Henry VI, Part 2
by
William Shakespeare
Henry VI, Part 2 is a historical drama that takes place during the 15th century in England. The play is centered around the reign of King Henry VI and the political turmoil that surrounds him. The country is in a state of chaos as various factions fight for power and control.
The play opens with the Duke of Gloucester, who is the king's uncle, being accused of treason. He is arrested and later killed, sparking further unrest in the country. Meanwhile, the king is struggling to maintain control and is easily manipulated by those around him.
One of the main conflicts in the play is the power struggle between the Duke of York and the current king. The Duke of York believes he has a rightful claim to the throne and begins to gather support from other nobles. This leads to a series of battles and political maneuverings as the two sides try to gain the upper hand.
The play also explores the role of women in politics, particularly through the character of Margaret of Anjou. She is the queen of England and becomes a key player in the political game, using her intelligence and cunning to try to secure power for her husband.
As the play progresses, the situation in England becomes increasingly dire. The country is torn apart by war and the king's mental state begins to deteriorate. Ultimately, the Duke of York emerges as the victor, but the play ends with a sense of uncertainty and unrest, suggesting that the conflict is far from over.
Act I
Act 1 of Henry VI, Part 2 follows the events surrounding the reign of King Henry VI. The play begins with the death of the Duke of Gloucester, which is rumored to have been caused by the Queen and her allies. The Duke's death leads to a power struggle between the nobles, with some accusing the Queen of witchcraft.
Meanwhile, the Earl of Suffolk is trying to arrange a marriage between Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou, a move that is opposed by the Duke of York and other nobles who believe that Margaret is an unsuitable match for the king. The Duke of York also believes that he has a claim to the throne and is plotting to overthrow Henry VI.
As tensions rise, the nobles begin to pick sides and form alliances. The Earl of Warwick and the Duke of Somerset are on the Queen's side, while the Duke of York has the support of the Earl of Salisbury and the Earl of Warwick's brother, the Earl of Montague.
The act ends with a confrontation between the Duke of York and the Duke of Somerset, which escalates into a physical fight. The Queen and her supporters intervene and put an end to the fight, but it is clear that the tensions between the nobles are only going to get worse as the play continues.
SCENE I. London. The palace.
In Scene 1 of Act 1 of Henry VI, Part 2, a group of nobles gather in the palace to discuss the state of affairs in England. They are concerned about the ongoing conflict with France and the loss of English territories. They also talk about the recent death of King Henry V and the ascension of his young son, King Henry VI, to the throne. The Duke of Gloucester, who is the young king's uncle and the brother of the late king, expresses his concern about the influence of the queen, who is French, over the young king. He accuses her of scheming to give away English territories to France and of being unfaithful to her late husband. The Earl of Suffolk defends the queen and suggests that she should be given a chance to prove her loyalty to England. He also proposes that the young king should marry Margaret of Anjou, a French princess, to secure peace between England and France. The nobles are divided on the issue, with some supporting Gloucester and others supporting Suffolk. The scene ends with the arrival of the young king, who is greeted with reverence by the nobles.
Flourish of trumpets: then hautboys. Enter KING HENRY VI, GLOUCESTER, SALISBURY, WARWICK, and CARDINAL, on the one side; QUEEN MARGARET, SUFFOLK, YORK, SOMERSET, and BUCKINGHAM, on the other
SUFFOLK
As by your high imperial majesty
Link: 1.1.1
I had in charge at my depart for France,
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As procurator to your excellence,
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To marry Princess Margaret for your grace,
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So, in the famous ancient city, Tours,
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In presence of the Kings of France and Sicil,
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The Dukes of Orleans, Calaber, Bretagne and Alencon,
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Seven earls, twelve barons and twenty reverend bishops,
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I have perform'd my task and was espoused:
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And humbly now upon my bended knee,
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In sight of England and her lordly peers,
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Deliver up my title in the queen
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To your most gracious hands, that are the substance
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Of that great shadow I did represent;
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The happiest gift that ever marquess gave,
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The fairest queen that ever king received.
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KING HENRY VI
Suffolk, arise. Welcome, Queen Margaret:
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I can express no kinder sign of love
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Than this kind kiss. O Lord, that lends me life,
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Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness!
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For thou hast given me in this beauteous face
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A world of earthly blessings to my soul,
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If sympathy of love unite our thoughts.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Great King of England and my gracious lord,
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The mutual conference that my mind hath had,
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By day, by night, waking and in my dreams,
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In courtly company or at my beads,
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With you, mine alder-liefest sovereign,
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Makes me the bolder to salute my king
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With ruder terms, such as my wit affords
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And over-joy of heart doth minister.
