* Q. Mar. Ay, now begins a second storm to rise; *For this is he, that moves both wind and tide. War. From worthy Edward, king of Albion, With nuptial knot, if thou vouchsafe to grant To England's king in lawful marriage. Q. Mar. If that go forward, Henry's hope is done. War. And, gracious madam, [To BONA.] in our king's behalf, 'I am commanded, with your leave and favour, Humbly to kiss your hand, and with my tongue To tell the passion of my sovereign's heart; Where fame, late entering at his heedful ears, Hath plac'd thy beauty's image, and thy virtue. Q. Mar. King Lewis,-and lady Bona,-hear me speak, Before you answer Warwick. His demand *Springs not from Edward's well-meant honest love, * But from deceit, bred by necessity; *For how can tyrants safely govern home, * That Henry liveth still: but were he dead, * Yet here prince Edward stands, king Henry's son. * Look therefore, Lewis, that by this league and marriage * Thou draw not on thy danger and dishonour: *For though usurpers sway the rule a while, * Yet heavens are just, and time suppresseth wrongs. War. Injurious Margaret! Prince. And why not queen? War. Because thy father Henry did usurp; And thou no more art prince, than she is queen. War. Oxford, how haps it, in this smooth dis course, You told not, how Henry the sixth hath lost Of threescore and two years; a silly time To make prescription for a kingdom's worth. Oxf. Why, Warwick, canst thou speak against thy liege, Whom thou obey'dst thirty and six years, And not bewray thy treason with a blush? War. Can Oxford, that did ever fence the right, ' Oxf. Call him my king, by whose injurious doom 'My elder brother, the lord Aubrey Vere, Was done to death? and more than so, my father, Even in the downfall of his mellow'd years, When nature brought him to the door of death? No, Warwick, no; while life upholds this arm, 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 Oxford. K. Lew. Now, Warwick, tell me, even upon thy conscience, Is Edward your true king? for I were loath, Unto our sister Bona. War. Such it seems, Myself have often heard him say, and swear,- 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 :Yet I confess, [To WAR.] 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 Prince. To Edward, but not to the English king. * K. Lew. And still is friend to him and Mar- * But if your title to the crown be weak, * Proud setter-up and puller-down of kings! [A horn sounded within. 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 yours, fair queen? Q. Mar. Mine, such as fill 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? Is this th'alliance that he seeks with France? • Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner? * 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,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.Did I forget, that by the house of York My father came untimely to his death? Did I let pass th' abuse done to my niece? Did I impale him with the regal crown? |