Somerset:What Newes from
France?
Somerset:but Gods will be
done.
Gloster, know that thou art come too soone,
Suffolke, thou shalt not see me blush,
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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<div type="scene" n="4" rend="notPresent">
<head type="supplied">[Act 2, Scene 4]</head>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Duke Humfrey and his Men in
<lb/>Mourning Cloakes.</stage>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1088">Thus sometimes hath the brightest day a Cloud:</l>
<l n="1089">And after Summer, euermore succeedes</l>
<l n="1090">Barren Winter, with his wrathfull nipping Cold;</l>
<l n="1091">So Cares and Ioyes abound, as Seasons fleet.</l>
<l n="1092">Sirs, what's a Clock?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-ser">
<speaker rend="italic">Seru.</speaker>
<l n="1093">Tenne, my Lord.</l>
</sp>
<cb n="2"/>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1094">Tenne is the houre that was appointed me,</l>
<l n="1095">To watch the comming of my punisht Duchesse:</l>
<l n="1096">Vnneath may shee endure the Flintie Streets,</l>
<l n="1097">To treade them with her tender‑feeling feet.</l>
<l n="1098">Sweet<hi rend="italic">Nell</hi>, ill can thy Noble Minde abrooke</l>
<l n="1099">The abiect People, gazing on thy face,</l>
<l n="1100">With enuious Lookes laughing at thy shame,</l>
<l n="1101">That erst did follow thy prowd Chariot‑Wheeles,</l>
<l n="1102">When thou didst ride in triumph through the streets.</l>
<l n="1103">But soft, I thinke she comes, and Ile prepare</l>
<l n="1104">My teare‑stayn'd eyes, to see her Miseries.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter the Duchesse in a white Sheet, and a Taper
<lb/>burning in her hand, with the Sherife
<lb/>and Officers.</stage>
<sp who="#F-2h6-ser">
<speaker rend="italic">Seru.</speaker>
<l n="1105">So please your Grace, wee'le take her from the
<lb/>Sherife.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Gloster.</speaker>
<l n="1106">No, stirre not for your liues, let her passe
<lb/>by.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-ele">
<speaker rend="italic">Elianor.</speaker>
<l n="1107">Come you, my Lord, to see my open shame<c rend="italic">?</c>
</l>
<l n="1108">Now thou do'st Penance too. Looke how they gaze,</l>
<l n="1109">See how the giddy multitude doe point,</l>
<l n="1110">And nodde their heads, and throw their eyes on thee.</l>
<l n="1111">Ah<hi rend="italic">Gloster</hi>, hide thee from their hatefull lookes,</l>
<l n="1112">And in thy Closet pent vp, rue my shame,</l>
<l n="1113">And banne thine Enemies, both mine and thine.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1114">Be patient, gentle<hi rend="italic">Nell</hi>, forget this griefe.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-ele">
<speaker rend="italic">Elianor.</speaker>
<l n="1115">Ah<hi rend="italic">Gloster</hi>, teach me to forget my selfe:</l>
<l n="1116">For whilest I thinke I am thy married Wife,</l>
<l n="1117">And thou a Prince, Protector of this Land;</l>
<l n="1118">Me thinkes I should not thus be led along,</l>
<l n="1119">Mayl'd vp in shame, with Papers on my back,</l>
<l n="1120">And follow'd with a Rabble, that reioyce</l>
<l n="1121">To see my teares, and heare my deepe‑set groanes.</l>
<l n="1122">The ruthlesse flint doth cut my tender feet,</l>
<l n="1123">And when I start, the enuious people laugh,</l>
<l n="1124">And bid me be aduised how I treade.</l>
<l n="1125">Ah<hi rend="italic">Humfrey</hi>, can I beare this shamefull yoake?</l>
<l n="1126">Trowest thou, that ere Ile looke vpon the World,</l>
<l n="1127">Or count them happy, that enioyes the Sunne?</l>
<l n="1128">No: Darke shall be my Light, and Night my Day.</l>
<l n="1129">To thinke vpon my Pompe, shall be my Hell.</l>
<l n="1130">Sometime Ile say, I am Duke<hi rend="italic">Humfreyes</hi>Wife,</l>
<l n="1131">And he a Prince, and Ruler of the Land:</l>
<l n="1132">Yet so he rul'd, and such a Prince he was,</l>