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KING HENRY VI
Her sight did ravish; but her grace in speech,
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Her words y-clad with wisdom's majesty,
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Makes me from wondering fall to weeping joys;
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Such is the fulness of my heart's content.
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Lords, with one cheerful voice welcome my love.
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ALL
(Kneeling) Long live Queen Margaret, England's
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happiness!
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QUEEN MARGARET
We thank you all.
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Flourish
SUFFOLK
My lord protector, so it please your grace,
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Here are the articles of contracted peace
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Between our sovereign and the French king Charles,
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For eighteen months concluded by consent.
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GLOUCESTER
(Reads) 'Imprimis, it is agreed between the French
Link: 1.1.44
king Charles, and William de la Pole, Marquess of
Link: 1.1.45
Suffolk, ambassador for Henry King of England, that
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the said Henry shall espouse the Lady Margaret,
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daughter unto Reignier King of Naples, Sicilia and
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Jerusalem, and crown her Queen of England ere the
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thirtieth of May next ensuing. Item, that the duchy
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of Anjou and the county of Maine shall be released
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and delivered to the king her father'--
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Lets the paper fall
KING HENRY VI
Uncle, how now!
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GLOUCESTER
Pardon me, gracious lord;
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Some sudden qualm hath struck me at the heart
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And dimm'd mine eyes, that I can read no further.
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KING HENRY VI
Uncle of Winchester, I pray, read on.
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CARDINAL
(Reads) 'Item, It is further agreed between them,
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that the duchies of Anjou and Maine shall be
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released and delivered over to the king her father,
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and she sent over of the King of England's own
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proper cost and charges, without having any dowry.'
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KING HENRY VI
They please us well. Lord marquess, kneel down:
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We here create thee the first duke of Suffolk,
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And gird thee with the sword. Cousin of York,
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We here discharge your grace from being regent
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I' the parts of France, till term of eighteen months
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Be full expired. Thanks, uncle Winchester,
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Gloucester, York, Buckingham, Somerset,
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Salisbury, and Warwick;
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We thank you all for the great favour done,
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In entertainment to my princely queen.
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Come, let us in, and with all speed provide
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To see her coronation be perform'd.
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Exeunt KING HENRY VI, QUEEN MARGARET, and SUFFOLK
GLOUCESTER
Brave peers of England, pillars of the state,
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To you Duke Humphrey must unload his grief,
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Your grief, the common grief of all the land.
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What! did my brother Henry spend his youth,
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His valour, coin and people, in the wars?
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Did he so often lodge in open field,
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In winter's cold and summer's parching heat,
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To conquer France, his true inheritance?
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And did my brother Bedford toil his wits,
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To keep by policy what Henry got?
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Have you yourselves, Somerset, Buckingham,
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Brave York, Salisbury, and victorious Warwick,
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Received deep scars in France and Normandy?
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Or hath mine uncle Beaufort and myself,
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With all the learned council of the realm,
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Studied so long, sat in the council-house
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Early and late, debating to and fro
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How France and Frenchmen might be kept in awe,
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And had his highness in his infancy
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Crowned in Paris in despite of foes?
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And shall these labours and these honours die?
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Shall Henry's conquest, Bedford's vigilance,
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Your deeds of war and all our counsel die?
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O peers of England, shameful is this league!
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Fatal this marriage, cancelling your fame,
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Blotting your names from books of memory,
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Razing the characters of your renown,
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Defacing monuments of conquer'd France,
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Undoing all, as all had never been!
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CARDINAL
Nephew, what means this passionate discourse,
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This peroration with such circumstance?
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For France, 'tis ours; and we will keep it still.
Link: 1.1.106
GLOUCESTER
Ay, uncle, we will keep it, if we can;
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But now it is impossible we should:
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Suffolk, the new-made duke that rules the roast,
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Hath given the duchy of Anjou and Maine
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Unto the poor King Reignier, whose large style
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Agrees not with the leanness of his purse.
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SALISBURY
Now, by the death of Him that died for all,
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These counties were the keys of Normandy.
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But wherefore weeps Warwick, my valiant son?
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WARWICK
For grief that they are past recovery:
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For, were there hope to conquer them again,
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My sword should shed hot blood, mine eyes no tears.
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Anjou and Maine! myself did win them both;
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Those provinces these arms of mine did conquer:
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And are the cities, that I got with wounds,
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Delivered up again with peaceful words?
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Mort Dieu!
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YORK
For Suffolk's duke, may he be suffocate,
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That dims the honour of this warlike isle!
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France should have torn and rent my very heart,
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Before I would have yielded to this league.
