K. LEW. But is he gracious in the people's eye? WAR. The more that Henry was unfortunate. K. LEW. Then further, all dissembling set aside, Tell me for truth the measure of his love Unto our sister Bona. 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, Whereof the root was fix'd in virtue's ground, Unless the Lady Bona quit his pain. K. LEW. Now, sister, let us hear your firm resolve. BONA. Your grant, or your denial, shall be mine: [TO WAR.] Yet I confess that often ere this day, When I have heard your king's desert recounted, Mine ear hath tempted judgement to desire. K. LEW. Then, Warwick, thus: our sister shall be Edward's; And now forthwith shall articles be drawn Touching the jointure that your king must make, Which with her dowry shall be counterpoised. Draw near, Queen Margaret, and be a witness That Bona shall be wife to the English king. PRINCE. TO Edward, but not to the English king. Q. MAR. Deceitful Warwick! it was thy device By this alliance to make void my suit: Before thy coming Lewis was Henry's friend. K. LEW. And still is friend to him and Margaret: But if your title to the crown be weak, wick, peace, Proud setter up and puller down of kings! [Post blows a horn within. K. LEW. Warwick, this is some post to us or thee. Enter a Post. POST. [To WAR.] My lord ambassador, these letters are for you, Sent from your brother, Marquess Montague: [To LEWIS] These from our king unto your majesty: [To MAR.] And, madam, these for you; from whom I know not. [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 yours, fair queen? Q. MAR. Mine, such as fill my heart with unhoped joys. War. Mine, full of sorrow and heart's discontent. K. LEW. What! has your king married the Lady Grey? And now, to soothe your forgery and his, Sends me a paper to persuade me patience? Q. MAR. I told your majesty as much before: This proveth Edward's love and Warwick's honesty. WAR. King Lewis, I here protest, in sight of heaven, And by the hope I have of heavenly bliss, I here renounce him and return to Henry. Q. MAR. Warwick, these words have turn'd my hate to love; And I forgive and quite forget old faults, And joy that thou becomest King Henry's friend. Q. MAR. Renowned prince, how shall poor Unless thou rescue him from foul despair? are one. WAR. And mine, fair lady Bona, joins with yours. K. LEW. And mine with hers, and thine, and Margaret's. Therefore at last I firmly am resolved 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, Thou seest what's past, go fear thy king withal. BONA. Tell him, in hope he'll prove a widower shortly, I'll wear the willow garland for his sake. 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. [Exit Post. But, Warwick, Thou and Oxford, with five thousand men, Shall cross the seas, and bid false Edward battle; And prince shall follow with a fresh supply. WAR. This shall assure my constant loyalty, F |