SCENE VII London. The palace. Flourish. Enter King Edward, Queen Elizabeth, Clarence, Gloucester, Hastings, a Nurse with the young Prince, and Attendants. K. Edw. Once more we sit in England's royal throne, Re-purchased with the blood of enemies. What valiant foeman, like to autumn's corn, With them, the two brave bears, Warwick and That in their chains fetter'd the kingly lion, 10 And made the forest tremble when they roar'd. Come hither, Bess, and let me kiss my boy. That thou mightst repossess the crown in peace: Glou. [Aside] I'll blast his harvest, if your head were laid; For yet I am not look'd on in the world. This shoulder was ordain'd so thick to heave; And heave it shall some weight, or break my back: Work thou the way, and thou shalt execute. K. Edw. Clarence and Gloucester, love my lovely queen; And kiss your princely nephew, brothers both. Clar. The duty that I owe unto your majesty I seal upon the lips of this sweet babe. Q. Eliz. Thanks, noble Clarence; worthy brother, thanks. 30 Glou. And, that I love the tree from whence thou sprang'st, Witness the loving kiss I give the fruit. [Aside] To say the truth, so Judas kiss'd his master, And cried, 'all hail!' when as he meant all harm. K. Edw. Now am I seated as my soul delights, Having my country's peace and brothers' loves. Clar. What will your grace have done with Margaret? Reignier, her father, to the King of France And hither have they sent it for her ransom. 40 30. The Camb. editor quotes from Steevens:-"In my copy of the second Folio, which had belonged to King Charles the First, his Majesty has erased Cla. and written King in its stead. Shakespeare, therefore, in the catalogue of his restorers, may boast a Royal name."-I. G. |