promises of life; which I, by my good leisure, have discredited to him, and now he is resolved to die. ESCALUS. You have paid the heavens your function, and the prisoner the very debt of your calling. I have laboured for the poor gentleman to the extremest shore of my modesty; but my brother justice have I found so severe that he hath forced me to tell him he is indeed - justice. DUKE. If his own life answer the straitness of his proceeding, it shall become him well: wherein if he chance to fail, he hath sentenced himself. ESCALUS. I am going to visit the prisoner. Fare you well. DUKE. Peace be with you! [Exeunt ESCALUS and PROVOST.] He who the sword of heaven will bear Should be as holy as severe; Pattern in himself to know, Grace to stand, and virtue go; More nor less to others paying Than by self-offences weighing. Shame to him whose cruel striking Kills for faults of his own liking! Twice treble shame on Angelo, To weed my vice and let his grow! O, what may man within him hide, Though angel on the outward side! How may likeness, made in crimes, Make a practice on the times, To draw with idle spiders' strings Most pond'rous and substantial things! Craft against vice I must apply; With Angelo to-night shall lie His old betrothed but despis'd; So disguise shall, by the disguis'd, Pay with falsehood false exacting, And perform an old contracting. [Exit.] Act IV. Scene I. A Room in Mariana's House. [MARIANA discovered sitting; a Boy singing.] SONG Take, O, take those lips away, That so sweetly were forsworn; And those eyes, the break of day, Lights that do mislead the morn: But my kisses bring again Bring again; Seals of love, but seal'd in vain, Sealed in vain. MARIANA. Break off thy song, and haste thee quick away; Here comes a man of comfort, whose advice Hath often still'd my brawling discontent. - [Exit BOY.] [Enter DUKE.] I cry you mercy, sir; and well could wish You had not found me here so musical: Let me excuse me, and believe me so, My mirth it much displeas'd, but pleas'd my woe. DUKE. 'Tis good: though music oft hath such a charm To make bad good and good provoke to harm. I pray you ,tell me hath anybody inquired for me here to-day? much upon this time have I promised here to meet. MARIANA. You have not been inquired after: I have sat here all day. [Enter ISABELLA.] DUKE. I do constantly believe you. - The time is come even now. I shall crave your forbearance a little: may be I will call upon you anon, for some advantage to yourself. MARIANA. I am always bound to you. [Exit.] DUKE. Very well met, and welcome. What is the news from this good deputy? ISABELLA. He hath a garden circummur'd with brick, Whose western side is with a vineyard back'd; And to that vineyard is a planched gate That makes his opening with this bigger key: This other doth command a little door Which from the vineyard to the garden leads; There have I made my promise to call on him Upon the heavy middle of the night. DUKE. But shall you on your knowledge find this way? ISABELLA. I have ta'en a due and wary note upon't; With whispering and most guilty diligence, In action all of precept, he did show me The way twice o'er. DUKE. Are there no other tokens Between you 'greed concerning her observance? ISABELLA. No, none, but only a repair i' the dark; And that I have possess'd him my most stay Can be but brief: for I have made him know I have a servant comes with me along, That stays upon me; whose persuasion is I come about my brother. DUKE. 'Tis well borne up. I have not yet made known to Mariana A word of this. - What ho, within! come forth. [Re-enter MARIANA.] I pray you be acquainted with this maid; She comes to do you good. ISABELLA. I do desire the like. DUKE. Do you persuade yourself that I respect you? MARIANA. Good friar, I know you do, and have found it. DUKE. Take, then, this your companion by the hand, Who hath a story ready for your ear: I shall attend your leisure; but make haste; The vaporous night approaches. MARIANA. Will't please you walk aside? [Exeunt MARIANA and ISABELLA.] DUKE. O place and greatness, millions of false eyes Are stuck upon thee! volumes of report Run with these false, and most contrarious quest Upon thy doings! Thousand 'scapes of wit Make thee the father of their idle dream, And rack thee in their fancies! - Welcome! how agreed? [Re-enter MARIANA and ISABELLA.] ISABELLA. She'll take the enterprise upon her, father, If you advise it. DUKE. It is not my consent, But my entreaty too. ISABELLA. Little have you to say, When you depart from him, but, soft and low, 'Remember now my brother.' MARIANA. Fear me not. DUKE. Nor, gentle daughter, fear you not at all; He is your husband on a pre-contract: To bring you thus together 'tis no sin, Sith that the justice of your title to him Doth flourish the deceit. Come, let us go; Our corn's to reap, for yet our tithe's to sow. [Exeunt.] SCENE II. A Room in the prison. [Enter PROVOST and CLOWN.] PROVOST. Come hither, sirrah. Can you cut off a man's head? CLOWN. If the man be a bachelor, sir, I can: but if he be a married man, he's his wife's head, and I can never cut off a woman's head. PROVOST. Come, sir, leave me your snatches and yield me a direct answer. To-morrow morning are to die Claudio and Barnardine. Here is in our prison a common executioner, who in his office lacks a helper; if you will take it on you to assist him, it shall redeem you from your gyves; if not, you shall have your full time of imprisonment, and your deliverance with an unpitied whipping; for you have been a notorious bawd. CLOWN. Sir, I have been an unlawful bawd time out of mind; but yet I will be content to be a lawful hangman. I would be glad to receive some instruction from my fellow-partner. PROVOST. What ho, Abhorson! Where's Abhorson, there? [Enter ABHORSON.] ABHORSON. Do you call, sir? PROVOST. Sirrah, here's a fellow will help you to-morrow in your execution. If you think it meet, compound with him by the year, and let him abide here with you; if not, use him for the present, and dismiss him. He cannot plead his estimation with you; he hath been a bawd. ABHORSON. A bawd, sir? Fie upon him; he will discredit our mystery. PROVOST. Go to, sir; you weigh equally; a feather will turn the scale. [Exit.] CLOWN. Pray, sir, by your good favour, - for, surely, sir, a good favour you have, but that you have a hanging look, - do you call, sir, your occupation a mystery? ABHORSON. Ay, sir; a mystery. CLOWN. Painting, sir, I have heard say, is a mystery; and your whores, sir, being members of my occupation, using painting, do prove my occupation a mystery: but what mystery there should be in hanging, if I should be hanged, I cannot imagine. ABHORSON. Sir, it is a mystery. CLOWN. Proof. ABHORSON. Every true man's apparel fits your thief: if it be too little for your thief, your true man thinks it big enough; if it be too big for your thief, your thief thinks it little enough; so every true man's apparel fits your thief. [Re-enter PROVOST.] PROVOST. Are you agreed? CLOWN. Sir, I will serve him; for I do find your hangman is a more penitent trade than your bawd; he doth oftener ask forgiveness. PROVOST. You, sirrah, provide your block and your axe to-morrow four o'clock. ABHORSON. Come on, bawd; I will instruct thee in my trade; follow. CLOWN. I do desire to learn, sir; and I hope, if you have occasion to use me for your own turn, you shall find me yare; for truly, sir, for your kindness I owe you a good turn. PROVOST. Call hither Barnardine and Claudio. [Exeunt CLOWN and ABHORSON.] One has my pity; not a jot the other, Being a murderer, though he were my brother. [Enter CLAUDIO.] Look, here's the warrant, Claudio, for thy death: 'Tis now dead midnight, and by eight to-morrow Thou must be made immortal. Where's Barnardine? CLAUDIO. As fast lock'd up in sleep as guiltless labour When it lies starkly in the traveller's bones: He will not wake. PROVOST. Who can do good on him? Well, go, prepare yourself. But hark, what noise? [Knocking within.] Heaven give your spirits comfort! [Exit CLAUDIO.] By and by! - I hope it is some pardon or reprieve For the most gentle Claudio. - Welcome, father. [Enter DUKE.] DUKE. The best and wholesom'st spirits of the night Envelop you, good provost! Who call'd here of late? PROVOST. None, since the curfew rung. DUKE. Not Isabel? PROVOST. No. DUKE. They will then, ere't be long. PROVOST. What comfort is for Claudio? DUKE. There's some in hope. PROVOST. It is a bitter deputy. DUKE. Not so, not so: his life is parallel'd Even with the stroke and line of his great justice; He doth with holy abstinence subdue That in himself which he spurs on his power To qualify in others: were he meal'd With that which he corrects, then were he tyrannous; But this being so, he's just. - Now are they come. [Knocking within - PROVOST goes out.] This is a gentle provost: seldom when The steeled gaoler is the friend of men. - How now? what noise? That spirit's possess'd with haste That wounds the unsisting postern with these strokes. [PROVOST returns, speaking to one at the door.] PROVOST. There he must stay until the officer Arise to let him in; he is call'd up. DUKE. Have you no countermand for Claudio yet, But he must die to-morrow? PROVOST. None, sir, none. DUKE. As near the dawning, Provost, as it is, You shall hear more ere morning. PROVOST. Happily You something know; yet I believe there comes No countermand; no such example have we: Besides, upon the very siege of justice, Lord Angelo hath to the public ear Profess'd the contrary. [Enter a Messenger.] DUKE. This is his lordship's man. DUKE. And here comes Claudio's pardon. MESSENGER. My lord hath sent you this note; and by me this further charge, that you swerve not from the smallest article of it, neither in time, matter, or other circumstance. Good morrow; for as I take it, it is almost day. PROVOST. I shall obey him. [Exit Messenger.] DUKE. [Aside.] This is his pardon, purchas'd by such sin, For which the pardoner himself is in: Hence hath offence his quick celerity, When it is borne in high authority: When vice makes mercy, mercy's so extended That for the fault's love is the offender friended. - Now, sir, what news? PROVOST. I told you: Lord Angelo, belike thinking me remiss in mine office, awakens me with this unwonted putting-on; methinks strangely, for he hath not used it before. DUKE. Pray you, let's hear. PROVOST. [Reads.] 'Whatsoever you may hear to the contrary, let Claudio be executed by four of the clock; and, in the afternoon, Barnardine: for my better satisfaction, let me have Claudio's head sent me by five. Let this be duly performed; with a thought that more depends on it than we must yet deliver. Thus fail not to do your office, as you will answer it at your peril.' What say you to this, sir? DUKE. What is that Barnardine who is to be executed in the afternoon? PROVOST. A Bohemian born; but here nursed up and bred: one that is a prisoner nine years old. DUKE. How came it that the absent duke had not either delivered him to his liberty or executed him? I have heard it was ever his manner to do so. PROVOST. His friends still wrought reprieves for him; and, indeed, his fact, till now in the government of Lord Angelo, came not to an undoubtful proof. DUKE. It is now apparent? PROVOST. Most manifest, and not denied by himself. DUKE. Hath he borne himself penitently in prison? How seems he to be touched? PROVOST. A man that apprehends death no more dreadfully but as a drunken sleep; careless, reckless, and fearless, of what's past, present, or to come; insensible of mortality and desperately mortal. DUKE. He wants advice. PROVOST. He will hear none; he hath evermore had the liberty of the prison; give him leave to escape hence, he would not: drunk many times a-day, if not many days entirely drunk. We have very oft awaked him, as if to carry him to execution, and showed him a seeming warrant for it: it hath not moved him at all. DUKE. More of him anon. There is written in your brow, Provost, honesty and constancy: if I read it not truly, my ancient skill beguiles me; but in the boldness of my cunning I will lay myself in hazard. Claudio, whom here you have warrant to execute, is no greater forfeit to the law than Angelo who hath sentenced him. To make you understand this in a manifested effect, I crave but four days' respite; for the which you are to do me both a present and a dangerous courtesy. PROVOST. Pray, sir, in what? DUKE. In the delaying death. PROVOST. Alack! How may I do it? having the hour limited; and an express command, under penalty, to deliver his head in the view of Angelo? I may make my case as Claudio's, to cross this in the smallest. DUKE. By the vow of mine order, I warrant you, if my instructions may be your guide. Let this Barnardine be this morning executed, and his head borne to Angelo. PROVOST. Angelo hath seen them both, and will discover the favour. DUKE. O, death's a great disguiser: and you may add to it. Shave the head and tie the beard; and say it was the desire of the penitent to be so bared before his death. You know the course is common. If anything fall to you upon this, more than thanks and good fortune, by the saint whom I profess, I will plead against it with my life. PROVOST. Pardon me, good father; it is against my oath. DUKE. Were you sworn to the duke, or to the deputy? PROVOST. To him and to his substitutes. DUKE. You will think you have made no offence if the duke avouch the justice of your dealing? PROVOST. But what likelihood is in that? DUKE. Not a resemblance, but a certainty. Yet since I see you fearful, that neither my coat, integrity, nor persuasion, can with ease attempt you, I will go further than I meant, to pluck all fears out of you. Look you, sir, here is the hand and seal of the duke. You know the character, I doubt not; and the signet is not strange to you. PROVOST. I know them both. DUKE. The contents of this is the return of the duke; you shall anon over-read it at your pleasure, where you shall find within these two days he will be here. This is a thing that Angelo knows not: for he this very day receives letters of strange tenour: perchance of the duke's death; perchance entering into some monastery; but, by chance, nothing of what is writ. Look, the unfolding star calls up the shepherd. Put not yourself into amazement how these things should be: all difficulties are but easy when they are known. Call your executioner, and off with Barnardine's head: I will give him a present shrift, and advise him for a better place. Yet you are amazed: but this shall absolutely resolve you. Come away; it is almost clear dawn. [Exeunt.] SCENE III. Another Room in the same. [Enter CLOWN.] CLOWN. I am as well acquainted here as I was in our house of profession: one would think it were Mistress Overdone's own house, for here be many of her old customers. First, here's young Master Rash; he's in for a commodity of brown paper and old ginger, nine score and seventeen pounds; of which he made five marks ready money: marry, then ginger was not much in request, for the old women were all dead. Then is there here one Master Caper, at the suit of Master Threepile the mercer, for some four suits of peach- coloured satin, which now peaches him a beggar. Then have we here young Dizy, and young Master Deepvow, and Master Copperspur, and Master Starvelackey, the rapier and dagger man, and young Dropheir that killed lusty Pudding, and Master Forthlight the tilter, and brave Master Shoetie the great traveller, and wild Halfcan that stabbed Pots, and, I think, forty more; all great doers in our trade, and are now 'for the Lord's sake.' [Enter ABHORSON.] ABHORSON. Sirrah, bring Barnardine hither. CLOWN. Master Barnardine! You must rise and be hanged, Master Barnardine! ABHORSON. What ho, Barnardine! BARNARDINE. [Within.] A pox o' your throats! Who makes that noise there? What are you? CLOWN. Your friend, sir; the hangman. You must be so good, sir, to rise and be put to death. BARNARDINE. [Within.] Away, you rogue, away; I am sleepy. ABHORSON. Tell him he must awake, and that quickly too. CLOWN. Pray, Master Barnardine, awake till you are executed, and sleep afterwards. ABHORSON. Go in to him, and fetch him out. CLOWN. He is coming, sir, he is coming; I hear his straw rustle. [Enter BARNARDINE.] ABHORSON. Is the axe upon the block, sirrah? CLOWN. Very ready, sir. BARNARDINE. How now, Abhorson? what's the news with you? ABHORSON. Truly, sir, I would desire you to clap into your prayers; for, look you, the warrant's come. BARNARDINE. You rogue, I have been drinking all night; I am not fitted for't. CLOWN. O, the better, sir; for he that drinks all night and is hanged betimes in the morning may sleep the sounder all the next day. [Enter DUKE.] ABHORSON. Look you, sir, here comes your ghostly father. Do we jest now, think you? DUKE. Sir, induced by my charity, and hearing how hastily you are to depart, I am come to advise you, comfort you, and pray with you. BARNARDINE. Friar, not I; I have been drinking hard all night, and I will have more time to prepare me, or they shall beat out my brains with billets: I will not consent to die this day, that's certain. DUKE. O, Sir, you must; and therefore I beseech you, Look forward on the journey you shall go. BARNARDINE. I swear I will not die to-day for any man's persuasion. DUKE. But hear you, - BARNARDINE. Not a word; if you have anything to say to me, come to my ward; for thence will not I to-day. [Exit.] DUKE. Unfit to live or die. O gravel heart! - After him, fellows; bring him to the block. [Exeunt ABHORSON and CLOWN.] [Enter PROVOST.] PROVOST. Now, sir, how do you find the prisoner? DUKE. A creature unprepar'd, unmeet for death; And to transport him in the mind he is Were damnable. PROVOST. Here in the prison, father, There died this morning of a cruel fever One Ragozine, a most notorious pirate, A man of Claudio's years; his beard and head Just of his colour. What if we do omit This reprobate till he were well inclined; And satisfy the deputy with the visage Of Ragozine, more like to Claudio? DUKE. O, 'tis an accident that Heaven provides! Despatch it presently; the hour draws on Prefix'd by Angelo: see this be done, And sent according to command; whiles I Persuade this rude wretch willingly to die. PROVOST. This shall be done, good father, presently. But Barnardine must die this afternoon: And how shall we continue Claudio, To save me from the danger that might come If he were known alive? DUKE. Let this be done; - Put them in secret holds; both Barnardine and Claudio. Ere twice the sun hath made his journal greeting To the under generation, you shall find Your safety manifested. PROVOST. I am your free dependant. DUKE. Quick, dispatch, and send the head to Angelo. [Exit PROVOST.] Now will I write letters to Angelo, - The provost, he shall bear them, - whose contents Shall witness to him I am near at home, And that, by great injunctions, I am bound To enter publicly: him I'll desire To meet me at the consecrated fount, A league below the city; and from thence, By cold gradation and well-balanced form. We shall proceed with Angelo. [Re-enter PROVOST.] PROVOST. Here is the head; I'll carry it myself. DUKE. Convenient is it. Make a swift return; For I would commune with you of such things That want no ear but yours. PROVOST. I'll make all speed. [Exit.] ISABELLA. [Within.] Peace, ho, be here! DUKE. The tongue of Isabel. - She's come to know If yet her brother's pardon be come hither: But I will keep her ignorant of her good, To make her heavenly comforts of despair When it is least expected. [Enter ISABELLA.] ISABELLA. Ho, by your leave! DUKE. Good morning to you, fair and gracious daughter. ISABELLA. The better, given me by so holy a man. Hath yet the deputy sent my brother's pardon? DUKE. He hath released him, Isabel, from the world: His head is off and sent to Angelo. ISABELLA. Nay, but it is not so. DUKE. It is no other: Show your wisdom, daughter, in your close patience. ISABELLA. O, I will to him and pluck out his eyes! DUKE. You shall not be admitted to his sight. ISABELLA. Unhappy Claudio! Wretched Isabel! Injurious world! Most damned Angelo! DUKE. This nor hurts him nor profits you a jot: Forbear it, therefore; give your cause to Heaven. Mark what I say; which you shall find By every syllable a faithful verity: The duke comes home to-morrow; - nay, dry your eyes; One of our convent, and his confessor, Gives me this instance. Already he hath carried Notice to Escalus and Angelo, Who do prepare to meet him at the gates, There to give up their power. If you can, pace your wisdom In that good path that I would wish it go, And you shall have your bosom on this wretch, Grace of the duke, revenges to your heart, And general honour. ISABELLA. I am directed by you. DUKE. This letter, then, to Friar Peter give; 'Tis that he sent me of the duke's return. Say, by this token, I desire his company At Mariana's house to-night. Her cause and yours I'll perfect him withal; and he shall bring you Before the duke; and to the head of Angelo Accuse him home, and home. For my poor self, I am combined by a sacred vow, And shall be absent. Wend you with this letter: Command these fretting waters from your eyes With a light heart; trust not my holy order, If I pervert your course. - Who's here? [Enter LUCIO.] LUCIO. Good even. Friar, where is the provost? DUKE. Not within, sir. LUCIO. O pretty Isabella, I am pale at mine heart to see thine eyes so red; thou must be patient: I am fain to dine and sup with water and bran; I dare not for my head fill my belly; one fruitful meal would set me to't. But they say the duke will be here to-morrow. By my troth, Isabel, I loved thy brother. If the old fantastical duke of dark corners had been at home, he had lived. [Exit ISABELLA.] DUKE. Sir, the duke is marvellous little beholding to your reports; but the best is, he lives not in them. LUCIO. Friar, thou knowest not the duke so well as I do: he's a better woodman than thou takest him for. DUKE. Well, you'll answer this one day. Fare ye well. LUCIO. Nay, tarry; I'll go along with thee; I can tell thee pretty tales of the duke. DUKE. You have told me too many of him already, sir, if they be true: if not true, none were enough. LUCIO. I was once before him for getting a wench with child. DUKE. Did you such a thing? LUCIO. Yes, marry, did I; but I was fain to forswear it: they would else have married me to the rotten medlar. DUKE. Sir, your company is fairer than honest. Rest you well. LUCIO. By my troth, I'll go with thee to the lane's end. If bawdy talk offend you, we'll have very little of it. Nay, friar, I am a kind of burr; I shall stick. [Exeunt.] SCENE IV. A Room in ANGELO'S house. [Enter ANGELO and ESCALUS.] ESCALUS. Every letter he hath writ hath disvouched other. ANGELO. In most uneven and distracted manner. His actions show much like to madness; pray heaven his wisdom be not tainted! And why meet him at the gates, and re-deliver our authorities there? ESCALUS. I guess not. ANGELO. And why should we proclaim it in an hour before his entering that, if any crave redress of injustice, they should exhibit their petitions in the street? ESCALUS. He shows his reason for that: to have a dispatch of complaints; and to deliver us from devices hereafter, which shall then have no power to stand against us. ANGELO. Well, I beseech you, let it be proclaim'd: Betimes i' the morn I'll call you at your house: Give notice to such men of sort and suit As are to meet him. ESCALUS. I shall, sir: fare you well. [Exit.] ANGELO. Good night. - This deed unshapes me quite, makes me unpregnant, And dull to all proceedings. A deflower'd maid! And by an eminent body that enforced The law against it! - But that her tender shame Will not proclaim against her maiden loss, How might she tongue me? Yet reason dares her - no: For my authority bears a so credent bulk, That no particular scandal once can touch But it confounds the breather. He should have liv'd, Save that his riotous youth, with dangerous sense, Might in the times to come have ta'en revenge, By so receiving a dishonour'd life With ransom of such shame. Would yet he had liv'd! Alack, when once our grace we have forgot, Nothing goes right; we would, and we would not. [Exit.] SCENE V. Fields without the town. [Enter DUKE in his own habit, and Friar PETER.] DUKE. These letters at fit time deliver me. [Giving letters.] The provost knows our purpose and our plot. The matter being afoot, keep your instruction And hold you ever to our special drift; Though sometimes you do blench from this to that As cause doth minister. Go, call at Flavius' house, And tell him where I stay: give the like notice To Valentinus, Rowland, and to Crassus, And bid them bring the trumpets to the gate; But send me Flavius first. PETER. It shall be speeded well. [Exit FRIAR.] [Enter VARRIUS.] DUKE. I thank thee, Varrius; thou hast made good haste: Come, we will walk. There's other of our friends Will greet us here anon, my gentle Varrius. [Exeunt.] SCENE VI. Street near the City Gate. [Enter ISABELLA and MARIANA.] ISABELLA. To speak so indirectly I am loath; I would say the truth; but to accuse him so, That is your part: yet I am advis'd to do it; He says, to 'vailfull purpose. MARIANA. Be ruled by him. ISABELLA. Besides, he tells me that, if peradventure He speak against me on the adverse side, I should not think it strange; for 'tis a physic That's bitter to sweet end. MARIANA. I would Friar Peter. - ISABELLA. O, peace! the friar is come. [Enter FRIAR PETER.] PETER. Come, I have found you out a stand most fit, Where you may have such vantage on the duke He shall not pass you. Twice have the trumpets sounded; The generous and gravest citizens Have hent the gates, and very near upon The duke is entering; therefore, hence, away. [Exeunt.] ACT V. SCENE I. A public place near the city gate. [MARIANA (veiled), ISABELLA, and PETER, at a distance. Enter at opposite doors DUKE, VARRIUS, Lords; ANGELO, ESCALUS, LUCIO, PROVOST, Officers, and Citizens.] DUKE. My very worthy cousin, fairly met; - Our old and faithful friend, we are glad to see you. ANGELO and ESCALUS. Happy return be to your royal grace! DUKE. Many and hearty thankings to you both. We have made inquiry of you; and we hear Such goodness of your justice that our soul Cannot but yield you forth to public thanks, Forerunning more requital. ANGELO. You make my bonds still greater. DUKE. O, your desert speaks loud; and I should wrong it To lock it in the wards of covert bosom, When it deserves, with characters of brass, A forted residence 'gainst the tooth of time And rasure of oblivion. Give me your hand, And let the subject see, to make them know That outward courtesies would fain proclaim Favours that keep within. - Come, Escalus; You must walk by us on our other hand: And good supporters are you. [Enter PETER and ISABELLA come forward.] PETER. Now is your time; speak loud, and kneel before him. ISABELLA. Justice, O royal duke! Vail your regard Upon a wrong'd, I'd fain have said, a maid! O worthy prince, dishonour not your eye By throwing it on any other object Till you have heard me in my true complaint, And given me justice, justice, justice, justice! DUKE. Relate your wrongs. In what? By whom? Be brief: Here is Lord Angelo shall give you justice. Reveal yourself to him. ISABELLA. O worthy duke, You bid me seek redemption of the devil: Hear me yourself; for that which I must speak Must either punish me, not being believ'd, Or wring redress from you; hear me, O, hear me here! ANGELO. My lord, her wits, I fear me, are not firm: She hath been a suitor to me for her brother, Cut off by course of justice. ISABELLA. By course of justice! ANGELO. And she will speak most bitterly and strange. ISABELLA. Most strange, but yet most truly, will I speak: That Angelo's forsworn, is it not strange? That Angelo's a murderer, is't not strange? That Angelo is an adulterous thief, An hypocrite, a virgin-violator, Is it not strange and strange? DUKE. Nay, it is ten times strange. ISABELLA. It is not truer he is Angelo Than this is all as true as it is strange: Nay, it is ten times true; for truth is truth To the end of reckoning. DUKE. Away with her! - Poor soul, She speaks this in the infirmity of sense. ISABELLA. O prince! I conjure thee, as thou believ'st There is another comfort than this world, That thou neglect me not with that opinion That I am touch'd with madness: make not impossible That which but seems unlike; 'tis not impossible But one, the wicked'st caitiff on the ground, May seem as shy, as grave, as just, as absolute, As Angelo; even so may Angelo, In all his dressings, characts, titles, forms, Be an arch-villain; believe it, royal prince, If he be less, he's nothing; but he's more, Had I more name for badness. DUKE. By mine honesty, If she be mad, as I believe no other, Her madness hath the oddest frame of sense, Such a dependency of thing on thing, As e'er I heard in madness. ISABELLA. O gracious duke, Harp not on that: nor do not banish reason For inequality; but let your reason serve To make the truth appear where it seems hid And hide the false seems true. DUKE. Many that are not mad Have, sure, more lack of reason. - What would you say? ISABELLA. I am the sister of one Claudio, Condemn'd upon the act of fornication To lose his head; condemn'd by Angelo: I, in probation of a sisterhood, Was sent to by my brother: one Lucio As then the messenger; - LUCIO. That's I, an't like your grace: I came to her from Claudio, and desir'd her To try her gracious fortune with Lord Angelo For her poor brother's pardon. ISABELLA. That's he, indeed. DUKE. You were not bid to speak. LUCIO. No, my good lord; Nor wish'd to hold my peace. DUKE. I wish you now, then; Pray you take note of it: and when you have A business for yourself, pray Heaven you then Be perfect. LUCIO. I warrant your honour. DUKE. The warrant's for yourself; take heed to it. ISABELLA. This gentleman told somewhat of my tale. LUCIO. Right. DUKE. It may be right; but you are in the wrong To speak before your time. - Proceed. ISABELLA. I went To this pernicious caitiff deputy. DUKE. That's somewhat madly spoken. ISABELLA. Pardon it; The phrase is to the matter. DUKE. Mended again. The matter; - proceed. ISABELLA. In brief, - to set the needless process by, How I persuaded, how I pray'd, and kneel'd, How he refell'd me, and how I replied, - For this was of much length, - the vile conclusion I now begin with grief and shame to utter: He would not, but by gift of my chaste body To his concupiscible intemperate lust, Release my brother; and, after much debatement, My sisterly remorse confutes mine honour, And I did yield to him. But the next morn betimes, His purpose surfeiting, he sends a warrant For my poor brother's head. DUKE. This is most likely! ISABELLA. O, that it were as like as it is true! DUKE. By heaven, fond wretch, thou know'st not what thou speak'st, Or else thou art suborn'd against his honour In hateful practice. First, his integrity Stands without blemish: - next, it imports no reason That with such vehemency he should pursue Faults proper to himself: if he had so offended, He would have weigh'd thy brother by himself, And not have cut him off. Some one hath set you on; Confess the truth, and say by whose advice Thou cam'st here to complain. ISABELLA. And is this all? Then, O you blessed ministers above, Keep me in patience; and, with ripen'd time, Unfold the evil which is here wrapt up In countenance! - Heaven shield your grace from woe, As I, thus wrong'd, hence unbelieved go! DUKE. I know you'd fain be gone. - An officer! To prison with her! - Shall we thus permit A blasting and a scandalous breath to fall On him so near us? This needs must be a practice. Who knew of your intent and coming hither? ISABELLA. One that I would were here, Friar Lodowick. DUKE. A ghostly father, belike. Who knows that Lodowick? LUCIO. My lord, I know him; 'tis a meddling friar. I do not like the man: had he been lay, my lord, For certain words he spake against your grace In your retirement, I had swing'd him soundly. DUKE. Words against me? This's a good friar, belike! And to set on this wretched woman here Against our substitute! - Let this friar be found. LUCIO. But yesternight, my lord, she and that friar, I saw them at the prison: a saucy friar, A very scurvy fellow. PETER. Bless'd be your royal grace! I have stood by, my lord, and I have heard Your royal ear abus'd. First, hath this woman Most wrongfully accus'd your substitute; Who is as free from touch or soil with her As she from one ungot. DUKE. We did believe no less. Know you that Friar Lodowick that she speaks of? PETER. I know him for a man divine and holy; Not scurvy, nor a temporary meddler, As he's reported by this gentleman; And, on my trust, a man that never yet Did, as he vouches, misreport your grace. LUCIO. My lord, most villainously; believe it. PETER. Well, he in time may come to clear himself; But at this instant he is sick, my lord, Of a strange fever. Upon his mere request, - Being come to knowledge that there was complaint Intended 'gainst Lord Angelo, - came I hither To speak, as from his mouth, what he doth know Is true and false; and what he, with his oath And all probation, will make up full clear, Whensoever he's convented. First, for this woman - To justify this worthy nobleman, So vulgarly and personally accus'd, - Her shall you hear disproved to her eyes, Till she herself confess it. DUKE. Good friar, let's hear it. [ISABELLA is carried off, guarded; and MARIANA comes forward.] Do you not smile at this, Lord Angelo? - O heaven! the vanity of wretched fools! Give us some seats. - Come, cousin Angelo; In this I'll be impartial; be you judge Of your own cause. - Is this the witness, friar? First let her show her face, and after speak. MARIANA. Pardon, my lord; I will not show my face Until my husband bid me. DUKE. What! are you married? MARIANA. No, my lord. DUKE. Are you a maid? MARIANA. No, my lord. DUKE. A widow, then? MARIANA. Neither, my lord. DUKE. Why, you are nothing then: - neither maid, widow, nor wife? LUCIO. My lord, she may be a punk; for many of them are neither maid, widow, nor wife. DUKE. Silence that fellow: I would he had some cause To prattle for himself. LUCIO. Well, my lord. MARIANA. My lord, I do confess I ne'er was married, And I confess, besides, I am no maid: I have known my husband; yet my husband knows not That ever he knew me. LUCIO. He was drunk, then, my lord; it can be no better. DUKE. For the benefit of silence, would thou wert so too! LUCIO. Well, my lord. DUKE. This is no witness for Lord Angelo. MARIANA. Now I come to't, my lord: She that accuses him of fornication, In self-same manner doth accuse my husband; And charges him, my lord, with such a time When I'll depose I had him in mine arms, With all the effect of love. ANGELO. Charges she more than me? MARIANA. Not that I know. DUKE. No? you say your husband. MARIANA. Why, just, my lord, and that is Angelo, Who thinks he knows that he ne'er knew my body, But knows he thinks that he knows Isabel's. ANGELO. This is a strange abuse. - Let's see thy face. MARIANA. My husband bids me; now I will unmask. [Unveiling.] This is that face, thou cruel Angelo, Which once thou swor'st was worth the looking on: This is the hand which, with a vow'd contract, Was fast belock'd in thine; this is the body That took away the match from Isabel, And did supply thee at thy garden-house In her imagin'd person. DUKE. Know you this woman? LUCIO. Carnally, she says. DUKE. Sirrah, no more. LUCIO. Enough, my lord. ANGELO. My lord, I must confess I know this woman; And five years since there was some speech of marriage Betwixt myself and her; which was broke off, Partly for that her promis'd proportions Came short of composition; but in chief For that her reputation was disvalued In levity: since which time of five years I never spake with her, saw her, nor heard from her, Upon my faith and honour. MARIANA. Noble prince, As there comes light from heaven and words from breath, As there is sense in truth and truth in virtue, I am affianc'd this man's wife as strongly As words could make up vows: and, my good lord, But Tuesday night last gone, in his garden-house, He knew me as a wife. As this is true, Let me in safety raise me from my knees, Or else for ever be confixed here, A marble monument! ANGELO. I did but smile till now; Now, good my lord, give me the scope of justice; My patience here is touch'd. I do perceive These poor informal women are no more But instruments of some more mightier member That sets them on. Let me have way, my lord, To find this practice out. DUKE. Ay, with my heart; And punish them to your height of pleasure. - Thou foolish friar, and thou pernicious woman, Compact with her that's gone, thinkst thou thy oaths, Though they would swear down each particular saint, Were testimonies against his worth and credit, That's seal'd in approbation? - You, Lord Escalus, Sit with my cousin; lend him your kind pains To find out this abuse, whence 'tis deriv'd. - There is another friar that set them on; Let him be sent for. PETER. Would lie were here, my lord; for he indeed Hath set the women on to this complaint: Your provost knows the place where he abides, And he may fetch him. DUKE. Go, do it instantly. - [Exit PROVOST.] And you, my noble and well-warranted cousin, Whom it concerns to hear this matter forth, Do with your injuries as seems you best In any chastisement. I for a while Will leave you: but stir not you till you have well Determined upon these slanderers. ESCALUS. My lord, we'll do it throughly. [Exit DUKE.] Signior Lucio, did not you say you knew that Friar Lodowick to be a dishonest person? LUCIO. 'Cucullus non facit monachum': honest in nothing but in his clothes; and one that hath spoke most villainous speeches of the duke. ESCALUS. We shall entreat you to abide here till he come and enforce them against him: we shall find this friar a notable fellow. LUCIO. As any in Vienna, on my word. ESCALUS. Call that same Isabel here once again [to an Attendant]; I would speak with her. Pray you, my lord, give me leave to question; you shall see how I'll handle her. LUCIO. Not better than he, by her own report. ESCALUS. Say you? LUCIO. Marry, sir, I think, if you handled her privately, she would sooner confess: perchance, publicly, she'll be ashamed. [Re-enter Officers, with ISABELLA.] ESCALUS. I will go darkly to work with her. LUCIO. That's the way; for women are light at midnight. ESCALUS. Come on, mistress [to ISABELLA]; here's a gentlewoman denies all that you have said. LUCIO. My lord, here comes the rascal I spoke of, here with the Provost. [Re-enter the DUKE in his friar's habit, and PROVOST.] ESCALUS. In very good time: - speak not you to him till we call upon you. LUCIO. Mum. ESCALUS. Come, sir: did you set these women on to slander Lord Angelo? they have confessed you did. DUKE. 'Tis false. ESCALUS. How! Know you where you are? DUKE. Respect to your great place! and let the devil Be sometime honour'd for his burning throne! - Where is the duke? 'tis he should hear me speak. ESCALUS. The duke's in us; and we will hear you speak: Look you speak justly. DUKE. Boldly, at least. But, O, poor souls, Come you to seek the lamb here of the fox, Good night to your redress! Is the duke gone? Then is your cause gone too. The duke's unjust Thus to retort your manifest appeal, And put your trial in the villain's mouth Which here you come to accuse. LUCIO. This is the rascal; this is he I spoke of. ESCALUS. Why, thou unreverend and unhallow'd friar, Is't not enough thou hast suborn'd these women To accuse this worthy man, but, in foul mouth, And in the witness of his proper ear, To call him villain? And then to glance from him to the duke himself, To tax him with injustice? Take him hence; To the rack with him! - We'll touze you joint by joint, But we will know his purpose. - What! unjust? DUKE. Be not so hot; the duke Dare no more stretch this finger of mine than he Dare rack his own; his subject am I not, Nor here provincial. My business in this state Made me a looker-on here in Vienna, Where I have seen corruption boil and bubble Till it o'errun the stew: laws for all faults, But faults so countenanc'd that the strong statutes Stand like the forfeits in a barber's shop, As much in mock as mark. ESCALUS. Slander to the state! Away with him to prison! ANGELO. What can you vouch against him, Signior Lucio? Is this the man that you did tell us of? LUCIO. 'Tis he, my lord. Come hither, good-man bald-pate. Do you know me? DUKE. I remember you, sir, by the sound of your voice. I met you at the prison, in the absence of the duke. LUCIO. O did you so? And do you remember what you said of the duke? DUKE. Most notedly, sir. LUCIO. Do you so, sir? And was the duke a fleshmonger, a fool, and a coward, as you then reported him to be? DUKE. You must, sir, change persons with me ere you make that my report: you, indeed, spoke so of him; and much more, much worse. LUCIO. O thou damnable fellow! Did not I pluck thee by the nose for thy speeches? DUKE. I protest I love the duke as I love myself. ANGELO. Hark how the villain would gloze now, after his treasonable abuses! ESCALUS. Such a fellow is not to be talked withal. Away with him to prison! - Where is the provost? - Away with him to prison! lay bolts enough upon him: let him speak no more. - Away with those giglots too, and with the other confederate companion! [The PROVOST lays hands on the DUKE.] DUKE. Stay, sir; stay awhile. ANGELO. What! resists he? - Help him, Lucio. LUCIO. Come, sir; come, sir! come, sir; foh, sir! Why, you bald-pated lying rascal! you must be hooded, must you? Show your knave's visage, with a pox to you! show your sheep-biting face, and be hanged an hour! Will't not off? [Pulls off the Friar's hood and discovers the DUKE.] DUKE. Thou art the first knave that e'er made a duke. - First, Provost, let me bail these gentle three: - Sneak not away, sir[To Lucio.]; for the friar and you Must have a word anon: - Lay hold on him. LUCIO. This may prove worse than hanging. DUKE. What you have spoke I pardon; sit you down. - [To ESCALUS.] We'll borrow place of him. - [To ANGELO.] Sir, by your leave. Hast thou or word, or wit, or impudence, That yet can do thee office? If thou hast, Rely upon it till my tale be heard, And hold no longer out. ANGELO. O my dread lord, I should be guiltier than my guiltiness, To think I can be undiscernible, When I perceive your grace, like power divine, Hath look'd upon my passes. Then, good Prince, No longer session hold upon my shame, But let my trial be mine own confession: Immediate sentence then, and sequent death, Is all the grace I beg. DUKE. Come hither, Mariana: - Say, wast thou e'er contracted to this woman? ANGELO. I was, my lord. DUKE. Go, take her hence and marry her instantly. Do you the office, friar; which consummate, Return him here again. - Go with him, Provost. [Exeunt ANGELO, MARIANA, PETER, and PROVOST.] ESCALUS. My lord, I am more amazed at his dishonour Than at the strangeness of it. DUKE. Come hither, Isabel: Your friar is now your prince. As I was then Advertising and holy to your business, Not changing heart with habit, I am still Attorney'd at your service. ISABELLA. O, give me pardon, That I, your vassal, have employ'd and pain'd Your unknown sovereignty. DUKE. You are pardon'd, Isabel. And now, dear maid, be you as free to us. Your brother's death, I know, sits at your heart; And you may marvel why I obscur'd myself, Labouring to save his life, and would not rather Make rash remonstrance of my hidden power Than let him so be lost. O most kind maid, It was the swift celerity of his death, Which I did think with slower foot came on, That brain'd my purpose. But peace be with him! That life is better life, past fearing death, Than that which lives to fear: make it your comfort, So happy is your brother. ISABELLA. I do, my lord. [Re-enter ANGELO, MARIANA, PETER, and PROVOST.] DUKE. For this new-married man approaching here, Whose salt imagination yet hath wrong'd Your well-defended honour, you must pardon For Mariana's sake: but as he adjudg'd your brother, - Being criminal, in double violation Of sacred chastity and of promise-breach, Thereon dependent, for your brother's life, - The very mercy of the law cries out Most audible, even from his proper tongue, 'An Angelo for Claudio, death for death.' Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure; Like doth quit like, and measure still for measure. Then, Angelo, thy fault's thus manifested, - Which, though thou wouldst deny, denies thee vantage. - We do condemn thee to the very block Where Claudio stoop'd to death, and with like haste. - Away with him. MARIANA. O my most gracious lord, I hope you will not mock me with a husband! DUKE. It is your husband mock'd you with a husband. Consenting to the safeguard of your honour, I thought your marriage fit; else imputation, For that he knew you, might reproach your life, And choke your good to come: for his possessions, Although by confiscation they are ours, We do instate and widow you withal To buy you a better husband. MARIANA. O my dear lord, I crave no other, nor no better man. DUKE. Never crave him; we are definitive. MARIANA. Gentle my liege - [Kneeling.] DUKE. You do but lose your labour. - Away with him to death! - [To LUCIO.] Now, sir, to you. MARIANA. O my good lord! - Sweet Isabel, take my part; Lend me your knees, and all my life to come I'll lend you all my life to do you service. DUKE. Against all sense you do importune her. Should she kneel down in mercy of this fact, Her brother's ghost his paved bed would break, And take her hence in horror. MARIANA. Isabel, Sweet Isabel, do yet but kneel by me; Hold up your hands, say nothing, - I'll speak all. They say, best men moulded out of faults; And, for the most, become much more the better For being a little bad: so may my husband. O Isabel, will you not lend a knee? DUKE. He dies for Claudio's death. ISABELLA. [Kneeling.] Most bounteous sir, Look, if it please you, on this man condemn'd, As if my brother liv'd: I partly think A due sincerity govern'd his deeds Till he did look on me; since it is so, Let him not die. My brother had but justice, In that he did the thing for which he died: For Angelo, His act did not o'ertake his bad intent, And must be buried but as an intent That perish'd by the way. Thoughts are no subjects; Intents but merely thoughts. MARIANA. Merely, my lord. DUKE. Your suit's unprofitable; stand up, I say. - I have bethought me of another fault. - Provost, how came it Claudio was beheaded At an unusual hour? PROVOST. It was commanded so. DUKE. Had you a special warrant for the deed? PROVOST. No, my good lord; it was by private message. DUKE. For which I do discharge you of your office: Give up your keys. PROVOST. Pardon me, noble lord: I thought it was a fault, but knew it not; Yet did repent me, after more advice: For testimony whereof, one in the prison, That should by private order else have died, I have reserved alive. DUKE. What's he? PROVOST. His name is Barnardine. DUKE. I would thou hadst done so by Claudio. - Go fetch him hither; let me look upon him. [Exit PROVOST.] ESCALUS. I am sorry one so learned and so wise As you, Lord Angelo, have still appear'd, Should slip so grossly, both in the heat of blood And lack of temper'd judgment afterward. ANGELO. I am sorry that such sorrow I procure: And so deep sticks it in my penitent heart That I crave death more willingly than mercy; 'Tis my deserving, and I do entreat it. [Re-enter PROVOST, with BARNARDINE, CLAUDIO (muffled) and JULIET.] DUKE. Which is that Barnardine? PROVOST. This, my lord. DUKE. There was a friar told me of this man: - Sirrah, thou art said to have a stubborn soul, That apprehends no further than this world, And squar'st thy life according. Thou'rt condemn'd; But, for those earthly faults, I quit them all, And pray thee take this mercy to provide For better times to come: - Friar, advise him; I leave him to your hand. - What muffled fellow's that? PROVOST. This is another prisoner that I sav'd, Who should have died when Claudio lost his head; As like almost to Claudio as himself. [Unmuffles CLAUDIO.] DUKE. If he be like your brother [to ISABELLA], for his sake Is he pardon'd; and for your lovely sake, Give me your hand and say you will be mine; He is my brother too: but fitter time for that. By this Lord Angelo perceives he's safe; Methinks I see a quick'ning in his eye. - Well, Angelo, your evil quits you well": Look that you love your wife; her worth worth yours. - I find an apt remission in myself; And yet here's one in place I cannot pardon. - You, sirrah [to Lucio], that knew me for a fool, a coward, One all of luxury, an ass, a madman; Wherein have I so deserved of you That you extol me thus? LUCIO. Faith, my lord, I spoke it but according to the trick. If you will hang me for it, you may; but I had rather it would please you I might be whipped. DUKE. Whipp'd first, sir, and hang'd after. - Proclaim it, Provost, round about the city, If any woman wrong'd by this lewd fellow, - As I have heard him swear himself there's one Whom he begot with child, - let her appear, And he shall marry her: the nuptial finish'd, Let him be whipp'd and hang'd. LUCIO. I beseech your highness, do not marry me to a whore! Your highness said even now I made you a duke; good my lord, do not recompense me in making me a cuckold. DUKE. Upon mine honour, thou shalt marry her. Thy slanders I forgive; and therewithal Remit thy other forfeits. - Take him to prison; And see our pleasure herein executed. LUCIO. Marrying a punk, my lord, is pressing to death, whipping, and hanging. DUKE. Slandering a prince deserves it. - [Exeunt Officers with LUCIO.] She, Claudio, that you wrong'd, look you restore. - Joy to you, Mariana! - Love her, Angelo; I have confess'd her, and I know her virtue. - Thanks, good friend Escalus, for thy much goodness There's more behind that is more gratulate. Thanks, Provost, for thy care and secrecy; We shall employ thee in a worthier place. - Forgive him, Angelo, that brought you home The head of Ragozine for Claudio's: The offence pardons itself. - Dear Isabel, I have a motion much imports your good; Whereto if you'll a willing ear incline, What's mine is yours, and what is yours is mine: - So, bring us to our palace; where we'll show What's yet behind that's meet you all should know. [Exeunt.] Publication Date: May 29th 2008 https://www.bookrix.com/-bx.shakespeare