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I never read but England's kings have had
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Large sums of gold and dowries with their wives:
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And our King Henry gives away his own,
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To match with her that brings no vantages.
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GLOUCESTER
A proper jest, and never heard before,
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That Suffolk should demand a whole fifteenth
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For costs and charges in transporting her!
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She should have stayed in France and starved
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in France, Before--
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CARDINAL
My Lord of Gloucester, now ye grow too hot:
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It was the pleasure of my lord the King.
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GLOUCESTER
My Lord of Winchester, I know your mind;
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'Tis not my speeches that you do mislike,
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But 'tis my presence that doth trouble ye.
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Rancour will out: proud prelate, in thy face
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I see thy fury: if I longer stay,
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We shall begin our ancient bickerings.
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Lordings, farewell; and say, when I am gone,
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I prophesied France will be lost ere long.
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Exit
CARDINAL
So, there goes our protector in a rage.
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'Tis known to you he is mine enemy,
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Nay, more, an enemy unto you all,
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And no great friend, I fear me, to the king.
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Consider, lords, he is the next of blood,
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And heir apparent to the English crown:
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Had Henry got an empire by his marriage,
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And all the wealthy kingdoms of the west,
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There's reason he should be displeased at it.
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Look to it, lords! let not his smoothing words
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Bewitch your hearts; be wise and circumspect.
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What though the common people favour him,
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Calling him 'Humphrey, the good Duke of
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Gloucester,'
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Clapping their hands, and crying with loud voice,
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'Jesu maintain your royal excellence!'
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With 'God preserve the good Duke Humphrey!'
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I fear me, lords, for all this flattering gloss,
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He will be found a dangerous protector.
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BUCKINGHAM
Why should he, then, protect our sovereign,
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He being of age to govern of himself?
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Cousin of Somerset, join you with me,
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And all together, with the Duke of Suffolk,
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We'll quickly hoise Duke Humphrey from his seat.
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CARDINAL
This weighty business will not brook delay:
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I'll to the Duke of Suffolk presently.
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Exit
SOMERSET
Cousin of Buckingham, though Humphrey's pride
Link: 1.1.173
And greatness of his place be grief to us,
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Yet let us watch the haughty cardinal:
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His insolence is more intolerable
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Than all the princes in the land beside:
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If Gloucester be displaced, he'll be protector.
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BUCKINGHAM
Or thou or I, Somerset, will be protector,
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Despite Duke Humphrey or the cardinal.
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Exeunt BUCKINGHAM and SOMERSET
SALISBURY
Pride went before, ambition follows him.
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While these do labour for their own preferment,
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Behoves it us to labour for the realm.
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I never saw but Humphrey Duke of Gloucester
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Did bear him like a noble gentleman.
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Oft have I seen the haughty cardinal,
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More like a soldier than a man o' the church,
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As stout and proud as he were lord of all,
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Swear like a ruffian and demean himself
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Unlike the ruler of a commonweal.
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Warwick, my son, the comfort of my age,
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Thy deeds, thy plainness and thy housekeeping,
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Hath won the greatest favour of the commons,
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Excepting none but good Duke Humphrey:
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And, brother York, thy acts in Ireland,
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In bringing them to civil discipline,
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Thy late exploits done in the heart of France,
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When thou wert regent for our sovereign,
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Have made thee fear'd and honour'd of the people:
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Join we together, for the public good,
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In what we can, to bridle and suppress
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The pride of Suffolk and the cardinal,
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With Somerset's and Buckingham's ambition;
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And, as we may, cherish Duke Humphrey's deeds,
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While they do tend the profit of the land.
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WARWICK
So God help Warwick, as he loves the land,
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And common profit of his country!
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YORK
(Aside) And so says York, for he hath greatest cause.
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SALISBURY
Then let's make haste away, and look unto the main.
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WARWICK
Unto the main! O father, Maine is lost;
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That Maine which by main force Warwick did win,
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And would have kept so long as breath did last!
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Main chance, father, you meant; but I meant Maine,
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Which I will win from France, or else be slain,
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Exeunt WARWICK and SALISBURY
YORK
Anjou and Maine are given to the French;
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Paris is lost; the state of Normandy
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Stands on a tickle point, now they are gone:
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Suffolk concluded on the articles,
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The peers agreed, and Henry was well pleased
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To change two dukedoms for a duke's fair daughter.
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I cannot blame them all: what is't to them?
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'Tis thine they give away, and not their own.
