Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Henry VI, Part Two (1623 First Folio Edition)
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Act I
1: Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.
2: [ Flourish of Trumpets: Then Hoboyes.]
3: [ Enter King, Duke Humfrey, Salisbury, Warwicke, and Beau-ford
on the one side.
The Queene, Suffolke, Yorke, Somerset, and Buckingham,
on the other]
7:
Suffolke.
8: As by your high Imperiall Maiesty,
9: I had in charge at my depart for France,
10: As Procurator to your Excellence,
11: To marry Princes Margaret for your Grace;
12: So in the Famous Ancient City, Toures,
13: In presence of the Kings of France, and Sicill,
14: The Dukes of Orleance, Calaber, Britaigne, and Alanson,
15: Seuen Earles, twelue Barons, & twenty reuerend Bishops
16: I haue perform'd my Taske, and was espous'd,
17: And humbly now vpon my bended knee,
18: In sight of England, and her Lordly Peeres,
19: Deliuer vp my Title in the Queene
20: To your most gracious hands, that are the Substance
21: Of that great Shadow I did represent:
22: The happiest Gift, that euer Marquesse gaue,
23: The Fairest Queene, that euer King receiu'd.
24:
King.
Suffolke arise. Welcome Queene Margaret,
25: I can expresse no kinder signe of Loue
26: Then this kinde kisse: O Lord, that lends me life,
27: Lend me a heart repleate with thankfulnesse:
28: For thou hast giuen me in this beauteous Face
29: A world of earthly blessings to my soule,
30: If Simpathy of Loue vnite our thoughts.
31:
Queen.
Great King of England, & my gracious Lord,
32: The mutuall conference that my minde hath had,
33: By day, by night; waking, and in my dreames,
34: In Courtly company, or at my Beades,
35: With you mine Alder liefest Soueraigne,
36: Makes me the bolder to salute my King,
37: With ruder termes, such as my wit affoords,
38: And ouer ioy of heart doth minister.
39:
King.
Her sight did rauish, but her grace in Speech,
40: Her words yclad with wisedomes Maiesty,
41: Makes me from Wondring, fall to Weeping ioyes,
42: Such is the Fulnesse of my hearts content.
43: Lords, with one cheerefull voice, Welcome my Loue.
44:
All kneel.
Long liue Qu[eene]. Margaret, Englands happines.
45:
Queene
We thanke you all. [ Florish]
46:
Suf.
My Lord Protector, so it please your Grace,
47: Heere are the Articles of contracted peace,
48: Betweene our Soueraigne, and the French King Charles,
49: For eighteene moneths concluded by consent.
50:
Glo. Reads.
Inprimis, It is agreed betweene the French K[ing].
51: Charles, and William de la Pole Marquesse of Suffolke, Am-bassador
52: for Henry King of England, That the said Henry shal
53: espouse the Lady Margaret, daughter vnto Reignier King of
54: Naples, Sicillia, and Ierusalem, and Crowne her Queene of
55: England, ere the thirtieth of May next ensuing.
56: Item, That the Dutchy of Aniou, and the County of Main,
57: shall be released and deliuered to the King her father.
58:
King.
Vnkle, how now?
59:
Glo.
Pardon me gracious Lord,
60: Some sodaine qualme hath strucke me at the heart,
61: And dim'd mine eyes, that I can reade no further.
62:
King.
Vnckle of Winchester, I pray read on.
63:
Win.
Item, It is further agreed betweene them, That the
64: Dutchesse of Aniou and Maine, shall be released and deliuered
65: ouer to the King her Father, and shee sent ouer of the King of
66: Englands owne proper Cost and Charges, without hauing any
67: Dowry.
68:
King.
They please vs well. Lord Marques kneel down,
69: We heere create thee the first Duke of Suffolke,
70: And girt thee with the Sword. Cosin of Yorke,
71: We heere discharge your Grace from being Regent
72: I'th parts of France, till terme of eighteene Moneths
73: Be full expyr'd. Thankes Vncle Winchester,
74: Gloster, Yorke, Buckingham, Somerset,
75: Salisburie, and Warwicke.
76: We thanke you all for this great fauour done,
77: In entertainment to my Princely Queene.
78: Come, let vs in, and with all speede prouide
79: To see her Coronation be perform'd.
80: [ Exit King, Queene, and Suffolke.]
81: [ Manet the rest.]
82:
Glo.
Braue Peeres of England, Pillars of the State,
83: To you Duke Humfrey must vnload his greefe:
84: Your greefe, the common greefe of all the Land.
85: What? did my brother Henry spend his youth,
86: His valour, coine, and people in the warres?
