SCENE I.--BECKET'S _House in London. Chamber barely furnished_. BECKET
_unrobing_. HERBERT OF BOSHAM _and_ SERVANT.


SERVANT.
Shall I not help your lordship to your rest?

BECKET.
Friend, am I so much better than thyself
That thou shouldst help me? Thou art wearied out
With this day's work, get thee to thine own bed.
Leave me with Herbert, friend. [_Exit_ SERVANT.
Help me off, Herbert, with this--and this.

HERBERT.
Was not the people's blessing as we past
Heart-comfort and a balsam to thy blood?

BECKET.
The people know their Church a tower of strength,
A bulwark against Throne and Baronage.
Too heavy for me, this; off with it, Herbert!

HERBERT.
Is it so much heavier than thy Chancellor's robe?

BECKET.
No; but the Chancellor's and the Archbishop's
Together more than mortal man can bear.