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-kenya-freedom-reigns/

Kenya Harper Freedom Reigns Chapter 1 Kansas’s beautiful dawn sky was a timid blue with marvelous streaks of orange, red, purple, and yellow running through it, making the sky look like an artist had somehow painted it. Madeleine, though she was typically an early riser, was still asleep in her bed, snoring softly and her covers shielding half her face as the sun slowly began to light up the world. It was the start of the new school year- beginning today Madeleine Leigh would be a Junior .She suddenly turned restlessly in her sleep, flipping onto her stomach. Madeleine pretty much liked all her teachers and classes so she hated the idea that everything was going to change again, whether she liked it or not. She thought high school was going perfectly fine already but now they had changed the script completely…and she didn’t get a chance to rehearse. It really seemed like life adored pulling her out of her comfort zones lately. For example, before she began going to Lawrence high school, Madeleine had to move from her home all the way in Houston Texas to this house in Kansas with Cara, her sixteen year old sister, and her mother Daniela. Her parents had agreed to get a divorce without giving their children any fair warning so in all honesty she should’ve expected life to pull the same thing sooner or later. The light sound of chirping from the birds outside her cracked window kept Madeleine sleeping since she always enjoyed listening to the songs they made in the mornings. It made her feel calm. Their different vocal tones could be compared a lullaby. Madeleine smiled in her sleep as they birds kept on singing but then they stopped abruptly. Slightly annoyed by the silence, she gradually opened one eye then the other to see her orange tabby skittles sitting on her desk by the window, licking her paw. And Madeleine immediately knew Skittles had frightened the birds away.   “What’d you do that for?” She asked with a frown, finally deciding to get out of bed and come over to scratch Skittles behind the ear. “That wasn’t very friendly.”   Skittles just purred, looking up at Madeliene and not all feeling guilty about scaring away the birds as usual. Madeleine just sighed and averted her gaze to her alarm clock that now read 6:34. Maybe if she got back in bed quick enough she could get a little more sleep. “Hey, Madeleine!” her mom unexpectedly called from the kitchen. “Are you up?” Madeleine cringed at her mother’s voice. Her mom should still be sleeping herself but Madeline had forgotten that her mom was still searching for a job. “So much for my plan….” She thought unhappily as she headed to the kitchen. Skittles jumped gracefully down from the desk and silently followed Madeleine out of the room. The breakfast today was cereal to Madeliene’s and Cara’s disappointment. “I’m really sorry girls.” Her mom said remorsefully, hurriedly combing her blonde hair and pulling it into a ponytail. Daniela was wearing a formal short sleeved twinset top with a khaki colored pencil skirt unlike her usual outfits which were jeans and a t-shirt.“I have job interviews to go to today so I don’t have time to make breakfast… unless Maddie wants to take my place as cook.”  Madeliene, hearing her name, immediately looked up from her bowl of lucky charms. “It’s fine mom.” She said quickly, boredly swirling the milk in her bowl around with a spoon. “I’ll just make breakfast tomorrow- you look nice by the way.” Cara nodded in agreement, unable to speak with a mouthful of cinnamon toast crunch. Their mom smiled as she brushed her skirt off then hugged each of them tightly. “I love you guys.” She murmured, kissing them both on the forehead and ruffling Cara’s hair before heading to the bathroom to do her makeup. "Be good at school ok?"  They would have to catch the bus since their mom was usually to busy to take them but it's not like they minded.  Madeliene noticed Cara staring at her from across the kitchen table, concern written in her dark green eyes. "Why aren't you happy?" She finally asked. 'I would love to be a junior. It's better than being a freshman or a sophmore like me."  Cara was finally going to be a sophmore but she didn't seem phased at all. Apparently Madeliene's younger sister can handle change a lot better than she could.  Publication Date: March 16th 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-sv084a0c9494415

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-felicity-autom-me/

Felicity Autom Me... I know I'm not perfect, but hell IDGAF!       Save me... I'm breaking inside... Broken but no one cares.   Past Me and Hunter   Present Me and Stefin  Who am I?  I'm 16 and still don't know who I am. I know I'm not smart and I know I fuck almost everything up, but that doesn't tell me who I am. I feel lost and lonely. I may not be alone but I am lonely. I feel as if I could die and no one would notice. I feel as if people use me... I'm not pretty, and guys have told me that the only thing they liked about me was my body. But I'm more then what they see. I may not look depressed or even act depressed but I am I hide how I feel because I don't like the questions, like are you okay? I don't want people to know how I feel so I smile and walk away. What people don't know is im not happy, I cry myself to sleep because Im scared to face the real world, I'm scared I'll hurt more people. I try to stay strong but I just fall, I fall to my knees and cry out for no one to hear. No one would care, do it, no more pain, no more worries.    I want the pain to end. It kills me to know I hurt you. I changed you. You were a happy little geek. I broke you, And when I did i broke myself. I gave you everything because I thought we would be forever. But forever didn't last very long. I say sorry because it kills me. You may not care but I love you. I don't want to but I do. I hate that i care about you. I hate that you make me weak. I miss the old you... Stefin  You were my friend back in middle school, we would walk and talk. You, Keegan, and Tyler where the only people I talked to on the track. I alway know that you liked me and it was cute. You would flirt without knowing, and we alway fought about who was tall (I was for awhile). I thought about liking you at one point but you had a girlfriend, so I forgot about it.    In high school, we didn't talk much at the begining of the year. We had English together and you were one of the few people I would talk to. We started talking again and I started to like you. We were reading Romeo and Juliet in class, in the last scene you raised your hand to be Remeo, so I raised me hand to be Juliet. When the kissing scene came up you were scared to kiss me, and the teacher was bribing us to do it. Then my scene came up and I had to kiss you, I kissed you on the check and turned pink. later that day we were talking and that night we started dating. I was scared to fall in love and everytime you said I love you I hesitated to reply. I didn't want to hurt you. When you started giving me gifes I got scared... I didn't want us to end bad. After awhile I felt safe, like you would never hurt me. I let you in and started feeling more comfortable.    We down a few bad roads and you felt I could do better. Well maybe I just want you, maybe you are better. Those other guys tried and when I said no, they left in a heart beat. All they wanted was sex, but you don't want it, I mean ya you prebable do but you don't try to push it on me like some guys try. You respect me, and I love that! I hope that we last because your an amazing guy, and if we do ever break up I want to be friend. Because I couldn't stand to lose you.   I love you baby, I would die for you. But know I'm weak... I don't want to hurt you but I can't making promises. Just know I will not let go easy. Random Facts Full name: Felicity Autom St George    Height: 5'3"   Birthday: 02/03/2000   Girl BFF: Sarah McCarty    Guy BFF: James Bright   Longest Relationship: 11/29/13-02/16/15    Eye color: goes from blue, to grey, to green   Hair color: Dirty blond    Fav. food: tacos     ***If you have any you think I should add message me.*** Derp             I don't know   Broke  I've lost anyone everyone I've loved, and I just wanna give up. I wanna cut but I'm scared... I just want to start over, never fall in love because it just hurts. I'm so gone... Publication Date: November 28th 2016 https://www.bookrix.com/-sz8f24146690d65

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-william-shakespeare-the-merry-wives-of-windsor/