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Pirates may make cheap pennyworths of their pillage
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And purchase friends and give to courtezans,
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Still revelling like lords till all be gone;
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While as the silly owner of the goods
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Weeps over them and wrings his hapless hands
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And shakes his head and trembling stands aloof,
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While all is shared and all is borne away,
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Ready to starve and dare not touch his own:
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So York must sit and fret and bite his tongue,
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While his own lands are bargain'd for and sold.
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Methinks the realms of England, France and Ireland
Link: 1.1.233
Bear that proportion to my flesh and blood
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As did the fatal brand Althaea burn'd
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Unto the prince's heart of Calydon.
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Anjou and Maine both given unto the French!
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Cold news for me, for I had hope of France,
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Even as I have of fertile England's soil.
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A day will come when York shall claim his own;
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And therefore I will take the Nevils' parts
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And make a show of love to proud Duke Humphrey,
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And, when I spy advantage, claim the crown,
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For that's the golden mark I seek to hit:
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Nor shall proud Lancaster usurp my right,
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Nor hold the sceptre in his childish fist,
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Nor wear the diadem upon his head,
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Whose church-like humours fits not for a crown.
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Then, York, be still awhile, till time do serve:
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Watch thou and wake when others be asleep,
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To pry into the secrets of the state;
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Till Henry, surfeiting in joys of love,
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With his new bride and England's dear-bought queen,
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And Humphrey with the peers be fall'n at jars:
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Then will I raise aloft the milk-white rose,
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With whose sweet smell the air shall be perfumed;
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And in my standard bear the arms of York
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To grapple with the house of Lancaster;
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And, force perforce, I'll make him yield the crown,
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Whose bookish rule hath pull'd fair England down.
Link: 1.1.260
Exit
SCENE II. GLOUCESTER'S house.
In Scene 2 of Act 1, a group of nobles are discussing the recent death of the Duke of Gloucester. They suspect foul play and accuse the Queen and her allies of being responsible for his death. The Earl of Suffolk defends the Queen and suggests that they should focus on the ongoing conflict with France instead of internal politics. The Duke of York enters and reveals his ambition to claim the throne, claiming that he is the rightful heir and that the current king is unfit to rule. The nobles are skeptical of his claims and argue amongst themselves. The scene ends with the nobles agreeing to meet again and continue their discussion.
Enter GLOUCESTER and his DUCHESS
DUCHESS
Why droops my lord, like over-ripen'd corn,
Link: 1.2.1
Hanging the head at Ceres' plenteous load?
Link: 1.2.2
Why doth the great Duke Humphrey knit his brows,
Link: 1.2.3
As frowning at the favours of the world?
Link: 1.2.4
Why are thine eyes fixed to the sullen earth,
Link: 1.2.5
Gazing on that which seems to dim thy sight?
Link: 1.2.6
What seest thou there? King Henry's diadem,
Link: 1.2.7
Enchased with all the honours of the world?
Link: 1.2.8
If so, gaze on, and grovel on thy face,
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Until thy head be circled with the same.
Link: 1.2.10
Put forth thy hand, reach at the glorious gold.
Link: 1.2.11
What, is't too short? I'll lengthen it with mine:
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And, having both together heaved it up,
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We'll both together lift our heads to heaven,
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And never more abase our sight so low
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As to vouchsafe one glance unto the ground.
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GLOUCESTER
O Nell, sweet Nell, if thou dost love thy lord,
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Banish the canker of ambitious thoughts.
Link: 1.2.18
And may that thought, when I imagine ill
Link: 1.2.19
Against my king and nephew, virtuous Henry,
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Be my last breathing in this mortal world!
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My troublous dream this night doth make me sad.
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DUCHESS
What dream'd my lord? tell me, and I'll requite it
Link: 1.2.23
With sweet rehearsal of my morning's dream.
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GLOUCESTER
Methought this staff, mine office-badge in court,
Link: 1.2.25
Was broke in twain; by whom I have forgot,
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But, as I think, it was by the cardinal;
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And on the pieces of the broken wand
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Were placed the heads of Edmund Duke of Somerset,
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And William de la Pole, first duke of Suffolk.
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This was my dream: what it doth bode, God knows.
Link: 1.2.31
DUCHESS
Tut, this was nothing but an argument
Link: 1.2.32
That he that breaks a stick of Gloucester's grove
Link: 1.2.33
Shall lose his head for his presumption.
Link: 1.2.34
But list to me, my Humphrey, my sweet duke:
Link: 1.2.35
Methought I sat in seat of majesty
Link: 1.2.36
In the cathedral church of Westminster,
Link: 1.2.37
And in that chair where kings and queens are crown'd;
Link: 1.2.38
Where Henry and dame Margaret kneel'd to me
Link: 1.2.39
And on my head did set the diadem.
