Lord Grey, Archbishop, Guards, Headsman, Robbers, Messenger, &c. Mrs. Charles Kean. 66 Dyott. Time, 1542. COSTUMES. KING JAMES-First Dress: Arm-hole cloak, black velvet doublet and trunks lined with gold, black silk stockings and velvet shoes, large black hat and white feathers. Second Dress-Green cloth over-shirt, sword and leather belt, and high dark riding boots, Scotch bonnet, short staff in hand. LORDS.-The same style as the Kings's first dress, but the colors of dress different. SIR ADAM WEIR.-A black cloth suit of the same style as those of the nobles out plainer, and trimmed with black velvet, white wig, and beard. MALCOLM YOUNG.-First Dress: A gray cloth shirt, long black arm-hole cloak, something like a college gown, student's cap.-Second Dress: A handsome cavalier dress, after the same style as that of the lords. LAIRD SMALL-A plain, dark-colored doublet, and arın-hole cloak, a hood, and Scotch bonnet over it. MUNGO.-A brocade shirt, with very short smart arm-hole cloak, gay colors, very small hat, and cock's feather. BUCKIE. -Same style as King's second dress, shepherd's plaid wound round. The last scene, a wolf's head cap, and large cloak. MADELEINE.-White watered silk trimmed with blue and cherry chequers, plaid scarf and veil. WIDOW BARTON.--Grey cloth dress, trimmed with black velvet, point lace cap. EXITS AND ENTRANCES. R. means Right; L. Left: R. D. Right Door; L. D. Left Door; S. E. Second Entrance; U. E. Upper Entrance; M. D. Middle Door. RELATIVE POSITIONS. R., means Right; L., Left; C., Centre; R. C., Right of Centre; L. C., Left of Centre. N.B. Passages marked with Inverted Commas, are usually omitted in the representation. THE KING OF THE COMMONS. ACT I. SCENE I-Ante-Chamber at Holyrood.--MUNGO SMALL in Buc. Dare not call the king? You wrong his fame. He scarce would turn away A beggar from his gate Mun. And you, good friend? Buc. Am not a beggar, save that I may see him. Mun. I trust 'tis joyous news you bring. The whip May pay you scurvily for woeful tidings. Buc. How? Is the guerdon measured in such wise? Then he runs risk to hear few sober truths. Will it be long before the king comes forth? Mun. Is't from the South you come? Nithsdale, they say, Is filled with soldiers; old Caerlaverock groans From Flanders. Buc. Does it, Sir? I hope its groans Will move your pity to procure me hearing From gracious James. Mun. "No, curse me if I do! "Why, where the devil have you left your tongue? "Buc. Between my teeth, Sir: 'tis the safest place. "If you've a runaway horse, it's my advice "To keep the stable shut. "Mun. Oh! that's the advice? "Now, then, I'll give you my advice to match: "If you would see the king, let that same horse Some bishops, and his eminence. Buc. Sir, I can wait. Mun. So much the better, Sir: You'll have a famous opportunity. Be off! [Aside.] A close-mouthed hunks! Gad, if his news wero gold, He could not be more sparing. Buc. I'm as patient As Job; and could change places with a milestone, So little fond am I of moving.-Here I sit; and all the ushers in the court, [Sitting R. C. And chamberlains, and chambermaids to boot, Buc. Plump!-I will not tell you. Mun. Then you sha'n't see him. Mun. Oh, will you ?— The folding-doors fly open, c.-Enter JAMES, hurriedly, followed by Lords MAXWELL, CASSILIS, SETON, HUME, KILMAURS, GRAY, SOMERVILLE, the ARCHBISHOP, BISHOP, Ushers, &c. James. He will not ?-but he must! Not send the men? Why, what a silken-souled, white-livered knave! What's his excuse? Max. He's old-he's very old. James. Old will he tremble in the chimney corner, Has he a hand left? Can he see and hear? James. Too old To feel a Scotsman's blood stream at his heart! Trust me, 'twere wise in you to join my banner Max. My gracious lord, Banish these harsh thoughts of your noble peers, James. Oh! humble, Your humble suit,—now, curse on humble suits, Than these same humble suits. What is your suit? ner Against the English king, your loving kinsman. king, The English God pardon me! I think, is king of Scots. I looked not for it-I thought better things. [A pause the nobles look disconcerted. If I had heard a man two years agone, Say that the Scottish nobles would desert Their king, when England dared them to come on, But now! [Goes up abruptl Somer. [To a Bishop.] Your lordship is a man of peace; Speak to the king. Bishop. (L.) What can I say to him? Somer. Tell him to spare his people. Bishop. Ah, my lord! I need not tell king James to spare Somer. But he'll spill their blood. his people; Bishop. Better to spill their blood than lose their souls 'Oh, there be times and causes, good my lords! "When the white Christian dove must seek her nest, "And leave the murky clouds to be cleft through By the strong pinioned eagle." There be times And meek Religion, like an Amazon, James. [Advancing, R.] Well spoken, good Lord Bishop! if the fire That warms your heart, gave but its sacred heat For me "Kil. There was fire enough "In Scottish hearts, that now are chilled." There shall no Douglas trample on this land, Somer. "Twere wise To see your royal uncle. James What to hear? His threats, and worse than threats-his patronage ? No; we are poor-I know we are poor, my lords; And the fat fields of England wave their crops Than our bleak plains; but from our rugged dells, Stout hands, and courage that would think foul scorn We are our people's king. For you, my lords, |