Exempt from envy, but not from disdain, K. Lew. Now, sister, let us hear your firm resolve. Bona. Your grant, or your denial, shall be mine:Yet, I confess, [To WAR.] that often ere this day, When I have heard your king's desert recounted, Mine ear hath tempted judgment to desire. K. Lew. Then, Warwick thus,-Our sister shall be And now forthwith shall articles be drawn Prince. To Edward, but not to the English king. K. Lew. And still is friend to him and Margaret: War. Henry now lives in Scotland, at his ease; 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, [A Horn sounded within. K. Lew. Warwick, this is some post to us, or thee. Enter a Messenger. Mess. 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 mistress 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 discontent. K. Lew. What! has your king married the lady Grey? And now, to sooth your forgery and his, Sends me a paper to persuade me patience? Is this the alliance that he seeks with France? Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner? 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,— That I am clear from this misdeed of Edward's; No more my king, for he dishonours me; Q. Mar. Warwick, these words have turn'd my hate to love; And I forgive and quite forget old faults, And joy that thou becom'st king Henry's friend. For matching more for wanton lust than honour, Q. Mar. Renowned prince, how shall poor Henry live, Unless thou rescue him from foul despair? Bona. My quarrel, and this English's 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,— That Lewis of France is sending over maskers, To revel it with him and his new bride: Thou see'st 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. But, Warwick, thou, And Oxford, with five thousand men, [Exit Mess. Shall cross the seas, and bid false Edward battle: And prince shall follow with a fresh supply. War. This shall assure my constant loyalty:-- Q. Mar. Yes, I agree, and thank you for your motion: Son Edward, she is fair and virtuous, Therefore delay not, give thy hand to Warwick; [He gives his hand to WARWICK. K. Lew. Why stay we now? These soldiers shall be levied, And thou, lord Bourbon, our high admiral, [Exeunt all but WARWICK. War. I came from Edward as embassador, But seek revenge on Edward's mockery. [Exit. |