<l n="1133">As he stood by, whilest I, his forlorne Duchesse,</l>
<l n="1134">Was made a wonder, and a pointing stock</l>
<l n="1135">To euery idle Rascall follower.</l>
<l n="1136">But be thou milde and blush not at my shame,</l>
<l n="1137">Nor stirre at nothing, till the Axe of Death</l>
<l n="1138">Hang ouer thee, as sure it shortly will.</l>
<l n="1139">For<hi rend="italic">Suffolke</hi>, he that can doe all in all</l>
<l n="1140">With her, that hateth thee and hates vs all,</l>
<l n="1141">And<hi rend="italic">Yorke</hi>, and impious<hi rend="italic">Beauford</hi>, that false Priest,</l>
<l n="1142">Haue all lym'd Bushes to betray thy Wings,</l>
<l n="1143">And flye thou how thou canst, they'le tangle thee.</l>
<l n="1144">But feare not thou, vntill thy foot be snar'd,</l>
<l n="1145">Nor neuer seeke preuention of thy foes.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1146">Ah<hi rend="italic">Nell</hi>, forbeare: thou aymest all awry.</l>
<l n="1147">I must offend, before I be attainted:</l>
<l n="1148">And had I twentie times so many foes,</l>
<l n="1149">And each of them had twentie times their power,</l>
<l n="1150">All these could not procure me any scathe,</l>
<l n="1151">So long as I am loyall, true, and crimelesse.</l>
<l n="1152">Would'st haue me rescue thee from this reproach?</l>
<pb facs="FFimg:axc0486-0.jpg" n="130"/>
<cb n="1"/>
<l n="1153">Why yet thy scandall were not wipt away,</l>
<l n="1154">But I in danger for the breach of Law.</l>
<l n="1155">Thy greatest helpe is quiet, gentle<hi rend="italic">Nell:</hi>
</l>
<l n="1156">I pray thee sort thy heart to patience,</l>
<l n="1157">These few dayes wonder will Be quickly worne:</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter a Herald.</stage>
<sp who="#F-2h6-her">
<speaker rend="italic">Her.</speaker>
<l n="1158">I summon your Grace to his Maiesties Parliament,</l>
<l n="1159">Holden at Bury, the first of this next Moneth.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1160">And my consent ne're ask'd herein before?</l>
<l n="1161">This is close dealing. Well, I will be there.</l>
<l n="1162">My<hi rend="italic">Nell</hi>, I take my leaue: and Master Sherife,</l>
<l n="1163">Let not her Penance exceede the Kings Commission.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-she">
<speaker rend="italic">Sh.</speaker>
<l n="1164">And't please your Grace, here my Commission stayes:</l>
<l n="1165">And Sir<hi rend="italic">Iohn Stanly</hi>is appointed now,</l>
<l n="1166">To take her with him to the Ile of Man.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1167">Must you, Sir<hi rend="italic">Iohn</hi>, protect my Lady here?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-sta">
<speaker rend="italic">Stanly.</speaker>
<l n="1168">So am I giuen in charge, may't please your
<lb/>Grace.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1169">Entreat her not the worse, in that I pray</l>
<l n="1170">You vse her well: the World may laugh againe,</l>
<l n="1171">And I may liue to doe you kindnesse, if you doe it her.</l>
<l n="1172">And so Sir<hi rend="italic">Iohn</hi>, farewell.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-ele">
<speaker rend="italic">Elianor.</speaker>
<l n="1173">What, gone my Lord, and bid me not fare
<lb/>well?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1174">Witnesse my teares, I cannot stay to speake.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit Gloster.</stage>
<sp who="#F-2h6-ele">
<speaker rend="italic">Elianor.</speaker>
<l n="1175">Art thou gone to? all comfort goe with thee,</l>
<l n="1176">For none abides with me: my Ioy, is Death;</l>
<l n="1177">Death, at whose Name I oft haue beene afear'd,</l>
<l n="1178">Because I wish'd this Worlds eternitie.</l>
<l n="1179">
<hi rend="italic">Stanley</hi>, I prethee goe, and take me hence,</l>
<l n="1180">I care not whither, for I begge no fauor;</l>
<l n="1181">Onely conuey me where thou art commanded.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-sta">
<speaker rend="italic">Stanley.</speaker>
