cannot back,
But needs must on, although to danger's gate.
Then, Arden, perish thou by that decree.

(2)

[_The last arrangements have been made for the murder and only_
ARDEN _is awaited._]

_Will._ Give me the key: which is the counting house?

_Alice._ Here would I stay and still encourage you,
But that I know how resolute you are.

_Shakbag._ Tush, you are too faint-hearted; we must do it.

_Alice._ But Mosbie will be there, whose very looks
Will add unwonted courage to my thought,
And make me the first that shall adventure on him.

_Will._ Tush, get you gone; 'tis we must do the deed.
When this door opens next, look for his death.

[_Exeunt_ WILL _and_ SHAKBAG.]

_Alice._ Ah, would he now were here that it might open!
I shall no more be closed in Arden's arms,
That like the snakes of black Tisiphone
Sting me with their embracings: Mosbie's arms
Shall compass me; and, were I made a star,
I would have none other spheres but those.
There is no nectar but in Mosbie's lips!
Had chaste Diana kissed him, she, like me,
Would grow love sick, and from her watery bower
Fling down Endymion and snatch him up:
Then blame not me that slay a silly man
Not half so lovely as Endymion.

[_Here enters_ MICHAEL.]

_Michael._ Mistress, my master is coming hard by.

_Alice._ Who comes with him?

_Michael._ Nobody but Mosbie.

_Alice._ That's well, Michael. Fetch in the tables,
And when thou has done, stand before the counting-house
door.

_Michael._ Why so?

_Alice._ Black Will is locked within to do the deed.

_Michael._ What? shall he die to-night?

_Alice._ Ay, Michael.

_Michael._ But shall not Susan know it?

_Alice._ Yes, for she'll be as secret as ourselves.

_Michael._ That's brave. I'll go fetch the tables.

_Alice._ But, Michael, hark to me a word or two:
When my husband is come in, lock the street door;
He shall be murdered or[68] the guests come in.

_Arden of Feversham_ is a play which cannot be passed over unnoticed in
any historical treatment of the drama. For it opened up a new and rich
field to writers of tragedies by its selection of characters from the
ordinary paths of life to reveal the passions of the human heart. Kyd
and Marlowe h