Nor made to court an amorous looking-glass; I, that am rudely stamp'd, and want love's majesty, I, that am curtail'd of this fair proportion, This day should Clarence closely be mew'd up; Of Edward's heirs the murderer shall be. : comes. Enter Clarence, guarded, and Brakenbury. Brother, good day: What means this armed guard, That waits upon your grace? Clar. His majesty, Tendering my person's safety, hath appointed Glo. Upon what cause? Clar. Because my name is-George. Glo. Alack, my lord, that fault is none of yours; He should, for that, commit your godfathers:O, belike, his majesty hath some intent, That you shall be new-christen'd in the Tower. But what's the matter, Clarence? may I know? Clar. Yea, Richard, when I know; for, I protest, As yet I do not: But, as I can learn, He hearkens after prophecies, and dreams; Glo. Why, this it is, when men are rul'd by women: 'Tis not the king, that sends you to the Tower; My lady Grey his wife, Clarence, 'tis she, That tempers him to this extremity. Was it not she, and that good man of worship, That made him send lord Hastings to the Tower; But the queen's kindred, and night-walking heralds Glo. Humbly complaining to her deity Brak. I beseech your graces both to pardon me; His majesty hath straitly given in charge, That no man shall have private conference, Of what degree soever, with his brother. Glo. Even so? an please your worship, Braken bury, You may partake of any thing we say: We say, A bonny eye, a passing pleasing tongue; Brak. With this, my lord, myself have nought to do. Glo. Naught to do with mistress Shore? I tell thee, fellow, He that doth naught with her, excepting one, Were best to do it secretly, alone. Brak. What one, my lord? Glo. Her husband, knave:-Would'st thou betray me? Brak. I beseech your grace to pardon me; and, withal, Forbear your conference with the noble duke. Clar. We know thy charge, Brakenbury, and will obey. Glo. We are the queen's abjects, and must obey, Brother, farewel: I will unto the king; And whatsoe'er you will employ me in,Were it, to call king Edward's widow-sister,— I will perform it, to enfranchise you. Mean time, this deep disgrace in brotherhood, Touches me deeper than you can imagine. Clar. I know, it pleaseth neither of us well. Glo. Well, your imprisonment shall not be long; I will deliver you, or else lie for you: Mean time, have patience. Clar. I must perforce; farewel. [Exeunt Clarence, Brakenbury, and Guard. Glo. Go, tread the path that thou shalt ne'er re turn, Simple, plain Clarence!--I do love thee so, Enter Hastings. Hast. Good time of day unto my gracious lord! Well are you welcome to this open air. How hath your lordship brook'd imprisonment? must: But I shall live, my lord, to give them thanks, Glo. No doubt, no doubt; and so shall Clarence too; For they, that were your enemies, are his, Glo. What news abroad? Hast. No news so bad abroad, as this at home;— The king is sickly, weak, and melancholy, And his physicians fear him mightily. Glo. Now, by saint Paul, this news is bad indeed. O, he hath kept an evil diet long, And over-much consum'd his royal person; 'Tis very grievous to be thought upon. What, is he in his bed? Glo. Go you before, and I will follow you. [Exit Hastings. He cannot live, I hope; and must not die, Till George be pack'd with posthorse up to heaven. Clarence hath not another day to live: Which done, God take king Edward to his mercy, 1 |