My earnestness, which might at first offend

My earnestness, which might at first offend, Forgive me, for the duty it implies: I am the convoy to the cloudy end Of a most bright and regal enterprise; Which under angry constellations, ill- Mounted and under-rationed and unspurred, Set forth to find if any country still Might do obeisance to an honest word. Duped and delivered up to rascals; bound And bleeding, and his mouth stuffed; on his knees; Robbed and imprisoned; and adjudged unsound; I have beheld my master, if you please. Forgive my earnestness, who at his side Received his swift instructions, till he died.