Becket | MusicalTheatreResourceCenter

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BECKET. Is it too late? Too late on earth may be too soon in hell. KNIGHTS (in the distance). Close the great gate--ho, there--upon the town. BECKET'S RETAINERS. Shut the hall-doors. [A pause. BECKET. You hear them, brother John; Why do you stand so silent, brother John? JOHN OF SALISBURY. For I was musing on an ancient saw, Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re, Is strength less strong when hand-in-hand with grace? Gratior in pulchro corpore virtus. Thomas, Why should you heat yourself for such as these? BECKET. Methought I answer'd moderately enough. JOHN OF SALISBURY. As one that blows the coal to cool the fire. My lord, I marvel why you never lean On any man's advising but your own. BECKET. Is it so, Dan John? well, what should I have done? JOHN OF SALISBURY. You should have taken counsel with your friends Before these bandits brake into your presence. They seek--you make--occasion for your death. BECKET. My counsel is already taken, John. I am prepared to die.

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