Queen. Beside the haught protector, have we The imperious churchman, Somerset, Buckingham, Suf. And he of these that can do most of all Queen. Not all these lords do vex me half so much As that proud dame, the lord protector's wife. More like an empress than Duke Humphrey's wife : And placed a quire of such enticing birds, Yet must we join with him and with the lords, Will make but little for his benefit. 80 90 100 72. churchman, ecclesiastic. 86. callet, jade. So, one by one, we 'll weed them all at last, Sound a sennet. Enter the KING, DUKE HUMPHREY of Gloucester, CARDINAL BEAUFORT, BUCKINGHAM, York, SomeRSET, SALISBURY, WARWICK, and the DUCHESS Of Gloucester. King. For my part, noble lords, I care not which ; Or Somerset or York, all's one to me. York. If York have ill demean'd himself in France, Then let him be denay'd the regentship. Som. If Somerset be unworthy of the place, Let York be regent; I will yield to him. War. Whether your grace be worthy, yea or no, no Dispute not that: York is the worthier. Car. Ambitious Warwick, let thy betters speak. War. Warwick may live to be the best of all. Why Somerset should be preferred in this. Queen. Because the king, forsooth, will have it so. Glou. Madam, the king is old enough himself To give his censure: these are no women's matters. 120 Queen. If he be old enough, what needs your grace To be protector of his excellence ? Glou. Madam, I am protector of the realm; And, at his pleasure, will resign my place. 107. denay'd, denied. 120. censure, judgment. Suf. Resign it then and leave thine insolence. Car. The commons hast thou rack'd; the clergy's bags Are lank and lean with thy extortions. Som. Thy sumptuous buildings and thy wife's attire Have cost a mass of public treasury. Queen. Thy sale of offices and towns in France, [Exit Gloucester. The Queen drops her fan. Give me my fan: what, minion! can ye not? [She gives the Duchess a box on the ear. I cry you mercy, madam; was it you? Duch. Was 't I! yea, I it was, proud French woman: Could I come near your beauty with my nails, King. Sweet aunt, be quiet; 'twas against her will. Duch. Against her will! good king, look to't in time; She'll hamper thee, and dandle thee like a baby : 134. treasury, treasure. 135 f. Holinshed states this accusation thus: That he had caused men adjudged to die, to 130 140 be put to other execution than the law of the land assigned.' 145. ten commandments, ten fingers; a cant phrase of the time. Though in this place most master wear no breeches, [Exit. Buck. Lord cardinal, I will follow Eleanor, And listen after Humphrey, how he proceeds: She's tickled now; her fury needs no spurs, She'll gallop far enough to her destruction. [Exit. Re-enter GLOUCESTER. Glou. Now, lords, my choler being over-blown Suf. Before we make election, give me leave York. I'll tell thee, Suffolk, why I am unmeet: 150 160 170 of necessary preliminaries to his assumption of office (such as transfer of troops). 172. furniture, equipment. 176. fact, crime. Did never traitor in the land commit. Suf. Peace, headstrong Warwick! War. Image of pride, why should I hold my peace ? Enter HORNER, the Armourer, and his Suf. Because here is a man accused of treason: 180 Pray God the Duke of York excuse himself! York. Doth any one accuse York for a traitor ? King. What mean'st thou, Suffolk; tell me, what are these? Suf. Please it your majesty, this is the man That doth accuse his master of high treason: Was rightful heir unto the English crown And that your majesty was an usurper. King. Say, man, were these thy words? Hor. An't shall please your majesty, I never 190 said nor thought any such matter: God is my witness, I am falsely accused by the villain. Pet. By these ten bones, my lords, he did speak them to me in the garret one night, as we were scouring my Lord of York's armour. York. Base dunghill villain and mechanical, I'll have thy head for this thy traitor's speech. I do beseech your royal majesty, Let him have all the rigour of the law. Hor. Alas, my lord, hang me, if ever I spake 200 the words. My accuser is my 'prentice; and when I did correct him for his fault the other 181. excuse, exculpate. |