<l n="1182">Why, Madame, that is to the Ile of Man,</l>
<l n="1183">There to be vs'd according to your State.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-ele">
<speaker rend="italic">Elianor.</speaker>
<l n="1184">That's bad enough, for I am but reproach:</l>
<l n="1185">And shall I then be vs'd reproachfully?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-sta">
<speaker rend="italic">Stanley.</speaker>
<l n="1186">Like to a Duchesse, and Duke<hi rend="italic">Humfreyes</hi>Lady,</l>
<l n="1187">According to that State you shall be vs'd.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-ele">
<speaker rend="italic">Elianor.</speaker>
<l n="1188">Sherife farewell, and better then I fare,</l>
<l n="1189">Although thou hast beene Conduct of my shame.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-she">
<speaker rend="italic">Sherife.</speaker>
<l n="1190">It is my Office, and Madame pardon me.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-ele">
<speaker rend="italic">Elianor.</speaker>
<l n="1191">I, I, farewell, thy Office is discharg'd:</l>
<l n="1192">Come<hi rend="italic">Stanley</hi>, shall we goe?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-sta">
<speaker rend="italic">Stanley.</speaker>
<l n="1193">Madame, your Penance done,</l>
<l n="1194">Throw off this Sheet,</l>
<l n="1195">And goe we to attyre you for our Iourney.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-ele">
<speaker rend="italic">Elianor.</speaker>
<l n="1196">My shame will not be shifted with my Sheet:</l>
<l n="1197">No, it will hang vpon my richest Robes,</l>
<l n="1198">And shew it selfe, attyre me how I can.</l>
<l n="1199">Goe, leade the way, I long to see my Prison.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exeunt</stage>
<stage rend="italic center" type="business">Sound a Senet. Enter King, Queene, Cardinall, Suffolke,
<lb/>Yorke, Buckingham, Salisbury, and Warwicke,
<lb/>to the Parliament.</stage>
<sp who="#F-2h6-hn6">
<speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
<l n="1200">I muse my Lord of Gloster is not come:</l>
<l n="1201">'Tis not his wont to be the hindmost man,</l>
<l n="1202">What e're occasion keepes him from vs now.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-mar">
<speaker rend="italic">Queene.</speaker>
<l n="1203">Can you not see? or will ye not obserue</l>
<l n="1204">The strangenesse of his alter'd Countenance?</l>
<l n="1205">With what a Maiestie he beares himselfe,</l>
<l n="1206">How insolent of late he is become,</l>
<l n="1207">How prowd, how peremptorie, and vnlike himselfe.</l>
<l n="1208">We know the time since he was milde and affable,</l>
<l n="1209">And if we did but glance a farre‑off Looke,</l>
<l n="1210">Immediately he was vpon his Knee,</l>
<cb n="2"/>
<l n="1211">That all the Court admir'd him for submission.</l>
<l n="1212">But meet him now, and be it in the Morne,</l>
<l n="1213">When euery one will giue the time of day,</l>
<l n="1214">He knits his Brow, and shewes an angry Eye,</l>
<l n="1215">And passeth by with stiffe vnbowed Knee,</l>
<l n="1216">Disdaining dutie that to vs belongs.</l>
<l n="1217">Small Curres are not regarded when they grynne,</l>
<l n="1218">But great men tremble when the Lyon rores,</l>
<l n="1219">And<hi rend="italic">Humfrey</hi>is no little Man in England.</l>
<l n="1220">First note, that he is neere you in discent,</l>
<l n="1221">And should you fall, he is the next will mount.</l>
<l n="1222">Me seemeth then, it is no Pollicie,</l>
<l n="1223">Respecting what a rancorous minde he beares,</l>
<l n="1224">And his aduantage following your decease,</l>
<l n="1225">That he should come about your Royall Person,</l>
<l n="1226">Or be admitted to your Highnesse Councell.</l>
<l n="1227">By flatterie hath he wonne the Commons hearts:</l>
<l n="1228">And when he please to make Commotion,</l>
<l n="1229">'Tis to be fear'd they all will follow him.</l>
<l n="1230">Now 'tis the<gap extent="1"
unit="chars"
reason="nonstandardCharacter"
