And take my shadow from this damnéd court,

Where so much ill begins to lift its head.

The other road leads to no happiness;

But dark ambition—it lowers about my brain,

And hatred at the scorn of human eyes.

Yea, I am half resolved to be a man,

And take a part in this poor shifty world,

And help to pull the ropes behind the scenes

That aid the puppets to their forcéd parts.

[Pg 31]

[Pg 31]

Yea, sooth indeed that Vivien hath a devil,

But it is such a sweet and clever devil,

I cannot help but take it to mine arms.

She hath a counsel toward the stormier part.

She puts her little foot on fate’s grim head,

And harks it hiss. I am persuaded much

To make a stir to remedy my wrongs.

And yet my loftier nature cries me no.

Oh! Mordred, what art thou, mis-shapen devil?

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