A barren offering for a bitter gift.


ALTHAEA.

What are these borne on branches, and the face
Covered? no mean men living, but now slain
Such honour have they, if any dwell with death.


MESSENGER.

Queen, thy twain brethren and thy mother's sons.


ALTHAEA.

Lay down your dead till I behold their blood
If it be mine indeed, and I will weep.


MESSENGER,

Weep if thou wilt, for these men shall no more.


ALTHAEA.

O brethren, O my father's sons, of me