agent="inkedSpacemarker"
resp="#ES"/>Spring, and Weeds are shallow‑rooted,</l>
<l n="1231">Suffer them now, and they'le o're‑grow the Garden,</l>
<l n="1232">And choake the Herbes for want of Husbandry.</l>
<l n="1233">The reuerent care I beare vnto my Lord,</l>
<l n="1234">Made me collect these dangers in the Duke.</l>
<l n="1235">If it be fond, call it a Womans feare:</l>
<l n="1236">Which feare, if better Reasons can supplant,</l>
<l n="1237">I will subscribe, and say I wrong'd the Duke.</l>
<l n="1238">My Lord of Suffolke, Buckingham, and Yorke,</l>
<l n="1239">Reproue my allegation, if you can,</l>
<l n="1240">Or else conclude my words effectuall.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-suf">
<speaker rend="italic">Suff.</speaker>
<l n="1241">Well hath your Highnesse seene into this Duke:</l>
<l n="1242">And had I first beene put to speake my minde,</l>
<l n="1243">I thinke I should haue told your Graces Tale.</l>
<l n="1244">The Duchesse, by his subornation,</l>
<l n="1245">Vpon my Life began her diuellish practise:</l>
<l n="1246">Or if he were not priuie to those Faults,</l>
<l n="1247">Yet by reputing of his high discent,</l>
<l n="1248">As next the King, he was successiue Heire,</l>
<l n="1249">And such high vaunts of his Nobilitie,</l>
<l n="1250">Did instigate the Bedlam braine‑sick Duchesse,</l>
<l n="1251">By wicked meanes to frame our Soueraignes fall.</l>
<l n="1252">Smooth runnes the Water, where the Brooke is deepe,</l>
<l n="1253">And in his simple shew he harbours Treason.</l>
<l n="1254">The Fox barkes not, when he would steale the Lambe.</l>
<l n="1255">No, no, my Soueraigne,<hi rend="italic">Glouster</hi>is a man</l>
<l n="1256">Vnfounded yet, and full of deepe deceit.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-win">
<speaker rend="italic">Card.</speaker>
<l n="1257">Did he not, contrary to forme of Law,</l>
<l n="1258">Deuise strange deaths, for small offences done?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-pla">
<speaker rend="italic">Yorke.</speaker>
<l n="1259">And did he not in his Protectorship,</l>
<l n="1260">Leuie great summes of Money through the Realme,</l>
<l n="1261">For Souldiers pay in France, and neuer sent it?</l>
<l n="1262">By meanes whereof, the Townes each day reuolted.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-buc">
<speaker rend="italic">Buck.</speaker>
<l n="1263">Tut, these are petty faults to faults vnknowne,</l>
<l n="1264">Which time will bring to light in smooth Duke<hi rend="italic">Humfrey</hi>.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-hn6">
<speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
<l n="1265">My Lords at once: the care you haue of vs,</l>
<l n="1266">To mowe downe Thornes that would annoy our Foot,</l>
<l n="1267">Is worthy prayse: but shall I speake my conscience,</l>
<l n="1268">Our Kinsman<hi rend="italic">Gloster</hi>is as innocent,</l>
<l n="1269">From meaning Treason to our Royall Person,</l>
<l n="1270">As is the sucking Lambe, or harmelesse Doue:</l>
<l n="1271">The Duke is vertuous, milde, and too well giuen,</l>
<l n="1272">To dreame on euill, or to worke my downefall.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-mar">
<speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
<l n="1273">Ah what's more dangerous, then this fond affiance?</l>
<l n="1274">Seemes he a Doue? his feathers are but borrow'd,</l>
<l n="1275">For hee's disposed as the hatefull Rauen.</l>
<l n="1276">Is he a Lambe? his Skinne is surely lent him,</l>
<pb facs="FFimg:axc0487-0.jpg" n="131"/>
<cb n="1"/>
<l n="1277">For hee's enclin'd as is the rauenous Wolues.</l>
<l n="1278">Who cannot steale a Shape, that meanes deceit?</l>
<l n="1279">Take heed, my Lord, the welfare of vs all,</l>
<l n="1280">Hangs on the cutting short that fraudfull man.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Somerset.</stage>
<sp who="#F-2h6-som">
<speaker rend="italic">Som.</speaker>
<l n="1281">All health vnto my gracious Soueraigne.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-hn6">
<speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
<l n="1282">Welcome Lord<hi rend="italic">Somerset:</hi>What Newes from
<lb/>France?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-som">
<speaker rend="italic">Som.</speaker>
<l n="1283">That all your Interest in those Territories,</l>
<l n="1284">Is vtterly bereft you: all is lost.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-hn6">
<speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
<l n="1285">Cold Newes, Lord<hi rend="italic">Somerset:</hi>but Gods will be
<lb/>done.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-pla">
<speaker rend="italic">Yorke.</speaker>
<l n="1286">Cold Newes for me: for I had hope of France,</l>
<l n="1287">As firmely as I hope for fertile England.</l>
<l n="1288">Thus are my Blossomes blasted in the Bud,</l>
<l n="1289">And Caterpillers eate my Leaues away:</l>
<l n="1290">But I will remedie this geare ere long,</l>
<l n="1291">Or sell my Title for a glorious Graue.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic center" type="entrance">Enter Gloucester.</stage>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1292">All happinesse vnto my Lord the King:</l>
<l n="1293">Pardon, my Liege, that I haue stay'd so long.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-suf">
<speaker rend="italic">Suff.</speaker>
<l n="1294">Nay<hi rend="italic">Gloster</hi>, know that thou art come too soone,</l>
<l n="1295">Vnlesse thou wert more loyall then thou art:</l>
<l n="1296">I doe arrest thee of High Treason here.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1297">Well<hi rend="italic">Suffolke</hi>, thou shalt not see me blush,</l>
<l n="1298">Nor change my Countenance for this Arrest:</l>
<l n="1299">A Heart vnspotted, is not easily daunted.</l>
<l n="1300">The purest Spring is not so free from mudde,</l>
<l n="1301">As I am cleare from Treason to my Soueraigne.</l>
<l n="1302">Who can accuse me? wherein am I guiltie?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-pla">
<speaker rend="italic">Yorke.'</speaker>
<l n="1303">Tis thought, my Lord,</l>
<l n="1304">That you tooke Bribes of France,</l>
<l n="1305">And being Protector, stay'd the Souldiers pay,</l>
<l n="1306">By meanes whereof, his Highnesse hath lost France.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1307">Is it but thought so?</l>
<l n="1308">What are they that thinke it?</l>
<l n="1309">I neuer rob'd the Souldiers of their pay,</l>
<l n="1310">Nor euer had one penny Bribe from France.</l>
<l n="1311">So helpe me God, as I haue watcht the Night,</l>
<l n="1312">I, Night by Night, in studying good for England.</l>
<l n="1313">That Doyt that ere I wrested from the King,</l>
<l n="1314">Or any Groat I hoorded to my vse,</l>
<l n="1315">Be brought against me at my Tryall day.</l>
<l n="1316">No: many a Pound of mine owne proper store,</l>
<l n="1317">Because I would not taxe the needie Commons,</l>
<l n="1318">Haue I dis‑pursed to the Garrisons,</l>
<l n="1319">And neuer ask'd for restitution.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-win">
<speaker rend="italic">Card.</speaker>
<l n="1320">It serues you well, my Lord, to say so much.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1321">I say no more then truth, so helpe me God.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-pla">
<speaker rend="italic">Yorke.</speaker>
<l n="1322">In your Protectorship, you did deuise</l>
<l n="1323">Strange Tortures for Offendors, neuer heard of,</l>
<l n="1324">That England was defam'd by Tyrannie.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1325">Why 'tis well known, that whiles I was Protector,</l>
<l n="1326">Pittie was all the fault that was in me:</l>
<l n="1327">For I should melt at an Offendors teares,</l>
<l n="1328">And lowly words were Ransome for their fault:</l>
<l n="1329">Vnlesse it were a bloody Murtherer,</l>
<l n="1330">Or foule felonious Theefe, that fleec'd poore passengers,</l>
<l n="1331">I neuer gaue them condigne punishment.</l>