87: Did he so often lodge in open field:
88: In Winters cold, and Summers parching heate,
89: To conquer France, his true inheritance?
90: And did my brother Bedford toyle his wits,
91: To keepe by policy what Henrie got:
92: Haue you your selues, Somerset, Buckingham,
93: Braue Yorke, Salisbury, and victorious Warwicke,
94: Receiud deepe scarres in France and Normandie:
95: Or hath mine Vnckle Beauford, and my selfe,
96: With all the Learned Counsell of the Realme,
97: Studied so long, sat in the Councell house,
98: Early and late, debating too and fro
99: How France and Frenchmen might be kept in awe,
100: And hath his Highnesse in his infancie,
101: Crowned in Paris in despight of foes,
102: And shall these Labours, and these Honours dye?
103: Shall Henries Conquest, Bedfords vigilance,
104: Your Deeds of Warre, and all our Counsell dye?
105: O Peeres of England, shamefull is this League,
106: Fatall this Marriage, cancelling your Fame,
107: Blotting your names from Bookes of memory,
108: Racing the Charracters of your Renowne,
109: Defacing Monuments of Conquer'd France,
110: Vndoing all as all had neuer bin.
111:
Car.
Nephew, what meanes this passionate discourse?
112: This preroration with such circumstance:
113: For France, 'tis ours; and we will keepe it still.
114:
Glo.
I Vnckle, we will keepe it, if we can:
115: But now it is impossible we should.
116: Suffolke, the new made Duke that rules the rost,
117: Hath giuen the Dutchy of Aniou and Mayne,
118: Vnto the poore King Reignier, whose large style
119: Agrees not with the leannesse of his purse.
120:
Sal.
Now by the death of him that dyed for all,
121: These Counties were the Keyes of Normandie:
122: But wherefore weepes Warwicke, my valiant sonne?
123:
War.
For greefe that they are past recouerie.
124: For were there hope to conquer them againe,
125: My sword should shed hot blood, mine eyes no teares.
126: Aniou and Maine? My selfe did win them both:
127: Those Prouinces, these Armes of mine did conquer,
128: And are the Citties that I got with wounds,
129: Deliuer'd vp againe with peacefull words?
130: Mort Dieu.
131:
Yorke.
For Suffolkes Duke, may he be suffocate,
132: That dims the Honor of this Warlike Isle:
133: France should haue torne and rent my very hart,
134: Before I would haue yeelded to this League.
135: I neuer read but Englands Kings haue had
136: Large summes of Gold, and Dowries with their wiues,
137: And our King Henry giues away his owne,
138: To match with her that brings no vantages.
139:
Hum.
A proper iest, and neuer heard before,
140: That Suffolke should demand a whole Fifteenth,
141: For Costs and Charges in transporting her:
142: She should haue staid in France, and steru'd in France
143: Before ===
144:
Car.
My Lord of Gloster, now ye grow too hot,
145: It was the pleasure of my Lord the King.
146:
Hum.
My Lord of Winchester I know your minde.
147: 'Tis not my speeches that you do mislike:
148: But 'tis my presence that doth trouble ye,
149: Rancour will out, proud Prelate, in thy face
150: I see thy furie: If I longer stay,
151: We shall begin our ancient bickerings:
152: Lordings farewell, and say when I am gone,
153: I prophesied, France will be lost ere long. [ Exit Humfrey.]
154:
Car.
So, there goes our Protector in a rage:
155: 'Tis knowne to you he is mine enemy:
156: Nay more, an enemy vnto you all,
157: And no great friend, I feare me to the King;
158: Consider Lords, he is the next of blood,
159: And heyre apparant to the English Crowne:
160: Had Henrie got an Empire by his marriage,
161: And all the wealthy Kingdomes of the West,
162: There's reason he should be displeas'd at it:
163: Looke to it Lords, let not his smoothing words
164: Bewitch your hearts, be wise and circumspect.
165: What though the common people fauour him,
166: Calling him, Humfrey the good Duke of Gloster,
167: Clapping their hands, and crying with loud voyce,
168: Iesu maintaine your Royall Excellence,
169: With God preserue the good Duke Humfrey:
170: I feare me Lords, for all this flattering glosse,
171: He will be found a dangerous Protector.
172:
Buc.
Why should he then protect our Soueraigne?
173: He being of age to gouerne of himselfe.
174: Cosin of Somerset, ioyne you with me,
175: And altogether with the Duke of Suffolke,
176: Wee'l quickly hoyse Duke Humfrey from his seat.
177:
Car.
This weighty businesse will not brooke delay,
178: Ile to the Duke of Suffolke presently. [ Exit Cardinall.]
179:
Som.