William Shakespeare The Merry Wives of Windsor DRAMATIS PERSONAE SIR JOHN FALSTAFF FENTON, a young gentleman SHALLOW, a country justice SLENDER, cousin to Shallow FORD, Gentleman dwelling at Windsor PAGE, Gentleman dwelling at Windsor WILLIAM PAGE, a boy, son to Page SIR HUGH EVANS, a Welsh parson DOCTOR CAIUS, a French physician HOST of the Garter Inn BARDOLPH, PISTOL, NYM, Followers of Falstaff ROBIN, page to Falstaff SIMPLE, servant to Slender RUGBY, servant to Doctor Caius MISTRESS FORD MISTRESS PAGE MISTRESS ANNE PAGE, her daughter, in love with Fenton MISTRESS QUICKLY, servant to Doctor Caius SERVANTS to Page, Ford, &c. SCENE: Windsor; and the neighbourhood ACT I. SCENE 1. Windsor. Before PAGE'S house. [Enter JUSTICE SHALLOW, SLENDER, and SIR HUGH EVANS.] SHALLOW. Sir Hugh, persuade me not; I will make a Star Chamber matter of it; if he were twenty Sir John Falstaffs, he shall not abuse Robert Shallow, esquire. SLENDER. In the county of Gloucester, Justice of Peace, and 'coram.' SHALLOW. Ay, cousin Slender, and 'cust-alorum.' SLENDER. Ay, and 'rato-lorum' too; and a gentleman born, Master Parson, who writes himself 'armigero' in any bill, warrant, quittance, or obligation - 'armigero.' SHALLOW. Ay, that I do; and have done any time these three hundred years. SLENDER. All his successors, gone before him, hath done't; and all his ancestors, that come after him, may: they may give the dozen white luces in their coat. SHALLOW. It is an old coat. EVANS. The dozen white louses do become an old coat well; it agrees well, passant; it is a familiar beast to man, and signifies love. SHALLOW. The luce is the fresh fish; the salt fish is an old coat. SLENDER. I may quarter, coz? SHALLOW. You may, by marrying. EVANS. It is marring indeed, if he quarter it. SHALLOW. Not a whit. EVANS. Yes, py'r lady! If he has a quarter of your coat, there is but three skirts for yourself, in my simple conjectures; but that is all one. If Sir John Falstaff have committed disparagements unto you, I am of the church, and will be glad to do my benevolence to make atonements and compremises between you. SHALLOW. The Council shall hear it; it is a riot. EVANS. It is not meet the Council hear a riot; there is no fear of Got in a riot; the Council, look you, shall desire to hear the fear of Got, and not to hear a riot; take your vizaments in that. SHALLOW. Ha! o' my life, if I were young again, the sword should end it. EVANS. It is petter that friends is the sword and end it; and there is also another device in my prain, which peradventure prings goot discretions with it. There is Anne Page, which is daughter to Master George Page, which is pretty virginity. SLENDER. Mistress Anne Page? She has brown hair, and speaks small like a woman. EVANS. It is that fery person for all the orld, as just as you will desire; and seven hundred pounds of moneys, and gold, and silver, is her grandsire upon his death's-bed - Got deliver to a joyful resurrections! - give, when she is able to overtake seventeen years old. It were a goot motion if we leave our pribbles and prabbles, and desire a marriage between Master Abraham and Mistress Anne Page. SHALLOW. Did her grandsire leave her seven hundred pound? EVANS. Ay, and her father is make her a petter penny. SHALLOW. I know the young gentlewoman; she has good gifts. EVANS. Seven hundred pounds, and possibilities, is goot gifts. SHALLOW. Well, let us see honest Master Page. Is Falstaff there? EVANS. Shall I tell you a lie? I do despise a liar as I do despise one that is false; or as I despise one that is not true. The knight Sir John is there; and, I beseech you, be ruled by your well-willers. I will peat the door for Master Page. [Knocks.] What, hoa! Got pless your house here! PAGE. [Within.] Who's there? EVANS. Here is Got's plessing, and your friend, and Justice Shallow; and here young Master Slender, that peradventures shall tell you another tale, if matters grow to your likings. [Enter PAGE.] PAGE. I am glad to see your worships well. I thank you for my venison, Master Shallow. SHALLOW. Master Page, I am glad to see you; much good do it your good heart! I wished your venison better; it was ill killed. How doth good Mistress Page? - and I thank you always with my heart, la! with my heart. PAGE. Sir, I thank you. SHALLOW. Sir, I thank you; by yea and no, I do. PAGE. I am glad to see you, good Master Slender. SLENDER. How does your fallow greyhound, sir? I heard say he was outrun on Cotsall. PAGE. It could not be judged, sir. SLENDER. You'll not confess, you'll not confess. SHALLOW. That he will not: 'tis your fault; 'tis your fault. 'Tis a good dog. PAGE. A cur, sir. SHALLOW. Sir, he's a good dog, and a fair dog; can there be more said? he is good, and fair. Is Sir John Falstaff here? PAGE. Sir, he is within; and I would I could do a good office between you. EVANS. It is spoke as a Christians ought to speak. SHALLOW. He hath wronged me, Master Page. PAGE. Sir, he doth in some sort confess it. SHALLOW. If it be confessed, it is not redressed: is not that so, Master Page? He hath wronged me; indeed he hath; - at a word, he hath, - believe me; Robert Shallow, esquire, saith he is wronged. PAGE. Here comes Sir John. [Enter SIR JOHN FALSTAFF, BARDOLPH, NYM, and PISTOL.] FALSTAFF. Now, Master Shallow, you'll complain of me to the King? SHALLOW. Knight, you have beaten my men, killed my deer, and broke open my lodge. FALSTAFF. But not kiss'd your keeper's daughter? SHALLOW. Tut, a pin! this shall be answered. FALSTAFF. I will answer it straight: I have done all this. That is now answered. SHALLOW. The Council shall know this. FALSTAFF. 'Twere better for you if it were known in counsel: you'll be laughed at. EVANS. Pauca verba, Sir John; goot worts. FALSTAFF. Good worts! good cabbage! Slender, I broke your head; what matter have you against me? SLENDER. Marry, sir, I have matter in my head against you; and against your cony-catching rascals, Bardolph, Nym, and Pistol. They carried me to the tavern, and made me drunk, and afterwards picked my pocket. BARDOLPH. You Banbury cheese! SLENDER. Ay, it is no matter. PISTOL. How now, Mephostophilus! SLENDER. Ay, it is no matter. NYM. Slice, I say! pauca, pauca; slice! That's my humour. SLENDER. Where's Simple, my man? Can you tell, cousin? EVANS. Peace, I pray you. Now let us understand. There is three umpires in this matter, as I understand: that is - Master Page, fidelicet Master Page; and there is myself, fidelicet myself; and the three party is, lastly and finally, mine host of the Garter. PAGE. We three to hear it and end it between them. EVANS. Fery goot: I will make a prief of it in my note-book; and we will afterwards ork upon the cause with as great discreetly as we can. FALSTAFF. Pistol! PISTOL. He hears with ears. EVANS. The tevil and his tam! what phrase is this, 'He hears with ear'? Why, it is affectations. FALSTAFF. Pistol, did you pick Master Slender's purse? SLENDER. Ay, by these gloves, did he - or I would I might never come in mine own great chamber again else! - of seven groats in mill-sixpences, and two Edward shovel-boards that cost me two shilling and two pence a-piece of Yead Miller, by these gloves. FALSTAFF. Is this true, Pistol? EVANS. No, it is false, if it is a pick-purse. PISTOL. Ha, thou mountain-foreigner! - Sir John and master mine, I combat challenge of this latten bilbo. Word of denial in thy labras here! Word of denial! Froth and scum, thou liest. SLENDER. By these gloves, then, 'twas he. NYM. Be avised, sir, and pass good humours; I will say 'marry trap' with you, if you run the nuthook's humour on me; that is the very note of it. SLENDER. By this hat, then, he in the red face had it; for though I cannot remember what I did when you made me drunk, yet I am not altogether an ass. FALSTAFF. What say you, Scarlet and John? BARDOLPH. Why, sir, for my part, I say the gentleman had drunk himself out of his five sentences. EVANS. It is his 'five senses'; fie, what the ignorance is! BARDOLPH. And being fap, sir, was, as they say, cashier'd; and so conclusions passed the careires. SLENDER. Ay, you spake in Latin then too; but 'tis no matter; I'll ne'er be drunk whilst I live again, but in honest, civil, godly company, for this trick; if I be drunk, I'll be drunk with those that have the fear of God, and not with drunken knaves. EVANS. So Got udge me, that is a virtuous mind. FALSTAFF. You hear all these matters denied, gentlemen; you hear it. [Enter ANNE PAGE with wine; MISTRESS FORD and MISTRESS PAGE.] PAGE. Nay, daughter, carry the wine in; we'll drink within. [Exit ANNE PAGE.] SLENDER. O heaven! this is Mistress Anne Page. PAGE. How now, Mistress Ford! FALSTAFF. Mistress Ford, by my troth, you are very well met; by your leave, good mistress. [Kissing her.] PAGE. Wife, bid these gentlemen welcome. Come, we have a hot venison pasty to dinner; come, gentlemen, I hope we shall drink down all unkindness. [Exeunt all but SHALLOW, SLENDER, and EVANS.] SLENDER. I had rather than forty shillings I had my Book of Songs and Sonnets here. [Enter SIMPLE.] How, Simple! Where have you been? I must wait on myself, must I? You have not the Book of Riddles about you, have you? SIMPLE. Book of Riddles! why, did you not lend it to Alice Shortcake upon Allhallowmas last, a fortnight afore Michaelmas? SHALLOW. Come, coz; come, coz; we stay for you. A word with you, coz; marry, this, coz: there is, as 'twere, a tender, a kind of tender, made afar off by Sir Hugh here: do you understand me? SLENDER. Ay, sir, you shall find me reasonable; if it be so, I shall do that that is reason. SHALLOW. Nay, but understand me. SLENDER. So I do, sir. EVANS. Give ear to his motions, Master Slender: I will description the matter to you, if you pe capacity of it. SLENDER. Nay, I will do as my cousin Shallow says; I pray you pardon me; he's a justice of peace in his country, simple though I stand here. EVANS. But that is not the question; the question is concerning your marriage. SHALLOW. Ay, there's the point, sir. EVANS. Marry is it; the very point of it; to Mistress Anne Page. SLENDER. Why, if it be so, I will marry her upon any reasonable demands. EVANS. But can you affection the 'oman? Let us command to know that of your mouth or of your lips; for divers philosophers hold that the lips is parcel of the mouth: therefore, precisely, can you carry your good will to the maid? SHALLOW. Cousin Abraham Slender, can you love her? SLENDER. I hope, sir, I will do as it shall become one that would do reason. EVANS. Nay, Got's lords and his ladies! you must speak possitable, if you can carry her your desires towards her. SHALLOW. That you must. Will you, upon good dowry, marry her? SLENDER. I will do a greater thing than that upon your request, cousin, in any reason. SHALLOW. Nay, conceive me, conceive me, sweet coz; what I do is to pleasure you, coz. Can you love the maid? SLENDER. I will marry her, sir, at your request; but if there be no great love in the beginning, yet heaven may decrease it upon better acquaintance, when we are married and have more occasion to know one another; I hope upon familiarity will grow more contempt. But if you say 'Marry her,' I will marry her; that I am freely dissolved, and dissolutely. EVANS. It is a fery discretion answer; save, the fall is in the ort 'dissolutely:' the ort is, according to our meaning, 'resolutely.' His meaning is good. SHALLOW. Ay, I think my cousin meant well. SLENDER. Ay, or else I would I might be hanged, la! SHALLOW. Here comes fair Mistress Anne. [Re-enter ANNE PAGE.] Would I were young for your sake, Mistress Anne! ANNE. The dinner is on the table; my father desires your worships' company. SHALLOW. I will wait on him, fair Mistress Anne! EVANS. Od's plessed will! I will not be absence at the grace. [Exeunt SHALLOW and EVANS.] ANNE. Will't please your worship to come in, sir? SLENDER. No, I thank you, forsooth, heartily; I am very well. ANNE. The dinner attends you, sir. SLENDER. I am not a-hungry, I thank you, forsooth. Go, sirrah, for all you are my man, go wait upon my cousin Shallow. [Exit SIMPLE.] A justice of peace sometime may be beholding to his friend for a man. I keep but three men and a boy yet, till my mother be dead. But what though? Yet I live like a poor gentleman born. ANNE. I may not go in without your worship: they will not sit till you come. SLENDER. I' faith, I'll eat nothing; I thank you as much as though I did. ANNE. I pray you, sir, walk in. SLENDER. I had rather walk here, I thank you. I bruised my shin th' other day with playing at sword and dagger with a master of fence; three veneys for a dish of stewed prunes - and, by my troth, I cannot abide the smell of hot meat since. Why do your dogs bark so? Be there bears i' the town? ANNE. I think there are, sir; I heard them talked of. SLENDER. I love the sport well; but I shall as soon quarrel at it as any man in England. You are afraid, if you see the bear loose, are you not? ANNE. Ay, indeed, sir. SLENDER. That's meat and drink to me now. I have seen Sackerson loose twenty times, and have taken him by the chain; but I warrant you, the women have so cried and shrieked at it that it passed; but women, indeed, cannot abide 'em; they are very ill-favoured rough things. [Re-enter PAGE.] PAGE. Come, gentle Master Slender, come; we stay for you. SLENDER. I'll eat nothing, I thank you, sir. PAGE. By cock and pie, you shall not choose, sir! come, come. SLENDER. Nay, pray you lead the way. PAGE. Come on, sir. SLENDER. Mistress Anne, yourself shall go first. ANNE. Not I, sir; pray you keep on. SLENDER. Truly, I will not go first; truly, la! I will not do you that wrong. ANNE. I pray you, sir. SLENDER. I'll rather be unmannerly than troublesome. You do yourself wrong indeed, la! [Exeunt.] SCENE 2. The same. [Enter SIR HUGH EVANS and SIMPLE.] EVANS. Go your ways, and ask of Doctor Caius' house which is the way; and there dwells one Mistress Quickly, which is in the manner of his nurse, or his dry nurse, or his cook, or his laundry, his washer, and his wringer. SIMPLE. Well, sir. EVANS. Nay, it is petter yet. Give her this letter; for it is a 'oman that altogether's acquaintance with Mistress Anne Page; and the letter is to desire and require her to solicit your master's desires to Mistress Anne Page. I pray you be gone: I will make an end of my dinner; there's pippins and cheese to come. [Exeunt.] SCENE 3. A room in the Garter Inn. [Enter FALSTAFF, HOST, BARDOLPH, NYM, PISTOL, and ROBIN.] FALSTAFF. Mine host of the Garter! HOST. What says my bully rook? Speak scholarly and wisely. FALSTAFF. Truly, mine host, I must turn away some of my followers. HOST. Discard, bully Hercules; cashier; let them wag; trot, trot. FALSTAFF. I sit at ten pounds a week. HOST. Thou'rt an emperor, Caesar, Keiser, and Pheazar. I will entertain Bardolph; he shall draw, he shall tap; said I well, bully Hector? FALSTAFF. Do so, good mine host. HOST. I have spoke; let him follow. [To BARDOLPH] Let me see thee froth and lime. I am at a word; follow. [Exit.] FALSTAFF. Bardolph, follow him. A tapster is a good trade; an old cloak makes a new jerkin; a withered serving-man a fresh tapster. Go; adieu. BARDOLPH. It is a life that I have desired; I will thrive. PISTOL. O base Hungarian wight! Wilt thou the spigot wield? [Exit BARDOLPH.] NYM. He was gotten in drink. Is not the humour conceited? FALSTAFF. I am glad I am so acquit of this tinder-box: his thefts were too open; his filching was like an unskilful singer - he kept not time. NYM. The good humour is to steal at a minim's rest. PISTOL. 'Convey' the wise it call. 'Steal!' foh! A fico for the phrase! FALSTAFF. Well, sirs, I am almost out at heels. PISTOL. Why, then, let kibes ensue. FALSTAFF. There is no remedy; I must cony-catch; I must shift. PISTOL. Young ravens must have food. FALSTAFF. Which of you know Ford of this town? PISTOL. I ken the wight; he is of substance good. FALSTAFF. My honest lads, I will tell you what I am about. PISTOL. Two yards, and more. FALSTAFF. No quips now, Pistol. Indeed, I am in the waist two yards about; but I am now about no waste; I am about thrift. Briefly, I do mean to make love to Ford's wife; I spy entertainment in her; she discourses, she carves, she gives the leer of invitation; I can construe the action of her familiar style; and the hardest voice of her behaviour, to be Englished rightly, is 'I am Sir John Falstaff's.' PISTOL. He hath studied her will, and translated her will out of honesty into English. NYM. The anchor is deep; will that humour pass? FALSTAFF. Now, the report goes she has all the rule of her husband's purse; he hath a legion of angels. PISTOL. As many devils entertain; and 'To her, boy,' say I. NYM. The humour rises; it is good; humour me the angels. FALSTAFF. I have writ me here a letter to her; and here another to Page's wife, who even now gave me good eyes too, examined my parts with most judicious oeillades; sometimes the beam of her view gilded my foot, sometimes my portly belly. PISTOL. Then did the sun on dunghill shine. NYM. I thank thee for that humour. FALSTAFF. O! she did so course o'er my exteriors with such a greedy intention that the appetite of her eye did seem to scorch me up like a burning-glass. Here's another letter to her: she bears the purse too; she is a region in Guiana, all gold and bounty. I will be cheator to them both, and they shall be exchequers to me; they shall be my East and West Indies, and I will trade to them both. Go, bear thou this letter to Mistress Page; and thou this to Mistress Ford. We will thrive, lads, we will thrive. PISTOL. Shall I Sir Pandarus of Troy become, And by my side wear steel? then Lucifer take all! NYM. I will run no base humour. Here, take the humour-letter; I will keep the haviour of reputation. FALSTAFF. [To ROBIN] Hold, sirrah; bear you these letters tightly; Sail like my pinnace to these golden shores. Rogues, hence, avaunt! vanish like hailstones, go; Trudge, plod away o' hoof; seek shelter, pack! Falstaff will learn the humour of this age; French thrift, you rogues; myself, and skirted page. [Exeunt FALSTAFF and ROBIN.] PISTOL. Let vultures gripe thy guts! for gourd and fullam holds, And high and low beguile the rich and poor; Tester I'll have in pouch when thou shalt lack, Base Phrygian Turk! NYM. I have operations in my head which be humours of revenge. PISTOL. Wilt thou revenge? NYM. By welkin and her star! PISTOL. With wit or steel? NYM. With both the humours, I: I will discuss the humour of this love to Page. PISTOL. And I to Ford shall eke unfold How Falstaff, varlet vile, His dove will prove, his gold will hold, And his soft couch defile. NYM. My humour shall not cool: I will incense Page to deal with poison; I will possess him with yellowness, for the revolt of mine is dangerous: that is my true humour. PISTOL. Thou art the Mars of malcontents; I second thee; troop on. [Exeunt.] SCENE 4. A room in DOCTOR CAIUS'S house. [Enter MISTRESS QUICKLY, and SIMPLE.] QUICKLY. What, John Rugby! [Enter RUGBY.] I pray thee go to the casement, and see if you can see my master, Master Doctor Caius, coming: if he do, i' faith, and find anybody in the house, here will be an old abusing of God's patience and the King's English. RUGBY. I'll go watch. QUICKLY. Go; and we'll have a posset for't soon at night, in faith, at the latter end of a sea-coal fire. [Exit RUGBY.] An honest, willing, kind fellow, as ever servant shall come in house withal; and, I warrant you, no tell-tale nor no breed-bate; his worst fault is that he is given to prayer; he is something peevish that way; but nobody but has his fault; but let that pass. Peter Simple you say your name is? SIMPLE. Ay, for fault of a better. QUICKLY. And Master Slender's your master? SIMPLE. Ay, forsooth. QUICKLY. Does he not wear a great round beard, like a glover's paring-knife? SIMPLE. No, forsooth; he hath but a little whey face, with a little yellow beard - a cane-coloured beard. QUICKLY. A softly-sprighted man, is he not? SIMPLE. Ay, forsooth; but he is as tall a man of his hands as any is between this and his head; he hath fought with a warrener. QUICKLY. How say you? - O! I should remember him. Does he not hold up his head, as it were, and strut in his gait? SIMPLE. Yes, indeed, does he. QUICKLY. Well, heaven send Anne Page no worse fortune! Tell Master Parson Evans I will do what I can for your master: Anne is a good girl, and I wish - [Re-enter RUGBY.] RUGBY. Out, alas! here comes my master. QUICKLY. We shall all be shent. Run in here, good young man; go into this closet. [Shuts SIMPLE in the closet.] He will not stay long. What, John Rugby! John! what, John, I say! Go, John, go inquire for my master; I doubt he be not well that he comes not home. [Exit Rugby.] [Sings.] And down, down, adown-a, &c. [Enter DOCTOR CAIUS.] CAIUS. Vat is you sing? I do not like des toys. Pray you, go and vetch me in my closet une boitine verde - a box, a green-a box: do intend vat I speak? a green-a box. QUICKLY. Ay, forsooth, I'll fetch it you. [Aside] I am glad he went not in himself: if he had found the young man, he would have been horn-mad. CAIUS. Fe, fe, fe fe! ma foi, il fait fort chaud. Je m'en vais a la cour - la grande affaire. QUICKLY. Is it this, sir? CAIUS. Oui; mettez le au mon pocket: depechez, quickly - Vere is dat knave, Rugby? QUICKLY. What, John Rugby? John! [Re-enter Rugby.] RUGBY. Here, sir. CAIUS. You are John Rugby, and you are Jack Rugby: come, take-a your rapier, and come after my heel to de court. RUGBY. 'Tis ready, sir, here in the porch. CAIUS. By my trot, I tarry too long - Od's me! Qu'ay j'oublie? Dere is some simples in my closet dat I vill not for the varld I shall leave behind. QUICKLY. [Aside.] Ay me, he'll find the young man there, and be mad! CAIUS. O diable, diable! vat is in my closet? - Villainy! larron! [Pulling SIMPLE out.] Rugby, my rapier! QUICKLY. Good master, be content. CAIUS. Verefore shall I be content-a? QUICKLY. The young man is an honest man. CAIUS. What shall de honest man do in my closet? dere is no honest man dat shall come in my closet. QUICKLY. I beseech you, be not so phlegmatic. Hear the truth of it: he came of an errand to me from Parson Hugh. CAIUS. Vell. SIMPLE. Ay, forsooth, to desire her to - QUICKLY. Peace, I pray you. CAIUS. Peace-a your tongue! - Speak-a your tale. SIMPLE. To desire this honest gentlewoman, your maid, to speak a good word to Mistress Anne Page for my master, in the way of marriage. QUICKLY. This is all, indeed, la! but I'll ne'er put my finger in the fire, and need not. CAIUS. Sir Hugh send-a you? - Rugby, baillez me some paper: tarry you a little-a while. [Writes.] QUICKLY. I am glad he is so quiet: if he had been throughly moved, you should have heard him so loud and so melancholy. But notwithstanding, man, I'll do you your master what good I can; and the very yea and the no is, the French doctor, my master - I may call him my master, look you, for I keep his house; and I wash, wring, brew, bake, scour, dress meat and drink, make the beds, and do all myself - SIMPLE. 'Tis a great charge to come under one body's hand. QUICKLY. Are you avis'd o' that? You shall find it a great charge; and to be up early and down late; but notwithstanding, - to tell you in your ear, - I would have no words of it - my master himself is in love with Mistress Anne Page; but notwithstanding that, I know Anne's mind, that's neither here nor there. CAIUS. You jack'nape; give-a dis letter to Sir Hugh; by gar, it is a shallenge: I will cut his troat in de Park; and I will teach a scurvy jack-a-nape priest to meddle or make. You may be gone; it is not good you tarry here: by gar, I will cut all his two stones; by gar, he shall not have a stone to throw at his dog. [Exit SIMPLE.] QUICKLY. Alas, he speaks but for his friend. CAIUS. It is no matter-a ver dat: - do not you tell-a me dat I shall have Anne Page for myself? By gar, I vill kill de Jack priest; and I have appointed mine host of de Jartiere to measure our weapon. By gar, I vill myself have Anne Page. QUICKLY. Sir, the maid loves you, and all shall be well. We must give folks leave to prate: what, the good-jer! CAIUS. Rugby, come to the court vit me. By gar, if I have not Anne Page, I shall turn your head out of my door. Follow my heels, Rugby. [Exeunt CAIUS and RUGBY.] QUICKLY. You shall have An fool's-head of your own. No, I know Anne's mind for that: never a woman in Windsor knows more of Anne's mind than I do; nor can do more than I do with her, I thank heaven. FENTON. [Within.] Who's within there? ho! QUICKLY. Who's there, I trow? Come near the house, I pray you. [Enter FENTON.] FENTON. How now, good woman! how dost thou? QUICKLY. The better, that it pleases your good worship to ask. FENTON. What news? how does pretty Mistress Anne? QUICKLY. In truth, sir, and she is pretty, and honest, and gentle; and one that is your friend, I can tell you that by the way; I praise heaven for it. FENTON. Shall I do any good, thinkest thou? Shall I not lose my suit? QUICKLY. Troth, sir, all is in His hands above; but notwithstanding, Master Fenton, I'll be sworn on a book she loves you. Have not your worship a wart above your eye? FENTON. Yes, marry, have I; what of that? QUICKLY. Well, thereby hangs a tale; good faith, it is such another Nan; but, I detest, an honest maid as ever broke bread. We had an hour's talk of that wart; I shall never laugh but in that maid's company; - but, indeed, she is given too much to allicholy and musing. But for you - well, go to. FENTON. Well, I shall see her to-day. Hold, there's money for thee; let me have thy voice in my behalf: if thou seest her before me, commend me. QUICKLY. Will I? i' faith, that we will; and I will tell your worship more of the wart the next time we have confidence; and of other wooers. FENTON. Well, farewell; I am in great haste now. QUICKLY. Farewell to your worship. - [Exit FENTON.] Truly, an honest gentleman; but Anne loves him not; for I know Anne's mind as well as another does. Out upon 't, what have I forgot? [Exit.] ACT II. SCENE 1. Before PAGE'S house [Enter MISTRESS PAGE, with a letter.] MRS. PAGE. What! have I scaped love-letters in the holiday-time of my beauty, and am I now a subject for them? Let me see. 'Ask me no reason why I love you; for though Love use Reason for his precisian, he admits him not for his counsellor. You are not young, no more am I; go to, then, there's sympathy: you are merry, so am I; ha! ha! then there's more sympathy; you love sack, and so do I; would you desire better sympathy? Let it suffice thee, Mistress Page, at the least, if the love of soldier can suffice, that I love thee. I will not say, pity me: 'tis not a soldier-like phrase; but I say, Love me. By me, Thine own true knight, By day or night, Or any kind of light, With all his might, For thee to fight, JOHN FALSTAFF.' What a Herod of Jewry is this! O wicked, wicked world! One that is well-nigh worn to pieces with age to show himself a young gallant. What an unweighed behaviour hath this Flemish drunkard picked, with the devil's name! out of my conversation, that he dares in this manner assay me? Why, he hath not been thrice in my company! What should I say to him? I was then frugal of my mirth: - Heaven forgive me! Why, I'll exhibit a bill in the parliament for the putting down of men. How shall I be revenged on him? for revenged I will be, as sure as his guts are made of puddings. [Enter MISTRESS FORD.] MRS. FORD. Mistress Page! trust me, I was going to your house. MRS. PAGE. And, trust me, I was coming to you. You look very ill. MRS. FORD. Nay, I'll ne'er believe that; I have to show to the contrary. MRS. PAGE. Faith, but you do, in my mind. MRS. FORD. Well, I do, then; yet, I say, I could show you to the contrary. O, Mistress Page! give me some counsel. MRS. PAGE. What's the matter, woman? MRS. FORD. O woman, if it were not for one trifling respect, I could come to such honour! MRS. PAGE. Hang the trifle, woman; take the honour. What is it? - Dispense with trifles; - what is it? MRS. FORD. If I would but go to hell for an eternal moment or so, I could be knighted. MRS. PAGE. What? thou liest. Sir Alice Ford! These knights will hack; and so thou shouldst not alter the article of thy gentry. MRS. FORD. We burn daylight: here, read, read; perceive how I might be knighted. I shall think the worse of fat men as long as I have an eye to make difference of men's liking: and yet he would not swear; praised women's modesty; and gave such orderly and well-behaved reproof to all uncomeliness that I would have sworn his disposition would have gone to the truth of his words; but they do no more adhere and keep place together than the Hundredth Psalm to the tune of 'Greensleeves.' What tempest, I trow, threw this whale, with so many tuns of oil in his belly, ashore at Windsor? How shall I be revenged on him? I think the best way were to entertain him with hope, till the wicked fire of lust have melted him in his own grease. Did you ever hear the like? MRS. PAGE. Letter for letter, but that the name of Page and Ford differs. To thy great comfort in this mystery of ill opinions, here's the twin-brother of thy letter; but let thine inherit first, for, I protest, mine never shall. I warrant he hath a thousand of these letters, writ with blank space for different names, sure, more, and these are of the second edition. He will print them, out of doubt; for he cares not what he puts into the press, when he would put us two: I had rather be a giantess and lie under Mount Pelion. Well, I will find you twenty lascivious turtles ere one chaste man. MRS. FORD. Why, this is the very same; the very hand, the very words. What doth he think of us? MRS. PAGE. Nay, I know not; it makes me almost ready to wrangle with mine own honesty. I'll entertain myself like one that I am not acquainted withal; for, sure, unless he know some strain in me that I know not myself, he would never have boarded me in this fury. MRS. FORD. 'Boarding' call you it? I'll be sure to keep him above deck. MRS. PAGE. So will I; if he come under my hatches, I'll never to sea again. Let's be revenged on him; let's appoint him a meeting, give him a show of comfort in his suit, and lead him on with a fine-baited delay, till he hath pawned his horses to mine host of the Garter. MRS. FORD. Nay, I will consent to act any villainy against him that may not sully the chariness of our honesty. O, that my husband saw this letter! It would give eternal food to his jealousy. MRS. PAGE. Why, look where he comes; and my good man too: he's as far from jealousy as I am from giving him cause; and that, I hope, is an unmeasurable distance. MRS. FORD. You are the happier woman. MRS. PAGE. Let's consult together against this greasy knight. Come hither. [They retire.] [Enter FORD, PISTOL, and PAGE and NYM.] FORD. Well, I hope it be not so. PISTOL. Hope is a curtal dog in some affairs: Sir John affects thy wife. FORD. Why, sir, my wife is not young. PISTOL. He woos both high and low, both rich and poor, Both young and old, one with another, Ford; He loves the gallimaufry. Ford, perpend. FORD. Love my wife! PISTOL. With liver burning hot: prevent, or go thou, Like Sir Actaeon he, with Ringwood at thy heels. - O! odious is the name! FORD. What name, sir? PISTOL. The horn, I say. Farewell: Take heed; have open eye, for thieves do foot by night; Take heed, ere summer comes, or cuckoo birds do sing. Away, Sir Corporal Nym. Believe it, Page; he speaks sense. [Exit PISTOL.] FORD. [Aside] I will be patient: I will find out this. NYM. [To PAGE] And this is true; I like not the humour of lying. He hath wronged me in some humours: I should have borne the humoured letter to her; but I have a sword, and it shall bite upon my necessity. He loves your wife; there's the short and the long. My name is Corporal Nym; I speak, and I avouch 'tis true. My name is Nym, and Falstaff loves your wife. Adieu. I love not the humour of bread and cheese; and there's the humour of it. Adieu. [Exit NYM.] PAGE. [Aside.] 'The humour of it,' quoth 'a! Here's a fellow frights English out of his wits. FORD. I will seek out Falstaff. PAGE. I never heard such a drawling, affecting rogue. FORD. If I do find it: well. PAGE. I will not believe such a Cataian, though the priest o' the town commended him for a true man. FORD. 'Twas a good sensible fellow: well. PAGE. How now, Meg! MRS. PAGE. Whither go you, George? - Hark you. MRS. FORD. How now, sweet Frank! why art thou melancholy? FORD. I melancholy! I am not melancholy. Get you home, go. MRS. FORD. Faith, thou hast some crotchets in thy head now. Will you go, Mistress Page? MRS. PAGE. Have with you. You'll come to dinner, George? [Aside to MRS. FORD] Look who comes yonder: she shall be our messenger to this paltry knight. MRS. FORD. [Aside to MRS. PAGE] Trust me, I thought on her: she'll fit it. [Enter MISTRESS QUICKLY.] MRS. PAGE. You are come to see my daughter Anne? QUICKLY. Ay, forsooth; and, I pray, how does good Mistress Anne? MRS. PAGE. Go in with us and see; we'd have an hour's talk with you. [Exeunt MISTRESS PAGE, MISTRESS FORD, and MISTRESS QUICKLY.] PAGE. How now, Master Ford! FORD. You heard what this knave told me, did you not? PAGE. Yes; and you heard what the other told me? FORD. Do you think there is truth in them? PAGE. Hang 'em, slaves! I do not think the knight would offer it; but these that accuse him in his intent towards our wives are a yoke of his discarded men; very rogues, now they be out of service. FORD. Were they his men? PAGE. Marry, were they. FORD. I like it never the better for that. Does he lie at the Garter? PAGE. Ay, marry, does he. If he should intend this voyage toward my wife, I would turn her loose to him; and what he gets more of her than sharp words, let it lie on my head. FORD. I do not misdoubt my wife; but I would be loath to turn them together. A man may be too confident. I would have nothing 'lie on my head': I cannot be thus satisfied. PAGE. Look where my ranting host of the Garter comes. There is either liquor in his pate or money in his purse when he looks so merrily. [Enter HOST and SHALLOW.] How now, mine host! HOST. How now, bully-rook! Thou'rt a gentleman. Cavaliero-justice, I say! SHALLOW. I follow, mine host, I follow. Good even and twenty, good Master Page! Master Page, will you go with us? We have sport in hand. HOST. Tell him, cavaliero-justice; tell him, bully-rook. SHALLOW. Sir, there is a fray to be fought between Sir Hugh the Welsh priest and Caius the French doctor. FORD. Good mine host o' the Garter, a word with you. HOST. What say'st thou, my bully-rook? [They go aside.] SHALLOW. [To PAGE.] Will you go with us to behold it? My merry host hath had the measuring of their weapons; and, I think, hath appointed them contrary places; for, believe me, I hear the parson is no jester. Hark, I will tell you what our sport shall be. [They converse apart.] HOST. Hast thou no suit against my knight, my guest-cavaliero? FORD. None, I protest: but I'll give you a pottle of burnt sack to give me recourse to him, and tell him my name is Brook, only for a jest. HOST. My hand, bully; thou shalt have egress and regress; said I well? and thy name shall be Brook. It is a merry knight. Will you go, mynheers? SHALLOW. Have with you, mine host. PAGE. I have heard the Frenchman hath good skill in his rapier. SHALLOW. Tut, sir! I could have told you more. In these times you stand on distance, your passes, stoccadoes, and I know not what: 'tis the heart, Master Page; 'tis here, 'tis here. I have seen the time with my long sword I would have made you four tall fellows skip like rats. HOST. Here, boys, here, here! Shall we wag? PAGE. Have with you. I had rather hear them scold than fight. [Exeunt HOST, SHALLOW, and PAGE.] FORD. Though Page be a secure fool, and stands so firmly on his wife's frailty, yet I cannot put off my opinion so easily. She was in his company at Page's house, and what they made there I know not. Well, I will look further into 't; and I have a disguise to sound Falstaff. If I find her honest, I lose not my labour; if she be otherwise, 'tis labour well bestowed. [Exit.] SCENE 2. A room in the Garter Inn. [Enter FALSTAFF and PISTOL.] FALSTAFF. I will not lend thee a penny. PISTOL. Why then, the world's mine oyster, Which I with sword will open. I will retort the sum in equipage. FALSTAFF. Not a penny. I have been content, sir, you should lay my countenance to pawn; I have grated upon my good friends for three reprieves for you and your coach-fellow, Nym; or else you had looked through the grate, like a geminy of baboons. I am damned in hell for swearing to gentlemen my friends you were good soldiers and tall fellows; and when Mistress Bridget lost the handle of her fan, I took 't upon mine honour thou hadst it not. PISTOL. Didst not thou share? Hadst thou not fifteen pence? FALSTAFF. Reason, you rogue, reason. Thinkest thou I'll endanger my soul gratis? At a word, hang no more about me, I am no gibbet for you: go: a short knife and a throng! - to your manor of Picht-hatch! go. You'll not bear a letter for me, you rogue! - you stand upon your honour! - Why, thou unconfinable baseness, it is as much as I can do to keep the terms of my honour precise. I, I, I myself sometimes, leaving the fear of God on the left hand, and hiding mine honour in my necessity, am fain to shuffle, to hedge, and to lurch; and yet you, rogue, will ensconce your rags, your cat-a-mountain looks, your red-lattice phrases, and your bold-beating oaths, under the shelter of your honour! You will not do it, you! PISTOL. I do relent; what wouldst thou more of man? [Enter ROBIN.] ROBIN. Sir, here's a woman would speak with you. FALSTAFF. Let her approach. [Enter MISTRESS QUICKLY.] QUICKLY. Give your worship good morrow. FALSTAFF. Good morrow, good wife. QUICKLY. Not so, an't please your worship. FALSTAFF. Good maid, then. QUICKLY. I'll be sworn; As my mother was, the first hour I was born. FALSTAFF. I do believe the swearer. What with me? QUICKLY. Shall I vouchsafe your worship a word or two? FALSTAFF. Two thousand, fair woman; and I'll vouchsafe thee the hearing. QUICKLY. There is one Mistress Ford, sir, - I pray, come a little nearer this ways: - I myself dwell with Master Doctor Caius. FALSTAFF. Well, on: Mistress Ford, you say, - QUICKLY. Your worship says very true; - I pray your worship come a little nearer this ways. FALSTAFF. I warrant thee nobody hears - mine own people, mine own people. QUICKLY. Are they so? God bless them, and make them His servants! FALSTAFF. Well: Mistress Ford, what of her? QUICKLY. Why, sir, she's a good creature. Lord, Lord! your worship's a wanton! Well, heaven forgive you, and all of us, I pray. FALSTAFF. Mistress Ford; come, Mistress Ford - QUICKLY. Marry, this is the short and the long of it. You have brought her into such a canaries as 'tis wonderful: the best courtier of them all, when the court lay at Windsor, could never have brought her to such a canary; yet there has been knights, and lords, and gentlemen, with their coaches; I warrant you, coach after coach, letter after letter, gift after gift; smelling so sweetly, - all musk, and so rushling, I warrant you, in silk and gold; and in such alligant terms; and in such wine and sugar of the best and the fairest, that would have won any woman's heart; and I warrant you, they could never get an eye-wink of her. I had myself twenty angels given me this morning; but I defy all angels, in any such sort, as they say, but in the way of honesty: and, I warrant you, they could never get her so much as sip on a cup with the proudest of them all; and yet there has been earls, nay, which is more, pensioners; but, I warrant you, all is one with her. FALSTAFF. But what says she to me? be brief, my good she-Mercury. QUICKLY. Marry, she hath received your letter; for the which she thanks you a thousand times; and she gives you to notify that her husband will be absence from his house between ten and eleven. FALSTAFF. Ten and eleven? QUICKLY. Ay, forsooth; and then you may come and see the picture, she says, that you wot of: Master Ford, her husband, will be from home. Alas! the sweet woman leads an ill life with him; he's a very jealousy man; she leads a very frampold life with him, good heart. FALSTAFF. Ten and eleven. Woman, commend me to her; I will not fail her. QUICKLY. Why, you say well. But I have another messenger to your worship: Mistress Page hath her hearty commendations to you too; and let me tell you in your ear, she's as fartuous a civil modest wife, and one, I tell you, that will not miss you morning nor evening prayer, as any is in Windsor, whoe'er be the other; and she bade me tell your worship that her husband is seldom from home, but she hopes there will come a time. I never knew a woman so dote upon a man: surely I think you have charms, la! yes, in truth. FALSTAFF. Not I, I assure thee; setting the attraction of my good parts aside, I have no other charms. QUICKLY. Blessing on your heart for 't! FALSTAFF. But, I pray thee, tell me this: has Ford's wife and Page's wife acquainted each other how they love me? QUICKLY. That were a jest indeed! They have not so little grace, I hope: that were a trick indeed! But Mistress Page would desire you to send her your little page, of all loves: her husband has a marvellous infection to the little page; and, truly, Master Page is an honest man. Never a wife in Windsor leads a better life than she does; do what she will, say what she will, take all, pay all, go to bed when she list, rise when she list, all is as she will; and truly she deserves it; for if there be a kind woman in Windsor, she is one. You must send her your page; no remedy. FALSTAFF. Why, I will. QUICKLY. Nay, but do so then; and, look you, he may come and go between you both; and in any case have a nay-word, that you may know one another's mind, and the boy never need to understand any thing; for 'tis not good that children should know any wickedness: old folks, you know, have discretion, as they say, and know the world. FALSTAFF. Fare thee well; commend me to them both. There's my purse; I am yet thy debtor. Boy, go along with this woman. - [Exeunt MISTRESS QUICKLY and ROBIN.] This news distracts me. PISTOL. This punk is one of Cupid's carriers; Clap on more sails; pursue; up with your fights; Give fire; she is my prize, or ocean whelm them all! [Exit.] FALSTAFF. Say'st thou so, old Jack? go thy ways; I'll make more of thy old body than I have done. Will they yet look after thee? Wilt thou, after the expense of so much money, be now a gainer? Good body, I thank thee. Let them say 'tis grossly done; so it be fairly done, no matter. [Enter BARDOLPH, with a cup of sack.] BARDOLPH. Sir John, there's one Master Brook below would fain speak with you and be acquainted with you: and hath sent your worship a morning's draught of sack. FALSTAFF. Brook is his name? BARDOLPH. Ay, sir. FALSTAFF. Call him in. [Exit BARDOLPH.] Such Brooks are welcome to me, that o'erflow such liquor. Ah, ha! Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, have I encompassed you? Go to; via! [Re-enter BARDOLPH, with FORD disguised.] FORD. Bless you, sir! FALSTAFF. And you, sir; would you speak with me? FORD. I make bold to press with so little preparation upon you. FALSTAFF. You're welcome. What's your will? - Give us leave, drawer. [Exit BARDOLPH.] FORD. Sir, I am a gentleman that have spent much: my name is Brook. FALSTAFF. Good Master Brook, I desire more acquaintance of you. FORD. Good Sir John, I sue for yours: not to charge you; for I must let you understand I think myself in better plight for a lender than you are: the which hath something embold'ned me to this unseasoned intrusion; for they say, if money go before, all ways do lie open. FALSTAFF. Money is a good soldier, sir, and will on. FORD. Troth, and I have a bag of money here troubles me; if you will help to bear it, Sir John, take all, or half, for easing me of the carriage. FALSTAFF. Sir, I know not how I may deserve to be your porter. FORD. I will tell you, sir, if you will give me the hearing. FALSTAFF. Speak, good Master Brook; I shall be glad to be your servant. FORD. Sir, I hear you are a scholar, - I will be brief with you, and you have been a man long known to me, though I had never so good means, as desire, to make myself acquainted with you. I shall discover a thing to you, wherein I must very much lay open mine own imperfection; but, good Sir John, as you have one eye upon my follies, as you hear them unfolded, turn another into the register of your own, that I may pass with a reproof the easier, sith you yourself know how easy is it to be such an offender. FALSTAFF. Very well, sir; proceed. FORD. There is a gentlewoman in this town, her husband's name is Ford. FALSTAFF. Well, sir. FORD. I have long loved her, and, I protest to you, bestowed much on her; followed her with a doting observance; engrossed opportunities to meet her; fee'd every slight occasion that could but niggardly give me sight of her; not only bought many presents to give her, but have given largely to many to know what she would have given; briefly, I have pursued her as love hath pursued me; which hath been on the wing of all occasions. But whatsoever I have merited, either in my mind or in my means, meed, I am sure, I have received none, unless experience be a jewel that I have purchased at an infinite rate, and that hath taught me to say this, Love like a shadow flies when substance love pursues; Pursuing that that flies, and flying what pursues. FALSTAFF. Have you received no promise of satisfaction at her hands? FORD. Never. FALSTAFF. Have you importuned her to such a purpose? FORD. Never. FALSTAFF. Of what quality was your love, then? FORD. Like a fair house built on another man's ground; so that I have lost my edifice by mistaking the place where I erected it. FALSTAFF. To what purpose have you unfolded this to me? FORD. When I have told you that, I have told you all. Some say that though she appear honest to me, yet in other places she enlargeth her mirth so far that there is shrewd construction made of her. Now, Sir John, here is the heart of my purpose: you are a gentleman of excellent breeding, admirable discourse, of great admittance, authentic in your place and person, generally allowed for your many war-like, court-like, and learned preparations. FALSTAFF. O, sir! FORD. Believe it, for you know it. There is money; spend it, spend it; spend more; spend all I have; only give me so much of your time in exchange of it as to lay an amiable siege to the honesty of this Ford's wife: use your art of wooing, win her to consent to you; if any man may, you may as soon as any. FALSTAFF. Would it apply well to the vehemency of your affection, that I should win what you would enjoy? Methinks you prescribe to yourself very preposterously. FORD. O, understand my drift. She dwells so securely on the excellency of her honour that the folly of my soul dares not present itself; she is too bright to be looked against. Now, could I come to her with any detection in my hand, my desires had instance and argument to commend themselves; I could drive her then from the ward of her purity, her reputation, her marriage-vow, and a thousand other her defences, which now are too too strongly embattled against me. What say you to't, Sir John? FALSTAFF. Master Brook, I will first make bold with your money; next, give me your hand; and last, as I am a gentleman, you shall, if you will, enjoy Ford's wife. FORD. O good sir! FALSTAFF. I say you shall. FORD. Want no money, Sir John; you shall want none. FALSTAFF. Want no Mistress Ford, Master Brook; you shall want none. I shall be with her, I may tell you, by her own appointment; even as you came in to me her assistant or go-between parted from me: I say I shall be with her between ten and eleven; for at that time the jealous rascally knave, her husband, will be forth. Come you to me at night; you shall know how I speed. FORD. I am blest in your acquaintance. Do you know Ford, sir? FALSTAFF. Hang him, poor cuckoldly knave! I know him not; yet I wrong him to call him poor; they say the jealous wittolly knave hath masses of money; for the which his wife seems to me well-favoured. I will use her as the key of the cuckoldly rogue's coffer; and there's my harvest-home. FORD. I would you knew Ford, sir, that you might avoid him if you saw him. FALSTAFF. Hang him, mechanical salt-butter rogue! I will stare him out of his wits; I will awe him with my cudgel; it shall hang like a meteor o'er the cuckold's horns. Master Brook, thou shalt know I will predominate over the peasant, and thou shalt lie with his wife. Come to me soon at night. Ford's a knave, and I will aggravate his style; thou, Master Brook, shalt know him for knave and cuckold. Come to me soon at night. [Exit.] FORD. What a damned Epicurean rascal is this! My heart is ready to crack with impatience. Who says this is improvident jealousy? My wife hath sent to him; the hour is fixed; the match is made. Would any man have thought this? See the hell of having a false woman! My bed shall be abused, my coffers ransacked, my reputation gnawn at; and I shall not only receive this villanous wrong, but stand under the adoption of abominable terms, and by him that does me this wrong. Terms! names! Amaimon sounds well; Lucifer, well; Barbason, well; yet they are devils' additions, the names of fiends. But Cuckold! Wittol! - Cuckold! the devil himself hath not such a name. Page is an ass, a secure ass; he will trust his wife; he will not be jealous; I will rather trust a Fleming with my butter, Parson Hugh the Welshman with my cheese, an Irishman with my aqua-vitae bottle, or a thief to walk my ambling gelding, than my wife with herself; then she plots, then she ruminates, then she devises; and what they think in their hearts they may effect, they will break their hearts but they will effect. God be praised for my jealousy! Eleven o'clock the hour. I will prevent this, detect my wife, be revenged on Falstaff, and laugh at Page. I will about it; better three hours too soon than a minute too late. Fie, fie, fie! cuckold! cuckold! cuckold! [Exit.] SCENE 3. A field near Windsor. [Enter CAIUS and RUGBY.] CAIUS. Jack Rugby! RUGBY. Sir? CAIUS. Vat is de clock, Jack? RUGBY. 'Tis past the hour, sir, that Sir Hugh promised to meet. CAIUS. By gar, he has save his soul, dat he is no come; he has pray his Pible vell dat he is no come: by gar, Jack Rugby, he is dead already, if he be come. RUGBY. He is wise, sir; he knew your worship would kill him if he came. CAIUS. By gar, de herring is no dead so as I vill kill him. Take your rapier, Jack; I vill tell you how I vill kill him. RUGBY. Alas, sir, I cannot fence! CAIUS. Villany, take your rapier. RUGBY. Forbear; here's company. [Enter HOST, SHALLOW, SLENDER, and PAGE.] HOST. Bless thee, bully doctor! SHALLOW. Save you, Master Doctor Caius! PAGE. Now, good Master Doctor! SLENDER. Give you good morrow, sir. CAIUS. Vat be all you, one, two, tree, four, come for? HOST. To see thee fight, to see thee foin, to see thee traverse; to see thee here, to see thee there; to see thee pass thy punto, thy stock, thy reverse, thy distance, thy montant. Is he dead, my Ethiopian? Is he dead, my Francisco? Ha, bully! What says my Aesculapius? my Galen? my heart of elder? Ha! is he dead, bully stale? Is he dead? CAIUS. By gar, he is de coward Jack priest of de world; he is not show his face. HOST. Thou art a Castalion King Urinal! Hector of Greece, my boy! CAIUS. I pray you, bear witness that me have stay six or seven, two, tree hours for him, and he is no come. SHALLOW. He is the wiser man, Master doctor: he is a curer of souls, and you a curer of bodies; if you should fight, you go against the hair of your professions. Is it not true, Master Page? PAGE. Master Shallow, you have yourself been a great fighter, though now a man of peace. SHALLOW. Bodykins, Master Page, though I now be old, and of the peace, if I see a sword out, my finger itches to make one. Though we are justices, and doctors, and churchmen, Master Page, we have some salt of our youth in us; we are the sons of women, Master Page. PAGE. 'Tis true, Master Shallow. SHALLOW. It will be found so, Master Page. Master Doctor Caius, I come to fetch you home. I am sworn of the peace; you have showed yourself a wise physician, and Sir Hugh hath shown himself a wise and patient churchman. You must go with me, Master Doctor. HOST. Pardon, guest-justice. - A word, Monsieur Mockwater. CAIUS. Mock-vater! Vat is dat? HOST. Mockwater, in our English tongue, is valour, bully. CAIUS. By gar, then I have as much mockvater as de Englishman. - Scurvy jack-dog priest! By gar, me vill cut his ears. HOST. He will clapper-claw thee tightly, bully. CAIUS. Clapper-de-claw! Vat is dat? HOST. That is, he will make thee amends. CAIUS. By gar, me do look he shall clapper-de-claw me; for, by gar, me vill have it. HOST. And I will provoke him to't, or let him wag. CAIUS. Me tank you for dat. HOST. And, moreover, bully - but first: Master guest, and Master Page, and eke Cavaliero Slender, go you through the town to Frogmore. [Aside to them.] PAGE. Sir Hugh is there, is he? HOST. He is there: see what humour he is in; and I will bring the doctor about by the fields. Will it do well? SHALLOW. We will do it. PAGE, SHALLOW, and SLENDER. Adieu, good Master Doctor. [Exeunt PAGE, SHALLOW, and SLENDER.] CAIUS. By gar, me vill kill de priest; for he speak for a jack-an-ape to Anne Page. HOST. Let him die. Sheathe thy impatience; throw cold water on thy choler; go about the fields with me through Frogmore; I will bring thee where Mistress Anne Page is, at a farm-house a-feasting; and thou shalt woo her. Cried I aim? Said I well? CAIUS. By gar, me tank you for dat: by gar, I love you; and I shall procure-a you de good guest, de earl, de knight, de lords, de gentlemen, my patients. HOST. For the which I will be thy adversary toward Anne Page: said I well? CAIUS. By gar, 'tis good; vell said. HOST. Let us wag, then. CAIUS. Come at my heels, Jack Rugby. [Exeunt.] ACT III SCENE 1. A field near Frogmore. [Enter SIR HUGH EVANS and SIMPLE.] EVANS. I pray you now, good Master Slender's serving-man, and friend Simple by your name, which way have you looked for Master Caius, that calls himself doctor of physic? SIMPLE. Marry, sir, the pittie-ward, the park-ward, every way; old Windsor way, and every way but the town way. EVANS. I most fehemently desire you you will also look that way. SIMPLE. I will, Sir. [Exit.] EVANS. Pless my soul, how full of chollors I am, and trempling of mind! I shall be glad if he have deceived me. How melancholies I am! I will knog his urinals about his knave's costard when I have goot opportunities for the 'ork: pless my soul! [Sings] To shallow rivers, to whose falls Melodious birds sings madrigals; There will we make our peds of roses, And a thousand fragrant posies. To shallow - Mercy on me! I have a great dispositions to cry. [Sings.] Melodious birds sing madrigals, - Whenas I sat in Pabylon, - And a thousand vagram posies. To shallow, - [Re-enter SIMPLE.] SIMPLE. Yonder he is, coming this way, Sir Hugh. EVANS. He's welcome. [Sings] To shallow rivers, to whose falls - Heaven prosper the right! - What weapons is he? SIMPLE. No weapons, sir. There comes my master, Master Shallow, and another gentleman, from Frogmore, over the stile, this way. EVANS. Pray you give me my gown; or else keep it in your arms. [Reads in a book.] [Enter PAGE, SHALLOW, and SLENDER.] SHALLOW. How now, Master Parson! Good morrow, good Sir Hugh. Keep a gamester from the dice, and a good student from his book, and it is wonderful. SLENDER. [Aside] Ah, sweet Anne Page! PAGE. 'Save you, good Sir Hugh! EVANS. Pless you from his mercy sake, all of you! SHALLOW. What, the sword and the word! Do you study them both, Master Parson? PAGE. And youthful still, in your doublet and hose, this raw rheumatic day! EVANS. There is reasons and causes for it. PAGE. We are come to you to do a good office, Master Parson. EVANS. Fery well; what is it? PAGE. Yonder is a most reverend gentleman, who, belike having received wrong by some person, is at most odds with his own gravity and patience that ever you saw. SHALLOW. I have lived fourscore years and upward; I never heard a man of his place, gravity, and learning, so wide of his own respect. EVANS. What is he? PAGE. I think you know him: Master Doctor Caius, the renowned French physician. EVANS. Got's will and His passion of my heart! I had as lief you would tell me of a mess of porridge. PAGE. Why? EVANS. He has no more knowledge in Hibbocrates and Galen, - and he is a knave besides; a cowardly knave as you would desires to be acquainted withal. PAGE. I warrant you, he's the man should fight with him. SLENDER. [Aside] O, sweet Anne Page! SHALLOW. It appears so, by his weapons. Keep them asunder; here comes Doctor Caius. [Enter HOST, CAIUS, and RUGBY.] PAGE. Nay, good Master Parson, keep in your weapon. SHALLOW. So do you, good Master Doctor. HOST. Disarm them, and let them question; let them keep their limbs whole and hack our English. CAIUS. I pray you, let-a me speak a word with your ear: verefore will you not meet-a me? EVANS. [Aside to CAIUS.] Pray you use your patience; in good time. CAIUS. By gar, you are de coward, de Jack dog, John ape. EVANS. [Aside to CAIUS.] Pray you, let us not be laughing-stogs to other men's humours; I desire you in friendship, and I will one way or other make you amends. [Aloud.] I will knog your urinals about your knave's cogscomb for missing your meetings and appointments. CAIUS. Diable! - Jack Rugby, - mine Host de Jarretiere, - have I not stay for him to kill him? Have I not, at de place I did appoint? EVANS. As I am a Christians soul, now, look you, this is the place appointed. I'll be judgment by mine host of the Garter. HOST. Peace, I say, Gallia and Gaullia; French and Welsh, soul-curer and body-curer! CAIUS. Ay, dat is very good; excellent! HOST. Peace, I say! Hear mine host of the Garter. Am I politic? am I subtle? am I a Machiavel? Shall I lose my doctor? No; he gives me the potions and the motions. Shall I lose my parson, my priest, my Sir Hugh? No; he gives me the proverbs and the no-verbs. Give me thy hand, terrestrial; so; - give me thy hand, celestial; so. Boys of art, I have deceived you both; I have directed you to wrong places; your hearts are mighty, your skins are whole, and let burnt sack be the issue. Come, lay their swords to pawn. Follow me, lads of peace; follow, follow, follow. SHALLOW. Trust me, a mad host! - Follow, gentlemen, follow. SLENDER. [Aside] O, sweet Anne Page! [Exeunt SHALLOW, SLENDER, PAGE, and HOST.] CAIUS. Ha, do I perceive dat? Have you make-a de sot of us, ha, ha? EVANS. This is well; he has made us his vlouting-stog. I desire you that we may be friends; and let us knog our prains together to be revenge on this same scall, scurvy, cogging companion, the host of the Garter. CAIUS. By gar, with all my heart. He promise to bring me where is Anne Page; by gar, he deceive me too. EVANS. Well, I will smite his noddles. Pray you follow. [Exeunt.] SCENE 2. A street in Windsor. [Enter MISTRESS PAGE and ROBIN.] MRS. PAGE. Nay, keep your way, little gallant: you were wont to be a follower, but now you are a leader. Whether had you rather lead mine eyes, or eye your master's heels? ROBIN. I had rather, forsooth, go before you like a man than follow him like a dwarf. MRS. PAGE. O! you are a flattering boy: now I see you'll be a courtier. [Enter FORD.] FORD. Well met, Mistress Page. Whither go you? MRS. PAGE. Truly, sir, to see your wife. Is she at home? FORD. Ay; and as idle as she may hang together, for want of company. I think, if your husbands were dead, you two would marry. MRS. PAGE. Be sure of that - two other husbands. FORD. Where had you this pretty weathercock? MRS. PAGE. I cannot tell what the dickens his name is my husband had him of. What do you call your knight's name, sirrah? ROBIN. Sir John Falstaff. FORD. Sir John Falstaff! MRS. PAGE. He, he; I can never hit on's name. There is such a league between my good man and he! Is your wife at home indeed? FORD. Indeed she is. MRS. PAGE. By your leave, sir: I am sick till I see her. [Exeunt MRS. PAGE and ROBIN.] FORD. Has Page any brains? Hath he any eyes? Hath he any thinking? Sure, they sleep; he hath no use of them. Why, this boy will carry a letter twenty mile as easy as a cannon will shoot point-blank twelve score. He pieces out his wife's inclination; he gives her folly motion and advantage; and now she's going to my wife, and Falstaff's boy with her. A man may hear this shower sing in the wind: and Falstaff's boy with her! Good plots! They are laid; and our revolted wives share damnation together. Well; I will take him, then torture my wife, pluck the borrowed veil of modesty from the so seeming Mistress Page, divulge Page himself for a secure and wilful Actaeon; and to these violent proceedings all my neighbours shall cry aim. [Clock strikes] The clock gives me my cue, and my assurance bids me search; there I shall find Falstaff. I shall be rather praised for this than mocked; for it is as positive as the earth is firm that Falstaff is there. I will go. [Enter PAGE, SHALLOW, SLENDER, HOST, SIR HUGH EVANS, CAIUS, and RUGBY.] SHALLOW, PAGE, &c. Well met, Master Ford. FORD. Trust me, a good knot; I have good cheer at home, and I pray you all go with me. SHALLOW. I must excuse myself, Master Ford. SLENDER. And so must I, sir; we have appointed to dine with Mistress Anne, and I would not break with her for more money than I'll speak of. SHALLOW. We have lingered about a match between Anne Page and my cousin Slender, and this day we shall have our answer. SLENDER. I hope I have your good will, father Page. PAGE. You have, Master Slender; I stand wholly for you. But my wife, Master doctor, is for you altogether. CAIUS. Ay, be-gar; and de maid is love-a me: my nursh-a Quickly tell me so mush. HOST. What say you to young Master Fenton? He capers, he dances, he has eyes of youth, he writes verses, he speaks holiday, he smells April and May; he will carry 't, he will carry 't; 'tis in his buttons; he will carry 't. PAGE. Not by my consent, I promise you. The gentleman is of no having: he kept company with the wild Prince and Pointz; he is of too high a region, he knows too much. No, he shall not knit a knot in his fortunes with the finger of my substance; if he take her, let him take her simply; the wealth I have waits on my consent, and my consent goes not that way. FORD. I beseech you, heartily, some of you go home with me to dinner: besides your cheer, you shall have sport; I will show you a monster. Master Doctor, you shall go; so shall you, Master Page; and you, Sir Hugh. SHALLOW. Well, fare you well; we shall have the freer wooing at Master Page's. [Exeunt SHALLOW and SLENDER.] CAIUS. Go home, John Rugby; I come anon. [Exit RUGBY.] HOST. Farewell, my hearts; I will to my honest knight Falstaff, and drink canary with him. [Exit HOST.] FORD. [Aside] I think I shall drink in pipe-wine first with him. I'll make him dance. Will you go, gentles? ALL. Have with you to see this monster. [Exeunt.] SCENE 3. A room in FORD'S house. [Enter MISTRESS FORD and MISTRESS PAGE.] MRS. FORD. What, John! what, Robert! MRS. PAGE. Quickly, quickly: - Is the buck-basket - MRS. FORD. I warrant. What, Robin, I say! [Enter SERVANTS with a basket.] MRS. PAGE. Come, come, come. MRS. FORD. Here, set it down. MRS. PAGE. Give your men the charge; we must be brief. MRS. FORD. Marry, as I told you before, John and Robert, be ready here hard by in the brew-house; and when I suddenly call you, come forth, and, without any pause or staggering, take this basket on your shoulders: that done, trudge with it in all haste, and carry it among the whitsters in Datchet-Mead, and there empty it in the muddy ditch close by the Thames side. MRS. PAGE. You will do it? MRS. FORD. I have told them over and over; they lack no direction. Be gone, and come when you are called. [Exeunt SERVANTS.] MRS. PAGE. Here comes little Robin. [Enter ROBIN.] MRS. FORD. How now, my eyas-musket! what news with you? ROBIN. My Master Sir John is come in at your back-door, Mistress Ford, and requests your company. MRS. PAGE. You little Jack-a-Lent, have you been true to us? ROBIN. Ay, I'll be sworn. My master knows not of your being here, and hath threatened to put me into everlasting liberty, if I tell you of it; for he swears he'll turn me away. MRS. PAGE. Thou 'rt a good boy; this secrecy of thine shall be a tailor to thee, and shall make thee a new doublet and hose. I'll go hide me. MRS. FORD. Do so. Go tell thy master I am alone. [Exit ROBIN.] Mistress Page, remember you your cue. MRS. PAGE. I warrant thee; if I do not act it, hiss me. [Exit.] MRS. FORD. Go to, then; we'll use this unwholesome humidity, this gross watery pumpion; we'll teach him to know turtles from jays. [Enter FALSTAFF.] FALSTAFF. 'Have I caught thee, my heavenly jewel?' Why, now let me die, for I have lived long enough: this is the period of my ambition: O this blessed hour! MRS. FORD. O, sweet Sir John! FALSTAFF. Mistress Ford, I cannot cog, I cannot prate, Mistress Ford. Now shall I sin in my wish; I would thy husband were dead. I'll speak it before the best lord, I would make thee my lady. MRS. FORD. I your lady, Sir John! Alas, I should be a pitiful lady. FALSTAFF. Let the court of France show me such another. I see how thine eye would emulate the diamond; thou hast the right arched beauty of the brow that becomes the ship-tire, the tire-valiant, or any tire of Venetian admittance. MRS. FORD. A plain kerchief, Sir John; my brows become nothing else; nor that well neither. FALSTAFF. By the Lord, thou art a traitor to say so: thou wouldst make an absolute courtier; and the firm fixture of thy foot would give an excellent motion to thy gait in a semi-circled farthingale. I see what thou wert, if Fortune thy foe were not, Nature thy friend. Come, thou canst not hide it. MRS. FORD. Believe me, there's no such thing in me. FALSTAFF. What made me love thee? Let that persuade thee there's something extraordinary in thee. Come, I cannot cog and say thou art this and that, like a many of these lisping hawthorn-buds that come like women in men's apparel, and smell like Bucklersbury in simple-time; I cannot; but I love thee, none but thee; and thou deservest it. MRS. FORD. Do not betray me, sir; I fear you love Mistress Page. FALSTAFF. Thou mightst as well say I love to walk by the Counter-gate, which is as hateful to me as the reek of a lime-kiln. MRS. FORD. Well, heaven knows how I love you; and you shall one day find it. FALSTAFF. Keep in that mind; I'll deserve it. MRS. FORD. Nay, I must tell you, so you do; or else I could not be in that mind. ROBIN. [Within] Mistress Ford! Mistress Ford! here's Mistress Page at the door, sweating and blowing and looking wildly, and would needs speak with you presently. FALSTAFF. She shall not see me; I will ensconce me behind the arras. MRS. FORD. Pray you, do so; she's a very tattling woman. [FALSTAFF hides himself.] [Re-enter MISTRESS PAGE and ROBIN.] What's the matter? How now! MRS. PAGE. O Mistress Ford, what have you done? You're shamed, you are overthrown, you are undone for ever! MRS. FORD. What's the matter, good Mistress Page? MRS. PAGE. O well-a-day, Mistress Ford! having an honest man to your husband, to give him such cause of suspicion! MRS. FORD. What cause of suspicion? MRS. PAGE. What cause of suspicion? Out upon you! how am I mistook in you! MRS. FORD. Why, alas, what's the matter? MRS. PAGE. Your husband's coming hither, woman, with all the officers in Windsor, to search for a gentleman that he says is here now in the house, by your consent, to take an ill advantage of his absence: you are undone. MRS. FORD. [Aside.] Speak louder. - 'Tis not so, I hope. MRS. PAGE. Pray heaven it be not so that you have such a man here! but 'tis most certain your husband's coming, with half Windsor at his heels, to search for such a one. I come before to tell you. If you know yourself clear, why, I am glad of it; but if you have a friend here, convey, convey him out. Be not amazed; call all your senses to you; defend your reputation, or bid farewell to your good life for ever. MRS. FORD. What shall I do? - There is a gentleman, my dear friend; and I fear not mine own shame as much as his peril: I had rather than a thousand pound he were out of the house. MRS. PAGE. For shame! never stand 'you had rather' and 'you had rather': your husband's here at hand; bethink you of some conveyance; in the house you cannot hide him. O, how have you deceived me! Look, here is a basket; if he be of any reasonable stature, he may creep in here; and throw foul linen upon him, as if it were going to bucking: or - it is whiting-time - send him by your two men to Datchet-Mead. MRS. FORD. He's too big to go in there. What shall I do? FALSTAFF. [Coming forward] Let me see 't, let me see 't. O, let me see 't! I'll in, I'll in; follow your friend's counsel; I'll in. MRS. PAGE. What, Sir John Falstaff! Are these your letters, knight? FALSTAFF. I love thee and none but thee; help me away: let me creep in here. I'll never - [He gets into the basket; they cover him with foul linen.] MRS. PAGE. Help to cover your master, boy. Call your men, Mistress Ford. You dissembling knight! MRS. FORD. What, John! Robert! John! [Exit ROBIN.] [Re-enter SERVANTS.] Go, take up these clothes here, quickly; where's the cowl-staff? Look how you drumble! Carry them to the laundress in Datchet-Mead; quickly, come. [Enter FORD, PAGE, CAIUS, and SIR HUGH EVANS.] FORD. Pray you come near. If I suspect without cause, why then make sport at me, then let me be your jest; I deserve it. How now, whither bear you this? SERVANT. To the laundress, forsooth. MRS. FORD. Why, what have you to do whither they bear it? You were best meddle with buck-washing. FORD. Buck! I would I could wash myself of the buck! Buck, buck, buck! ay, buck; I warrant you, buck; and of the season too, it shall appear. [Exeunt SERVANTS with the basket.] Gentlemen, I have dreamed to-night; I'll tell you my dream. Here, here, here be my keys: ascend my chambers; search, seek, find out. I'll warrant we'll unkennel the fox. Let me stop this way first. [Locking the door.] So, now uncape. PAGE. Good Master Ford, be contented: you wrong yourself too much. FORD. True, Master Page. Up, gentlemen, you shall see sport anon; follow me, gentlemen. [Exit.] EVANS. This is fery fantastical humours and jealousies. CAIUS. By gar, 'tis no the fashion of France; it is not jealous in France. PAGE. Nay, follow him, gentlemen; see the issue of his search. [Exeunt EVANS, PAGE, and CAIUS.] MRS. PAGE. Is there not a double excellency in this? MRS. FORD. I know not which pleases me better, that my husband is deceived, or Sir John. MRS. PAGE. What a taking was he in when your husband asked who was in the basket! MRS. FORD. I am half afraid he will have need of washing; so throwing him into the water will do him a benefit. MRS. PAGE. Hang him, dishonest rascal! I would all of the same strain were in the same distress. MRS. FORD. I think my husband hath some special suspicion of Falstaff's being here, for I never saw him so gross in his jealousy till now. MRS. PAGE. I will lay a plot to try that, and we will yet have more tricks with Falstaff: his dissolute disease will scarce obey this medicine. MRS. FORD. Shall we send that foolish carrion, Mistress Quickly, to him, and excuse his throwing into the water, and give him another hope, to betray him to another punishment? MRS. PAGE. We will do it; let him be sent for to-morrow eight o'clock, to have amends. [Re-enter FORD, PAGE, CAIUS, and SIR HUGH EVANS.] FORD. I cannot find him: may be the knave bragged of that he could not compass. MRS. PAGE. [Aside to MRS. FORD.] Heard you that? MRS. FORD. [Aside to MRS. PAGE.] Ay, ay, peace. - You use me well, Master Ford, do you? FORD. Ay, I do so. MRS. FORD. Heaven make you better than your thoughts! FORD. Amen! MRS. PAGE. You do yourself mighty wrong, Master Ford. FORD. Ay, ay; I must bear it. EVANS. If there be any pody in the house, and in the chambers, and in the coffers, and in the presses, heaven forgive my sins at the day of judgment! CAIUS. Be gar, nor I too; there is no bodies. PAGE. Fie, fie, Master Ford, are you not ashamed? What spirit, what devil suggests this imagination? I would not ha' your distemper in this kind for the wealth of Windsor Castle. FORD. 'Tis my fault, Master Page: I suffer for it. EVANS. You suffer for a pad conscience. Your wife is as honest a 'omans as I will desires among five thousand, and five hundred too. CAIUS. By gar, I see 'tis an honest woman. FORD. Well, I promised you a dinner. Come, come, walk in the Park: I pray you pardon me; I will hereafter make known to you why I have done this. Come, wife, come, Mistress Page; I pray you pardon me; pray heartily, pardon me. PAGE. Let's go in, gentlemen; but, trust me, we'll mock him. I do invite you to-morrow morning to my house to breakfast; after, we'll a-birding together; I have a fine hawk for the bush. Shall it be so? FORD. Any thing. EVANS. If there is one, I shall make two in the company. CAIUS. If there be one or two, I shall make-a the turd. FORD. Pray you go, Master Page. EVANS. I pray you now, remembrance to-morrow on the lousy knave, mine host. CAIUS. Dat is good; by gar, with all my heart. EVANS. A lousy knave! to have his gibes and his mockeries! [Exeunt.] SCENE 4. A room in PAGE'S house. [Enter FENTON, ANNE PAGE, and MISTRESS QUICKLY. MISTRESS QUICKLY stands apart.] FENTON. I see I cannot get thy father's love; Therefore no more turn me to him, sweet Nan. ANNE. Alas! how then? FENTON. Why, thou must be thyself. He doth object, I am too great of birth; And that my state being gall'd with my expense, I seek to heal it only by his wealth. Besides these, other bars he lays before me, My riots past, my wild societies; And tells me 'tis a thing impossible I should love thee but as a property. ANNE. May be he tells you true. FENTON. No, heaven so speed me in my time to come! Albeit I will confess thy father's wealth Was the first motive that I wooed thee, Anne: Yet, wooing thee, I found thee of more value Than stamps in gold, or sums in sealed bags; And 'tis the very riches of thyself That now I aim at. ANNE. Gentle Master Fenton, Yet seek my father's love; still seek it, sir. If opportunity and humblest suit Cannot attain it, why then, - hark you hither. [They converse apart.] [Enter SHALLOW, SLENDER, and MISTRESS QUICKLY.] SHALLOW. Break their talk, Mistress Quickly: my kinsman shall speak for himself. SLENDER. I'll make a shaft or a bolt on 't. 'Slid, 'tis but venturing. SHALLOW. Be not dismayed. SLENDER. No, she shall not dismay me. I care not for that, but that I am afeard. QUICKLY. Hark ye; Master Slender would speak a word with you. ANNE. I come to him. [Aside.] This is my father's choice. O, what a world of vile ill-favour'd faults Looks handsome in three hundred pounds a year! QUICKLY. And how does good Master Fenton? Pray you, a word with you. SHALLOW. She's coming; to her, coz. O boy, thou hadst a father! SLENDER. I had a father, Mistress Anne; my uncle can tell you good jests of him. Pray you, uncle, tell Mistress Anne the jest how my father stole two geese out of a pen, good uncle. SHALLOW. Mistress Anne, my cousin loves you. SLENDER. Ay, that I do; as well as I love any woman in Gloucestershire. SHALLOW. He will maintain you like a gentlewoman. SLENDER. Ay, that I will come cut and long-tail, under the degree of a squire. SHALLOW. He will make you a hundred and fifty pounds jointure. ANNE. Good Master Shallow, let him woo for himself. SHALLOW. Marry, I thank you for it; I thank you for that good comfort. She calls you, coz; I'll leave you. ANNE. Now, Master Slender. SLENDER. Now, good Mistress Anne. - ANNE. What is your will? SLENDER. My will! 'od's heartlings, that's a pretty jest indeed! I ne'er made my will yet, I thank heaven; I am not such a sickly creature, I give heaven praise. ANNE. I mean, Master Slender, what would you with me? SLENDER. Truly, for mine own part I would little or nothing with you. Your father and my uncle hath made motions; if it be my luck, so; if not, happy man be his dole! They can tell you how things go better than I can. You may ask your father; here he comes. [Enter PAGE and MISTRESS PAGE.] PAGE. Now, Master Slender: love him, daughter Anne. Why, how now! what does Master Fenton here? You wrong me, sir, thus still to haunt my house: I told you, sir, my daughter is dispos'd of. FENTON. Nay, Master Page, be not impatient. MRS. PAGE. Good Master Fenton, come not to my child. PAGE. She is no match for you. FENTON. Sir, will you hear me? PAGE. No, good Master Fenton. Come, Master Shallow; come, son Slender, in. Knowing my mind, you wrong me, Master Fenton. [Exeunt PAGE, SHALLOW, and SLENDER.] QUICKLY. Speak to Mistress Page. FENTON. Good Mistress Page, for that I love your daughter In such a righteous fashion as I do, Perforce, against all checks, rebukes, and manners, I must advance the colours of my love And not retire: let me have your good will. ANNE. Good mother, do not marry me to yond fool. MRS. PAGE. I mean it not; I seek you a better husband. QUICKLY. That's my master, Master doctor. ANNE. Alas! I had rather be set quick i' the earth. And bowl'd to death with turnips. MRS. PAGE. Come, trouble not yourself. Good Master Fenton, I will not be your friend, nor enemy; My daughter will I question how she loves you, And as I find her, so am I affected. Till then, farewell, sir: she must needs go in; Her father will be angry. FENTON. Farewell, gentle mistress. Farewell, Nan. [Exeunt MRS. PAGE and ANNE.} QUICKLY. This is my doing now: 'Nay,' said I, 'will you cast away your child on a fool, and a physician? Look on Master Fenton.' This is my doing. FENTON. I thank thee; and I pray thee, once to-night Give my sweet Nan this ring. There's for thy pains. QUICKLY. Now Heaven send thee good fortune! [Exit FENTON.] A kind heart he hath; a woman would run through fire and water for such a kind heart. But yet I would my master had Mistress Anne; or I would Master Slender had her; or, in sooth, I would Master Fenton had her; I will do what I can for them all three, for so I have promised, and I'll be as good as my word; but speciously for Master Fenton. Well, I must of another errand to Sir John Falstaff from my two mistresses: what a beast am I to slack it! [Exit.] SCENE 5. A room in the Garter Inn. [Enter FALSTAFF and BARDOLPH.] FALSTAFF. Bardolph, I say, - BARDOLPH. Here, sir. FALSTAFF. Go fetch me a quart of sack; put a toast in 't. [Exit BARDOLPH.] Have I lived to be carried in a basket, and to be thrown in the Thames like a barrow of butcher's offal? Well, if I be served such another trick, I'll have my brains ta'en out and buttered, and give them to a dog for a new year's gift. The rogues slighted me into the river with as little remorse as they would have drowned a blind bitch's puppies, fifteen i' the litter; and you may know by my size that I have a kind of alacrity in sinking; if the bottom were as deep as hell I should down. I had been drowned but that the shore was shelvy and shallow; a death that I abhor, for the water swells a man; and what a thing should I have been when had been swelled! I should have been a mountain of mummy. [Re-enter BARDOLPH, with the sack.] BARDOLPH. Here's Mistress Quickly, sir, to speak with you. FALSTAFF. Come, let me pour in some sack to the Thames water; for my belly's as cold as if I had swallowed snowballs for pills to cool the reins. Call her in. BARDOLPH. Come in, woman. [Enter MISTRESS QUICKLY.] QUICKLY. By your leave. I cry you mercy. Give your worship good morrow. FALSTAFF. Take away these chalices. Go, brew me a pottle of sack finely. BARDOLPH. With eggs, sir? FALSTAFF. Simple of itself; I'll no pullet-sperm in my brewage. [Exit BARDOLPH.] How now! QUICKLY. Marry, sir, I come to your worship from Mistress Ford. FALSTAFF. Mistress Ford! I have had ford enough; I was thrown into the ford; I have my belly full of ford. QUICKLY. Alas the day! good heart, that was not her fault: she does so take on with her men; they mistook their erection. FALSTAFF. So did I mine, to build upon a foolish woman's promise. QUICKLY. Well, she laments, sir, for it, that it would yearn your heart to see it. Her husband goes this morning a-birding; she desires you once more to come to her between eight and nine; I must carry her word quickly. She'll make you amends, I warrant you. FALSTAFF. Well, I will visit her. Tell her so; and bid her think what a man is; let her consider his frailty, and then judge of my merit. QUICKLY. I will tell her. FALSTAFF. Do so. Between nine and ten, sayest thou? QUICKLY. Eight and nine, sir. FALSTAFF. Well, be gone; I will not miss her. QUICKLY. Peace be with you, sir. [Exit.] FALSTAFF. I marvel I hear not of Master Brook; he sent me word to stay within. I like his money well. O! here he comes. [Enter FORD disguised.] FORD. Bless you, sir! FALSTAFF. Now, Master Brook, you come to know what hath passed between me and Ford's wife? FORD. That, indeed, Sir John, is my business. FALSTAFF. Master Brook, I will not lie to you: I was at her house the hour she appointed me. FORD. And how sped you, sir? FALSTAFF. Very ill-favouredly, Master Brook. FORD. How so, sir? did she change her determination? FALSTAFF. No. Master Brook; but the peaking cornuto her husband, Master Brook, dwelling in a continual 'larum of jealousy, comes me in the instant of our encounter, after we had embraced, kissed, protested, and, as it were, spoke the prologue of our comedy; and at his heels a rabble of his companions, thither provoked and instigated by his distemper, and, forsooth, to search his house for his wife's love. FORD. What! while you were there? FALSTAFF. While I was there. FORD. And did he search for you, and could not find you? FALSTAFF. You shall hear. As good luck would have it, comes in one Mistress Page; gives intelligence of Ford's approach; and, in her invention and Ford's wife's distraction, they conveyed me into a buck-basket. FORD. A buck-basket! FALSTAFF. By the Lord, a buck-basket! rammed me in with foul shirts and smocks, socks, foul stockings, greasy napkins, that, Master Brook, there was the rankest compound of villainous smell that ever offended nostril. FORD. And how long lay you there? FALSTAFF. Nay, you shall hear, Master Brook, what I have suffered to bring this woman to evil for your good. Being thus crammed in the basket, a couple of Ford's knaves, his hinds, were called forth by their mistress to carry me in the name of foul clothes to Datchet-lane; they took me on their shoulders; met the jealous knave their master in the door; who asked them once or twice what they had in their basket. I quaked for fear lest the lunatic knave would have searched it; but Fate, ordaining he should be a cuckold, held his hand. Well, on went he for a search, and away went I for foul clothes. But mark the sequel, Master Brook: I suffered the pangs of three several deaths: first, an intolerable fright to be detected with a jealous rotten bell-wether; next, to be compassed like a good bilbo in the circumference of a peck, hilt to point, heel to head; and then, to be stopped in, like a strong distillation, with stinking clothes that fretted in their own grease: think of that; a man of my kidney, think of that, that am as subject to heat as butter; a man of continual dissolution and thaw: it was a miracle to 'scape suffocation. And in the height of this bath, when I was more than half stewed in grease, like a Dutch dish, to be thrown into the Thames, and cooled, glowing hot, in that surge, like a horse-shoe; think of that, hissing hot, think of that, Master Brook! FORD. In good sadness, sir, I am sorry that for my sake you have suffered all this. My suit, then, is desperate; you'll undertake her no more. FALSTAFF. Master Brook, I will be thrown into Etna, as I have been into Thames, ere I will leave her thus. Her husband is this morning gone a-birding; I have received from her another embassy of meeting; 'twixt eight and nine is the hour, Master Brook. FORD. 