<l n="1332">Murther indeede, that bloodie sinne, I tortur'd</l>
<l n="1333">Aboue the Felon, or what Trespas else.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-suf">
<speaker rend="italic">Suff.</speaker>
<l n="1334">My Lord these faults are easie, quickly answer'd:</l>
<l n="1335">But mightier Crimes are lay'd vnto your charge,</l>
<l n="1336">Whereof you cannot easily purge your selfe.</l>
<cb n="2"/>
<l n="1337">I doe arrest you in his Highnesse Name,</l>
<l n="1338">And here commit you to my Lord Cardinall</l>
<l n="1339">To keepe, vntill your further time of Tryall.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-hn6">
<speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
<l n="1340">My Lord of Gloster, 'tis my speciall hope,</l>
<l n="1341">That you will cleare your selfe from all suspence,</l>
<l n="1342">My Conscience tells me you are innocent.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1343">Ah gracious Lord, these dayes are dangerous:</l>
<l n="1344">Vertue is choakt with foule Ambition,</l>
<l n="1345">And Charitie chas'd hence by Rancours hand;</l>
<l n="1346">Foule Subornation is predominant,</l>
<l n="1347">And Equitie exil'd your Highnesse Land.</l>
<l n="1348">I know, their Complot is to haue my Life:</l>
<l n="1349">And if my death might make this Iland happy,</l>
<l n="1350">And proue the Period of their Tyrannie,</l>
<l n="1351">I would expend it with all willingnesse.</l>
<l n="1352">But mine is made the Prologue to their Play:</l>
<l n="1353">For thousands more, that yet suspect no perill,</l>
<l n="1354">Will not conclude their plotted Tragedie.</l>
<l n="1355">
<hi rend="italic">Beaufords</hi>red sparkling eyes blab his hearts mallice,</l>
<l n="1356">And<hi rend="italic">Suffolks</hi>cloudie Brow his stormie hate;</l>
<l n="1357">Sharpe<hi rend="italic">Buckingham</hi>vnburthens with his tongue,</l>
<l n="1358">The enuious Load that lyes vpon his heart:</l>
<l n="1359">And dogged<hi rend="italic">Yorke</hi>, that reaches at the Moone,</l>
<l n="1360">Whose ouer‑weening Arme I haue pluckt back,</l>
<l n="1361">By false accuse doth leuell at my Life.</l>
<l n="1362">And you, my Soueraigne Lady, with the rest,</l>
<l n="1363">Causelesse haue lay'd disgraces on my head,</l>
<l n="1364">And with your best endeuour haue stirr'd vp</l>
<l n="1365">My liefest Liege to be mine Enemie:</l>
<l n="1366">I, all of you haue lay'd your heads together,</l>
<l n="1367">My selfe had notice of your Conuenticles,</l>
<l n="1368">And all to make away my guiltlesse Life.</l>
<l n="1369">I shall not want false Witnesse, to condemne me,</l>
<l n="1370">Nor store of Treasons, to augment my guilt:</l>
<l n="1371">The ancient Prouerbe will be well effected,</l>
<l n="1372">A Staffe is quickly found to beat a Dogge.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-win">
<speaker rend="italic">Card.</speaker>
<l n="1373">My Liege, his rayling is intollerable.</l>
<l n="1374">If those that care to keepe your Royall Person</l>
<l n="1375">From Treasons secret Knife, and Traytors Rage,</l>
<l n="1376">Be thus vpbrayded, chid, and rated at,</l>
<l n="1377">And the Offendor graunted scope of speech,</l>
<l n="1378">'Twill make them coole in zeale vnto your Grace.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-suf">
<speaker rend="italic">Suff.</speaker>
<l n="1379">Hath he not twit our Soueraigne Lady here</l>
<l n="1380">With ignominious words, though Clarkely coucht?</l>
<l n="1381">As if she had suborned some to sweare</l>
<l n="1382">False allegations, to o'rethrow his state.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-mar">
<speaker rend="italic">Qu.</speaker>
<l n="1383">But I can giue the loser leaue to chide.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1384">Farre truer spoke then meant: I lose indeede,</l>
<l n="1385">Beshrew the winners, for they play'd me false,</l>
<l n="1386">And well such losers may haue leaue to speake.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-buc">
<speaker rend="italic">Buck.</speaker>