Cosin of Buckingham, though Humfries pride
180: And greatnesse of his place be greefe to vs,
181: Yet let vs watch the haughtie Cardinall,
182: His insolence is more intollerable
183: Then all the Princes in the Land beside,
184: If Gloster be displac'd, hee'l be Protector.
185:
Buc.
Or thou, or I Somerset will be Protectors,
186: Despite Duke Humfrey, or the Cardinall.
187: [ Exit Buckingham, and Somerset.]
188:
Sal.
Pride went before, Ambition followes him.
189: While these do labour for their owne preferment,
190: Behooues it vs to labor for the Realme.
191: I neuer saw but Humfrey Duke of Gloster,
192: Did beare him like a Noble Gentleman:
193: Oft haue I seene the haughty Cardinall,
194: More like a Souldier then a man o'th' Church,
195: As stout and proud as he were Lord of all,
196: Sweare like a Ruffian, and demeane himselfe
197: Vnlike the Ruler of a Common-weale.
198: Warwicke my sonne, the comfort of my age,
199: Thy deeds, thy plainnesse, and thy house-keeping,
200: Hath wonne the greatest fauour of the Commons,
201: Excepting none but good Duke Humfrey.
202: And Brother Yorke, thy Acts in Ireland,
203: In bringing them to ciuill Discipline:
204: Thy late exploits done in the heart of France,
205: When thou wert Regent for our Soueraigne,
206: Haue made thee fear'd and honor'd of the people,
207: Ioyne we together for the publike good,
208: In what we can, to bridle and suppresse
209: The pride of Suffolke, and the Cardinall,
210: With Somersets and Buckinghams Ambition,
211: And as we may, cherish Duke Humfries deeds,
212: While they do tend the profit of the Land.
213:
War.
So God helpe Warwicke, as he loues the Land,
214: And common profit of his Countrey.
215:
Yor.
And so sayes Yorke,
216: For he hath greatest cause.
217:
Salisbury.
Then lets make hast away,
218: And looke vnto the maine.
219:
Warwicke.
Vnto the maine?
220: Oh Father, Maine is lost,
221: That Maine, which by maine force Warwicke did winne,
222: And would haue kept, so long as breath did last:
223: Main-chance father you meant, but I meant Maine,
224: Which I will win from France, or else be slaine.
225: [ Exit Warwicke, and Salisbury. Manet Yorke.]
226:
Yorke.
Aniou and Maine are giuen to the French,
227: Paris is lost, the state of Normandie
228: Stands on a tickle point, now they are gone:
229: Suffolke concluded on the Articles,
230: The Peeres agreed, and Henry was well pleas'd,
231: To change two Dukedomes for a Dukes faire daughter.
232: I cannot blame them all, what is't to them?
233: 'Tis thine they giue away, and not their owne.
234: Pirates may make cheape penyworths of their pillage,
235: And purchase Friends, and giue to Curtezans,
236: Still reuelling like Lords till all be gone,
237: While as the silly Owner of the goods
238: Weepes ouer them, and wrings his haplesse hands,
239: And shakes his head, and trembling stands aloofe,
240: While all is shar'd, and all is borne away,
241: Ready to sterue, and dare not touch his owne.
242: So Yorke must sit, and fret, and bite his tongue,
243: While his owne Lands are bargain'd for, and sold:
244: Me thinkes the Realmes of England, France, & Ireland,
245: Beare that proportion to my flesh and blood,
246: As did the fatall brand Althaea burnt,
247: Vnto the Princes heart of Calidon:
248: Aniou and Maine both giuen vnto the French?
249: Cold newes for me: for I had hope of France,
250: Euen as I haue of fertile Englands soile.
251: A day will come, when Yorke shall claime his owne,
252: And therefore I will take the Neuils parts,
253: And make a shew of loue to proud Duke Humfrey,
254: And when I spy aduantage, claime the Crowne,
255: For that's the Golden marke I seeke to hit:
256: Nor shall proud Lancaster vsurpe my right,
257: Nor hold the Scepter in his childish Fist,
258: Nor weare the Diadem vpon his head,
259: Whose Church-like humors fits not for a Crowne.
260: Then Yorke be still a-while, till time do serue:
261: Watch thou, and wake when others be asleepe,
262: To prie into the secrets of the State,
263: Till Henrie surfetting in ioyes of loue,
264: With his new Bride, & Englands deere bought Queen,
265: And Humfrey with the Peeres be falne at iarres:
266: Then will I raise aloft the Milke-white-Rose,
267: With whose sweet smell the Ayre shall be perfum'd,
268: And in my Standard beare the Armes of Yorke,
269: To grapple with the house of Lancaster,
270: And force perforce Ile make him yeeld the Crowne,
271: Whose bookish Rule, hath pull'd faire England downe.