'Tis past eight already, sir. FALSTAFF. Is it? I will then address me to my appointment. Come to me at your convenient leisure, and you shall know how I speed, and the conclusion shall be crowned with your enjoying her: adieu. You shall have her, Master Brook; Master Brook, you shall cuckold Ford. [Exit.] FORD. Hum! ha! Is this a vision? Is this a dream? Do I sleep? Master Ford, awake; awake, Master Ford. There's a hole made in your best coat, Master Ford. This 'tis to be married; this 'tis to have linen and buck-baskets! Well, I will proclaim myself what I am; I will now take the lecher; he is at my house. He cannot scape me; 'tis impossible he should; he cannot creep into a half-penny purse, nor into a pepper box; but, lest the devil that guides him should aid him, I will search impossible places. Though what I am I cannot avoid, yet to be what I would not, shall not make me tame; if I have horns to make one mad, let the proverb go with me; I'll be horn-mad. [Exit.] ACT IV. SCENE I. The street. [Enter MISTRESS PAGE, MISTRESS QUICKLY, and WILLIAM.] MRS. PAGE. Is he at Master Ford's already, think'st thou? QUICKLY. Sure he is by this; or will be presently; but truly he is very courageous mad about his throwing into the water. Mistress Ford desires you to come suddenly. MRS. PAGE. I'll be with her by and by; I'll but bring my young man here to school. Look where his master comes; 'tis a playing day, I see. [Enter SIR HUGH EVANS.] How now, Sir Hugh, no school to-day? EVANS. No; Master Slender is let the boys leave to play. QUICKLY. Blessing of his heart! MRS. PAGE. Sir Hugh, my husband says my son profits nothing in the world at his book; I pray you ask him some questions in his accidence. EVANS. Come hither, William; hold up your head; come. MRS. PAGE. Come on, sirrah; hold up your head; answer your master; be not afraid. EVANS. William, how many numbers is in nouns? WILLIAM. Two. QUICKLY. Truly, I thought there had been one number more, because they say 'Od's nouns.' EVANS. Peace your tattlings! What is 'fair,' William? WILLIAM. Pulcher. QUICKLY. Polecats! There are fairer things than polecats, sure. EVANS. You are a very simplicity 'oman; I pray you, peace. What is 'lapis,' William? WILLIAM. A stone. EVANS. And what is 'a stone,' William? WILLIAM. A pebble. EVANS. No, it is 'lapis'; I pray you remember in your prain. WILLIAM. Lapis. EVANS. That is a good William. What is he, William, that does lend articles? WILLIAM. Articles are borrowed of the pronoun, and be thus declined: Singulariter, nominativo; hic, haec, hoc. EVANS. Nominativo, hig, hag, hog; pray you, mark: genitivo, hujus. Well, what is your accusative case? WILLIAM. Accusativo, hinc. EVANS. I pray you, have your remembrance, child. Accusativo, hung, hang, hog. QUICKLY. 'Hang-hog' is Latin for bacon, I warrant you. EVANS. Leave your prabbles, 'oman. What is the focative case, William? WILLIAM. O vocativo, O. EVANS. Remember, William: focative is caret. QUICKLY. And that's a good root. EVANS. 'Oman, forbear. MRS. PAGE. Peace. EVANS. What is your genitive case plural, William? WILLIAM. Genitive case? EVANS. Ay. WILLIAM. Genitive: horum, harum, horum. QUICKLY. Vengeance of Jenny's case; fie on her! Never name her, child, if she be a whore. EVANS. For shame, 'oman. QUICKLY. You do ill to teach the child such words. He teaches him to hick and to hack, which they'll do fast enough of themselves; and to call 'horum;' fie upon you! EVANS. 'Oman, art thou lunatics? Hast thou no understandings for thy cases, and the numbers of the genders? Thou art as foolish Christian creatures as I would desires. MRS. PAGE. Prithee, hold thy peace. EVANS. Show me now, William, some declensions of your pronouns. WILLIAM. Forsooth, I have forgot. EVANS. It is qui, quae, quod; if you forget your 'quis', your 'quaes', and your 'quods', you must be preeches. Go your ways and play; go. MRS. PAGE. He is a better scholar than I thought he was. EVANS. He is a good sprag memory. Farewell, Mistress Page. MRS. PAGE. Adieu, good Sir Hugh. [Exit SIR HUGH.] Get you home, boy. Come, we stay too long. [Exeunt.] SCENE 2. A room in FORD'S house. [Enter FALSTAFF and MISTRESS FORD.] FALSTAFF. Mistress Ford, your sorrow hath eaten up my sufferance. I see you are obsequious in your love, and I profess requital to a hair's breadth; not only, Mistress Ford, in the simple office of love, but in all the accoutrement, complement, and ceremony of it. But are you sure of your husband now? MRS. FORD. He's a-birding, sweet Sir John. MRS. PAGE. [Within.] What ho! gossip Ford, what ho! MRS. FORD. Step into the chamber, Sir John. [Exit FALSTAFF.] [Enter MISTRESS PAGE.] MRS. PAGE. How now, sweetheart! who's at home besides yourself? MRS. FORD. Why, none but mine own people. MRS. PAGE. Indeed! MRS. FORD. No, certainly. - [Aside to her.] Speak louder. MRS. PAGE. Truly, I am so glad you have nobody here. MRS. FORD. Why? MRS. PAGE. Why, woman, your husband is in his old lunes again. He so takes on yonder with my husband; so rails against all married mankind; so curses all Eve's daughters, of what complexion soever; and so buffets himself on the forehead, crying 'Peer out, peer out!' that any madness I ever yet beheld seemed but tameness, civility, and patience, to this his distemper he is in now. I am glad the fat knight is not here. MRS. FORD. Why, does he talk of him? MRS. PAGE. Of none but him; and swears he was carried out, the last time he searched for him, in a basket; protests to my husband he is now here; and hath drawn him and the rest of their company from their sport, to make another experiment of his suspicion. But I am glad the knight is not here; now he shall see his own foolery. MRS. FORD. How near is he, Mistress Page? MRS. PAGE. Hard by, at street end; he will be here anon. MRS. FORD. I am undone! the knight is here. MRS. PAGE. Why, then, you are utterly shamed, and he's but a dead man. What a woman are you! Away with him, away with him! better shame than murder. MRS. FORD. Which way should he go? How should I bestow him? Shall I put him into the basket again? [Re-enter FALSTAFF.} FALSTAFF. No, I'll come no more i' the basket. May I not go out ere he come? MRS. PAGE. Alas! three of Master Ford's brothers watch the door with pistols, that none shall issue out; otherwise you might slip away ere he came. But what make you here? FALSTAFF. What shall I do? I'll creep up into the chimney. MRS. FORD. There they always use to discharge their birding-pieces. MRS. PAGE. Creep into the kiln-hole. FALSTAFF. Where is it? MRS. FORD. He will seek there, on my word. Neither press, coffer, chest, trunk, well, vault, but he hath an abstract for the remembrance of such places, and goes to them by his note: there is no hiding you in the house. FALSTAFF. I'll go out then. MRS. PAGE. If you go out in your own semblance, you die, Sir John. Unless you go out disguised, - MRS. FORD. How might we disguise him? MRS. PAGE. Alas the day! I know not! There is no woman's gown big enough for him; otherwise he might put on a hat, a muffler, and a kerchief, and so escape. FALSTAFF. Good hearts, devise something: any extremity rather than a mischief. MRS. FORD. My maid's aunt, the fat woman of Brainford, has a gown above. MRS. PAGE. On my word, it will serve him; she's as big as he is; and there's her thrummed hat, and her muffler too. Run up, Sir John. MRS. FORD. Go, go, sweet Sir John. Mistress Page and I will look some linen for your head. MRS. PAGE. Quick, quick! we'll come dress you straight; put on the gown the while. [Exit FALSTAFF.] MRS. FORD. I would my husband would meet him in this shape; he cannot abide the old woman of Brainford; he swears she's a witch, forbade her my house, and hath threatened to beat her. MRS. PAGE. Heaven guide him to thy husband's cudgel; and the devil guide his cudgel afterwards! MRS. FORD. But is my husband coming? MRS. PAGE. Ay, in good sadness is he; and talks of the basket too, howsoever he hath had intelligence. MRS. FORD. We'll try that; for I'll appoint my men to carry the basket again, to meet him at the door with it as they did last time. MRS. PAGE. Nay, but he'll be here presently; let's go dress him like the witch of Brainford. MRS. FORD. I'll first direct my men what they shall do with the basket. Go up; I'll bring linen for him straight. [Exit.] MRS. PAGE. Hang him, dishonest varlet! we cannot misuse him enough. We'll leave a proof, by that which we will do, Wives may be merry and yet honest too. We do not act that often jest and laugh; 'Tis old but true: 'Still swine eats all the draff.' [Exit.] [Re-enter MISTRESS FORD, with two SERVANTS.] MRS. FORD. Go, sirs, take the basket again on your shoulders; your master is hard at door; if he bid you set it down, obey him. Quickly, dispatch. [Exit.] FIRST SERVANT. Come, come, take it up. SECOND SERVANT. Pray heaven, it be not full of knight again. FIRST SERVANT. I hope not; I had lief as bear so much lead. [Enter FORD, PAGE, SHALLOW, CAIUS, and SIR HUGH EVANS.] FORD. Ay, but if it prove true, Master Page, have you any way then to unfool me again? Set down the basket, villain! Somebody call my wife. Youth in a basket! O you panderly rascals! there's a knot, a ging, a pack, a conspiracy against me. Now shall the devil be shamed. What, wife, I say! Come, come forth! behold what honest clothes you send forth to bleaching! PAGE. Why, this passes, Master Ford! you are not to go loose any longer; you must be pinioned. EVANS. Why, this is lunatics! this is mad as a mad dog. SHALLOW. Indeed, Master Ford, this is not well, indeed. FORD. So say I too, sir. - [Re-enter MISTRESS FORD.] Come hither, Mistress Ford, the honest woman, the modest wife, the virtuous creature, that hath the jealous fool to her husband! I suspect without cause, Mistress, do I? MRS. FORD. Heaven be my witness, you do, if you suspect me in any dishonesty. FORD. Well said, brazen-face! hold it out. Come forth, sirrah. [Pulling clothes out of the basket.] PAGE. This passes! MRS. FORD. Are you not ashamed? Let the clothes alone. FORD. I shall find you anon. EVANS. 'Tis unreasonable. Will you take up your wife's clothes? Come away. FORD. Empty the basket, I say! MRS. FORD. Why, man, why? FORD. Master Page, as I am a man, there was one conveyed out of my house yesterday in this basket: why may not he be there again? In my house I am sure he is; my intelligence is true; my jealousy is reasonable. Pluck me out all the linen. MRS. FORD. If you find a man there, he shall die a flea's death. PAGE. Here's no man. SHALLOW. By my fidelity, this is not well, Master Ford; this wrongs you. EVANS. Master Ford, you must pray, and not follow the imaginations of your own heart; this is jealousies. FORD. Well, he's not here I seek for. PAGE. No, nor nowhere else but in your brain. [Servants carry away the basket.] FORD. Help to search my house this one time. If I find not what I seek, show no colour for my extremity; let me for ever be your table-sport; let them say of me 'As jealous as Ford, that searched a hollow walnut for his wife's leman.' Satisfy me once more; once more search with me. MRS. FORD. What, hoa, Mistress Page! Come you and the old woman down; my husband will come into the chamber. FORD. Old woman? what old woman's that? MRS. FORD. Why, it is my maid's aunt of Brainford. FORD. A witch, a quean, an old cozening quean! Have I not forbid her my house? She comes of errands, does she? We are simple men; we do not know what's brought to pass under the profession of fortune-telling. She works by charms, by spells, by the figure, and such daubery as this is, beyond our element. We know nothing. Come down, you witch, you hag you; come down, I say! MRS. FORD. Nay, good sweet husband! Good gentlemen, let him not strike the old woman. [Re-enter FALSTAFF in woman's clothes, led by MISTRESS PAGE.] MRS. PAGE. Come, Mother Prat; come, give me your hand. FORD. I'll prat her. - [Beats him.] Out of my door, you witch, you rag, you baggage, you polecat, you ronyon! Out, out! I'll conjure you, I'll fortune-tell you. [Exit FALSTAFF.] MRS. PAGE. Are you not ashamed? I think you have killed the poor woman. MRS. FORD. Nay, he will do it. 'Tis a goodly credit for you. FORD. Hang her, witch! EVANS. By yea and no, I think the 'oman is a witch indeed; I like not when a 'oman has a great peard; I spy a great peard under her muffler. FORD. Will you follow, gentlemen? I beseech you follow; see but the issue of my jealousy; if I cry out thus upon no trail, never trust me when I open again. PAGE. Let's obey his humour a little further. Come, gentlemen. [Exeunt FORD, PAGE, SHALLOW, CAIUS, and EVANS.] MRS. PAGE. Trust me, he beat him most pitifully. MRS. FORD. Nay, by the mass, that he did not; he beat him most unpitifully methought. MRS. PAGE. I'll have the cudgel hallowed and hung o'er the altar; it hath done meritorious service. MRS. FORD. What think you? May we, with the warrant of womanhood and the witness of a good conscience, pursue him with any further revenge? MRS. PAGE. The spirit of wantonness is sure scared out of him; if the devil have him not in fee-simple, with fine and recovery, he will never, I think, in the way of waste, attempt us again. MRS. FORD. Shall we tell our husbands how we have served him? MRS. PAGE. Yes, by all means; if it be but to scrape the figures out of your husband's brains. If they can find in their hearts the poor unvirtuous fat knight shall be any further afflicted, we two will still be the ministers. MRS. FORD. I'll warrant they'll have him publicly shamed; and methinks there would be no period to the jest, should he not be publicly shamed. MRS. PAGE. Come, to the forge with it then; shape it. I would not have things cool. [Exeunt.] SCENE 3. A room in the Garter Inn. [Enter HOST and BARDOLPH.] BARDOLPH. Sir, the Germans desire to have three of your horses; the Duke himself will be to-morrow at court, and they are going to meet him. HOST. What duke should that be comes so secretly? I hear not of him in the court. Let me speak with the gentlemen; they speak English? BARDOLPH. Ay, sir; I'll call them to you. HOST. They shall have my horses, but I'll make them pay; I'll sauce them; they have had my house a week at command; I have turned away my other guests. They must come off; I'll sauce them. Come. [Exeunt.] SCENE 4. A room in FORD'S house. [Enter PAGE, FORD, MISTRESS PAGE, MISTRESS FORD, and SIR HUGH EVANS.] EVANS. 'Tis one of the best discretions of a 'oman as ever I did look upon. PAGE. And did he send you both these letters at an instant? MRS. PAGE. Within a quarter of an hour. FORD. Pardon me, wife. Henceforth, do what thou wilt; I rather will suspect the sun with cold Than thee with wantonness: now doth thy honour stand, In him that was of late an heretic, As firm as faith. PAGE. 'Tis well, 'tis well; no more. Be not as extreme in submission As in offence; But let our plot go forward: let our wives Yet once again, to make us public sport, Appoint a meeting with this old fat fellow, Where we may take him and disgrace him for it. FORD. There is no better way than that they spoke of. PAGE. How? To send him word they'll meet him in the park at midnight? Fie, fie! he'll never come! EVANS. You say he has been thrown in the rivers; and has been grievously peaten as an old 'oman; methinks there should be terrors in him, that he should not come; methinks his flesh is punished; he shall have no desires. PAGE. So think I too. MRS. FORD. Devise but how you'll use him when he comes, And let us two devise to bring him thither. MRS. PAGE. There is an old tale goes that Herne the hunter, Sometime a keeper here in Windsor Forest, Doth all the winter-time, at still midnight, Walk round about an oak, with great ragg'd horns; And there he blasts the tree, and takes the cattle, And makes milch-kine yield blood, and shakes a chain In a most hideous and dreadful manner: You have heard of such a spirit, and well you know The superstitious idle-headed eld Received, and did deliver to our age, This tale of Herne the hunter for a truth. PAGE. Why, yet there want not many that do fear In deep of night to walk by this Herne's oak. But what of this? MRS. FORD. Marry, this is our device; That Falstaff at that oak shall meet with us, Disguis'd, like Herne, with huge horns on his head. PAGE. Well, let it not be doubted but he'll come, And in this shape. When you have brought him thither, What shall be done with him? What is your plot? MRS. PAGE. That likewise have we thought upon, and thus: Nan Page my daughter, and my little son, And three or four more of their growth, we'll dress Like urchins, ouphs, and fairies, green and white, With rounds of waxen tapers on their heads, And rattles in their hands. Upon a sudden, As Falstaff, she, and I, are newly met, Let them from forth a sawpit rush at once With some diffused song; upon their sight We two in great amazedness will fly: Then let them all encircle him about, And fairy-like, to pinch the unclean knight; And ask him why, that hour of fairy revel, In their so sacred paths he dares to tread In shape profane. MRS. FORD. And till he tell the truth, Let the supposed fairies pinch him sound, And burn him with their tapers. MRS. PAGE. The truth being known, We'll all present ourselves; dis-horn the spirit, And mock him home to Windsor. FORD. The children must Be practis'd well to this or they'll ne'er do 't. EVANS. I will teach the children their behaviours; and I will be like a jack-an-apes also, to burn the knight with my taber. FORD. That will be excellent. I'll go buy them vizards. MRS. PAGE. My Nan shall be the Queen of all the Fairies, Finely attired in a robe of white. PAGE. That silk will I go buy. [Aside.] And in that time Shall Master Slender steal my Nan away, And marry her at Eton. Go, send to Falstaff straight. FORD. Nay, I'll to him again, in name of Brook; He'll tell me all his purpose. Sure, he'll come. MRS. PAGE. Fear not you that. Go, get us properties And tricking for our fairies. EVANS. Let us about it. It is admirable pleasures, and fery honest knaveries. [Exeunt PAGE, FORD, and EVANS.] MRS. PAGE. Go, Mistress Ford. Send Quickly to Sir John to know his mind. [Exit MRS. FORD.] I'll to the Doctor; he hath my good will, And none but he, to marry with Nan Page. That Slender, though well landed, is an idiot; And he my husband best of all affects: The Doctor is well money'd, and his friends Potent at court: he, none but he, shall have her, Though twenty thousand worthier come to crave her. [Exit.] SCENE 5. A room in the Garter Inn. [Enter HOST and SIMPLE.] HOST. What wouldst thou have, boor? What, thick-skin? Speak, breathe, discuss; brief, short, quick, snap. SIMPLE. Marry, sir, I come to speak with Sir John Falstaff from Master Slender. HOST. There's his chamber, his house, his castle, his standing-bed and truckle-bed; 'tis painted about with the story of the Prodigal, fresh and new. Go knock and call; he'll speak like an Anthropophaginian unto thee; knock, I say. SIMPLE. There's an old woman, a fat woman, gone up into his chamber; I'll be so bold as stay, sir, till she come down; I come to speak with her, indeed. HOST. Ha! a fat woman? The knight may be robbed. I'll call. Bully knight! Bully Sir John! Speak from thy lungs military. Art thou there? It is thine host, thine Ephesian, calls. FALSTAFF. [Above] How now, mine host? HOST. Here's a Bohemian-Tartar tarries the coming down of thy fat woman. Let her descend, bully, let her descend; my chambers are honourible. Fie! privacy? fie! [Enter FALSTAFF.] FALSTAFF. There was, mine host, an old fat woman even now with, me; but she's gone. SIMPLE. Pray you, sir, was't not the wise woman of Brainford? FALSTAFF. Ay, marry was it, mussel-shell: what would you with her? SIMPLE. My master, sir, my Master Slender, sent to her, seeing her go thorough the streets, to know, sir, whether one Nym, sir, that beguiled him of a chain, had the chain or no. FALSTAFF. I spake with the old woman about it. SIMPLE. And what says she, I pray, sir? FALSTAFF. Marry, she says that the very same man that beguiled Master Slender of his chain cozened him of it. SIMPLE. I would I could have spoken with the woman herself; I had other things to have spoken with her too, from him. FALSTAFF. What are they? Let us know. HOST. Ay, come; quick. SIMPLE. I may not conceal them, sir. FALSTAFF. Conceal them, or thou diest. SIMPLE. Why, sir, they were nothing but about Mistress Anne Page: to know if it were my master's fortune to have her or no. FALSTAFF. 'Tis, 'tis his fortune. SIMPLE. What sir? FALSTAFF. To have her, or no. Go; say the woman told me so. SIMPLE. May I be bold to say so, sir? FALSTAFF. Ay, Sir Tike; like who more bold? SIMPLE. I thank your worship; I shall make my master glad with these tidings. [Exit.] HOST. Thou art clerkly, thou art clerkly, Sir John. Was there a wise woman with thee? FALSTAFF. Ay, that there was, mine host; one that hath taught me more wit than ever I learned before in my life; and I paid nothing for it neither, but was paid for my learning. [Enter BARDOLPH.] BARDOLPH. Out, alas, sir! cozenage, mere cozenage! HOST. Where be my horses? Speak well of them, varletto. BARDOLPH. Run away, with the cozeners; for so soon as I came beyond Eton, they threw me off, from behind one of them, in a slough of mire; and set spurs and away, like three German devils, three Doctor Faustuses. HOST. They are gone but to meet the Duke, villain; do not say they be fled; Germans are honest men. [Enter SIR HUGH EVANS.] EVANS. Where is mine host? HOST. What is the matter, sir? EVANS. Have a care of your entertainments: there is a friend of mine come to town tells me there is three cozen-germans that has cozened all the hosts of Readins, of Maidenhead, of Colebrook, of horses and money. I tell you for good will, look you; you are wise, and full of gibes and vlouting-stogs, and 'tis not convenient you should be cozened. Fare you well. [Exit.] [Enter DOCTOR CAIUS.] CAIUS. Vere is mine host de Jarteer? HOST. Here, Master Doctor, in perplexity and doubtful dilemma. CAIUS. I cannot tell vat is dat; but it is tell-a me dat you make grand preparation for a Duke de Jamany. By my trot, dere is no duke that the court is know to come; I tell you for good will: Adieu. [Exit.] HOST. Hue and cry, villain, go! Assist me, knight; I am undone. Fly, run, hue and cry, villain; I am undone! [Exeunt HOST and BARDOLPH.] FALSTAFF. I would all the world might be cozened, for I have been cozened and beaten too. If it should come to the ear of the court how I have been transformed, and how my transformation hath been washed and cudgelled, they would melt me out of my fat, drop by drop, and liquor fishermen's boots with me; I warrant they would whip me with their fine wits till I were as crest-fallen as a dried pear. I never prospered since I forswore myself at primero. Well, if my wind were but long enough to say my prayers, I would repent. [Enter MISTRESS QUICKLY.] Now! whence come you? QUICKLY. From the two parties, forsooth. FALSTAFF. The devil take one party and his dam the other! And so they shall be both bestowed. I have suffered more for their sakes, more than the villainous inconstancy of man's disposition is able to bear. QUICKLY. And have not they suffered? Yes, I warrant; speciously one of them; Mistress Ford, good heart, is beaten black and blue, that you cannot see a white spot about her. FALSTAFF. What tellest thou me of black and blue? I was beaten myself into all the colours of the rainbow; and was like to be apprehended for the witch of Brainford. But that my admirable dexterity of wit, my counterfeiting the action of an old woman, delivered me, the knave constable had set me i' the stocks, i' the common stocks, for a witch. QUICKLY. Sir, let me speak with you in your chamber; you shall hear how things go, and, I warrant, to your content. Here is a letter will say somewhat. Good hearts, what ado here is to bring you together! Sure, one of you does not serve heaven well, that you are so crossed. FALSTAFF. Come up into my chamber. [Exeunt.] SCENE 6. Another room in the Garter Inn. [Enter FENTON and HOST.] HOST. Master Fenton, talk not to me; my mind is heavy; I will give over all. FENTON. Yet hear me speak. Assist me in my purpose, And, as I am a gentleman, I'll give thee A hundred pound in gold more than your loss. HOST. I will hear you, Master Fenton; and I will, at the least, keep your counsel. FENTON. From time to time I have acquainted you With the dear love I bear to fair Anne Page, Who, mutually, hath answered my affection, So far forth as herself might be her chooser, Even to my wish. I have a letter from her Of such contents as you will wonder at; The mirth whereof so larded with my matter That neither, singly, can be manifested Without the show of both; wherein fat Falstaff Hath a great scare: the image of the jest I'll show you here at large. Hark, good mine host: To-night at Herne's oak, just 'twixt twelve and one, Must my sweet Nan present the Fairy Queen; The purpose why is here: in which disguise, While other jests are something rank on foot, Her father hath commanded her to slip Away with Slender, and with him at Eton Immediately to marry; she hath consented: Now, sir, Her mother, even strong against that match And firm for Doctor Caius, hath appointed That he shall likewise shuffle her away, While other sports are tasking of their minds; And at the deanery, where a priest attends, Straight marry her: to this her mother's plot She seemingly obedient likewise hath Made promise to the doctor. Now thus it rests: Her father means she shall be all in white; And in that habit, when Slender sees his time To take her by the hand and bid her go, She shall go with him: her mother hath intended The better to denote her to the doctor, - For they must all be mask'd and vizarded - That quaint in green she shall be loose enrob'd, With ribands pendent, flaring 'bout her head; And when the doctor spies his vantage ripe, To pinch her by the hand: and, on that token, The maid hath given consent to go with him. HOST. Which means she to deceive, father or mother? FENTON. Both, my good host, to go along with me: And here it rests, that you'll procure the vicar To stay for me at church, 'twixt twelve and one, And in the lawful name of marrying, To give our hearts united ceremony. HOST. Well, husband your device; I'll to the vicar. Bring you the maid, you shall not lack a priest. FENTON. So shall I evermore be bound to thee; Besides, I'll make a present recompense. [Exeunt.] ACT V. SCENE 1. A room in the Garter Inn. [Enter FALSTAFF and MISTRESS QUICKLY.] FALSTAFF. Prithee, no more prattling; go: I'll hold. This is the third time; I hope good luck lies in odd numbers. Away! go. They say there is divinity in odd numbers, either in nativity, chance, or death. Away! QUICKLY. I'll provide you a chain, and I'll do what I can to get you a pair of horns. FALSTAFF. Away, I say; time wears; hold up your head, and mince. [Exit MRS. QUICKLY.] [Enter FORD.] How now, Master Brook! Master Brook, the matter will be known tonight, or never. Be you in the Park about midnight, at Herne's oak, and you shall see wonders. FORD. Went you not to her yesterday, sir, as you told me you had appointed? FALSTAFF. I went to her, Master Brook, as you see, like a poor old man; but I came from her, Master Brook, like a poor old woman. That same knave Ford, her husband, hath the finest mad devil of jealousy in him, Master Brook, that ever governed frenzy. I will tell you: he beat me grievously in the shape of a woman; for in the shape of man, Master Brook, I fear not Goliath with a weaver's beam, because I know also life is a shuttle. I am in haste; go along with me; I'll tell you all, Master Brook. Since I plucked geese, played truant, and whipped top, I knew not what 'twas to be beaten till lately. Follow me: I'll tell you strange things of this knave Ford, on whom to-night I will be revenged, and I will deliver his wife into your hand. Follow. Strange things in hand, Master Brook! Follow. [Exeunt.] SCENE 2. Windsor Park. [Enter PAGE, SHALLOW, and SLENDER.] PAGE. Come, come; we'll couch i' the castle-ditch till we see the light of our fairies. Remember, son Slender, my daughter. SLENDER. Ay, forsooth; I have spoke with her, and we have a nay-word how to know one another. I come to her in white and cry 'mum'; she cries 'budget,' and by that we know one another. SHALLOW. That's good too; but what needs either your 'mum' or her 'budget'? The white will decipher her well enough. It hath struck ten o'clock. PAGE. The night is dark; light and spirits will become it well. Heaven prosper our sport! No man means evil but the devil, and we shall know him by his horns. Let's away; follow me. [Exeunt.] SCENE 3. The street in Windsor. [Enter MISTRESS PAGE, MISTRESS FORD, and DOCTOR CAIUS.] MRS. PAGE. Master Doctor, my daughter is in green; when you see your time, take her by the hand, away with her to the deanery, and dispatch it quickly. Go before into the Park; we two must go together. CAIUS. I know vat I have to do; adieu. MRS. PAGE. Fare you well, sir. [Exit CAIUS.] My husband will not rejoice so much at the abuse of Falstaff as he will chafe at the doctor's marrying my daughter; but 'tis no matter; better a little chiding than a great deal of heart break. MRS. FORD. Where is Nan now, and her troop of fairies, and the Welsh devil, Hugh? MRS. PAGE. They are all couched in a pit hard by Herne's oak, with obscured lights; which, at the very instant of Falstaff's and our meeting, they will at once display to the night. MRS. FORD. That cannot choose but amaze him. MRS. PAGE. If he be not amazed, he will be mocked; if he be amazed, he will every way be mocked. MRS. FORD. We'll betray him finely. MRS. PAGE. Against such lewdsters and their lechery, Those that betray them do no treachery. MRS. FORD. The hour draws on: to the oak, to the oak! [Exeunt.] SCENE 4. Windsor Park [Enter SIR HUGH EVANS, disguised, with others as Fairies.] EVANS. Trib, trib, fairies; come; and remember your parts. Be pold, I pray you; follow me into the pit; and when I give the watch-ords, do as I pid you. Come, come; trib, trib. [Exeunt.] SCENE 5. Another part of the Park. [Enter FALSTAFF disguised as HERNE with a buck's head on.] FALSTAFF. The Windsor bell hath struck twelve; the minute draws on. Now the hot-blooded gods assist me! Remember, Jove, thou wast a bull for thy Europa; love set on thy horns. O powerful love! that in some respects, makes a beast a man; in some other a man a beast. You were also, Jupiter, a swan, for the love of Leda. O omnipotent love! how near the god drew to the complexion of a goose! A fault done first in the form of a beast; O Jove, a beastly fault! and then another fault in the semblance of a fowl: think on't, Jove, a foul fault! When gods have hot backs what shall poor men do? For me, I am here a Windsor stag; and the fattest, I think, i' the forest. Send me a cool rut-time, Jove, or who can blame me to piss my tallow? Who comes here? my doe? [Enter MISTRESS FORD and MISTRESS PAGE.] MRS. FORD. Sir John! Art thou there, my deer? my male deer? FALSTAFF. My doe with the black scut! Let the sky rain potatoes; let it thunder to the tune of 'Greensleeves'; hail kissing-comfits and snow eringoes; let there come a tempest of provocation, I will shelter me here. [Embracing her.] MRS. FORD. Mistress Page is come with me, sweetheart. FALSTAFF. Divide me like a brib'd buck, each a haunch; I will keep my sides to myself, my shoulders for the fellow of this walk, and my horns I bequeath your husbands. Am I a woodman, ha? Speak I like Herne the hunter? Why, now is Cupid a child of conscience; he makes restitution. As I am a true spirit, welcome! [Noise within.] MRS. PAGE. Alas! what noise? MRS. FORD. Heaven forgive our sins! FALSTAFF. What should this be? MRS. FORD. Away, away! MRS. PAGE. Away, away! [They run off.] FALSTAFF. I think the devil will not have me damned, lest the oil that's in me should set hell on fire; he would never else cross me thus. [Enter SIR HUGH EVANS like a Satyr, PISTOL as a Hobgoblin, ANNE PAGE as the the Fairy Queen, attended by her Brothers and Others, as fairies, with waxen tapers on their heads.] ANNE. Fairies, black, grey, green, and white, You moonshine revellers, and shades of night, You orphan heirs of fixed destiny, Attend your office and your quality. Crier Hobgoblin, make the fairy oyes. PISTOL. Elves, list your names: silence, you airy toys! Cricket, to Windsor chimneys shalt thou leap: Where fires thou find'st unrak'd, and hearths unswept, There pinch the maids as blue as bilberry: Our radiant Queen hates sluts and sluttery. FALSTAFF. They are fairies; he that speaks to them shall die: I'll wink and couch: no man their works must eye. [Lies down upon his face.] EVANS. Where's Bede? Go you, and where you find a maid That, ere she sleep, has thrice her prayers said, Rein up the organs of her fantasy, Sleep she as sound as careless infancy; But those as sleep and think not on their sins, Pinch them, arms, legs, backs, shoulders, sides, and shins. ANNE. About, about! Search Windsor castle, elves, within and out: Strew good luck, ouphes, on every sacred room, That it may stand till the perpetual doom, In state as wholesome as in state 'tis fit, Worthy the owner and the owner it. The several chairs of order look you scour With juice of balm and every precious flower: Each fair instalment, coat, and several crest, With loyal blazon, evermore be blest! And nightly, meadow-fairies, look you sing, Like to the Garter's compass, in a ring: The expressure that it bears, green let it be, More fertile-fresh than all the field to see; And 'Honi soit qui mal y pense' write In emerald tufts, flowers purple, blue and white; Like sapphire, pearl, and rich embroidery, Buckled below fair knighthood's bending knee. Fairies use flowers for their charactery. Away! disperse! But, till 'tis one o'clock, Our dance of custom round about the oak Of Herne the hunter let us not forget. EVANS. Pray you, lock hand in hand; yourselves in order set; And twenty glow-worms shall our lanterns be, To guide our measure round about the tree. But, stay; I smell a man of middle-earth. FALSTAFF. Heavens defend me from that Welsh fairy, lest he transform me to a piece of cheese! PISTOL. Vile worm, thou wast o'erlook'd even in thy birth. ANNE. With trial-fire touch me his finger-end: If he be chaste, the flame will back descend And turn him to no pain; but if he start, It is the flesh of a corrupted heart. PISTOL. A trial! come. EVANS. Come, will this wood take fire? [They burn him with their tapers.] FALSTAFF. Oh, oh, oh! ANNE. Corrupt, corrupt, and tainted in desire! About him, fairies; sing a scornful rhyme; And, as you trip, still pinch him to your time. SONG. Fie on sinful fantasy! Fie on lust and luxury! Lust is but a bloody fire, Kindled with unchaste desire, Fed in heart, whose flames aspire, As thoughts do blow them, higher and higher. Pinch him, fairies, mutually; Pinch him for his villany; Pinch him and burn him and turn him about, Till candles and star-light and moonshine be out. [During this song the Fairies pinch FALSTAFF. DOCTOR CAIUS comes one way, and steals away a fairy in green; SLENDER another way, and takes off a fairy in white; and FENTON comes, and steals away ANNE PAGE. A noise of hunting is heard within. All the fairies run away. FALSTAFF pulls off his buck's head, and rises.] [Enter PAGE, FORD, MISTRESS PAGE, MISTRESS FORD. They lay hold on FALSTAFF.] PAGE. Nay, do not fly; I think we have watch'd you now: Will none but Herne the hunter serve your turn? MRS. PAGE. I pray you, come, hold up the jest no higher. Now, good Sir John, how like you Windsor wives? See you these, husband? do not these fair yokes Become the forest better than the town? FORD. Now, sir, who's a cuckold now? Master Brook, Falstaff's a knave, a cuckoldly knave; here are his horns, Master Brook; and, Master Brook, he hath enjoyed nothing of Ford's but his buck-basket, his cudgel, and twenty pounds of money, which must be paid to Master Brook; his horses are arrested for it, Master Brook. MRS. FORD. Sir John, we have had ill luck; we could never meet. I will never take you for my love again; but I will always count you my deer. FALSTAFF. I do begin to perceive that I am made an ass. FORD. Ay, and an ox too; both the proofs are extant. FALSTAFF. And these are not fairies? I was three or four times in the thought they were not fairies; and yet the guiltiness of my mind, the sudden surprise of my powers, drove the grossness of the foppery into a received belief, in despite of the teeth of all rhyme and reason, that they were fairies. See now how wit may be made a Jack-a-Lent when 'tis upon ill employment! EVANS. Sir John Falstaff, serve Got, and leave your desires, and fairies will not pinse you. FORD. Well said, fairy Hugh. EVANS. And leave you your jealousies too, I pray you. FORD. I will never mistrust my wife again, till thou art able to woo her in good English. FALSTAFF. Have I laid my brain in the sun, and dried it, that it wants matter to prevent so gross o'er-reaching as this? Am I ridden with a Welsh goat too? Shall I have a cox-comb of frieze? 'Tis time I were choked with a piece of toasted cheese. EVANS. Seese is not good to give putter: your belly is all putter. FALSTAFF. 'Seese' and 'putter'! Have I lived to stand at the taunt of one that makes fritters of English? This is enough to be the decay of lust and late-walking through the realm. MRS. PAGE. Why, Sir John, do you think, though we would have thrust virtue out of our hearts by the head and shoulders, and have given ourselves without scruple to hell, that ever the devil could have made you our delight? FORD. What, a hodge-pudding? a bag of flax? MRS. PAGE. A puffed man? PAGE. Old, cold, withered, and of intolerable entrails? FORD. And one that is as slanderous as Satan? PAGE. And as poor as Job? FORD. And as wicked as his wife? EVANS. And given to fornications, and to taverns, and sack and wine, and metheglins, and to drinkings and swearings and starings, pribbles and prabbles? FALSTAFF. Well, I am your theme; you have the start of me; I am dejected; I am not able to answer the Welsh flannel. Ignorance itself is a plummet o'er me; use me as you will. FORD. Marry, sir, we'll bring you to Windsor, to one Master Brook, that you have cozened of money, to whom you should have been a pander: over and above that you have suffered, I think to repay that money will be a biting affliction. MRS. FORD. Nay, husband, let that go to make amends; Forget that sum, so we'll all be friends. FORD. Well, here's my hand: all is forgiven at last. PAGE. Yet be cheerful, knight; thou shalt eat a posset tonight at my house; where I will desire thee to laugh at my wife, that now laughs at thee. Tell her, Master Slender hath married her daughter. MRS. PAGE. [Aside] Doctors doubt that; if Anne Page be my daughter, she is, by this, Doctor Caius' wife. [Enter SLENDER.] SLENDER. Whoa, ho! ho! father Page! PAGE. Son, how now! how now, son! have you dispatched? SLENDER. Dispatched! I'll make the best in Gloucestershire know on't; would I were hanged, la, else! PAGE. Of what, son? SLENDER. I came yonder at Eton to marry Mistress Anne Page, and she's a great lubberly boy: if it had not been i' the church, I would have swinged him, or he should have swinged me. If I did not think it had been Anne Page, would I might never stir! and 'tis a postmaster's boy. PAGE. Upon my life, then, you took the wrong. SLENDER. What need you tell me that? I think so, when I took a boy for a girl. If I had been married to him, for all he was in woman's apparel, I would not have had him. PAGE. Why, this is your own folly. Did not I tell you how you should know my daughter by her garments? SLENDER. I went to her in white and cried 'mum' and she cried 'budget' as Anne and I had appointed; and yet it was not Anne, but a postmaster's boy. EVANS. Jeshu! Master Slender, cannot you see put marry poys? PAGE. O I am vexed at heart: what shall I do? MRS. PAGE. Good George, be not angry: I knew of your purpose; turned my daughter into green; and, indeed, she is now with the doctor at the deanery, and there married. [Enter DOCTOR CAIUS.] CAIUS. Vere is Mistress Page? By gar, I am cozened; I ha' married un garcon, a boy; un paysan, by gar, a boy; it is not Anne Page; by gar, I am cozened. MRS. PAGE. Why, did you take her in green? CAIUS. Ay, by gar, and 'tis a boy: by gar, I'll raise all Windsor. [Exit.] FORD. This is strange. Who hath got the right Anne? PAGE. My heart misgives me; here comes Master Fenton. [Enter FENTON and ANNE PAGE.] How now, Master Fenton! ANNE. Pardon, good father! good my mother, pardon! PAGE. Now, Mistress, how chance you went not with Master Slender? MRS. PAGE. Why went you not with Master Doctor, maid? FENTON. You do amaze her: hear the truth of it. You would have married her most shamefully, Where there was no proportion held in love. The truth is, she and I, long since contracted, Are now so sure that nothing can dissolve us. The offence is holy that she hath committed, And this deceit loses the name of craft, Of disobedience, or unduteous title, Since therein she doth evitate and shun A thousand irreligious cursed hours, Which forced marriage would have brought upon her. FORD. Stand not amaz'd: here is no remedy: In love, the heavens themselves do guide the state: Money buys lands, and wives are sold by fate. FALSTAFF. I am glad, though you have ta'en a special stand to strike at me, that your arrow hath glanced. PAGE. Well, what remedy? - Fenton, heaven give thee joy! What cannot be eschew'd must be embrac'd. FALSTAFF. When night-dogs run, all sorts of deer are chas'd. MRS. PAGE. Well, I will muse no further. Master Fenton, Heaven give you many, many merry days! Good husband, let us every one go home, And laugh this sport o'er by a country fire; Sir John and all. FORD. Let it be so. Sir John, To Master Brook you yet shall hold your word; For he, to-night, shall lie with Mistress Ford. [Exeunt.] Publication Date: May 29th 2008 https://www.bookrix.com/-bx.shakespeare

