The Stratford Shakspere Volume 8

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856 Excerpt: ...Queen. Whiles yet the dew 's on ground, gather those flowers; Make haste: Who has the note of them? 1 Lady. I, madam. Queen. Despatch. Exeunt Ladies. Now, master doctor, have you brought those drugs? Cor. Pleaseth your highness, ay: here they are, madam: Presenting a small box. But I beseech your grace, (without offence--My conscience bids me ask,) wherefore you have Commanded of me these most poisonous compounds, Which are the movers of a languishing death; But, though slow, deadly? Queen. I wonder, doctor, Thou ask'st me such a question: Have I not been' Thy pupil long? Hast thou not learn'd me how To make perfumes? distil? preserve? yea, so, That our great king himself doth woo me oft For my confections? Having thus far proceeded, (Unless thou think'st me devilish,) is 't not meet That I did amplify my judgment in Other conclusions? I will try the forces Of these thy compounds on such creatures as We count not worth the hanging, (but none human,) To try the vigour of them, and apply Allayments to their act; and by them gather Their several virtues, and effects. Cob. Your highness Shall from this practice but make hard your heart: Besides, the seeing these effects will be Both noisome and infectious. Queen. 0, content thee. Enter Pisanio. Here comes a flattering rascal; upon him Aside. Will I first work: he 's for his master, And enemy to my son.--How now, Pisanio? Doctor, your service for this time is ended; Take your own way. Cob. I do suspect you, madam; But you shall do no harm. Aside. Queen. Hark thee, a word.--To Pisanio. Cob. Aside. I do not like her. She doth think she has Strange lingering poisons: I do know her spirit, And will not trust one of her malice with A drug of such damn'd nature: Those she has Will stupify and dull the sense awhile: Wh...