272: [ Exit Yorke.]
273: [ Enter Duke Humfrey and his wife Elianor.]
274:
Elia.
Why droopes my Lord like ouer-ripen'd Corn,
275: Hanging the head at Ceres plenteous load?
276: Why doth the Great Duke Humfrey knit his browes,
277: As frowning at the Fauours of the world?
278: Why are thine eyes fixt to the sullen earth,
279: Gazing on that which seemes to dimme thy sight?
280: What seest thou there? King Henries Diadem,
281: Inchac'd with all the Honors of the world?
282: If so, Gaze on, and grouell on thy face,
283: Vntill thy head be circled with the same.
284: Put forth thy hand, reach at the glorious Gold.
285: What, is't too short? Ile lengthen it with mine,
286: And hauing both together heau'd it vp,
287: Wee'l both together lift our heads to heauen,
288: And neuer more abase our sight so low,
289: As to vouchsafe one glance vnto the ground.
290:
Hum.
O Nell, sweet Nell, if thou dost loue thy Lord,
291: Banish the Canker of ambitious thoughts:
292: And may that thought, when I imagine ill
293: Against my King and Nephew, vertuous Henry,
294: Be my last breathing in this mortall world.
295: My troublous dreames this night, doth make me sad.
296:
Eli.
What dream'd my Lord, tell me, and Ile requite it
297: With sweet rehearsall of my mornings dreame?
298:
Hum.
Me thought this staffe mine Office-badge in
299: Court
300: Was broke in twaine: by whom, I haue forgot,
301: But as I thinke, it was by'th Cardinall,
302: And on the peeces of the broken Wand
303: Were plac'd the heads of Edmond Duke of Somerset,
304: And William de la Pole first Duke of Suffolke.
305: This was my dreame, what it doth bode God knowes.
306:
Eli.
Tut, this was nothing but an argument,
307: That he that breakes a sticke of Glosters groue,
308: Shall loose his head for his presumption.
309: But list to me my Humfrey, my sweete Duke:
310: Me thought I sate in Seate of Maiesty,
311: In the Cathedrall Church of Westminster,
312: And in that Chaire where Kings & Queens wer crownd,
313: Where Henrie and Dame Margaret kneel'd to me,
314: And on my head did set the Diadem.
315:
Hum.
Nay Elinor, then must I chide outright:
316: Presumptuous Dame, ill-nurter'd Elianor,
317: Art thou not second Woman in the Realme?
318: And the Protectors wife belou'd of him?
319: Hast thou not worldly pleasure at command,
320: Aboue the reach or compasse of thy thought?
321: And wilt thou still be hammering Treachery,
322: To tumble downe thy husband, and thy selfe,
323: From top of Honor, to Disgraces feete?
324: Away from me, and let me heare no more.
325:
Elia.
What, what, my Lord? Are you so chollericke
326: With Elianor, for telling but her dreame?
327: Next time Ile keepe my dreames vnto my selfe,
328: And not be check'd.
329:
Hum.
Nay be not angry, I am pleas'd againe.
330: [ Enter Messenger.]
331:
Mess.
My Lord Protector, 'tis his Highnes pleasure,
332: You do prepare to ride vnto S[aint]. Albons,
333: Where as the King and Queene do meane to Hawke.
334:
Hu
I go. Come Nel thou wilt ride with vs? [ Ex[it]. Hum[frey]]
335:
Eli.
Yes my good Lord, Ile follow presently.
336: Follow I must, I cannot go before,
337: While Gloster beares this base and humble minde.
338: Were I a Man, a Duke, and next of blood,
339: I would remoue these tedious stumbling blockes,
340: And smooth my way vpon their headlesse neckes.
341: And being a woman, I will not be slacke
342: To play my part in Fortunes Pageant.
343: Where are you there? Sir Iohn; nay feare not man,
344: We are alone, here's none but thee, & I. [ Enter Hume.]
345:
Hume.
Iesus preserue your Royall Maiesty.
346:
Elia.
What saist thou? Maiesty: I am but Grace.
347:
Hume.
But by the grace of God, and Humes aduice,
348: Your Graces Title shall be multiplied.
349:
Elia.
What saist thou man? Hast thou as yet confer'd
350: With Margerie Iordane the cunning Witch,
351: With Roger Bollingbrooke the Coniurer?
352: And will they vndertake to do me good?
353:
Hume.
This they haue promised to shew your Highnes
354: A Spirit rais'd from depth of vnder ground,
355: That shall make answere to such Questions,
356: As by your Grace shall be propounded him.
357:
Elianor.