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-janai-horton-this-is-my-life/

Janai Horton This Is My Life The Drama In Life Where You Think you Have Know One. An 14 year old girl in the seventh grade and is going throw an lot and need an friend once she call her friend things get worst and her god mom dies and after that things get better for her she was done with the bullying at school and moved on no she getting good grades. Publication Date: February 7th 2013 https://www.bookrix.com/-janaihorton

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-jenni-darby-protecting-ichie/

Jenni Darby Protecting Ichie Protecting Ichie The new divorcee, Joan Wick, absentmindedly twisted the old newspaper around her great-grandmother’s china vase. The paper carried the musty scent of the basement. She had slowed down in packing those past three days. What started out like a furious rampage of getting her shit out of that house was now a tedious task of avoiding memories. She even started slouching, her former-dancer’s body now as wilted as a drowned flower. Not realizing just how much it cost to take care of the house alone, she had foolishly believed she had won ownership of the house, as though the divorce had become a competition and she was determined to feel like the champion. Isn’t that what most divorced women want? To win the house and the dog? Joan’s strained lips actually curled into a gentle smile when she thought about Ichie. He was her four year old German Shepherd that she and her now ex-husband, Steve, had found as an abandoned puppy behind a Japanese restaurant called “Ichie.” Though at the time they were vacationing in New York, they still couldn’t bear to leave the friendly, sad little guy dumped behind a restaurant. “Honey,” Joan had pleaded. “You can’t leave him doomed to smell the wonderful smells and never get a taste.” Too bad getting the house along with the dog meant that Joan’s measly teacher’s salary didn’t stretch far enough to feed them both and pay the bills. She decided that six months of scrounging to feed Ichie was long enough. Anyway, the house was her very first with her husband. Ex-husband. It would always smell of him. And whenever she made her way into the bedroom she could still hear that cheating bastard’s moans echo down the hall. Joan’s trembling fingers nearly dropped the priceless china vase. She took a breath and set the vase in the cardboard box marked fragile. That damn man. They were married for twenty years with no kids. It was always just the two of them. Statistically, divorce rates are less likely in couples without children. It figures that Joan’s marriage would be in the bad side of a good statistic. The only photo that remained on the refrigerator was the picture of Joan holding Ichie as a puppy. Her one loyal man, the only other soul she needed in this world. Screw Steve. Let him be happy in his new life with his girlfriend. Joan was planning her own life with Ichie and a little duplex in a cute town far enough away to forget that cheating bastard. She even got a new job at a new school where the sympathetic looks and whispers couldn’t find her. Joan stepped away from the china cabinet and opened one of the bottom cupboards filled with generic dog food. She poured Ichie a bowl and set it on the linoleum. Almost as though he heard her, Ichie began to bark. Joan smiled. Yup, Ichie was the only one she ever had to worry about pleasing ever again. She made her way to the sliding door that faced the back patio and the little shed across the lawn. Ichie was tied up to the water spigot on the side of the shed. Joan froze in her tracks. Ichie’s barking had quickly changed from excited to alarmed. They were noises a dog makes to frighten away something they are scared of. Joan had never heard him make such ferocious noises before. She stepped in front of the door and looked out to wear he was chained. Ichie was threatened, there was no doubt about it, even if Joan couldn’t tell by the sound of him. Legs stiff and straight, head low, ears back, fur on end, Joan’s eyes slid over to see the problem, praying he was simply worrying a stray cat. When she spotted the creature she first thought it was a large fox or a small dog. It was a reddish brown, nearly matching Ichie’s coat, with white markings on its jaw and inside its legs. It stood with its tail down, ears back, and mouth open. Joan realized with icy fear that she was looking at a coyote. From the thick, white, saliva dropping from its mouth and the long peels of strange growls it made she knew the beast was rabid. It faced Ichie with a boldness its kind did not usually possess. Joan had no doubt that in a fight against a coyote Ichie would be the ultimate victor, but she couldn’t bear to take a chance of him receiving a bite. She couldn’t bear it if Ichie was horribly maimed, or worse, infected. When she was a little girl her sister found a goat that had been killed by a coyote. Its throat was punctured and neck broken. All Joan could see was Ichie lying on the ground that way. She spun in place and ran out of the kitchen and through the house to the front porch. There was Steve’s unused sports equipment. The aluminum baseball bat covered in dust was barely visible amidst the boxes of junk. She grabbed it and ran back to the sliding doors. She thrust them open and made three bold steps onto the patio before freezing. Ichie was still standing like an angry statue, growling and letting loose with warning barks that would shake a lion’s bravo. The coyote’s rib cage was jutting out of its sides, pressing in to an extreme angle with every maniacal growl. Ichie’s size and ferocity did not worry the animal. It made an inching step closer to the dog and stumbled a bit. Foam dripped out of his mouth. Joan’s eyes flashed from Ichie to the monster threatening him, gaining on him. “Hey!” she shouted, fear soaking into her voice. She took a sharp breath in through her nostrils and screamed, “Heeey!” The coyote stopped and twitched its ear at her. It kept its evil glare on Ichie. She gripped the bat with both hands, raised it high above her head, and ran down the patio steps and onto the grass. “Heeeey!” she shrieked. Joan stopped halfway through the yard. The beast didn’t even move except to turn its frothing anger her way. Glaring at her, growling in its strange, diseased way, it shifted gracelessly, as though drunk, to square off with Joan. She lowered the bat to shoulder level, breathing fast and shallow, feeling the stabbing terror of Ichie’s possible death. She had to get to him. She had to unchain him and get him to safety. Somehow she had to accomplish that without letting the coyote attack them. She slowly sidestepped closer to Ichie, noticing that the motions bothered the coyote more than when she had charged it. Every step she took the foaming devil lowered its head more and more until finally it let out a series of high-pitched barks. Saliva flew around as it gnashed its teeth and snapped its jaws. Almost there. Joan could nearly reach Ichie’s chain. She took a final slow step and the coyote advanced three more. She now stood next to Ichie, who hadn’t moved a muscle except to rage at the intruder. Still gripping the bat with her right hand, Joan let the sweaty palm of her left hand slide off the handle of the bat and make its descent through the air to Ichie’s chain. She never once looked away from the coyote. The cold metal met her fingers and she found the hook release with her thumb and pressed it. Ichie’s fur brushed her arm and his tension could be felt as though his fur were made of little steel rods. He was just as afraid as she was. Don’t worry, baby, she thought. Mama’s here. With a slight tug the chain came free of Ichie’s collar. She let it drop to the ground. Now that he was free, Joan had to figure out how to get him back inside without inviting the coyote to attack. “Ichie,” she said. “Back.” She took one small step backwards and Ichie matched her, staying right by her side. They took the next two steps in unison and the coyote let out a skin-crawling howl. Joan resisted the urge to press her hands to her ears. It felt as though the sorrow and the insanity of the canine would pierce her skull. When the creature began to growl and drool at them once more, Joan said again to Ichie, “Back.” It was a slow retreat of one small step after the other. She didn’t dare sneak a glance behind her to see how far away the patio steps were. At that moment she felt her yard was hopelessly long and the devil would attack before they could reach the house. Joan’s grip tightened on the aluminum bat. If the coyote wanted a piece of her, she’d give him one. Sweat fell down her back in long trails. She didn’t want to let herself revel the distance they were gaining from the monster but it was nearly enough for Joan to feel safe turning and running inside. She took a breath, opened her mouth, and almost spoke the command when every muscle in the coyote’s body flexed and in two lunges it scaled the span of the yard and was on top of them. Ichie snapped his jaws and it was a sudden confusion of fur and foam. Joan swung the bat. The impact made a crack just as it would have if hitting a baseball. Out flew brains, blood, and bits of skull into the air like violent confetti. The force of the strike shook all the way up her spine so hard she thought her teeth would shatter. There, upon the ground, lay the ruin of the rabid devil, eyes frozen open in eternal emptiness, head cracked open like an egg shell. Ichie immediately sniffed around the corpse, making sure of the death. He let out a few hailing barks and returned to Joan’s side, sitting down and leaning on her. Joan stood stiff and hardly let out a breath. The bloody bat slipped through her fingers and thudded onto the grass. Aftershock tears stung her eyes. Just when she thought she might break down, Ichie’s long tongue rolled out of his grinning mouth and he looked up at her with perfect adoration. She let out a laugh and scratched his head, looking into his much-relieved face. Kneeling down next to him, she inspected him all over for bite marks. It was difficult to do with him licking her face and neck, but she was satisfied that he had emerged from their ordeal unscathed. She stood and led Ichie inside, heading for the phone. The half-packed boxes that had been tormenting her mind all that week now seemed silly and just plain messy. She breathed a few long sighs as she looked up the phone number for animal control and couldn’t wipe the crazy smile from her lips. Suddenly, packing didn’t seem so dramatic anymore. Publication Date: May 15th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-jeneve

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-robert-g-fangs/

ROBERT G Fangs The begging the bite I was taking a jog through the woods, Thinking about how I'm going to join my schools lacrosse team tomorrow, I was listening to my favorite song. Wile i was running I dropped my glasses,in prosperity I dropped to my knees.i tried to use my phone for light but it had died, So I had no light to search in cold dark woods. Wile I was searching a shadow run across the sky as a reaction I screamed,and started to run, But since I lost my glasses I kept stumbling into trees,Each time I bumped into one the closer it came. when I turned around and saw a blur behind me, so I turned, fell back and rolled across the dirty ground. When I stood up the blur grabbed me, i struggle to get loose, it grabbed me by the neck and bit me, as soon as it bit me it ran. I started feeling a burning sensation on my neck i laded there Fighting the burn,the pain was unbearable,but i forced myself to my house. I finally got to my house I went to the bathroom, I took some alcohol and past it on my neck then put on a large bandage.tying to forget what happened, I started to prepared for tomorrow,I got my net ready,Then went to sleep. try outs Publication Date: March 15th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-liljj3d

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-kasteshabrumfield-i-love-my-mamas-boyfriend-part-2/

kasteshabrumfield I love my mamas boyfriend PART 2 Im out of jail and has come to kill my mother again i will play things smooth and aploligize she will never know whats coming for her so heres what happen. hello mother hello sweety when did you get out of jail yesterday why because i have missed my baby what u went for oh parking tickets and in walks my step dad he looks scared and he says nikki what are you doing back so soon i have my ways so we are talking once mom goes to pick up dinner i say why dont you love me cause your my daughter well i was not your daughter when you was raping me well thats diffrent i have change now i relized my mistake why cant we be normal cause we are not your going to be my husband so i jump on top of him and he cant risist me so he sits there why i do me then we hear a car he says move im married tto your mom i sit there stunned my mom walks in what are you looking crazy for sweety cakes where are your father he went somewhere mom she say okay babby . So she dreifts off to sleep i grave my knife i cut her stomach so that cankeep her sleeep for a while she stops movindg i go in the the room wwhere hes sleep i take his clothes off slowly he wakes upand shoots me with a gun he keeps onside of the bed he calls the police and once again im, in jail and this time im not getting out nore getting revenge they have staning orders on me and im only 16 and im sentenced to life without parol so goodbyr world forever. Publication Date: April 17th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-msalwayspretty

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-racia321-enough/

Racia321 Enough Enough is Enough I really would love to thank the book Dork Diaries for giving me the inspiration to write this book. "I'm turning 16 in two months and my life is falling apart". I screamed at my bestfriend Mandy. But Mandy just looked at my like I was crazy and said "what are you talking about?" I told her that everything is a total disaster all because of Trace. Shes a total bitch everyday she and her pose are either humiliating me or sniffing her noise in my personal biz. Like what the hell is her problem. Text: All these images are from Google. All rights reserved. Publication Date: July 29th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-racia321

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-dave-donahue-three-short-stories-of-life-2/

Dave Donahue Three short stories of life A book about different senarios I dedicate this to my family who stood behind me in my battle with a potentially fatal disease. A Time To Rest A Time To Rest . "What happened" she thought as she held his hand. His eyes clouded over and she could see it was near, his frail hand falling limp. They had said he was fine and in fact he was, until the virus started to come back. Like a tornado, it ripped and tore, his body apart inside out. There was so much more to do and she never thought it would come to this. She bowed her head and began to cry. Fifteen years of the past flashed through her mind, the dreams of their life destroyed by AIDS. Surfed Out Surfed Out He dropped in on the wave, tucking his head as it tubed over him. The blue water resembled an ocean cathedral as the wave overhead crashed around him. He raced the wave as it tried to overtake him the adrenaline pumping through his veins. He felt as the wave spit him out with a huge woosh and he came out on the shoulder of the monster. He yelled estatically as he pulled his board out of the wave only to see another huge wave about to break on the outside. He paddled back out for another sweet ride. Old Man Dilemma Old Man Dilemma The old man looked out across the road, at a land he has finally owned. It took all his life and he worked and worked his fingers to the bone. It was all he had for 60 years of toiling, his withered hands bore the scars of hardship. But it was finally his scott free and clear, no more note he could rest a bit now. He looked on the horizon as far as he could see, a saw a cloud funneling towards his way. The wind whipped and churned and finally tore into his shattered dream. Text: Dave Donahue Images: Dave Donahue Editing: Cheryl Berkes All rights reserved. Publication Date: July 10th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-dobguy1

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-mena-ashmawi-broken-for-the-night/

Mena Ashmawi Broken for the night. -B.F.T.N- Lucy, an average school girl. She is always bullied by a boy called Jake... She despises his girlfriend and his girlfriend hates her.. Yet she saved her. Mark, the most popular boy in the school, helps her, and they become friends. Her pet, Coco, has always been there for her. However, when she leaves Coco with Mark, and ditches them both for her friends... Will they ever forgive her for everything she put them through? For lying? For teasing? For changing? What will happen for the prom dance? If he forgives her... Will he still trust her? Let's start over, Yeah? Well, Hello. For the start, i won't be saying much. I will tell you a story of myself. But, to be start with, i'm going to tell you about me.   Hair= Blonde eyes=Blue Skin=White/a little tand. Weight=Slim. Tallness=Not too tall, Not too short. Clothes=Usually Bellytop, sometimes baggy tops. trouses=skinny jeans/skirts.   ~No glasses~ ~Nose peirced, Ears, top lip, belly button~ ~No freckles~                    Now, let's get on with my story. I hope you enjoy it... Good luck :3  -Mmmeee-   Torn from the heart - Lucy-   "MOVE OVER!" he would scream, barging straight into me. i let out a large scream of pain, my body smashing against the table before i stumbled over it, falling. Everyone laughed.        Why must this happen? And why is it always Me?!   "Aww, i'm sorry." jake, the boy who pushed me, said gently. He slowly reached out his hand, offering himself as he -TRIED- to help me up... Or as it seemed. Me, being dumb enough to believe it, slowly reached out. Our fingers gently touched, before he shouted "FIRECRACKER, too slow!" he gave a blow to my face, once again sending me flying. I shrieked a little in pain, the slap he gave was to hard that it was enough to make a little blood drip from both my mouth and nose, yet it wasn't that bad, since i have had worse... But no sympathy for me whatsoever, as usual. I sat there, feeling embarrassed from all the laughter and mocking, yet also from the pain i was feeling, and was unable to do anything about it. All because i was a little stupid girl. It's always funny if its got something to do with me     Why?   He clenched his fist, leaning forward as he put his face close to mine, doing a small hiss "What? No 'thank you, sir', for knocking some sense into that stupid head of yours? Or should i say that potato you have?" he laughed a little at his own stupid -joke-. I leaned back a little, unsure weather or not i should say it.          -Just say it.- my mind screamed       -Say it!- my heart pounded.       -SAY IT!- my guts bursted.    "No." i simply said, standing up. Everyone stopped talking and laughing, facing me and jack. "What did... you just say?" he said, giving me the //Oh your dead// Look. "I said, No." within seconds, i felt my jaw being smashed against his knuckled, tumbling to the side as the floor sat there, patiently, waiting to break against my body. I slammed against the ground, letting out an agonising scream. The mocking, the laughter, it had all stopped.            What happened to 'Lassie basher?!'   Blood squirted out of me as he started to brutally kick me in the chest. Nobody moved. "STOP!!" Nobody laughed. "PLEASE, STOP!" nobody. said. anything. "AARRGGHHH!!" i kept screaming in pain, tears streaming down my face. He kept hitting my ribs mercilessly, i could feel my ribs slowly penetrating against me, slowly stopping my air. A girl stepped forward, pushing him back firmly "Jack! Enough..." And to my surprise, it was his girlfriend. The one i despise most.. The one she hates. She looked at me and scoffed, but i could see in her eyes the sadness she felt for me, the sympothy.  Slowly, everyone started to walk off as if nothing had ever happened. Finally, jake and his ~Girlfriend~ Both left. Only a bunch of girls were standing there, a little off them sniggering. Blood was dripping from my mouth and nose, forming a small waterfall. I gave a small cough, but all that escaped was more blood, making out a large wheezy breath as i gasped for the air.   One of the girls bent over, offering her hand. "Are you~" Before she could finish, one of her friends pulled her back "Eww, don't touch her! You don't want to end up like that stupid girl, do you?" It's true. I am a stupid girl. She huffed, dragging the other girl off as she walked away. The girl looked behind her, making contact with me as she mouthed 'I'm sorry..' And i slowly reached my hand out, muttering out 'Help... Me...'                  Everything stopped. Even time. i couldn't take it anymore. I slowly curled up on the ground, sobbing. I rapidly coughed, sending out a violent sound. "When will it all end? The pain, the torturing, the brutallity, the merciless beating... The murdering of the souls." I have a gasp of the air, turning my head to the side, breathing quickly. It had to end... It just had to. My eyes slowly closed, and within only a second, i had fainted. This all had took me by shock.. By horror, By pain. It was too much for both my body and mind to handle. My mind would think to it's self...                   I hope it ends. Now. On this spot. I hope i never return. They would be happy...                                                                    Right?  Broken hearted   Where it began once again. I woke up, a soft cusion under my head. I was lying on... Some kind of bed? No... I wasn't, was i? I slowly opened my eyes, letting out a painful, yet annoyed groan. I was. I was lying in the medical room. Unfortunately, i had been there for... I looked at the clock, my eyes instantly shooting open "FIVE H-" She instantly stopped, clamping her hand around her throat as she clenched her jaw, gasping at the air.    "Shhh.." a voice whispered, a hand getting placed against my Knee. I turned to the boy that sat at the end of the bed, my eyes widened. "Y..You brung me here..?" I couldn't believe my eyes. It.. It was mark. The most popular boy in school. "You alright?" His voice whispered once again "And yes, i did." I tried getting up, doing a small squeal "Ow.. My.. Wait.. where IS the pain coming from..." I muttered under my breath. It came from all of my body, but I couldn't figure out which exactly. I looked at him, and he slowly done a small smile "Hey. Name is Mark, as you know, right?" I went a little pink at his words and gave a small nod "Y..Yeah.."   "Uh.. Anyways, Mark, why help me... Why not be with JACK." I said his name in a little tone of disgust. After all, i should hate him, after what he done to me! He looked at me, giving a small snigger. //What the HECK is so funny?!// my mind screeched. Jake was good friends with mark.. Like, who DIDN'T know that? --I know you guys ddn't but... in general. Anyways...-- "I've always wanted to know why you hate jake so much. He messin' with your mind?"  I gave a small hiss, muttering "Maybe because he is the one who-" Beofre i could finish, he interuptied with a harsh tone that even frightened me! "Anyways, Who done that to you? Ooh, when i find out, I'm going to hit them so hard, They're going to forget there name." Well, Uh, probably the first thing that came into your mind was -That isn't possible...- But infact, he is tough. like REALLY tough... and he can scare you so much, that would will hesitate to even walk NEXT to him.    But oh F... Flip. now, a choice.    1: I tell mark jake beat me up. 2: I tell him that i tripped over.   Bad (1): Jake and mark could have a fight, and if mark tells jake i told him, then lights out for me. Again. Bad (2):  If i don't tell mark, then he finds out... He won't ever talk to me again. This might be my shot.   "N-Nobody..." I finally say, turning my head away to make sure i didn't make any contact with him. "Wow, Come on, I'm Dumb, but not THAT dumb. It's pretty obvious someone must have done this to you..."   "Your not dumb!" i turn to him, making a firm hiss. He looks at me, his eyes softening a little. "I don't want to talk about it." I mutter shyly.  "Come on, It m-"  "Please." I whisper, turning my head to him slowly. Oh great. Everything started to turn into a blur again. No, i wasn't getting Dizzy... But worse. I... I started to cry. RIGHT INFRONT OF MARK. He looked at me, a gentle softness in his eyes. He got a thumb, sliding it gently against my cheek. I looked at him, and just burst into tears. Oh crud. Even mark got a shock at my Hidious look...   He leaned forward, shuffling next to me "Shhh.." He whispered, putting his warm hand behind my head and pulled me against his chest. I raised an arm, gripping tightly onto him despite the fact i couldn't see his face, i could feel him smiling. His gentle pulse finally calmed me down. About 10 minutes later, i was still against him before the door shot open. Oh. F...Fadoodlecakes.    It was miss day. She hated me and mark. Let me explain to you why... It was a few days back and mark had put his hand up.    Miss day: Yes, Mark?  Mark: Miss, do you have a son? Miss day: Yes... I do. Mark: So i guess its SONday.                              I screamed with laughter, falling straight off my chair    - The next day -    Miss day: Alright, so for today... -Blah Blah Blah-  Mark and jake were talking, while i was listening to their conversation... (As usual) Miss day: WHY do i hear talking? Me: BECAUSE YOU HAVE EARS!    Me, being a good child, wasn't meant to say that... But i had to tell her the truth!    She put me, jake and mark in detention. Since that day... She hated us both so much, it was unbelievable to explain how much.                        now do you know why she hates us both, and jake? :O                                        Anyways.. back to the story. Techers...   When it begins once again... Continued. "WHAT happened here?!" she boomed, causing an earthquake on the other side of the world.    "I..." Before i could answer, she barged between my words. Like she usually does. "Detention, Both of you." WHAT?! What the heck did we even do?! So not fair... last time i got a detention, mam and dad were so upset with me, and i hated seeing them like that. "Why?!" I whined. It was too unfair, to be honest.   "I'm reporting you, Miss." Mark hissed. By the look of her face, she didn't really care. He leaned towards me, whispering "I'll get you out of the detention..." Gosh, Why was he so nice!!     "You know the school rules. No sexual buisness." "WHAT THE ACTUAL FU-" Before i could finish, she hissed "Stop right there, missy, before i report BOTH of you."   "What did we even do... Were not even doing anything~"   "So your lying.. To me, infront of my face?" She hissed. Like, come on people! I'm here in the medical room, which is clearly showing i'm in pain! And what is the worse that could happen!?        "Oh, and by the way you too. On friday, after detention. My office." She turned around, slamming the door shut. You know, I'm never in my entire life EVER going to say 'Could this get any worse', Wanna know why? Because it always does! -sigh-...        Mark would gently tap my back, doing a small smile "Hey uh, anyways... You sure your Okay?" i would do a small nod, sliding my hair gently behind my ear in anxiety "Yeah... Posotive." He would nod, getting up. Wait, was he going to leave? My mind quickly bursted out "AAUURRRGGGHHH!!!" He turned to me, his eyes wide with shock "WHAT?! WHAT IS IT?!" i turned to him, doing a small smile "My mind doesn't want you to leave." He laughed, then gently slid his hand over my head "Don't be such a naughty girl~" He whispered, before walking to the door, slowly opening it as he shut it behind him. Well i guess it's true, right? Love heals... But i guess it's better to sometimes leave a broken heart shattered, then hurting yourself trying to repair it.                          I slowly got up, doing a small groan as i placed my hand against my chest. I walked towards the door, opening it... and look who was there. Jake. Oh, my gosh. He firmly pushed me back, my eyes quickly scrambling around as i try to find someone who will save me. His girlfriend... His friend, Mark! Anyone! //Help me!// my mind would scream, despite my knowing that nobody could hear. //Please!//              "Such beautiful eyes..." He would smirk. He wasn't teasing me, i knew that... But what scared me, was if he poked both my eyes!     He done it before, and he could do it again. He would lean forward, whispering in my ear "Tell Mark about what happened." Wait, was he serious? He started to walk away, before turning around, smiling "I dare you..." He instantly slammed his foot against the door, sending the door flinging open as it wacked against me face. I fell to the ground, letting out a large scream. I put my hand over my head as he towered over me, afraid of what he will do next. He whispered again "... And you won't see daylight." He turned around, and disappeared, walking through another door.    I sighed, getting up, finally exiting the school. Nobody cared about me. No teacher liked me. Nobody to trust. Nobody to tell. Nobody. To. Love. Well, apart from my pet. Oohhh, how rude of me, i forgot to introduce my pet! Hehe, I'll tell you when i get home.           I would walk onto a bus, slowly walking up it. The bus moved forward, and i fell forward. Everyone laughed. Even in public, i can't keep my damn feet together. My knees would gently tremble, doing another small whine "I'm Sorry..." One of the males would turn to me, scoffing. Another would mutter "You better be." I flinched as i walked to the back of the bus, slowly curling up on a seat.       I shoved my face against my knees and sobbed...                                           When i had the chance to die... Why didn't i.                   Why must it always continue, if it's funny for the audience, But not funny for the victim.    If i left... I'd probably be forgotten about. Probably be shoved in the attic, and left for a decorating doll.                                       Well, I'm just a toy that everyone plays with, Right?    Death... Is it popular? Too many words, hmm?  Alright, instead of me blabbing on and on about how i always got bullied, and make your life stressful, there is also some good news to it. I made friends with Mark, it took about a month, but we hang out alot together, we talk alot, he walks with me in the corridor to make sure nobody done anything to me. He was becoming a sweetheart... And he changed. Maybe it was time for me to change.. Alright, Alright, Deal.  I slammed the door of my house open, calling "COCO!" five seconds didn't even pass by, before a large husky would zoom towards me. I would open my arms, laughing "COCO!" i called again, him jumping straight onto me. Despite the fact i had been punched and kicked so many times, the pain had disappeared as i fell on my back. He repeatedly licked me, laughing a little as i shut my eyes "Hello, Hello!" It took me about 5 minutes to push that big boy off. I giggled, gently scratching behind his left ear "Hello.. You miss me?" He would bark, raising his rump in the air as he got into a playful position. I giggled "Speak!" He would firmly Bark, before i got my fingers, making a  -pistol- in my fingers. He would instantly stand on his hind legs, swaying his paws gently into the air.                                            "BANG!" i screamed, and in that second, he fell backwards, falling onto his back, his paws twitching slightly. I laughed "Wow, your improving!" I slid my hand against my pocket, sending out some treats as he leaned forward, eating them from my hand. I smiled. What a world he was. Without him, i wouldn't be alive. He was there for me... Even when my parents left me. I would lean forward, kissing his cheek before whispering "Were going to make a difference, yeah?" He looked pretty confused.    Obviously, you all are thinking "This girl is crazy, talking to a goddamn dog." Well, infact, he knows exactly what i'm saying. After all, i had him since i was 3. I leaned forward, kissing his muzzle gently before getting up, zooming upstrairs. I got in my waredrobe, tearing everything out. I reached the back, slowly holding something up. I would smirk, giggling "Time to make a difference." I ran downstairs, making some food as i ate it quickly. I ran myself to the bathroom, before stopping infront of it "Urgh, i need my beauty sleep..." She muttered once again "I'll take a bath and shower tomorrow.." She ran to her bed, shut her door, turned the lights off, snuggled herself next to her Dog, and shut her eyes, while repeatedly muttering                                               "Tomorrow... I will exist again."   It's what i wear~   It will begin... For real. -RING RING RING-    ...   -RING RING RING-   ...   -RING RING R..-   "OH FOR GODS SAKE, SHUT UP!" i screamed at my alarm, aiming my hand at it. My eyes were shut, so instead of wacking my alarm, i wacked my phone. I sat up, screaming "MY PHONE!" i would groan, slowly bending down as i picked up my phone, looking at it. Only a small piece of it had been chipped away, But it looked alot like me. Small pieced being chipped away slowly...               Until i would eventually break.   Anyways, enough of that talk. Point. I'm going to be a new me. I'm going to change. A new life, a new me, a new start.    I wore a brown top, with a dark peach-like skirt. I wore some other accessories, and a bag. I done my hair, straightened it, and let it fall over my shoulders.         My blue eyes matching them perfectly. I smiled gently as i looked in the mirror "I look... Beautiful." For once, i had complimented myself. I turned my head to Coco, setting down his food and his water. I walked towards the door, taking a deep breath.    "Prepare."   I walked onto the bus, getting alot of stares. after all, it was the school bus. When we arrived, i walked through the corridor. I got alot of 'Is she new?' Or 'No way, that isn't Lucy... Is it?' And i sat today at the bench.          One of the boys came up to me, sitting next to me. I turned to him, about to say Hi, before i spotted the girls in the background looking at me. They wanted to see what i would do... What i would say. Unfortunately, he was one of the -geeky- boys. The boys like me.    I got up, despite feeling terrible, and hissing "Eww... What the heck do you want?" I groaned, turning my head away as i walked off. The girls sniggered. I was amusing them... In a good way.                                          The next day came, and you won't believe what happened... Strong, hmm?   I got invited!!  "Hey... Lucy." The girl smiled. Her name was Emma. She was the leader of the group.. They called themselves the 'wolf pack'. I turned to her, doing a small smirk "Hey..." She would reach her hand out, grabbing me by the arm as she forced me to my legs, giving me an uncomfortable feeling. I could see in their eyes they wanted to see what i was going to do, so my instincts kicked out. I leaned forward, giving her a shove "Don't even lay i finger on me~" i snapped.    "She's leaning.." Katie would say. She was the best friend of Emma. Emma leaned forward, sniggering "I got an offer for you. Take it, and join us... Or leave it, and become in hell."    .. Wait wait a second...          Were they inviting me... To join... Their group... The wolf pack?!   "Your inviting me?!" I squealed, before quickly changing my tone "I mean, Yeah sure.. Not much of a big deal but, you guys seem nice." They would turn to me, smirking "Nice?" they echoed, before me raising a brow. "Nice." i repeated. They all squealed and giggled, wrapping their arms around me "She's perfect!" They were like them girly pink girls...                        What a change in my life already, and it's only been a day!   Uh oh... Mark was approaching. The wolf pack and mark didn't get along, but he just came to see me... "Hey, Lucy." He would smile, warmingly. That smile always got me in the feelings... He looked so cute! Emma groaned and Katie huffed. I whined a little, unsure what to do. I quickly grabbed him by the arm, dragging him away, now knowing that Emma and Katie were questioning my 'Friendship'.    "What, can't you see i'm hanging with my girlfriends?!" i snapped. "Woah, what?!" He glared at me, his look quickly changing "Listen, I'm going with a party tonight with my girlfriends, i need you to take care of Coco." Mark looked shocked, and so was i. What the heck was i blabbing about... "But... Lucy, It's only been one day.."   "MARK! Please! This is my chance to join their group.." He looked at me, a little disappointed "Can i have your keys then..." He looked to the ground, sending an uncomforable chill down my spine. Why was i treating him like this... "Here." i reached in my bag, giving it to him. I done a smile, but the only thing i got back from him was a nod "I'll stay over at your house, if that's fine... Or are you doing the party at your house?" i noticed that the end part he said it as if i was his mistress. "No.. It's in the club." He sighed, and nodded "Alright." Why... Why did i have to be in the middle of everything? Why is Mark now getting tortured... Why do i have to be the one who makes him suffer?                                        Please, someone... Help me. Publication Date: February 28th 2016 https://www.bookrix.com/-oz74e03b2b2ab65

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-me-sl-the-cheerleading-tryouts/

Me Sl The Cheerleading Tryouts Class Time Have a good day hun!My mom screams as i walk out the door headed for school.Once I get to school as always the popular cheerleading squad is standing at the door chit chating.When I walk in I go to French.My moms french and speaks alot of it too so i take the class so i can understand it.Bonjour class.Can you say Bonjour.BONJOUR!The speaker turns on .ehem fellow students grades 9-11 report to the gym grades 9-11 report to the gym. These are the new cheerladers Lexia Samuel, kelly thinaj,jasmine ally,kendra booe,Miley Cirus I made it Im now popular Publication Date: November 20th 2011 https://www.bookrix.com/-sereniti