<l n="1387">Hee'le wrest the Sence, and hold vs here all day.</l>
<l n="1388">Lord Cardinall, he is your Prisoner.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-win">
<speaker rend="italic">Card.</speaker>
<l n="1389">Sirs, take away the Duke, and guard him sure.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-glo">
<speaker rend="italic">Glost.</speaker>
<l n="1390">Ah, thus King<hi rend="italic">Henry</hi>throwes away his Crutch,</l>
<l n="1391">Before his Legges be firme to beare his Body.</l>
<l n="1392">Thus is the Shepheard beaten from thy Side,</l>
<l n="1393">And Wolues are gnarling, who shall gnaw thee first.</l>
<l n="1394">Ah that my feare were false, ah that it were;</l>
<l n="1395">For good King<hi rend="italic">Henry</hi>, thy decay I feare.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit Gloster.</stage>
<sp who="#F-2h6-hn6">
<speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
<l n="1396">My Lords, what to your wisdomes Seemeth best,</l>
<l n="1397">Doe, or vndoe, as if our selfe were here.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-mar">
<speaker rend="italic">Queene.</speaker>
<l n="1398">What, will your Highnesse leaue the Parlia
<lb/>ment?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-hn6">
<speaker rend="italic">King.</speaker>
<l n="1399">I<hi rend="italic">Margaret:</hi>my heart is drown'd with griefe,</l>
<l n="1400">Whose floud begins to flowe within mine eyes;</l>
<l n="1401">My Body round engyrt with miserie:</l>
<pb facs="FFimg:axc0488-0.jpg" n="132"/>
<cb n="1"/>
<l n="1402">For what's more miserable then Discontent?</l>
<l n="1403">Ah Vnckle<hi rend="italic">Humfrey</hi>, in thy face I see</l>
<l n="1404">The Map of Honor, Truth, and Loyaltie:</l>
<l n="1405">And yet, good<hi rend="italic">Humfrey</hi>, is the houre to come,</l>
<l n="1406">That ere I prou'd thee false, or fear'd thy faith.</l>
<l n="1407">What lowring Starre now enuies thy estate?</l>
<l n="1408">That these great Lords, and<hi rend="italic">Margaret</hi>our Queene,</l>
<l n="1409">Doe seeke subuersion of thy harmelesse Life.</l>
<l n="1410">Thou neuer didst them wrong, nor no man wrong:</l>
<l n="1411">And as the Butcher takes away the Calfe,</l>
<l n="1412">And binds the Wretch, and beats it when it strayes,</l>
<l n="1413">Bearing it to the bloody Slaughter‑house;</l>
<l n="1414">Euen so remorselesse haue they borne him hence:</l>
<l n="1415">And as the Damme runnes lowing up and downe,</l>
<l n="1416">Looking the way her harmelesse young one went,</l>
<l n="1417">And can doe naught but wayle her Darlings losse;</l>
<l n="1418">Euen so my selfe bewayles good<hi rend="italic">Glosters</hi>case</l>
<l n="1419">With sad unhelpefull teares, and with dimn'd eyes;</l>
<l n="1420">Looke after him, and cannot doe him good:</l>
<l n="1421">So mightie are his vowed Enemies.</l>
<l n="1422">His fortunes I will weepe, and 'twixt each groane,</l>
<l n="1423">Say, who's a Traytor?<hi rend="italic">Gloster</hi>he is none.</l>
</sp>
<stage rend="italic rightJustified" type="exit">Exit.</stage>
<sp who="#F-2h6-mar">
<speaker rend="italic">Queene.</speaker>
<l n="1424">Free Lords:</l>
<l n="1425">Cold Snow melts with the Sunnes hot Beames:</l>
<l n="1426">
<hi rend="italic">Henry</hi>, my Lord, is cold in great Affaires,</l>
<l n="1427">Too full of foolish pittie: and<hi rend="italic">Glosters</hi>shew</l>
<l n="1428">Beguiles him, as the mournefull Crocodile</l>
<l n="1429">With sorrow snares relenting passengers;</l>
<l n="1430">Or as the Snake, roll'd in a flowring Banke,</l>
<l n="1431">With shining checker'd slough doth sting a Child,</l>
<l n="1432">That for the beautie thinkes it excellent.</l>
<l n="1433">Beleeue me Lords, were none more wise then I,</l>
<l n="1434">And yet herein I judge mine owne Wit good;</l>
<l n="1435">This<hi rend="italic">Gloster</hi>should be quickly rid the World,</l>
<l n="1436">To rid vs from the feare we haue of him.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-win">
<speaker rend="italic">Card.</speaker>