It is enough, Ile thinke vpon the Questions:
358: When from Saint Albones we doe make returne,
359: Wee'le see these things effected to the full.
360: Here Hume, take this reward, make merry man
361: With thy Confederates in this weightie cause.
362: [ Exit Elianor.]
363:
Hume.
Hume must make merry with the Duchesse Gold:
364: Marry and shall: but how now, Sir Iohn Hume?
365: Seale vp your Lips, and giue no words but Mum,
366: The businesse asketh silent secrecie.
367: Dame Elianor giues Gold, to bring the Witch:
368: Gold cannot come amisse, were she a Deuill.
369: Yet haue I Gold flyes from another Coast:
370: I dare not say, from the rich Cardinall,
371: And from the great and new-made Duke of Suffolke;
372: Yet I doe finde it so: for to be plaine,
373: They (knowing Dame Elianors aspiring humor)
374: Haue hyred me to vnder-mine the Duchesse,
375: And buzze these Coniurations in her brayne.
376: They say, A craftie Knaue do's need no Broker,
377: Yet am I Suffolke and the Cardinalls Broker.
378: Hume, if you take not heed, you shall goe neere
379: To call them both a payre of craftie Knaues.
380: Well, so it stands: and thus I feare at last,
381: Humes Knauerie will be the Duchesse Wracke,
382: And her Attainture, will be Humphreyes fall:
383: Sort how it will, I shall haue Gold for all. [ Exit.]
384: [ Enter three or foure Petitioners, the Armorers
Man being one]
386:
1.Pet.
My Masters, let's stand close, my Lord Pro-tector
387: will come this way by and by, and then wee may
388: deliuer our Supplications in the Quill.
389:
2.Pet.
Marry the Lord protect him, for hee's a good
390: man, Iesu blesse him.
391: [ Enter Suffolke, and Queene.]
392:
Peter.
Here a comes me thinkes, and the Queene with
393: him: Ile be the first sure.
394:
2.Pet.
Come backe foole, this is the Duke of Suffolk,
395: and not my Lord Protector.
396:
Suff.
How now fellow: would'st any thing with me?
397:
1.Pet.
I pray my Lord pardon me, I tooke ye for my
398: Lord Protector.
399:
Queene.
To my Lord Protector? Are your Supplica-tions
400: to his Lordship? Let me see them: what is thine?
401:
1.Pet.
Mine is, and't please your Grace, against Iohn
402: Goodman, my Lord Cardinals Man, for keeping my House,
403: and Lands, and Wife and all, from me.
404:
Suff.
Thy Wife too? that's some Wrong indeede.
405: What's yours? What's heere? Against the Duke of
406: Suffolke, for enclosing the Commons of Melforde. How
407: now, Sir Knaue?
408:
2.Pet.
Alas Sir, I am but a poore Petitioner of our
409: whole Towneship.
410:
Peter.
Against my Master Thomas Horner, for saying,
411: That the Duke of Yorke was rightfull Heire to the
412: Crowne.
413:
Queene.
What say'st thou? Did the Duke of Yorke
414: say, hee was rightfull Heire to the Crowne?
415:
Peter.
That my Mistresse was? No forsooth: my Master
416: said, That he was, and that the King was an Vsurper.
417:
Suff.
Who is there?
418: [ Enter Seruant.]
419: Take this fellow in, and send for his Master with a Purse-uant
420: presently: wee'le heare more of your matter before
421: the King. [ Exit.]
422:
Queene.
And as for you that loue to be protected
423: Vnder the Wings of our Protectors Grace,
424: Begin your Suites anew, and sue to him.
425: [ Teare the Supplication.]
426: Away, base Cullions: Suffolke let them goe.
427:
All
Come, let's be gone. [ Exit.]
428:
Queene.
My Lord of Suffolke, say, is this the guise?
429: Is this the Fashions in the Court of England?
430: Is this the Gouernment of Britaines Ile?
431: And this the Royaltie of Albions King?
432: What, shall King Henry be a Pupill still,
433: Vnder the surly Glosters Gouernance?
434: Am I a Queene in Title and in Stile,
435: And must be made a Subiect to a Duke?
436: I tell thee Poole, when in the Citie Tours
437: Thou ran'st a-tilt in honor of my Loue,
438: And stol'st away the Ladies hearts of France;
439: I thought King Henry had resembled thee,
440: In Courage, Courtship, and Proportion:
441: But all his minde is bent to Holinesse,
442: To number Aue-Maries on his Beades:
443: His Champions, are the Prophets and Apostles,
444: His Weapons, holy Sawes of sacred Writ,
445: His Studie is his Tilt-yard, and his Loues
446: Are brazen Images of Canonized Saints.