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-tina-mahnam-deranged-lust/

Tina Mahnam Deranged Lust Not all love is sanity. Copyrights Reserved©️; Age 12+; Category: Teen Fiction; Content: Mature; Angst; Drama; Mystery; Romance; Disclaimer: This story contains violence, sexual content, strong language, dark themes, cursing and swears, unintentional jokes, drugs and alcohol, private based events, real-life issues, disturbing scenes, & other mature themes. Chapter 1 - It's All The Beginning Breathe, please I'm begging you to breathe. I don't sense any air reaching my lungs. Breathe goddammit. I finally gasp a huge amount of air, and can finally feel myself inhaling and exhaling calmly. I stare at the person in front of me. His brown long textured hair falling down on his bright green eyes. His pointed small nose that was covered in tiny freckles until his high-pointed cheekbones. He peered consciously at me, confused whether I was still breathing, or was I finally dead. "Are you okay?" He asked gently, I felt my brain lag for a couple minutes before answering, "Y-Yes...What happened?" I slowly got up with his help. "You sort of drowned in the sea, let's be glad you didn't float away." I widened my eyes in shock to hear that, I've been a swimmer for thirteen years. It can't be possible, but either ways I wasn't in a state to argue about what happened, so I responded with a simple nod. I finally got up along with him, "Thank you for helping me. Could've died back there." I chuckled nervously. He gave me a simple smile, his one-sided dimple visible on his right cheek, "No problem, the world still needs girls as beautiful as you." I instantly blushed by his comment. I wouldn't really call myself beautiful while I was on the verge of dying, but I guess that's acceptable. "Do you need a ride home?" I looked around to notice an empty beach, it seemed like it was dawn and I was just brought back to life. So, I don't think I can really go back by myself. I glanced at him and kindly accepted the generous offer. He smiled then showed me the way to his car. As we got in I felt myself shiver, it was really cold although I had a shirt covered over my body suit. "Are you cold?" He asked in concern, his eyes narrowing. I nodded, my lips shaking onward with my hands, and goosebumps all over my skin. He hurriedly turned the heater on and took his jacket off, placing it on top of my shoulders, covering me with the warmth of his fur. "Thank you, I owe you so much." I embarrassedly said, "Don't even mention it, please it's my pleasure." He replied while starting the car, and soon was driving away from the ghosted beach. We soon pulled over to a pizza place close to my house, leaving me dazed, "Come on, let's go get some pizza before I drop you off." He excitedly claimed, I shook my head in denial then looked down at my half-naked body. He noticed then excused himself for a couple minutes. I spent those minutes listening to his playlist in the car, and I have to admit. We sort of have the same taste in music. I'm pretty sure 90% of his songs are from my playlist, that's one reason why I felt more comfortable around him. After minutes of singing along with the music, he came up to me with a box of pepperoni pizza along with two cups of cola. I gasped in surprised, "Oh my God, I love pepperoni!!" My lips formed a broad smile, as my stomach growled, demanding for the pizza that looked mouth-watering. "Come on, who doesn't like pepperoni." He sassed, and I directly grabbed a piece and put half of it in my mouth which made him chuckle. "There's also a fun way of eating pizza." He snatched a slice of the pepperoni pizza and rolled it into a smaller piece, and put it all in his mouth which overflowed, he attempted to talk, but his voice was all muffled. I laughed loudly, "I still prefer the traditional way. It makes you taste the pizza more you know?" He nodded while struggling to swallow the big piece. "Savor the flavor." He claimed, I smiled, "Exactly!"  After finishing our pizzas, he started to drive again. Throughout it, we would constantly discuss about random things that would come up to our head. Or we would rather just turn the songs up and jam to them. Either way, it was fun. "Well, I guess here's my stop." I sighed in relief as I stared at the two-floored house in front of us. "I can't thank you enough for all you've done."  "Oh don't worry, I didn't do much." He waved it off with his hand, "Didn't do much? You saved my life, AND treated me for pizza. That's a lot to me." He chuckled in reply and pulled out his phone motioning it towards me, signaling me indirectly that he wants my number. Of course, I gave it to him. Why shouldn't I? He's drop-dead hot, and gorgeous. Plus, he saved my life so I kind of owe him a little. I dialed my number and called myself, then hung up as soon as it started to ring. "I don't have my phone, so I'll save your number when I get home." He nodded in understanding. "Again, thank you so much." I gave him a quick hug, and on my way out I handed his jacket back. "Good luck!" He yelled before I soon faded away to the house. I ran up to my room without greeting my family, and shut the door closed. I sprinted to the bathroom and stared at my reflection. My eyes looked swollen, my skin pale, and it seemed like I had some scratches on the sides of my face. It was really weird for me to go through this accident today. It was more unusual than weird now that I think about it. How come the beach was so empty, but when I went there it was as crowded as it usually is? I tried not to think too much about it, but it constantly roared the inside of my head. I turned the showers on and took a quick hot shower before I could overthink any further. After my shower, I constantly walked around my room. It felt like I was too lost or confused to understand what I was doing. I couldn't stop thinking about the incident earlier. Why did someone like him save me anyway? Did he feel like it was his duty to do that? Or maybe he was just simply interested in me, but whatever it was. It was bothering me a bit too much. I tried not to occupy my head about that, but it just wasn't in my control. I finally dried my hair and tied it in a bun, and wore some comfortable clothes. I later threw myself on my bed and unlocked my phone, noticing a recent unknown message. I opened it to find myself smiling a bit.   Unknown: Can you believe how stupid I was to save your life but not ask for your name?   Me: Trust me, you're not the only stupid one here...cause I haven't asked for your name either!   I chuckled at how foolish we both seemed, then while waiting for him to reply back, I went through my Instagram and noticed a new follow request. 'brucejones_' That must be the same guy from today, but wasn't it a little odd about how he found my instagram without even knowing my name? I shrugged it off and changed his contact name to 'Bruce' while still waiting for his reply. I requested after I accepted, and noticed from his profile photo it really is the same guy from today. I was kind of relieved that I didn't accept a stranger.    Bruce: Well now I know your name's Rebecca Williams.    Me: That is definitely not weird, how'd you find me on Instagram anyways?     Bruce: You were on my recommended, since I already have your number.   Me: Jesus, you're right. I'm so stupid.   Bruce: Haha, did you by any chance think I was a stalker? ;)   Me: No no no!! Trust me, I didn't.   Bruce: Sure, I totally believe you.   Me: Okay fine, maybe I did, but you can't blame me come on!!   Bruce: Hahahaha, don't worry. It's all cool.   Me: I hate that word.   Bruce: What? Cool?   Me: Yup.   Bruce: Is there a specific reason?   Me:  Nah it's just in my genes. Anyways, I still owe you a lot. How can I make it up to you?   Bruce: You could let me take you out on a decent date, and not an indoor car-pizza date or whatever that was.   Me: Ahahaha, okay then. How about tomorrow at 6-ish?   Bruce:  I'll be by your house at around 6-ish.   Me: Good :)   I felt like screaming, because not only was he really good-looking, but he actually had a decent sense of humor. And thank the lord for that, I couldn't go through all those tinder dates again. Let's just see if he's really the one I've been looking for, and maybe the one who can support me enough as a woman. And God, let's hope he's not a serial killer or something.    _______________________________________________________   "Do you have another tinder date, Rebecca?" My mom barged in out of nowhere, catching me putting my makeup on. "Not a tinder one, but an actual date." I replied restlessly. "Well, I guess I'll go start praying." She sighs, I furrow my eyebrows in turbulence, "Pray for what?" "Pray that he'll like you and take your hand in marriage so you can finally start your own life, Rebecca." She calmly interpreted. "Mom, don't you think that's a bit harsh to your own daughter?" I stared at her from the reflection on my mirror while focusing on doing my eyeliner. "Harsh? Rebecca Williams you're a 24-year old woman with no job, no boyfriend. You live with your parents while even your 18-year old sister has gone off to Europe for college. Respect yourself a little. If this man takes your hand in marriage you can finally leave, and start your own life and family!" She strictly speaks in a high voice. I roll my eyes secretly then finally confront to her, "Mom, I've been training to be a professional swimmer for thirteen years! Don't you think I deserve even a little respect around here?" "Respect? Since when have you ever respected us?! Your father works day and night just to cover up your expenses and debts! Maybe you could use your swimming skills to participate in competitions and achieve something out of it! But you won't! All you do is stay up late on that phone, and do nothing but eat and sleep! Not to forget that you make as much mess as a goddamn pig. So, grow up, cause if you don't I'm kicking you out myself!" She yelled straight at me before storming out of my room, leaving me speechless. I took a deep breath and started to go through an anxiety attack. She wasn't wrong, but I didn't want her to be right either, because she's the one who always wins these things, and I can't allow that. Not now, not ever. I've gone through so much in my teenage years with this family, and I definitely can't go through it again with my adulthood. I take another deep breath, and low-key hope tonight will turn out like I expect it to turn out.  I got a quick call from Bruce asking me to come downstairs. While making my way down there I knew I looked decent. I was wearing a short skirt, knee-high boots, a crop-top with a leather jacket, and light makeup with my hair straightened down. The moment I opened the door of his car I found a bouquet of flowers laying on the passenger seat. I gasp in surprise and grab the flowers and sit in, shutting the door. Breathing in the scented lilies I sensed myself go calm instantly. "How did you know I like lilies?" I glared at him in a questionable look, "Lucky guess?" He shrugged with a grin. He played his radio and clicked on my favorite playlist. I opened the car's sunroof and hung my hand out, feeling the wind hit my arm. A wide smile was placed across my lips. Who knew I would actually enjoy this? And the thing was that the date hadn't even started yet. God knows how better it'll get. "By the way, I forgot to mention. You look breath-taking." He complimented. I blushed yet again, and mumbled a small thank you. I started to scream the lyrics of the song that was playing goofily, and in a short amount of time Bruce joined along as we both started to yell out the lyrics, people staring at us as if we were crazy, but it didn't matter because me and Bruce were in our own world. It was hard to not feel happy while being with him, because I, personally, was.  After a couple songs, we finally pulled her at the place's parking. "I've never been here." I claimed as we walked through the entrance of the open, chic, and classy restaurant. "Well, you'll love it. Me and my sister visited this place once a week whenever our parents were on a business trip to France." He gestured towards the reserved seat, pulling the chair out for me like a gentleman and then taking a seat after me. "That's nice, what do your parents do?" I asked in curiosity while looking through the high-priced menu. "My dad's an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, while my mom's an orthodontist. My sister's studying to be a lawyer." My eyebrows got raised in surprise, as far as I know his parents have the highest paying jobs in...well, ever. I cleared my throat uncomfortably, "What's your job anyways, Bruce Jones." My lips formed a smirk, I'm expecting him to be those type of kids who just go around using their parents' money and not really having a job of their own, considering the fact that his parent's are really rich. But yet again, my conscious was wrong for thinking that. "For your information Miss Rebecca, I work as an Oral Surgeon in one of my dad's hospital." He winked as I enlarged my eyes instead. "Jesus, you guys have more knowledge and skills than I'll ever have in a lifetime." A giggle escaped my mouth, and the new thing I felt was something warm cover my hand, I looked to find his on mine. My eyes peered into his beautiful sparkling green ones, and felt my heart smile. "Have you ordered yet?" The waiter showed up, scaring us both into pulling our hands away from each other. Bruce nodded, "I'll have the steak, what about you, Rebecca?" He looked at me, waiting for an answer. "I'll have the pork." The waiter wrote it down, "And drinks?" Bruce ordered some coke for the both of us. When our food arrived we both passed the time by finishing it and talking about our most embarrassing moments that we've gone through in our young-adulthood years. "You can't be serious!" I laughed out loudly as Bruce did as well, "I swear, it was the most disturbing scene of my life." He covered his face with his hands, "I'm pretty sure I can envision it, I feel so bad for you." I giggled. "How did your grandma throw up on you anyway?" I couldn't stop myself from chuckling as I talked about it. Poor thing, imagine hosting a high-class party, and the moment you hug your grandma she winds up throwing up on you. "I'm pretty sure it was the fish she ate from earlier." I returned an appalled expression, but still laughed cause it was too mortifying not to do so. "What about you? What was your most embarrassing moment?" He asked while taking a sip from his drink. My head went in thought for a while then I simply shrugged in response. "Come on, that's not even possible. You've got to have a moment." I shook my head in denial, letting him know that I've never really had that sort of experience, because my life wasn't really interesting. He gawked at me with an astonished look, then muttered a small oh. Can't really blame him. I'm a pretty boring girl, and it's not in my hands. My life wasn't just as engaging as other's. "Well, how about we have a special drink, and some deserts?" He smiled. "Pudding please!" I squeaked in excitement. I'm always enthusiastic when it comes to pudding. After he ordered our drinks and deserts we continued to small-talk to pass the awkward stage, but it went well. "Are you done with your pudding?" He asked impatiently, "Yeah, why?" He then got up and raised his hand out for me to take it. I accepted it, and we both ran up to the car. "Where are we going?" I asked, not knowing where he was driving to. "You'll see." He smirked. He later blasted my favorite song on. We both started to sing out the lyrics again, feeling the bond grow more and more every second. But that's when I felt my eyes go shut, and everything went black in less than a second. Wait...what happened? Why can't I feel anything? Why does everything feel so...empty? What in the world happened...   Chapter 2 - Everything’s lost   "Rebecca?" I gently open my eyes to find myself in an odd room. "Where in the world am I..." I stare at the person in front of me to find- "Bruce?" I ask with shock. He sighs in relief then grabs my hand, squeezing it, "I'm so happy to see you're okay." He smiles. "What happened? Where am I?"  "You're in my house." I looked around to find a large master-bedroom, the ceilings looked like they were spent 10 years on just for designing, the floor was made out of wood, but still managed to stay shiny, and the wall was filled with expensive paintings. The bed I was on was probably worth thousands, it made me feel kind of uncomfortable to be in a room like this, uninvited, and made me feeling like I was a sort of bother. "Bruce, what happened to me?"  "We were on our one year anniversary, you decided to take a swim in the pool with me. Then you completely blacked out-" I instantly cut him off before he could even get the chance to continue. "Wait, what anniversary?!" I freaked out, not even remembering any of this happening. "Us being boyfriend and girlfriend?" I felt my body freeze. Since when? The last thing I recall was me and him going on a ride, and I totally blacked out. How is any of this even possible? Did I time travel one year ahead or something? "Now come on, your parents are downstairs bonding with mine. They were waiting for you, I didn't tell them you blacked out, so don't mention it." I got up, feeling like I was in a whole other dimension, but I managed to nod my head and just follow him. What I noticed was a change in my style, I was wearing an expensive short red dress. This didn't seem like something I'd be able to put on, but I don't even have a clue on what's going on so I guess I just have to go along with it. "Oh dear Rebecca, we're happy to have you here." A lady in white said with a blazing smile whom I assumed was Bruce's mom. I nodded with a smile as I shook her hand sophisticatedly. I greeted Mr. Jones, and sat next to my parents who looked like they were really enthusiastic. My mom nudged me with a wide smirk, and winked at me. I exchanged a confused look, wanting to know why was she so happy. She leaned close to me and lifted my hand, showing me the huge-sized diamond ring that was on my marriage finger. I broadened my eyes and started to choke on my spit. "Oh lord, are you okay?" Mr. Jones asked in concern, then ordered the maid to go get me some water. I excused myself for a minute, then got up and dragged Bruce to an empty hallway. I lifted my hand up and showed him the finger, "Bruce what in the world is this?!" I asked in disbelief. He stared at me as if I was crazy, "Honey, right after our anniversary dinner I proposed to you. You accepted. Don't you remember?" He stared at me, waiting for an answer which I was unable to provide. I tried to go deep into my thoughts, but it felt like I was going to suffocate. I couldn't think straight, my mind was whistling, and I felt myself get sick. "Y-Yes of course I remember, sorry I'm just still in shock..." I lied, I had no other choice. I didn't want to seem wacky to the only man who can afford a stable life for me, when I myself didn't have the credibility to do that. We headed back to the living room to find the parents already planning the wedding. "Jesus Christ, isn't this going a bit too fast? We still haven't had an engagement party yet..." I exclaimed, my mother glanced at me then rolled her eyes in disgrace. I released a sigh of exhaustion and felt myself feel dizzy. That's when the maid brought me a glass of water, I sat down and immediately drank it as fast as I could. I felt so dry and thirsty, as if I hadn't drank any liquid in days. Bruce glared at me in concern, and I could notice that. I'm pretty sure everyone observed how strange I was acting, but it wasn't in my hands. How could I accept the fact that my own time skipped ahead of me? I grabbed my phone and checked the date. No difference...how is this even possible. I swear me and Bruce were friends for less than 48 hours, how did we pass those hours into 365 days? There was definitely something wrong. Maybe it was me. Maybe I was getting Alzheimer's or something. Maybe I'm dying, and I'm just going through a brain tumor. Or maybe that day when I drowned, it must've messed with my mind. Whatever it was, it was driving me crazy. I can't think straight, I need to straighten myself out or I'm never going to find out what this all is leading to. "Excuse me, I don't feel good. I'm going to head to bed..." I excused myself, the Jones nodded their heads formally, accepting my excuse which resulted into me walking away and laying down on the same bed I came from. I shut my eyes and felt myself drown away in my dreams. Oh if only this would all start to make sense, maybe then I would find myself some peace in my mind. Being engaged to Bruce didn't really bother me, but what constantly did is the fact that I don't have a single clue of what is happening. Am I dreaming all of this? It feels like I'm in a coma. My thoughts get interrupted when I notice Bruce walk in the room with a concerned look. The same look that was bothering me back in the living room. "What's wrong, Rebecca? You know you can talk to me right?" He claimed, furrowing his eyebrows. I smiled then nodded. He leaned and placed a small peck on my forehead. "Rebecca, you have no idea how much I love you. How much I've been waiting for this day to come ever since I saved you from drowning that day. I always wanted you to be mine, but now...you're really mine." I felt myself tear up, nobody has been so loving and honest to me. And believe it or not, it makes me really emotional, because now I know what to really feels like to be adored from someone who cares so much about you, sometimes even more than themselves. He squeezed my hand in a reassuring way. I studied his green eyes then exhaled my breath, "Thank you, Bruce. For everything." He smiled then leaned in and finally kissed me. Trust me, it felt like I was kissing him for the first time. The kiss was so passionate and soft. Lord, I could kiss him for years.     _______________________________________________________   "This tastes- wow." I savored the flavor on my buds, enjoying the pleasant taste that roamed around my mouth. "Who knew someone could make such delicious pancakes in such an effortless way." I asked myself. Bruce giggled then walked towards me, wrapping his arms around my waist and planting a kiss on my forehead, "Only for my queen." "Let's just hope your queen doesn't get fat from all this treating you've been giving me lately." He rolled his eyes playfully then placed two more pancakes on my plate. "Get ready, we're going to head to this new villa my dad bought, it's around town. Only about 2 hours away." I hummed, barely paying any attention to what he said, because all my attention was focused on those heavenly-made pancakes. "Is it going to be just us two?" I asked, he shook his head in denial, letting me know that some of his friends will also be coming along.  After breakfast, I dashed upstairs to pack all our stuff. That's when I found my 'closet' in the back door of our room. I sensed my body grow goosebumps everywhere, which was really discomforting due to the fact I had just shaved. I gulped a lump in my throat and glorified the sets of clothes, all from different brands, and different styles. I was dumbstruck if I want to be honest. Never in my life have I felt so luxurious. It made me feel special, but not in a way for me to take advantage of it, and completely change myself like many people do. I found myself wandering around the big room for hours, trying to decide between what looks good on me and what doesn't. At this point, even Bruce started to help me out since I was taking too long. But, we finally managed to pack up all our stuff, and put them in the car. That's when we lastly began our 2-hour journey. "This place looks really good." I declared, turning my head around constantly, finding new borders of the villa with every inch of turn I took. "Oh! Looks like our friends are here." Bruce smiled, I stared at the route where he pointed and saw a beautiful man and woman heading our way. They looked about our age, so that's what made it even more- ecstatic. But if I want to be sincere, I couldn't keep my eyes off of the man who was approaching us. His body structure looked marvelous, his hair flowed in the wind, and his eyes sparkled in the light. Not to forget his style. Oh god he looked like a Calvin Klein model, I'm not complaining. In fact, I had to stop myself from drooling. But, Bruce noticed, and the moment those two reached us I sensed him burn in anger, he squeezed his hand around my waist harshly making me hiss slightly, but that cut my attention off of that guy. So, I'm guessing that's what Bruce was intending to do.  "Rebecca, meet Sasha and her boyfriend, Johnathan." Bruce introduced with a bright smile, trying to hide his jealousy behind those burning eyes. I smiled, and greeted the girl with a hug. "You can call me John." John mentioned, his girlfriend eyed him badly then shrugged the feeling off. "Nice to meet you, John." I smiled and shook his hand. Bruce gritted his teeth then grabbed my wrist harshly and dragged me away, motioning for them to follow us. He then drew us to the pool, "Who's in the mood for a swim?" That's when it hit me. I can't swim, I shouldn't swim. Every time I attempted to swim, something bad always happened to me, last time it was a close-to-death experience, and this time it was complete amnesia. I couldn't risk it. I whispered for Bruce to come to the corner, I later told him I didn't want to swim. He frowned then asked for the reason. "I haven't swam for a while, and I think it's better if I just tan myself." I replied. He nodded then gave me a quick kiss on the lips before running up to John and taking his shirt off. I fixed my bathing suit, put sunscreen on and laid down on the tanning chair, I tried to look away from the swimming pool, but John caught my eye as his muscular figure started to climb back up, water dripping from his beautiful bronze body, his auburn hair all wet. I shook my head back to reality and continued to read the book in my hands. He came up and sat on the tanning chair beside mine. He leaned in, peaking at the book I was reading then chuckled lightly. "Who reads a book on a small vacation?" He jokes. I beamed a small smile then put the book aside, "I'm guessing me." I shrug.  "Well, are you sure you don't wanna swim?" He asked, staring at me with a questioning look, as if he really wanted me to swim. I then gulped and shook my head, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure."  "I've heard you're a good swimmer." I glanced at him then back at the sun, "Who told you that?"  "I have my own sources." I next saw Bruce making his way towards us, sitting on the corner of my tanning chair, me moving away a bit to give him some space. "What are you doing here, John?" Bruce asked a little harshly, as if the other's presence was bothering him a lot. Maybe it was the fact that John was just as gorgeous as Bruce, or maybe because he only had a girlfriend. If he had a wife, then that'd be a whole different situation. "Oh nothing, Bruce. Just bonding with your beautiful wife here." Bruce got up and dragged John's collar, pulling him up to face him eye-to-eye. "Listen here, I don't want you coming around and complimenting my wife! So watch the fuck out." Bruce threatened him, glaring into his eyes as if they were generations of enemies, but that was definitely not the case. "Bruce! Stop!" I commanded, with a raging expression, staring at him as if he was a child who did something wrong. Bruce let go of John, but still eyed him very evilly, and soon enough returned to the pool. I turned to my left to notice how Sasha was watching the whole thing with her arms crossed against her chest. We made eye contact, and that's when she decided to take off her shirt and jump in the pool with her bathing suit that was hidden underneath. John looked at me in an apologetic way, I waved my hand then sighed, "Don't worry about it. It's just how Bruce is. Anger issues, and being overprotective. I'm sorry if he hurt you." He chuckled then looked at me, "Meet me tonight beside the pool when Bruce is sleeping. I need to tell you something." He seemed serious. And by serious I mean way beyond serious, it looked like the thing he wanted to say depended on his own life. This made me shiver, I was too nervous to know what he was going to say. Could it be something about Bruce? Is he a bad man? Has he cheated on me? What could possibly be so important to tell me secretly in person? _______________________________________________________ Chapter 3 - Clearing Things Up I checked the time again, for reassurance. It was it. It's a good thing that Bruce was fast asleep. I put on my jacket that dangled from the hanger and quietly made my way out of the room. I hurriedly ran towards the pool, I sat on the same tanning chair and repeatedly checked around myself to see if I could find him anywhere. "Thanks for coming." I gasped, jumping up in surprise. I glared at him then cursed under my breath, "You scared the shit out of me." I rolled my eyes. He lowly laughed then sat on the chair next to me. "What did you want to tell me? You better hurry up, because I'm afraid Bruce will realize I'm not there-" He soon cut me off before I could finish my sentence, "Rebecca, calm down. He's a heavy sleeper." He laughed. I relieved my shoulders then stared at the night sky. Oh how beautiful the stars were, it reminded me of so many things, and always managed to make me peaceful no matter what the situation was. "What I wanted to tell you concerns Bruce." That's what caught my instant attention, I looked into his honey eyes and waited for him to continue. "Bruce...he gets easily obsessed with a girl that he starts to fall for. Not any normal type of obsessed. A concerning amount of obsessed." I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion, not really understanding what he meant. "Look, I cannot tell you what he'll do, because he has a new plan for every girl-" This time, I was the one who cut him off before any word was spoken out of his mouth. "What do you mean new plan for every girl ?!" I asked angrily, couldn't believe a word he was telling me, because it shocked me. It really did. Bruce doesn't seem like he's the type of guy to even try to lay a hand on an innocent girl, what could lead me to even thinking that he could be some kind of- psychopath?! "Listen, Rebecca! Bruce is different, okay? He has a history with these types of girls, he makes them fall in love with them, and if they betray him in any way, he'll fill out his anger by planning out a whole revenge plan for the girl." I shook my head in denial, refusing to even glance at John 'cause of the words he was speaking to me right now. "How can you even prove all of this? Do you really expect me to believe all the lies you're spilling to me right now?" I hissed, clearly upset for the move he was trying to pull. He looks down, his mood suddenly changes completely, it looks like he just remembered a bad memory. Oh no, I hope I didn't say anything triggering. "Because my sister was one of them." Well shit... "When me and Bruce first became friends, he didn't really have a girlfriend before that, except in middle school where the girlfriend broke up with him. Anyways, me and him were the closest, but that one day arose when my sister came to visit me and my dad with my mom. The moment Bruce laid eyes on her, he immediately fell in love. It might sound stupid, but trust me it was. The way he peered at her, and he would continuously ask about her, how she was, what she liked. He would deliver gifts to her front door every single day. I didn't mind really, because what could be better than having your sister be treated good by your own best-friend. I was beyond cheerful, and mostly for her. I knew she was going to get treated well, and I was aware of the fact that she deserved it..." There was a short silent, I'm guessing that's where the bad part will finally arrive. "But...?" I continued, looking into his eyes that just stared at the floor, I held his hand and squeezed it in reassurance. He lifted his head up and decided to speak while keeping eye-contact. "But when they started dating...things changed. I didn't see my sister for weeks, nor did I even have any contact with Bruce. One day he asked permission from me to take her to Hawaii, of course I said yes. She was only 19, and I wanted her to live her best life, before she wanted to leave to university. Two days passed, I had no news from either of them. Those two days turned to two weeks. I called my sister, she picked up but I didn't hear an answer, instead I heard arguing. Bruce was yelling about how she had the audacity to sleep with someone else behind his back while they were on their vacation." Oh god...I can't even imagine how that must've felt, but for now the further John keeps explaining, the more his voice continues to break. I was really concerned at this point, but also very curious to know what happened to her. He took a final breath before continuing, "I straight away rushed to Bruce's apartment, I was way beyond furious. Scared that he was going to hurt her. I made my way to their floor, and slammed the door open with my foot. The moment I stepped in that apartment, I felt myself break down in a thousand different ways. There my sister was, laying on the floor with blood everywhere. And there was Bruce, standing in the corner of the room, shaking and crying. He got up and yelled at me, saying they were arguing, but she tried to leave the house, her heel broke, she fell and hit her head on the dining table." I started to shake, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It sounded like such a coincidence, the moment they were fighting she happened to fall and crack her skull? I couldn't stand to see the tears that were now falling down from John's eyes. I mumbled that it's okay and leaned forward and embraced him. "It's okay...come on, what happened next?" I asked. He was still sobbing a little on my shoulder. "I believed him, because when I checked t-the heel was r-really broken. And the dining table had a small crack, the b-blood tracing down to her unconscious b-body. So, we both took her to the hospital. Days passed until she finally w-woke up, but she was paralyzed." I felt my whole body freeze. That couldn't be possible, even if it was I can't even imagine the pain him and his family had gone through... "I-Is she still-" He then interrupted before finishing, "Yes...she's still paralyzed, and hasn't spoken a word ever since that accident. So, I don't know whether Bruce was saying the truth or not..." He carried on to sob on my shoulder, I stroked his hair and whispered sweet nothings into his ear to make him feel better. "I'm so sorry this happened to you John, you and your sister didn't deserve this..." I whispered. We both parted a little, our faces only inches distant from each other. We stared at each other, eye-to-eye. This bond inside of us growing, our attraction towards each other becoming stronger by every single second that passed. Soon enough, we both leaned in and combined our lips with one another. The kiss was smooth, but many mixed feelings were put into it. Emotions of sadness, grief, appealing, pleasing, tempting, and in some ways lust.  We soon pulled away, just to have ourselves staring at each other for another one to two minutes. None of us glitched, because both of us were communicating in a way nobody could. We could feel each other's pain through our eyes. He shared them. He shared his sorrow with me, and by all means I accepted, if it was anyone else I'm pretty sure they would too. "Rebecca." He called out lowly, "Yes?" He kept quiet for a bit, his lips then parted from each other and spoke, "Please take care of yourself." I frowned then nodded in response. I really didn't know what to think of Bruce anymore. Even though he might not be who he seems, he's still a man with feelings, and maybe his weak point is betrayal. Maybe he's gotten hurt so many times that he doesn't know how to handle his patience anymore, and maybe I have to teach him. Maybe I could be the only one who can turn him into a better person. Not just for himself, but for everyone around him. I've never seen his parents disrespect him, or in any other way have him talk bad about them. Mostly, because they're probably just too busy with earning their money and luxury lifestyle that they barely bother to listen about what's going around their son's life.  "Anyways, you should probably head to bed before Bruce finds out." John cleared his throat, trying to keep his eyes off of me, because they were all filled with tears. "No." I confidently spoke. I lifted his chin up, staring deeply into his dark soul and finally placing another kiss on his pale but smooth lips. He was first surprised, but soon kissed back. We ended the kiss at once, taking some time to ourselves, and try to comprehend on exactly what was going on. "That felt nice." He chuckled with a smile, I returned one too then nodded gently. "Same time tomorrow?" I asked. He mumbled a yes. Next, we both took our separate ways. Something about John made me feel calm and secure, I felt like I could trust him with a lot of things that I definitely couldn't trust with Bruce. Speaking of him, no matter what happens. He shouldn't find out about this. I still need time and patience to understand what his game is. I spent the whole night, laying down on my bed, and constantly thinking about both John and Bruce. How did I even end up in this mess? If I ever try and get out of it, I'm pretty sure I could experience something bad coming for me, but I can't spend the rest of my life in despair and stay with a man whom I'm too scared to sleep with anymore. I forcefully closed my eyes, and felt myself drift away . But soon a couple hours after I had fallen asleep, I quickly woke up to the sound of screams and arguing. I looked to my side to find it empty, and checked my phone for the time. Who in the world was arguing at four in the morning. Oh God no...this definitely doesn't look good. I rushed outside to find out that it was John and Sasha who were arguing instead of him and Bruce. Thank God for that. "I'm so tired of your repeated shit, why can't you just pick it up and take it out of my life!" John yelled right in her face, she screamed then pushed him right into the pool out of rage. Me and Bruce jumped mid-way in surprise, she glanced at me with an irritated expression then stormed out. Bruce helped John get out of the pool, "What the fuck happened to you two?" He cursed, John rolled his eyes then threw a dripping wet phone on the concrete floor which slid right next to my foot, the screen already smashed into pieces from the throw. I wrinkled my eyebrows then kneeled down to pick it up, the phone was unlocked and the screen was stuck on a chat with someone. I read through it then found myself gasping while covering my mouth with my palm. Bruce walked towards me and asked what it was. I showed the phone to him then looked over at John who was busy staring at the floor, and running his hand through his wet hair. "Damn, that chick wanted to bankrupt you?" Bruce chuckled.  "Can't believe I fell for her squeaky ass. I was gonna dump her anyway, this just gave me a better reason to do so." John confirmed, then walked past me like I was just a wind in the air. I felt kind of offended, but decided to shrug it off as nothing. He was probably just angry about the whole situation. I soon noticed Bruce staring at me from the corner of my eye, "Hey, you okay?" He asked. I looked back at him and nodded without hesitation, "Okay, I'm going to head to the city to pick up some things for tomorrow. Make sure not to hang around with John too much." He warned. I giggled lightly, "You're kidding right?" I gave him a weird stare so he could easily fall for it. "I trust you." He smiled, pecking my lips then grabbing his keys and heading out. I released a sigh of relief then ran up to John's door, I knocked a couple times, but I didn't receive a response. So, I decided to open the door and head inside without any permission. The room was empty so I decided to wander around, looking through his stuff and imaging what it would be like if I met John before I met Bruce. My thoughts soon got interrupted as soon as I heard someone clear their throat. I jumped in surprise then turned around to find John with his wet hair, and a towel wrapped around his waist. His abs shining in the sunlight that came through the window. "Holy-" I gasped, he soon walked over to me. Our bodies so close together, it felt as if they were puzzles. So right for each other, these two pieces would make the whole game complete. He placed his right hand on my waist then leaned closely to my neck, breathing hard. I felt myself shiver from the intense amount of physical contact. He then whispered huskily, "Do you mind moving? I need to put my boxers on." I blushed in embarrassment and immediately moved away, "I-I'm sorry." I hesitated. He chuckled then waved it off, grabbing his clothes from the drawers that I moved away from. "Um- I shouldn't be here. I just wanted to see how you were doing. I'll be waiting outside." I spoke in speed, already embarrassed, and didn't want to increase that feeling anymore, so I ran out of the room before I could let him even exhale a breath.  I swirled my hand on top of the pool water, enjoying the reflection that the water gave out. It calmed me. The water. "I have a question." I turned around to find John approach my way, and sit beside me on the corner of the pool. "Go ahead."  "What was the reason you started swimming and continued for all these years?" He asked curiously while crossing his legs and staring at me, waiting for a reply. I took a deep breath then felt my head go back to all the horrid memories I wanted to put behind me, but somehow they would always manage to haunt me. "My father...he was in coma for four years after his accident." The atmosphere fell silent, he looked down, keeping his eyes off of mine. "My mom couldn't do anything around the house anymore, it broke her to see her high-school lover sleep endlessly in the hospital without being able to open his eyes for his family. I was only around ten and a half by then. I didn't know what to do, especially with my six-year old sister who wouldn't stop crying, knowing that she missed our dad so much. Since my mom couldn't do anything, I was the second mom of the house. I would clean, cook, and take care of my sister as well as doing the normal school things." I felt him place his hand on my upper-thigh, stroking it in order to soothe me down, knowing I was growing more tense the more I reminded myself about those tough days. "I used to be bullied a lot in my school, especially since every kid knew my dad was in a coma. They would tease me a lot for it. We had this salon with a big swimming pool where everyone would hang around when it was time for the competitions. After the competition, I was helping out the competitors and handed them towels. One of my bullies happened to be the competitor. The moment I handed her the towel she threw me in the deep pool, I didn't know how to swim by then so I started drowning." I noticed John's jaw drop, he didn't know what to say. Heck, even I didn't know how to react to the fact that it actually happened to me. "People would scream, the teachers would freak out, and the lifeguard wasn't there at the moment. The students refused to help me, because they were too scared. At that moment I thought that I was actually going to die, but remembering that if I drowned to my death, I would be leaving my family behind. Especially, my sister. The more I felt my lungs tighten, the more I would struggle to swim to the top. And that's when it all happened, I opened my eyes, being able to see everything around me, and I started to naturally swim to the top. Nobody saved me. I saved myself. After that incident, I started to take swimming lessons. Somehow, the water calmed me down. Sure, I spent more time on swimming than studying, but it was the only thing that kept me strong about the fact that my family and life was a mess." "Rebecca, I don't know what to say. That's the strongest thing I've heard anyone do." He continued to stroke my thigh with the hand he still had on. I gave him a small smile then nodded in agreement. "Do you wanna go for a swim?" He asked gently, I exchanged a confused look, "You just took a shower." He chuckled then got up, he took his shirt off and jumped in the pool, water splashing all over the edge. He swam to the top, and gripped my wrist. "Does it look like I care?" He grinned. He next pulled me down in the pool, causing me to squeal in surprise. He held onto me, making sure I didn't get hurt. His hands wrapped around my clothed waist as he pulled me closer to his body and finally leaned in, kissing me. I returned the favor back, gripping my hands around his neck, feeling myself melt the more I got closer to him. We both pulled away, giving me chance to take my clothes off and throw them onto the edge of the pool, being left with the swim-suit I had prepared underneath. He laughed loudly, "You're always prepared, aren't you?" I giggled then muttered a low yes. I quickly swam away from him, "Come and catch me." I played around. He groaned loudly then started to swim to where I swam, trying to snatch me. This was what I liked. I was surrounded by the water that calmed me in every situation along with a man whom I found very attractive both mentally and physically. I just wish I never received that text from Bruce saying he was almost home.   Chapter 4 - Those Three Words   "I didn't want to leave this place so soon, I was just starting to have fun." I frowned as Bruce continued to focus on his driving. "It's okay, we'll visit this place next time, first we need to start planning our engagement party." I groaned in annoyance, too inactive to even start thinking about the hard-work we'll have to go through just to plan a simple party. "But I'm too lazy to work." I whined. Bruce rolled his eyes playfully then slapped my leg gently, "You idiot, do you really think I'm even going to let my wife even touch a single thing for this event? We'll get a planner along with some workers. No biggie." I clapped my hands in excitement then planted a kiss on his cheek, "And that's why I love you." He chuckled then began to blast our favorite song. I know what everyone's thinking. I just spent the whole quick vacation covertly meeting up with John every night, having deep conversations, bonding, and the more closer I got to know him the more attracted I found him to be, and here I am confessing to Bruce, my soon-to-be husband, that I love him. I'm getting nigher to finding out what kind of man he really is. If I even try to admit that I don't like him, or that I'm cheating on him with his best-friend behind his back, God knows what in the world he'll do. So, my plan is to marry him, get his money, support my family, accuse him of cheating, and divorce him then marry John and live the life I always wanted. It sounds easy, but I know for a fact that it's not, Bruce is a smart man. He has a trick up his sleeve anytime of the day, and I need to try and figure out how I can be the one to trick him instead of having it go the other way around. "We're here-" Before he could say anything else I hurriedly rushed out the car. I can't stand those vehicles for more than an hour or so. That's why I loathe these rides, mostly because they make me feel more uncomfortable than I already should. I walked into the house, and got greeted by the maids who coped with the struggle of keeping our home as shiny as it was the moment we left. I ran up to our room, and took a quick shower. After coming out I heard some muffled noises coming from out my room. I sneakily walked towards the door and stuck my ear against it to try and hear what they were trying to say. "Give him the goddamn money, I don't wanna see his face ever again!" Bruce argued through what seemed like phone-call with someone. I tried to make out what he was saying, and soon realized what it all meant. "I can't see John anywhere near Rebecca. I swear on my life if he tries to steal another one of my girlfriends, I'll snap his fucking head in less than a second!" He yelled, then hung up the phone. I ran up to the bathroom door, and when Bruce entered I pretended as if I had just gotten out of the shower. "Bless you, honey." He smiled. I replied with a small thank you then proceeded to put some clothes on. I couldn't let him get rid of John, not just because I'm selfish, but because that poor man has already gone through so much. I can't let Bruce do that to him, not after what he did to his sister. There was only one way where Bruce wouldn't think that I was somehow allured to John. One was to seduce Bruce, and treat him in a way I would have treated John. Second, talk bad about his best-friend daily, that way I'll fool him into making him think that I found John as a disgusting pig rather than anything else. "Rebecca?" Bruce soon interrupted my thoughts, I turned around to have myself smile at him, "How are you doing?" He asked. Well, here goes nothing. "I'm really pissed at you." I crossed my arms against my chest. He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, staring at me in suspicion, "What? Why?"  "I don't like your friend, John. He makes me really intolerable." I gave a look of disgust, Bruce shifted in his seat, trying to figure out if whether I was staid or not. "Really? I thought you liked him." He kept a straight face on. "You're kidding right? That creep kept staring at me so much, I felt so uncomfortable every time he even glanced at me." Bruce smiled, I knew it. I knew he felt competitive towards John, if I keep making him feel that I hate his own best-friend, he'll be the happiest guy on earth. "I'm happy to hear that, honey." He kissed my forehead then left the room. I released a sigh of relief then checked my phone to find a notification from John. "Speak of the devil." I mumbled to myself. I read the message then felt my chest tighten in stress. I checked the time then looked around to see if anyone was around or not. I deviously walked upstairs to find Bruce's study-room locked. I immediately ran downstairs and exited the house from the back-door. I walked around the garden in the dark, barely being able to see anything. "Rebecca!" I heard someone whisper-yell my name. I looked to my side then ran into John's embrace. He quickly kissed me before letting me go, "What in the world are you doing here, you idiot!" I slapped his arm in frustration, he giggled then shrugged in response, "I guess I just missed you. It's not in my hands, I just couldn't stop thinking about you." I felt myself go in awe then leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss him once again. "Okay, now go." I punished him with my words calmly, then managed to push him out the entrance forcefully. "I love you!" He quickly said before dashing his way out of Bruce's property. As I walked back to the living room I couldn't close my widened eyes. I was so shocked to hear him say those words to my face, it was all so sudden and my brain couldn't function well enough to try and reply at least, or even accept the fact that he told me those three strong words straight away. I try to shake it off, then notice Bruce walking down the stairs, "Hey, where were you?" He asked, approaching me in less than a couple seconds. I glanced at the door then back at him, "Oh nothing I just took a walk around the garden to clear my mind about some things." I lied. It wasn't a complete lie. If I wanted to be honest, it was just...a part of it. He mumbles an oh then suggests that we sit down and watch a movie. We ended up arguing about what movie to watch for the next ten minutes, but soon decided to settle on a romantic one. Halfway throughout the motion picture, me and Bruce either cuddled or he would constantly check his phone every ten minutes, not even knowing what the movie was about or where it was heading to. "Rebecca." I heard him call me from the kitchen where he was bringing some strawberries and melted chocolate. I hummed in response, laying comfortably on the couch while going through my social media. He sat down beside me right after I kneeled my legs to give him some space to sit. He put one of the strawberries in the mouth, staring at me as I gently chewed the fruit into smaller pieces. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion to wonder why exactly he was staring at me like that. That's when I eventually heard his voice, "I love you, Rebecca." I soon gulped the un-chewed strawberry, eyes broadened, my breath getting heavier by every second. He squeezed my hand then looked into my eyes, "I actually love you."   Chapter 5 - Who's The Real Psycho?   I love you...I love you...I hate those three words now. It's been two weeks since they spoke those words to me on the same day, it's such a simple coincidence to have the both lovers in my life speak the same words, that frighten me every time, on the same exact day with only a couple hours difference. Why me? Wasn't there someone else to love? This whole thing has been mischievously messing with me so much, and here I stand, staring at my own reflection in the mirror, where a couple hundred guests are waiting for me outside. I fixed the red dress that fit right on my body then decided to lighten up my makeup a little more. That's when I heard a knock on the door, I gave that anonymous person permission to enter. "Wow." I turned to find John staring at me with awe and lust. I widened my eyes and rushed to the door, locking it instantly so nobody would find us in here. "What are you doing here? I haven't left the room yet!" "Did you even expect me to even show up at your own engagement party? Come on, give me some credit Rebecca. I missed you so much, and you have no idea how stressed I was for this party." I scoffed in disbelief, "You were stressed? I didn't even sleep for a second last night. I'm the one who's actually stressed here." He grabbed my wrist, and stared into my eyes. Trying to figure out what was going on in my head with just an examination. "You're tensing about something else." Yes, sure. I'm straining myself about the fact that my husband and my secret lover admitted they loved me, and I haven't given either one of them an answer, and if I eventually don't, I'll lose both of them, get kicked out of my house, and probably end up as a prostitute just to make a living. Yes, I'm definitely not stressed. "What? No, you're just over-exaggerating." I faked a chuckle, but I'm pretty sure he noticed that it wasn't an actual chuckle, but at this point it really didn't matter to me. What mattered to me was to get through this day without having to hear or use the word, love . I felt John's hands embrace me from the behind, then slowly rose to my shoulders and massaged it smoothly. He brought his face close to my neck and started to peck the sides. I inhaled deeply then grabbed his hands to stop him from going any further, I turned around then lifted my head up to stare at him with a hint of anguish in my eyes, "You know we can't now..." I whispered, stealing every hopes he had for this moment. He sneered then left the room without exchanging another word or look. I just felt like sitting down in the corner of this room and breaking down into sobs. I was too weak to handle so much...too weak. I heard another knock, then gave permission of entrance. Next was my mom who came in. She stood in front of the entrance, staring at me and judging me in many ways. She then walked over to me and squeezed my wrist harshly, "Listen here, you're going to marry that guy and you're going to do what's best for your family. Stop being selfish for once, and think about us. I'm not like your father to respect your decision, because every decision you've made in your life has leaded to nothing but trouble. So, now you listen to me or you're going to regret going against me, because you know goddamn well that there won't  be a home waiting for you if you come back." She hissed, squeezing it firmly harder before finally letting go. She stormed out of the room, and that's when I broke down to tears. This was unbelievable, what in the world did I get myself into all over again. At this point, I just regret every choice I've made in my life. Mostly because my mom made me regret them. I felt like a disappointment, and I knew well enough that I really was a disappointment. So, it was my time to shine. Even if it meant I had to give up my happiness for good. I stepped my foot out the door, finally having the courage to walk through the crowd of unknown guests, greeting them with respect, and having to find Bruce standing with a glass of champagne in his hands, wearing a black and white tuxedo, and his hair done all well. Now that I was looking at him, I started to remember why I fell for him in the first place. That day, when he saved me from drowning...something about his face calmed me down and made me feel like I wasn't alone in this shallow world. I sensed myself smile more and more the further I walked towards him. His face suddenly lit up the moment he saw mine, he handed his champagne to his friends and hugged me tightly, he next kissed my forehead. Another thing I loved about him was his forehead kisses, no matter where we are or in what situation we are, he always kisses my forehead. It ceaselessly managed to give me the feeling of reassurance, and he makes sure of it. I just think the reason why I started to lose my feelings for him was after that accident. I was so bewildered that I didn't know how to believe it. I really couldn't. I'm pretty sure I wasn't, and still aren't crazy enough to think that incident was actually by me drowning. It couldn't be possible, but I tried not to overestimate it a bit too much, knowing that it would end up wrecking my mood before the party have even started.  "You can't believe how happy I am for you." I turned around to have myself scream in joy. I quickly embraced Kara, my high-school best-friend, whom I didn't see her after those three years spent together, because she left to Sweden for her studies and we eventually lost contact, but here she is at my own engagement party. Who even invited her? "Oh my God, look at you!" She squealed in excitement, adoring me from top to bottom. "Look at me? Look at you! Holy crap, that jawline, those pumped lips, THE NOSE!" We both laughed along while trying to catch up with each other. "How'd you even find me?"  "You're husband contacted me!" I weeped an astounded expression, in which I really was. How did he know her, or even get the chance to contact her when I tried everything? "Well, guess I gotta thank him for that." I winked naughtily, making Kara give me a grossed out look then giggle right after. We spent the next hour bonding over things we missed all these years, and not going to lie, but she and I still had the same old trait of having tea on every news and gossip that was going around, even if we were way too old for those stuff anymore. It's just best-friend things at this point. "Rebecca? Can I talk to you?" I turned around finding Bruce who was waiting for me with a not-too-happy look on his face. I excused myself before heading towards where he motioned for me to go. We ended up in the corner of an empty hallway, he soon pushed me against the wall, breathing harshly against my neck. My eyes stayed widened as I started to question his actions, and why it was necessary for him to do it now, here, and at this occasion. "Are you having an affair?" He asked straightly, his eyes being more serious than any work situations he had gone through. I pushed him off of me, scoffing in disbelief and starting to bring up my acting skills. "How dare you accuse me of that! Did I not make myself clear that I'm clearly disgusted by that man?" I spat. "Oh..." I felt my heart stop. I recognized that voice. More than I could recognize any one else's. I glanced to my right to find John standing there with his shoulders fallen down in disappointment. His face holding no expression all though I knew exactly what his heart spoke. It asked why . It didn't stop asking why . That was clearly my fault, I never told John my plan to try and find out whether Bruce is the guy he really is or not, and now I instantly regret not mentioning it to him earlier than I should've have. "Oh no..." I mumbled, but he soon walked away. I knew if I followed him like any other girl would've done, I would've been caught. Instead, I turned to Bruce and angered my face at him, "Look at what your nonsense caused! Now he's mad at me, I don't see him that way, but I see him as a good acquaintance who I clearly don't want to hurt! So, go fix your own goddamn mistake Bruce." I ordered. He gazed at me with a mixture of shock and surprise. He clearly didn't expect me to talk to him like that, but I'm glad I did, because they clearly had an effect on him. He nodded then proceeded to go follow John and make it up to him just like I told him to. I released my breath in relief then took out my phone and dialed Kara's number which I had asked for earlier. I told her to rush to my room, then hung up without continuing any further.  I tapped my foot repeatedly against the hard wood beneath. I bit the skin around my nails that now looked as if I had cut them off with something. I cursed under my breath in impatience. A couple seconds later, that's when I heard a tap against the door. I ran and opened the door, pulling Kara inside by her arm without any warning, clearly panicking her about what was going on. "What in the world is going on, Rebecca?!" She half whispered, half yelled. I told her to take a seat before I start talking. "I think I married a psychopath..." I spilled. She didn't understand at first, it was just forty seconds of her staring at me to find out whether I was being serious or not. She chuckled nervously in response, "Yeah, right."  I gave her the longest eye-stare I could, and that's when she gasped, knowing I was speaking the truth. "What? How!? Since when??" She freaked out externally, not knowing how to react. I have to give her the credit, if my best-friend told me she married a lunatic I wouldn't know how to react either. I ran my hand through my hair, plainly having an anxiety attack, "I didn't notice before his best-friend told me."  "Johnathan?" She questioned, I nodded in response. "How do you know him?" She spoke no word. Her eyes travelled down to the wood, so I decided to not continue questioning her any further. "He told me the whole story about Bruce dating his sister, and after she cheated on him, he and her fought, and on that very moment she happened to 'accidentally' fall down, hit her head, and get paralyzed for life." I sarcastically spoke. "Well, how do you know Bruce isn't lying? Maybe that's really what happened." She shrugged, but what surprised me was that it was the first time she was disagreeing with me. She never disagreed on me with anything. I tried to ignore that issue, and continue to release my nervousness out on her by the rants, and proofs I've been dying to tell someone for the past few weeks. "But what's even more eerie is that when I overheard Bruce's conversations with one of his co-workers or something, he clearly stated to make sure John wouldn't be found anywhere around me, because he doesn't want John stealing another one of his girlfriends? Does that even make sense?" "Maybe John's the person who made Bruce mad. Who do you even know to trust? They both have totally different stories." She uttered in vexation, scratching the back of her head, lost in the whole situation. I clapped my hands referring to what she said earlier, "That's exactly what I'm saying! Those two have totally different stories. I've heard all of Bruce's from John, but I don't know what John's story is." Kara then suggested me to simply ask Bruce for it, "I will...but that's not the only weird thing that has happened to me this whole time I've been with Bruce." I played with my nails, not being able to really look Kara in the eyes, because somehow the more I talked about Bruce the more she gave me really uncomfortable stares for some odd reason. So, I just decided not to have any eye-contact with her while I'm illustrating, which surprisingly worked. I notified her about what had precisely happened when me and Bruce met, and the whole one day turning into a year thing which was really a puzzle for me. "Nothing makes sense. How did I even drown in the first place? Not to mention after that one-day date, how the actual hell did it turn into a year?" I didn't receive any feedback. All that was heard was the silence of the tension surrounding the room. I called for Kara, she looked at me in the eyes and finally admitted, "Rebecca..have you thought about the fact that maybe these problems are all coming... from you ?"  I gave Kara an anxious glare for a straight minute, my hands started to shake along with my legs, "W-What do you mean?" My eyes teared up, I was terrified of what she was going to say, because I know Kara, and I know that whatever she says. She means it. She never lies about what she's thinking. At least not to me. "Rebecca, maybe all these foolish situations are coming from your head...maybe these events aren't really happening. You're the one who's making them happen," She tapped my temple, "All in there."  I felt my chest tighten. I couldn't breathe for seconds, making me suffocate inside. "Rebecca?" Kara called out for the fourth time, the other three making me realize that this suffocation caused me to go deaf too. "Get the fuck out, Kara." She tried to speak, but I screamed right in her face. She let out a look of guilt then walked out the room without speaking another word. I threw my body backwards and laid on the bed, tears streaming down my face about the thought that maybe I'm the one who's slowly going crazy. Maybe none of this really isn't happening. Maybe it's all coming from me. It'd all make sense if it was true...It'd definitely all make sense if it was really true, but that's the thing. I don't want it to be true.   Chapter 6 - Mistreated   Four weeks. It's been four weeks since I've barely ate like a decent mortal being. I'm dehydrated, I can't seem to be thinking clearly, and I feel like I'm going to pass out every second I get up from sleeping, but I can barely call it a sleep. Feels more like dozing off.  Three weeks. It's been three weeks since I've been seeing a therapist which Bruce forced me to go. I haven't spoken a word ever since I went to the sessions anyway. I just don't feel comfortable with releasing my inner thoughts and feelings anymore. I feel like it's all futile and pointless. What's the point of being sane when I know any day now, whatever that's going on in my head will get bigger and bigger, and will soon cover the whole capacity of my brain. Turning me into the real lunatic.  "Rebecca? Are you with me?" I raise my head to glance at the therapist sitting in front of me, having the same concerned expression she always had for the past three weeks. The moment I stepped into this room I noticed how she would look at me as if I was hopeless when I really am dejected, and she was right. I am hopeless. "Do you think we can end this session earlier today?" I asked, my voice barely audible. She released a sigh of disappointment then mumbled a yes, then wrote something down on her clipboard. As I was about to leave the room, the therapist called Bruce inside so she could talk to him. I felt suspicious, but at the same time I really didn't care. It was probably another speech about how I'm mentally unstable and need more medications to keep my lifestyle balanced. These medications would benefit them financially anyway. Since when did these therapists really care about our mental health? All they really care about is the salary they gain throughout selling all these stupid, ineffctive pills. But oh boy was I wrong. I leaned closely to the closed door and eavesdropped on their dubious conversation. "I've came up with a solution that might help with Rebecca's current situation." She spoke, Bruce asked her politely to continue and his voice sounded kind of desperate for whatever help they were going to offer if I'm going to be honest. "Right now she doesn't really have a priority in life, she doesn't have someone to depend on in life, and is hopeless, thinking that she doesn't have any goals to go for." I shrugged to myself. She wasn't wrong. My life's entertainment ended weeks ago, and my reason to die was growing stronger and stronger every second of the day. "What are you exactly suggesting, doctor?"  "She needs to get pregnant." I fell right to the floor the moment she brought up the subject of pregnancy. The receptionist rushed over to me to see if I was doing okay, but I begged her to not speak of it. She nodded then headed back to her own business. I leaned in and continued to listen to what they were discussing. "By having a baby, she'll see that baby as a priority, and would never do anything to leave and hurt him or her as a mother. At this stage of her life she doesn't need someone to take care of her. She needs to take care of someone else. And that someone is you and her baby." I felt my hand harden into a fist, I was furious with this horrible recommendation. Was she in her sober mind? Oh right...everyone at this institute were on their right minds, except for me. "But doctor, we haven't gotten married yet, or won't get to do that anytime soon until she has gotten better. Do you think this will affect anything?" Please say yes, please say yes. "Not at all. I advise you two to try it out tonight, and see what happens tomorrow. She might gain after-birth depression due to her condition, but it'll last for a maximum month."  I ran as far as I could. The receptionist ran after me, trying to follow the path I dashed away from. I couldn't handle staying in that lobby, and definitely not when Bruce comes out and takes me home where he gets the chance to get me pregnant. I don't want a child. I, myself, am a child- I won't be capable to take care of that poor little human being. I'm mentally unstable and don't have the capability to take care of a little human being whom I can easily be able to harm when I'm feeling low, just to achieve my pleasure. I couldn't run much more, my legs gave up on me, causing me to crash down on the floor of the entrance hallway of the institute. Not eating, and ignoring my health care can really go against me sometimes... "Ma'am, please. Your husband will be worried." She whispered in a soft soothing voice, slowly helping me up and leading me back to where I escaped from. She sat me down on the chair, and handed me a cup of water to calm down. After a couple minutes of calming down, Bruce finally walked out that room with a small smile on his face. I know exactly what he wants. He wants a baby, but I can't give that to him. Not because I physically can't, but because I actually don't want to . "Are you ready, honey?" He smiles, bringing out his hand for me to hold and depend on. "S-Sure..." I muttered, then accepted it like I always did so stupidly. The ride home was dull. Just the way it was when we were on our way here. And just like it was after I had accepted the fact that I'm not conceptually okay. "Bruce." I called out, glaring out the window in the rainy weather. Enjoying the sounds it muffled into our car. "Yes?" He focused on the road ahead of him. He wasn't the type of guy to hold a conversation while driving. That's because he always focuses on doing something one-by-one at their own specific time. "Are you going to send me to a mental hospital?" He immediately pulled over to the side of the road, earning angry honks from the past drivers. He held both my hands and made me look into his sad eyes, "What makes you think I'll ever do that?" His voice was defeated. It hurt my heart to see how much my actions had an impact on him. I don't want to hurt him. No matter how bad a person can be, I didn't have the emotional solidity to hurt them, because knowing that I hurt them would never wash the guilt away. "Because I'm not okay. I'm not the Rebecca you fell in love with. I'm so much worst now, I don't even know how you're still with me." I broke down into tears. With the lack of water in my body, I didn't feel any warm liquid draining down my eyes anymore, instead I felt dry air which burnt my skin like acid. Bruce took me in his embrace, stroking my hair gently which brought a wave of calmness and satisfaction travel through my body. "Never think that way, okay? You're still the Rebecca I love. I still love you, and nothing's going to change that," He spoke in pain, he squeezed me tighter into the hug, "We'll get through this together. I promise you." he backed away and kissed my forehead like he always used to do.  I fell asleep after that confrontation in the car. When we arrived, Bruce carried me bridal style to our room, and laid me down on the bed for me to continue my sleep in peace, and easily be able to rest which I appreciated a lot, because I really needed it after the whole drama going through my head back at the institution. I woke up to the buzzing sound of a phone. I groaned, rubbing my eyes for them to open wide enough to enable my visions back again. I turned to find Bruce's phone that was uncontrollably buzzing. I listen closely to hear the showers on. I use this as my chance, and pick his phone up. Damnit , I don't know the passcode. I put away the phone, learning close to the drawer and pulling out a picture of Bruce that was cuddled up with his rumpled yet folded clothes. I display the photo in front of the phone's camera, hoping it'll work. Denied , well talk about bad luck.  I threw the personal device back on the bed then started to go around on my social media to cure my boredom that has been bothering me for the past few weeks. That's when this time his phone starts to ring rather than the uncontrollable buzzing, I curse under my breath then take a look at the caller. It was unknown. I snatch it, and without thinking twice I answer it, holding the phone against my ear to hear if they'll speak without me having to utter a word first. "What the fuck are you doing?" The object that laid between my fingers soon dropped from my hand. My whole body shaking in fear as I turned around to see Bruce's flaming eyes staring right into me. "S-Someone called y-you-" He cut me off before I could even try to explain myself, "And that gives you the right to pick it up?" He snapped like a wild dog. He grabbed his phone from my hand furiously then slapped me right across my face. It wasn't just the fact that he abused me in some way, but it was the fact that it was the first time any man landed his hand on me in a physically harsh way. I didn't move. More like I couldn't move. My hands were shaking while my eyes streamed tears. "That better teach you from ever trying to snoop through my phone again!" He yelled then stormed out of the room.  I somehow coped to get up from the bed with my trembling legs. I checked myself in the mirror to find a large red hand-print on my right cheek. I bursted out into loud sobs, and hurriedly ran to the corner of the dark room which I had just switched off in fear and horrid. I kneeled down and continued to cry in silence. I was not capable of using my lungs in order to inhale and exhale properly, because I tried not to make too much noise to bother Bruce and have him come back in and mistreat me again. I sniffled over and over again, getting sick of myself at this point. My body soon gave up on me, and everything turned black within' seconds. Out of all the time in the world...why did my body have to go oppose me at the worst times possible?   Chapter 7 - Afraid   "Rebecca? Can you hear me?" I arose, unfolding my eyes to see John standing right in front of me, looking as if he was about to cry any second. "Oh my God, I'm so glad you're okay!" He gasped, leaning down and hugging me tightly. "What are you doing here?" I didn't have the energy it took to speak and even if I did it was really hard to do so, because I felt like something was holding me back. He licked his dried lips then sat on the chair that stood right beside my hospital bed. "Bruce sent me here." I chuckled without warning. "Bruce, sent you here? Sure."  "Do you think I'm lying?" I frowned then tried as best as I could to ignore that question. I didn't want to seem judgmental in anyway, nor did I want to lie at the same time. "After all those secrets I told you about Bruce?" I felt my head burn all of a sudden, my eyes bursting in anger, as well as my mood and patience suddenly lowering to a zero. "That's the goddamn thing, John!" I snapped loudly, feeling my heart-rate increase in less than a millisecond. "I don't know whether I should believe you or not! I'm crazy as it is, and this is just making me feel more insane than I should be feeling!" I cried, "I don't know who to believe. I don't even rely or trust myself, what makes you think I can believe a word you spoke about my husband?!"  "You can't be serious, Rebecca..." I hit his chest with my fist using the energy I had left in my body, which clearly wasn't enough because he didn't even budge. "Leave me alone, John! Please!" I shrieked with uncontrollable tears. He glanced at me one last time before actually leaving me alone. I admit I was a little harsh on him, but it was for the best. I had to get rid of him, because I couldn't risk getting irritating Bruce more than he is right now. Hours passed, I spent them mumbling calm things to myself. I wasn't strong, I definitely wasn't. I was as weak as a plastic bottle that would continually get crushed by people walking over it on the empty streets. Nobody bothering to pick it up because who knew how dirty and filthy it was. Who knew how useless it would be. Not even one person kneeled down to collect it and throw it in the trash, because they expected other people to do it for them. That's what's bad about humanity, not many of us are humane. Mostly because we don't act like one. A normal mortal being knows good enough how to keep the universe clean by helping each other out, but that's not the point. The point is I keep breaking as much as that poor plastic bottle that was squashed by more than a hundred people. Nobody, and I mean nobody was prepared to pick me up and put me out of my misery that I went through for hours and hours every single day. "Mrs. Jones, your friend Kara Smith is here to visit you. Do you wish for her to see you?" The nurse poked her head inside the room, asking for my permission generously. It took me a while before I could whisper a positive response. Soon, Kara walked in the room with a bouquet of apologetic flowers that covered the area with its strong scent. Her footsteps next turned louder and louder as she made her way towards me. She took a seat, setting the flowers, in her hand, on the side-table that stood beside my bed. "I'm sorry." She spoke. I stared at her, confused about what she meant. "I should've never told you what I did that night at your engagement party, I never thought you would take it so seriously and that it would lead you to here..." I didn't let her continue. I faked a dry cough so she would understand that I don't want to apprehend any of the bullshit she's saying anymore. "Listen, Kara. You just spoke the truth. These past few weeks I've actually realized that maybe I'm not as mentally stable as you told me I am."  "You told her what?!" We both turned to see Bruce standing in front of the entrance door with a box of chocolate in his hands along with a balloon that was floating in the air of the small room. Kara got up, shaking because she was too scared to face Bruce. "So, you're the motherfucker who told Rebecca she's crazy huh?" He hissed, his face turning infuriated, giving Kara his angry laser glares. She tried to speak, but nothing came out of her mouth. "Get the fuck out of this room, you little piece of shit!" He cursed then was about to throw hands on her, but stopped as soon as I screamed for him to not go any further. Sure, I wasn't happy with the state Kara put me in, but I would never want anything or anyone to hurt her just so I could feel better about it. It wouldn't even make me feel better, I'd just spend the weeks with pure guilt even if I wasn't the reason she got distressed. Kara rushed out of the room without speaking another word. Poor thing, I kind of felt bad for her. "I'm sorry, Rebecca I just don't want anyone hurting you." "Like you hurt me?" His eyes widened, but then stared down at the floor shamefully. He didn't know how to respond to my shade, and I don't blame him either. I still haven't forgiven him, and have no intention of doing so anytime soon. I just hope he understands that and accepts the consequences he's brought upon us both. "You know I never meant to do that on purpose..." He muttered guiltily, I shrugged in response. "You still did it, that doesn't change anything."  "Well, to make up for it. I wanted to take you out for a small weekend away from the world. Sounds good?" A weekend away from the world? That sounds like a dream. I had to accept, it was a far great offer that I couldn't bother rejecting. "Sounds great." I nodded in agreement. He exchanged a smile then told me to get up. I wrinkled my face, trying to figure out why he's asking me to get up. "I packed your stuff, I've already asked for authorization from the hospital, and they told me it'll be better to do so." I was at loss of words, so I just got up from my bed and forcefully tried to get up, but fell into his arms. My eyes met his instantly, my heart beat increased all of a sudden. Although we had our differences, and I was furious at him...those eyes never failed to make me fall in love with him all over again. He carried me in bridal style without any notice, and took me all the way to the car himself. "You've lost so much weight, Rebecca. That saddens me." He frowned, while struggling to open the passenger door to the car he had just unlocked. I helped him, bringing my arm out and opened the door instead. He thanked then placed me carefully on the seat without letting his voice out and speaking of whatever else. He hurriedly ran to his seat and started the car.  "Why are you really doing this, Bruce?" I straight up asked him with no hesitation whatsoever. He kept quiet for a couple seconds before manning up, "I talked to your therapist-" I interrupted him, not allowing him to finish his sentence. "Oh my fucking- she isn't in her right mind, Bruce! I overheard you two talking about how getting me pregnant will be the right way out!" I noticed him heat up then pull over the car on the side of the road, "Why the fuck did you eavesdrop in the first place!?" "Do you really think creating a living creature inside of me is a good idea!? How in the world can I take care of that poor baby when I'm not in the right frame of mind to even take care of myself?!" I screamed, tears roaming down my eyes because I couldn't handle the amount of pressure life was putting all on my shoulders. "That's why I'm doing this, Rebecca! I want to help you! I want to help you heal so you can be the same Rebecca I fell in love with in the first place-" "You're the goddamn reason I became like this!" Silence. Regret. Tension. Remorse. Attrition. Guilt. Rage. How many other words did I have to use to describe how I felt at that moment? My heart dropped, realizing what my mouth had spilled. Oh God, if only I had stayed shut in the first place. I couldn't try and describe his expression at the moment, because I knew very well that I just fucked up like I always do. "Listen, Bruce-" "Get the fuck out of my car." He whispered, "Now." I couldn't really see his face, the only view that was shown was him gritting his teeth which clearly proved that he was way beyond enraged. I shakily opened the door, the moment I placed my foot on land he immediately drove off with no warning, catching me off-guard. I reached for my phone in my pocket then dialed the number I needed the most. The moment the ringing stopped, I felt myself take a deep breath before beginning to talk. "I just wanna die."   Chapter 8 - Consequences   "Do you have any idea how much your call scared the life out of me?" John cursed in irritation as he drove straight to his house. I looked down, fiddling with my fingers, too drained to even try to open my mouth and defend myself. I saw him glancing at me from the corner of my eye, then soon felt him place his hand on my thigh, stroking it gently. "Sorry, I know you're going through a rough time right now. I shouldn't be too harsh on you."  "I'm just...not ready to have a baby." I mumbled, hoping he heard my low-volumed voice that wasn't able to turn louder than it already was. "It's not your fault. He should've understood." I forced his hand off my leg in annoyance, "No, it's my fault. I rushed and blamed him for my condition." John soon tensed up the second I said that. "That's because he is to blame ."  "You can't be sure of that, John." I shook my head in denial, knowing well enough that I was taking his side, but I had no other choice to. I felt really guilty and woeful about what I told him. I already committed a sin by going through his phone and invading his privacy, and now I invaded another one by blaming my misapprehensions all on him. I felt so ashamed of myself. I never used to be like this, I just wanted to know what got over me. "Listen Rebecca, as far as I know you were always yourself before you even met that guy. I can surely prove that ever since you met him your life's been nothing but been totally chaotic. Am I wrong?" "No, you're not wrong, but John you still can't change the fact that I tormented Bruce with my mistake!" "And you definitely can't change the fact. That he did the exact same to you, but even worst than what you did to him!" My mind suddenly went deep into thoughts again. That night...that one night is what really ruined everything. If I was careful and swam like a decent human being I'd never be here stuck in this endless situation. "John, where are we going now?" Looking outside the window I view a greenery field, filled with big built-houses and bright clouds. This neighborhood gave off a really positive vibe. It was more peaceful than it was anything else. "You're staying at my place until Bruce comes back." I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. "What do you mean until he comes back, did he really leave off to that trip without me?" I asked in disgrace. He pulled the car over to a parking, turning the car off and exchanging a disappointed nod with me. I scoffed unbelievably. How can someone be so selfish? It surprises how one minute I can go full-defense on him, a another realize how self-centered he can be. Without wasting any other precious thought over that jerk I got out of the car, stomping my way to the main door, waiting for John to come and unlock it. He grabbed a large bag from the back-seat, and walked his way over to where I was standing silently. He opened the door then motioned towards his now open home, giving me formal permission to enter. I mutter a small thank you before stepping foot into his fancy house. I take a seat on the brown leathered couch in the living room, turning the television on by the remote that laid close to where I was sitting. "Do you need anything to drink or eat?" I responded with a harsh no. He sighed in exhaustion then took a seat across from me. "Are you sure? I bet you haven't ate anything in days, or maybe even weeks." I shrugged, keeping my eyes on the colorful motion that was displaying with a bright light. "So what, I'm not that hungry anyways." He got up and headed to the kitchen. After a couple minutes, he came back with a tray filled with snacks. Cakes, chocolates, lollipops, different versions of candies, boxes of various flavored juices, and a cup of chocolate milk. I widened my eyes in surprise, feeling my stomach growl at the mouth-watering snacks he had brought right in front of me. "I know you want them, Rebecca. You love these stuff." He's not wrong. While we were in the villa,  every now and then Bruce would head to the city and come back with a big box filled with snacks like these just for me. I would get so happy that I would cry tears of joy while eating them. I can't believe that John bothered to even remember such a small thing that yet meant so much to me. Not to forget, the fact that he bought the exact same brands that I was deeply in love with . I felt my eyes go in puppy-form for a couple minutes before snatching the tray from him, crossing my legs on the leather couch and starting to enjoy my desserts. John laughed at my reaction while taking a seat back to where he previously was, and changed the channel, playing Tom & Jerry. I squeaked in surprise and started to watch the show like a baby. I'm not a child, I'm just old-fashioned I guess. I had to spend my childhood being as responsible as an adult, and carrying my family out go misery. I never had the time to go through these things during those times. Sure, I did watch them when I was small, but I enjoyed them so much that I badly wanted to continue them, but I knew I couldn't. I knew that those days were over, and I couldn't make up for it. But the fact that John is doing all this just for me, I can't help but tear up just thinking about it.  "After you're done with those snacks I wanna take you out on a not-so-big date." He winked right at me. "Date?" I spoke, my words muffling through the chocolates I had stuffed in my mouth. "Yes, now eat up. I bought you a   pretty-ish dress, it's upstairs in the guest room." He played with my hair before planting a small kiss on my forehead and walking out of the area. It took me a couple minutes before I could completely process what was happening. That's when it hit me. This is going to be risky. What if Bruce finds out about me and John going on a date? What if tonight is the night that will destroy every single chance I have in life, or any of the plans I had planned for Bruce? I swayed away the thoughts and precluded myself before eating any further. While rushing upstairs to the guest-room I find a beautiful short, black, lacy dress that was laying on top of the cloth of the queen-sized bed. I grabbed the dress and positioned it over my clothed body, imagining myself wearing it tonight while going out with John. It was still hard for me to believe that he actually asked me out like this, especially right after what happened between me and Bruce. After picturing a thousand different scenarios and overthinking as always, I took a long hot shower, enjoying the hot drops of water falling against my tired muscles. Soon, relaxing them in peace. I came out of the shower with a towel wrapped around myself, my hair dripping on the wooden floor beneath. There was a knock on the door all of a sudden, I gasped then told John to come in. He stepped inside, walking and placing some extra comfortable clothes on the bed before even bothering to look up at me. And when he did, I noticed his jaw drop a little. He shook his head and snapped back to reality, "Sorry- just...wow!" I chuckled at his reaction. He looked so innocently sly. I just wanted to embrace him, play with his smooth hair for hours, enjoying his presence around me. Fingers crossed, hopefully I'll reach that dream after I figure out my plan with Bruce. "S-Sorry, I'm staring. Uh, I'll head out." The fact that he was embarrassed wasn't the best part. The best part was the fact that he was still standing as tight as a statue, not bothering to move, his eyes locked on my dripping wet body. "John?" I waved my hand in front of his face, then bursting into giggles when he jumped and ran out. I wore the clothes he had handed over to me and dried my hair before proceeding to start on doing my makeup, and finally getting ready for tonight. No matter how hyped-up I was, it still didn't change the fact that if Bruce found out in any way. It would all be over. But then again, I had to be careful and look out for any unusual people tonight. Just to be safe....Let's just pray and hope that the thing I'm afraid of won't really happen.   Publication Date: May 21st 2020 https://www.bookrix.com/-old29e64d51f6e5

