And, after that wise prince, Henry the Fifth, War. Oxford, how haps it, in this smooth discourse, You told not, how Henry the Sixth hath lost All that which Henry the Fifth had gotten? Methinks, these peers of France should smile at that. Of threescore and two years; a silly time Oxf.Why, Warwick,canst thou speak against thy liege, War. Can Oxford, that did ever fence the right, War. And I the house of York. K.Lew. Queen Margaret, prince Edward, and Oxford, Vouchsafe, at our request, to stand aside, While I use further conference with Warwick. Q.Mar. Heaven grant, that Warwick's words bewitch him not! [Retiring with the Prince and OxF. K.Lew. Now, Warwick, tell me, even upon thy conscience. Is Edward your true king? for I were loth War. Such it seems, As may beseem a monarch like himself. Myself have often heard him say, and swear, That this his love was an eternal plant; [1] He means, that Henry was unsuccessful in war, having lost his dominions in France, &c. MAL. Whereof the root was fix'd in virtue's ground, K.Lew. Now, sister, let us hear your firm resolve. Bona. Your grant, or your denial, shall be mine :Yet I confess, [To WAR.] that often ere this day, When I have heard your king's desert recounted, Mine ear have tempted judgment to desire. K.Lew. Then, Warwick, thus,-Our sister shall be And now forth with shall articles be drawn Prince. To Edward, but not to the English king. And better 'twere, you troubled him than France. 3 Q.Mar. Peace, impudent and shameless Warwick, peace; Proud setter-up and puller-down of kings; [A horn sounded within. [2] I believe envy is in this place, as in many others, put for malice or hatred. His situation places him above these, though it cannot secure him from female disdain, STEEV. [3] This seems ironical. The poverty of Margaret's father is a very fre. quent topick of reproach. JOHNS. [4] Conveying is juggling, and thence is taken for artifice and frand. JOHNS, K.Lew. Warwick, this is some post to us, or thee. Enter a Messenger. Mess. My lord ambassador, these letters are for you; Sent from your brother, marquis Montague.— These from our king unto your majesty. And, madam, these for you; from whom, I know not. [To MARGARET. They all read their Letters. Oxf. I like it well, that our fair queen and mistress Smiles at her news, while Warwick frowns at his. Prince. Nay, mark, how Lewis stamps as he were nettled: I hope, all's for the best. K.Lew. Warwick, what are thy news? and your's, fair queen? Q.Mar. Mine, such as fills my heart with unhop'd joys. War. Mine, full of sorrow and heart's discontent. K.Lew. What! has your king married the lady Grey? And now, to sooth your forgery and his, Sends me a paper to persuade me patience? This proveth Edward's love, and Warwick's honesty. And by the hope I have of heavenly bliss, That I am clear from this misdeed of Edward's ; No more my king, for he dishonours me; But most himself, if he could see his shame.— [5] Whom, according to Holinshed, king Edward attempted in the earl of Warwick's house. STEEV. [6] Guerdon'd-i. e. rewarded. STEEV. Q. Mar. Warwick, these words have turn'd my hate to love; And I forgive and quite forget old faults, And joy that thou becom❜st king Henry's friend. For matching more for wanton lust than honour, Bona. Dear brother, how shall Bona be reveng'd, Queen. Renowned prince, how shall poor Henry live, Unless thou rescue him from foul despair? Bona. My quarrel, and this English queen's, are one. War. And mine, fair lady Bona, joins with your's. K.Lew. And mine, with her's and thine and Margaret's. Therefore, at last, I firmly am resolv’d, You shall have aid. Q.Mar. Let me give humble thanks for all at once. K.Lew. Then England's messenger, return in post; And tell false Edward, thy supposed king, That Lewis of France is sending over maskers, Thou seest what's past, go fear thy king withal.7 Q.Mar. Tell him, My mourning weeds are laid aside, And I am ready to put armour on. War.Tell him from me,That he hath done me wrong; And therefore I'll uncrown him, ere't be long. There's thy reward; be gone. K.Lew. But, Warwick, thou, And Oxford, with five thousand men, [Exit Messenger. Shall cross the seas, and bid false Edward battle; And prince shall follow with a fresh supply. JOHNS. That if our queen and this young prince agree, Q.Mar. Yes, I agree, and thank you for your motion : -Son Edward, she is fair and virtuous, Therefore delay not, give thy hand to Warwick; That only Warwick's daughter shall be thine. Prince. Yes, I accept her, for she well deserves it ; And here, to pledge my vow, I give my hand. [He gives his hand to WARWICK. K.Lew. Why stay we now? These soldiers shall be levied, And thou, lord Bourbon, our high admiral, [Exeunt all but WARWICK. War. I came from Edward as embassador, But seek revenge on Edward's mockery. ACT IV. SCENE I.-London. A Room in the Palace. [Exit. Enter GLOSTER, CLARENCE, SOMERSET, MONTAGUE, and Others. Gloster. NOW tell me, brother Clarence, what think you Cla. Alas, you know, 'tis far from hence to France; [8] That is, stalking horse, pretence. STEEV. |