447: I would the Colledge of the Cardinalls
448: Would chuse him Pope, and carry him to Rome,
449: And set the Triple Crowne vpon his Head;
450: That were a State fit for his Holinesse.
451:
Suff.
Madame be patient: as I was cause
452: Your Highnesse came to England, so will I
453: In England worke your Graces full content.
454:
Queene.
Beside the haughtie Protector, haue we Beauford
455: The imperious Churchman; Somerset, Buckingham,
456: And grumbling Yorke: and not the least of these,
457: But can doe more in England then the King.
458:
Suff.
And he of these, that can doe most of all,
459: Cannot doe more in England then the Neuils:
460: Salisbury and Warwick are no simple Peeres.
461:
Queene.
Not all these Lords do vex me halfe so much,
462: As that prowd Dame, the Lord Protectors Wife:
463: She sweepes it through the Court with troups of Ladies,
464: More like an Empresse, then Duke Humphreyes Wife:
465: Strangers in Court, doe take her for the Queene:
466: She beares a Dukes Reuenewes on her backe,
467: And in her heart she scornes our Pouertie:
468: Shall I not liue to be aueng'd on her?
469: Contemptuous base-borne Callot as she is,
470: She vaunted 'mongst her Minions t' other day,
471: The very trayne of her worst wearing Gowne,
472: Was better worth then all my Fathers Lands,
473: Till Suffolke gaue two Dukedomes for his Daughter.
474:
Suff.
Madame, my selfe haue lym'd a Bush for her,
475: And plac't a Quier of such enticing Birds,
476: That she will light to listen to the Layes,
477: And neuer mount to trouble you againe.
478: So let her rest: and Madame list to me,
479: For I am bold to counsaile you in this;
480: Although we fancie not the Cardinall,
481: Yet must we ioyne with him and with the Lords,
482: Till we haue brought Duke Humphrey in disgrace.
483: As for the Duke of Yorke, this late Complaint
484: Will make but little for his benefit:
485: So one by one wee'le weed them all at last,
486: And you your selfe shall steere the happy Helme. [ Exit.]
487: [ Sound a Sennet.]
488: [ Enter the King, Duke Humfrey, Cardinall, Bucking-ham,
Yorke, Salisbury, Warwicke,
and the Duchesse]
491:
King.
For my part, Noble Lords, I care not which,
492: Or Somerset, or Yorke, all's one to me.
493:
Yorke.
If Yorke haue ill demean'd himselfe in France,
494: Then let him be denay'd the Regent-ship.
495:
Som.
If Somerset be vnworthy of the Place,
496: Let Yorke be Regent, I will yeeld to him.
497:
Warw.
Whether your Grace be worthy, yea or no,
498: Dispute not that, Yorke is the worthyer.
499:
Card.
Ambitious Warwicke, let thy betters speake.
500:
Warw.
The Cardinall's not my better in the field.
501:
Buck.
All in this presence are thy betters, Warwicke.
502:
Warw.
Warwicke may liue to be the best of all.
503:
Salisb.
Peace Sonne, and shew some reason Buckingham
504: Why Somerset should be preferr'd in this?
505:
Queene.
Because the King forsooth will haue it so.
506:
Humf.
Madame, the King is old enough himselfe
507: To giue his Censure: These are no Womens matters.
508:
Queene.
If he be old enough, what needs your Grace
509: To be Protector of his Excellence?
510:
Humf.
Madame, I am Protector of the Realme,
511: And at his pleasure will resigne my Place.
512:
Suff.
Resigne it then, and leaue thine insolence.
513: Since thou wert King; as who is King, but thou?
514: The Common-wealth hath dayly run to wrack,
515: The Dolphin hath preuayl'd beyond the Seas,
516: And all the Peeres and Nobles of the Realme
517: Haue beene as Bond-men to thy Soueraigntie.
518:
Card.
The Commons hast thou rackt, the Clergies Bags
519: Are lanke and leane with thy Extortions.
520:
Som.
Thy sumptuous Buildings, and thy Wiues Attyre
521: Haue cost a masse of publique Treasurie.
522:
Buck.
Thy Crueltie in execution
523: Vpon Offendors, hath exceeded Law,
524: And left thee to the mercy of the Law.
525:
Queene.
Thy sale of Offices and Townes in France,
526: If they were knowne, as the suspect is great,
527: Would make thee quickly hop without thy Head.
528: [ Exit Humfrey.]
529: Giue me my Fanne: what, Mynion, can ye not?
530: [ She giues the Duchesse a box on the eare.]
531: I cry you mercy, Madame: was it you?
532:
Duch.
Was't I? yea, I it was, prowd French-woman:
533: Could I come neere your Beautie with my Nayles,
534: I could set my ten Commandements in your face.
