* K. Lew. And still is friend to him and Mar garet: * But if your title to the crown be weak,* As may appear by Edward's good success,— * Then 'tis but reason, that I be releas'd * From giving aid, which late I promised. * Yet shall you have all kindness at my hand, *That your estate requires, and mine can yield. War. Henry now lives in Scotland, at his ease; Where having nothing, nothing he can lose. And as for you yourself, our quondam queen,— You have a father able to maintain you; And better 'twere, you troubled him than France. * Q. Mar. Peace, impudent and shameless Warwick, peace; *Proud setter-up and puller-down of kings! * I will not hence, till with my talk and tears, * Both full of truth, I make king Lewis behold Thy sly conveyance, and thy lord's false love; * For both of you are birds of self-same feather. [A horn sounded within. K. Lew. Warwick, this is some post to us, or thee. Enter a Messenger. Mes. 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 mis tress 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 discon tent. K. Lew. What! has your king marry'd the lady Grey? And now, to sooth 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,— * Shame on himself! for my desert is honour. 'Q. Mar. Warwick, these words have turn'd my ' And I forgive and quite forget old faults, 'And joy that thou becom'st king Henry's friend. War. So much his friend, ay, his unfeigned friend, That, if king Lewis vouchsafe to furnish us *For matching more for wanton lust than honour, * Or than for strength and safety of our country. *Bona. Dear brother, how shall Bona be re veng'd, * But by thy help to this distressed queen? * Q. Mar. 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 yours. *K. Lew. And mine, with hers, 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,- * 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 Mes. But, Warwick, thou, And Oxford, with five thousand men, Shall cross the seas, and bid false Edward battle: * And, as occasion serves, this noble queen * And prince shall follow with a fresh supply. 'Yet, ere thou go, but answer me one doubt;'What pledge have we of thy firm loyalty? War. This shall assure my constant loyalty;That if our queen and this young prince agree, I'll join mine eldest daughter, and my joy, To him forthwith in holy wedlock bands. 'Q. Mar. Yes, I agree, and thank you for your motion: 'Son Edward, she is fair and virtuous, 'Therefore delay nót, give thy hand to Warwick; 'And, with thy hand, thy faith irrevocable, 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 levy'd, 'And thou, lord Bourbon, our high admiral, War. I came from Edward as embassador, But seek revenge on Edward's mockery. [Exit. |