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-smartcookie-the-play/

Smartcookie The Play The Play Max-Tulip, Tulip. What! Teacher- tulip you do not yell in my room now go to the principles office now. Yes, ma’am. Principle- tulip this is ten tenth time you have gotton sent to my office. I know but. Apparently you don’t. For this you will have to do community service at the school. Let’s see Max-Tulip, Tulip. What! Teacher- tulip you do not yell in my room now go to the principles office now. Yes, ma’am. Principle- tulip this is ten tenth time you have gotton sent to my office. I know but. Apparently you don’t. For this you will have to do community service at the school. Let’s see you will be participating in a school play. Tulip- you can’t be serious. Well I am. Principle- Bye tulip. Tulip- mutters under breath bye. Ring. Teacher- there’s the bell see everyone tomorrow. Max- Hey tulip sorry about getting you in trouble again. It’s just that you are always day dreaming about Jake. Tulip- I know but I really like him and guess what I have to participate in a school play I have to be there first thing in the morning. Max-So your going to miss school at that time yep. Tulip- Sw. Max- Hey tulip sorry about getting you in trouble again. It’s just that you are always day dreaming about Jake. Tulip- I know but I really like him and guess what I have to participate in a school play I have to be there first thing in the morning. Max-So your going to miss school at that time yep. Tulip- See you tomorrow max. Max-See you. Next morning. Welcome all students this is the play room. This is where you will be practicing. Ms. Rein- Now step over here and we will assign you partners for rehearsal. Sam and Jack, Jan and Billy, and Tulip and Jake. Tulip-jake, no it couldn’t be he would never try out for a play a don’t think. Ms. Rein- Now get with your partners. Tulip- I walk around looking for Jake, and suddenly he comes my way, he has blonde hair and blue eyes and is really popular but still nice. Jake- Hi nice to meet our partners. Tulip- I walk around looking for Jake, and suddenly he comes my way, he has blonde hair and blue eyes and is really popular but still nice. Jake- Hi nice to meet you I’m Jake. Hi-I’m Tulip. Max- Tulip why does that name sound familiar, oh yeah you’re the girl in class that always gets sent to the principles office. Yep that’s me. Ms. Rein- Now boys hold your partners we will be working on the dancing scene. Okay and 5, 6, 7, 8. Jake- Don’t worry I’ll help Okay and 5, 6, 7, 8. Jake- Don’t worry I’ll help you dance just follow me. Tulip- Okay. Ms. Rein- Back front side Back front side. Tulip- wow side Back front side. Tulip- wow your pretty good at this. Now grab your partner and pull them close. Tulip- then he pulls me closer for a second and releases and spins me. My heart is pounding hard but it was fun. Now stop and go back stage and get dressed for parts. Tulip- parts I don’t want to try out. Oh no I can’t I suck at this kind of stuff. First up for the part of Prince David is Max. Max- I call for thy princess my only friend to come to help me at my time of need. Good. Next for the part of Princess Luna is Tulip. Ms. Rein, Tulip, Tulip. Get onto stage. Tulip sop pushing me I don’t want to go Ahhhh. Okay say op pushing me I don’t want to go Ahhhh. Okay say your part Tulip. I-I don’t want to. Ms. Rein- Say you lines! Okay. Tulip- I will come My old Friend Or should I say prince because I am the princess but I will come my old friend because you are my only friend and you were always there for me. See that wasn’t so bad, that was pretty good. Ms. Rein- Oh my time for you kids to go home you will see who gets the part tomorrow. Tulip- Mom I’m homeOkay honey. I’m going to my room. Ahhhh. What are you doing in my room Max. I came to see you since you didn’t come to class today because of that play. SO do you like it. Tulip- It’s okay, might not be the best thing to do buJake is their. Max- He is what a surprise yeah I know, He was so good. Max- Was he. Yeah. Max- Okay I’m leaving bye. Okay Bye. Next morning. Tulip- These must be the people who play what part let’s see jake got prince of course let’s see what I got. Tulip- No way I got Princess! Ms. Rein- come on Jake and Tulip you both need to work on your lines together. Tulip. Okay. Max- Luna you are my only friend. Tulip- David you are my only friend. Tulip- what it says I kiss him after he says the next line. Max- Then come with me and be happy. Then he leans forward and kisses me. Ms. Rein- that was fabulous okay the play is tonight. Tulip- tonight we just started yesterday. You just started yesterday everyone else started two weeks ago. We knew that you would end up in here so we were going to give the part to you everyone else already knew their part. Ms. Rein- Everyone needs to stay after school for Rehearsal before tonight. Okay. Two hours later. Jake the play is starting in five minutes you coming yeah. Curtains are pulled up. Welcome ladies and gentle men this is our school Play. It’s starting now. Jake-come with me and be happy. Then he kisses me. Tulip- Okay I’ll go with you but I am still your friend nothing more. Jake okay then. The play is over. Claps all around. Ms. Rein- that was great. Max- that was great. Jake- your right is was. Max- I like you Tulip. Sorry I don’t fell the same, I like Jake. I like you too. Sorry Max but we can’t be anything more than friends. Max- I understand. Max- Friends to the end. Tulip- friends to the end and that’s how I served my community service. Text: THe places where it has max saying the lines to tulip is suppose tobe Jake. About a girl who is sent to particatie in a school play since she gets in trouble a lot. All rights reserved. Publication Date: October 24th 2010 https://www.bookrix.com/-smartcookie

https://www.bookrix.com/_ebook-cindy-malone-the-way-i-love-him/

Cindy Malone The way I Love Him It inspiers you to tell that special someone how you feel. This dedication is to the guy i like and how im to scared to tell him the truth. Text: none Images: none Editing: Candice Comer Translation: none All rights reserved. Publication Date: March 16th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-cmalone16