535:
King.
Sweet Aunt be quiet, 'twas against her will.
536:
Duch.
Against her will, good King? looke to't in time,
537: Shee'le hamper thee, and dandle thee like a Baby:
538: Though in this place most Master weare no Breeches,
539: She shall not strike Dame Elianor vnreueng'd.
540: [ Exit Elianor.]
541:
Buck.
Lord Cardinall, I will follow Elianor,
542: And listen after Humfrey, how he proceedes:
543: Shee's tickled now, her Fume needs no spurres,
544: Shee'le gallop farre enough to her destruction.
545: [ Exit Buckingham.]
546: [ Enter Humfrey.]
547:
Humf.
Now Lords, my Choller being ouer-blowne,
548: With walking once about the Quadrangle,
549: I come to talke of Common-wealth Affayres.
550: As for your spightfull false Obiections,
551: Proue them, and I lye open to the Law:
552: But God in mercie so deale with my Soule,
553: As I in dutie loue my King and Countrey.
554: But to the matter that we haue in hand:
555: I say, my Soueraigne, Yorke is meetest man
556: To be your Regent in the Realme of France.
557:
Suff.
Before we make election, giue me leaue
558: To shew some reason, of no little force,
559: That Yorke is most vnmeet of any man.
560:
Yorke.
Ile tell thee, Suffolke, why I am vnmeet.
561: First, for I cannot flatter thee in Pride:
562: Next, if I be appointed for the Place,
563: My Lord of Somerset will keepe me here,
564: Without Discharge, Money, or Furniture,
565: Till France be wonne into the Dolphins hands:
566: Last time I danc't attendance on his will,
567: Till Paris was besieg'd, famisht, and lost.
568:
Warw.
That can I witnesse, and a fouler fact
569: Did neuer Traytor in the Land commit.
570:
Suff.
Peace head-strong Warwicke.
571:
Warw.
Image of Pride, why should I hold my peace?
572: [ Enter Armorer and his Man.]
573:
Suff.
Because here is a man accused of Treason,
574: Pray God the Duke of Yorke excuse himselfe.
575:
Yorke.
Doth any one accuse Yorke for a Traytor?
576:
King.
What mean'st thou, Suffolke? tell me, what are
577: these?
578:
Suff.
Please it your Maiestie, this is the man
579: That doth accuse his Master of High Treason;
580: His words were these: That Richard, Duke of Yorke,
581: Was rightfull Heire vnto the English Crowne,
582: And that your Maiestie was an Vsurper.
583:
King.
Say man, were these thy words?
584:
Armorer.
And't shall please your Maiestie, I neuer sayd
585: nor thought any such matter: God is my witnesse, I am
586: falsely accus'd by the Villaine.
587:
Peter.
By these tenne bones, my Lords, hee did speake
588: them to me in the Garret one Night, as wee were scow-ring
589: my Lord of Yorkes Armor.
590:
Yorke.
Base Dunghill Villaine, and Mechanicall,
591: Ile haue thy Head for this thy Traytors speech:
592: I doe beseech your Royall Maiestie,
593: Let him haue all the rigor of the Law.
594:
Armorer.
Alas, my Lord, hang me if euer I spake the
595: words: my accuser is my Prentice, and when I did cor-rect
596: him for his fault the other day, he did vow vpon his
597: knees he would be euen with me: I haue good witnesse
598: of this; therefore I beseech your Maiestie, doe not cast
599: away an honest man for a Villaines accusation.
600:
King.
Vnckle, what shall we say to this in law?
601:
Humf.
This doome, my Lord, if I may iudge:
602: Let Somerset be Regent o're the French,
603: Because in Yorke this breedes suspition;
604: And let these haue a day appointed them
605: For single Combat, in conuenient place,
606: For he hath witnesse of his seruants malice:
607: This is the Law, and this Duke Humfreyes doome.
608:
Som.
I humbly thanke your Royall Maiestie.
609:
Armorer.
And I accept the Combat willingly.
610:
Peter.
Alas, my Lord, I cannot fight; for Gods sake
611: pitty my case: the spight of man preuayleth against me.
612: O Lord haue mercy vpon me, I shall neuer be able to
613: fight a blow: O Lord my heart.
614:
Humf.
Sirrha, or you must fight, or else be hang'd.
615:
King.
Away with them to Prison: and the day of
616: Combat, shall be the last of the next moneth. Come
617: Somerset, wee'le see thee sent away.
618: [ Flourish. Exeunt.]
619: [ Enter the Witch, the two Priests, and Bullingbrooke.]
620:
Hume.
Come my Masters, the Duchesse I tell you ex-pects
621: performance of your promises.