<l n="1437">That he should dye, is worthie pollicie,</l>
<l n="1438">But yet we want a Colour for his death:</l>
<l n="1439">'Tis meet he be condemn'd by course of Law.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-suf">
<speaker rend="italic">Suff.</speaker>
<l n="1440">But in my minde, that were no pollicie:</l>
<l n="1441">The King will labour still to saue his Life,</l>
<l n="1442">The Commons haply rise, to saue his Life;</l>
<l n="1443">And yet we haue but triuiall argument,</l>
<l n="1444">More then mistrust, that shewes him worthy death.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-pla">
<speaker rend="italic">Yorke.</speaker>
<l n="1445">So that by this, you would not haue him dye.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-suf">
<speaker rend="italic">Suff.</speaker>
<l n="1446">Ah<hi rend="italic">Yorke</hi>, no man aliue, so faine as I.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-pla">
<speaker rend="italic">Yorke.</speaker>
<l n="1447">'Tis<hi rend="italic">Yorke</hi>that hath more reason for his death.</l>
<l n="1448">But my Lord Cardinall, and you my Lord of Suffolke,</l>
<l n="1449">Say as you thinke, and speake it from your Soules:</l>
<l n="1450">Wer't not all one, an emptie Eagle were set,</l>
<l n="1451">To guard the Chicken from a hungry Kyte,</l>
<l n="1452">As place Duke<hi rend="italic">Humfrey</hi>for the Kings Protector?</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-mar">
<speaker rend="italic">Queene.</speaker>
<l n="1453">So the poore Chicken should be sure of death.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-suf">
<speaker rend="italic">Suff.</speaker>
<l n="1454">Madame 'tis true: and wer't not madnesse then,</l>
<l n="1455">To make the Fox surueyor of the Fold?</l>
<l n="1456">Who being accu<gap extent="1"
unit="chars"
reason="illegible"
agent="partiallyInkedType"
resp="#ES"/>'d a craftie Murtherer,</l>
<l n="1457">His guilt should be but idly posted over,</l>
<l n="1458">Because his purpose is not executed.</l>
<l n="1459">No: let him dye, in that he is a Fox,</l>
<l n="1460">By nature prou'd an Enemie to the Flock,</l>
<l n="1461">Before his Chaps be stayn'd with Crimson blood,</l>
<l n="1462">As<hi rend="italic">Humfrey</hi>prou'd by Reasons to my Liege.</l>
<l n="1463">And doe not stand on Quillets how to slay him:</l>
<l n="1464">Be it by Gynnes, by Snares, by Subtletie,</l>
<l n="1465">Sleeping, or Waking, 'tis no matter how,</l>
<l n="1466">So he be dead; for that is good deceit,</l>
<l n="1467">Which mates him first, that first intends deceit.</l>
</sp>
<cb n="2"/>
<sp who="#F-2h6-mar">
<speaker rend="italic">Queene.</speaker>
<l n="1468">Thrice Noble<hi rend="italic">Suffolke</hi>, 'tis resolutely spoke.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-suf">
<speaker rend="italic">Suff.</speaker>
<l n="1469">Not resolute, except so much were done,</l>
<l n="1470">For things are often spoke, and seldome meant,</l>
<l n="1471">But that my heart accordeth with my tongue,</l>
<l n="1472">Seeing the deed is meritorious,</l>
<l n="1473">And to preserue my Soueraigne from his Foe,</l>
<l n="1474">Say but the word, and I will be his Priest.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-win">
<speaker rend="italic">Card.</speaker>
<l n="1475">But I would haue him dead, my Lord of Suffolke,</l>
<l n="1476">Ere you can take due Orders for a Priest:</l>
<l n="1477">Say you consent, and censure well the deed,</l>
<l n="1478">And Ile prouide his Executioner,</l>
<l n="1479">I tender to the safetie of my Liege.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-suf">
<speaker rend="italic">Suff.</speaker>
<l n="1480">Here is my Hand, the deed is worthy doing.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-mar">
<speaker rend="italic">Queene.</speaker>
<l n="1481">And so say I.</l>
</sp>
<sp who="#F-2h6-pla">
<speaker rend="italic">Yorke.</speaker>
<l n="1482">And I: and now we three haue spoke it,</l>
<l n="1483">It skills not greatly who impugnes our doome.</l>
</sp>
</div>