622:
Bulling.
Master Hume, we are therefore prouided: will
623: her Ladyship behold and heare our Exorcismes?
624:
Hume.
I, what else? feare you not her courage.
625:
Bulling.
I haue heard her reported to be a Woman of
626: an inuincible spirit: but it shall be conuenient, Master
627: Hume, that you be by her aloft, while wee be busie be-low;
628: and so I pray you goe in Gods Name, and leaue vs.
629: [ Exit Hume.]
630: Mother Iordan, be you prostrate, and grouell on the
631: Earth; Iohn Southwell reade you, and let vs to our worke.
632: [ Enter Elianor aloft.]
633:
Elianor.
Well said my Masters, and welcome all: To
634: this geere, the sooner the better.
635:
Bullin.
Patience, good Lady, Wizards know their times:
636: Deepe Night, darke Night, the silent of the Night,
637: The time of Night when Troy was set on fire,
638: The time when Screech-owles cry, and Bandogs howle,
639: And Spirits walke, and Ghosts breake vp their Graues;
640: That time best fits the worke we haue in hand.
641: Madame, sit you, and feare not: whom wee rayse,
642: Wee will make fast within a hallow'd Verge.
643: [ Here doe the Ceremonies belonging, and make the Circle,
Bullingbrooke or Southwell reades, Coniuro
te, &c. It Thunders and Lightens
terribly: then the Spirit
riseth]
648:
Spirit.
Ad sum.
649:
Witch.
Asmath, by the eternall God,
650: Whose name and power thou tremblest at,
651: Answere that I shall aske: for till thou speake,
652: Thou shalt not passe from hence.
653:
Spirit.
Aske what thou wilt; that I had sayd, and
654: done.
655:
Bulling.
First of the King: What shall of him be-come?
656: _
657:
Spirit.
The Duke yet liues, that Henry shall depose:
658: But him out-liue, and dye a violent death.
659:
Bulling.
What fates await the Duke of Suffolke?
660:
Spirit.
By Water shall he dye, and take his end.
661:
Bulling.
What shall befall the Duke of Somerset?
662:
Spirit.
Let him shun Castles,
663: Safer shall he be vpon the sandie Plaines,
664: Then where Castles mounted stand.
665: Haue done, for more I hardly can endure.
666:
Bulling.
Discend to Darknesse, and the burning Lake:
667: False Fiend auoide.
668: [ Thunder and Lightning. Exit Spirit.]
669: [ Enter the Duke of Yorke and the Duke of Buckingham
with their Guard, and breake in]
671:
Yorke.
Lay hands vpon these Traytors, and their trash:
672: Beldam I thinke we watcht you at an ynch.
673: What Madame, are you there? the King & Commonweale
674: Are deepely indebted for this peece of paines;
675: My Lord Protector will, I doubt it not,
676: See you well guerdon'd for these good deserts.
677:
Elianor.
Not halfe so bad as thine to Englands King,
678: Iniurious Duke, that threatest where's no cause.
679:
Buck.
True Madame, none at all: what call you this?
680: Away with them, let them be clapt vp close,
681: And kept asunder: you Madame shall with vs.
682: Stafford take her to thee.
683: Wee'le see your Trinkets here all forth-comming.
684: All away. [ Exit.]
685:
Yorke.
Lord Buckingham, me thinks you watcht her well:
686: A pretty Plot, well chosen to build vpon.
687: Now pray my Lord, let's see the Deuils Writ.
688: What haue we here? [ Reades.]
689: The Duke yet liues, that Henry shall depose:
690: But him out-liue, and dye a violent death.
691: Why this is iust, Aio Aeacida Romanos vincere posso.
692: Well, to the rest:
693: Tell me what fate awaits the Duke of Suffolke?
694: By Water shall he dye, and take his end.
695: What shall betide the Duke of Somerset?
696: Let him shunne Castles,
697: Safer shall he be vpon the sandie Plaines,
698: Then where Castles mounted stand.
699: Come, come, my Lords,
700: These Oracles are hardly attain'd,
701: And hardly vnderstood.
702: The King is now in progresse towards Saint Albones,
703: With him, the Husband of this louely Lady:
704: Thither goes these Newes,
705: As fast as Horse can carry them:
706: A sorry Breakfast for my Lord Protector.
707:
Buck.
Your Grace shal giue me leaue, my Lord of York,
708: To be the Poste, in hope of his reward.
709:
Yorke.
At your pleasure, my good Lord.
710: Who's within there, hoe?
711: [ Enter a Seruingman.]
712: Inuite my Lords of Salisbury and Warwick
713: To suppe with me to morrow Night. Away.
714: [ Exeunt.]