Link: 1.2.40
GLOUCESTER
Nay, Eleanor, then must I chide outright:
Link: 1.2.41
Presumptuous dame, ill-nurtured Eleanor,
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Art thou not second woman in the realm,
Link: 1.2.43
And the protector's wife, beloved of him?
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Hast thou not worldly pleasure at command,
Link: 1.2.45
Above the reach or compass of thy thought?
Link: 1.2.46
And wilt thou still be hammering treachery,
Link: 1.2.47
To tumble down thy husband and thyself
Link: 1.2.48
From top of honour to disgrace's feet?
Link: 1.2.49
Away from me, and let me hear no more!
Link: 1.2.50
DUCHESS
What, what, my lord! are you so choleric
Link: 1.2.51
With Eleanor, for telling but her dream?
Link: 1.2.52
Next time I'll keep my dreams unto myself,
Link: 1.2.53
And not be cheque'd.
Link: 1.2.54
GLOUCESTER
Nay, be not angry; I am pleased again.
Link: 1.2.55
Enter Messenger
Messenger
My lord protector, 'tis his highness' pleasure
Link: 1.2.56
You do prepare to ride unto Saint Alban's,
Link: 1.2.57
Where as the king and queen do mean to hawk.
Link: 1.2.58
GLOUCESTER
I go. Come, Nell, thou wilt ride with us?
Link: 1.2.59
DUCHESS
Yes, my good lord, I'll follow presently.
Link: 1.2.60
Follow I must; I cannot go before,
Link: 1.2.61
While Gloucester bears this base and humble mind.
Link: 1.2.62
Were I a man, a duke, and next of blood,
Link: 1.2.63
I would remove these tedious stumbling-blocks
Link: 1.2.64
And smooth my way upon their headless necks;
Link: 1.2.65
And, being a woman, I will not be slack
Link: 1.2.66
To play my part in Fortune's pageant.
Link: 1.2.67
Where are you there? Sir John! nay, fear not, man,
Link: 1.2.68
We are alone; here's none but thee and I.
Link: 1.2.69
Enter HUME
HUME
Jesus preserve your royal majesty!
Link: 1.2.70
DUCHESS
What say'st thou? majesty! I am but grace.
Link: 1.2.71
HUME
But, by the grace of God, and Hume's advice,
Link: 1.2.72
Your grace's title shall be multiplied.
Link: 1.2.73
DUCHESS
What say'st thou, man? hast thou as yet conferr'd
Link: 1.2.74
With Margery Jourdain, the cunning witch,
Link: 1.2.75
With Roger Bolingbroke, the conjurer?
Link: 1.2.76
And will they undertake to do me good?
Link: 1.2.77
HUME
This they have promised, to show your highness
Link: 1.2.78
A spirit raised from depth of under-ground,
Link: 1.2.79
That shall make answer to such questions
Link: 1.2.80
As by your grace shall be propounded him.
Link: 1.2.81
DUCHESS
It is enough; I'll think upon the questions:
Link: 1.2.82
When from St. Alban's we do make return,
Link: 1.2.83
We'll see these things effected to the full.
Link: 1.2.84
Here, Hume, take this reward; make merry, man,
Link: 1.2.85
With thy confederates in this weighty cause.
Link: 1.2.86
Exit
HUME
Hume must make merry with the duchess' gold;
Link: 1.2.87
Marry, and shall. But how now, Sir John Hume!
Link: 1.2.88
Seal up your lips, and give no words but mum:
Link: 1.2.89
The business asketh silent secrecy.
Link: 1.2.90
Dame Eleanor gives gold to bring the witch:
Link: 1.2.91
Gold cannot come amiss, were she a devil.
Link: 1.2.92
Yet have I gold flies from another coast;
Link: 1.2.93
I dare not say, from the rich cardinal
Link: 1.2.94
And from the great and new-made Duke of Suffolk,
Link: 1.2.95
Yet I do find it so; for to be plain,
Link: 1.2.96
They, knowing Dame Eleanor's aspiring humour,
Link: 1.2.97
Have hired me to undermine the duchess
Link: 1.2.98
And buz these conjurations in her brain.
Link: 1.2.99
They say 'A crafty knave does need no broker;'
Link: 1.2.100
Yet am I Suffolk and the cardinal's broker.
Link: 1.2.101
Hume, if you take not heed, you shall go near
Link: 1.2.102
To call them both a pair of crafty knaves.
Link: 1.2.103
Well, so it stands; and thus, I fear, at last
Link: 1.2.104
Hume's knavery will be the duchess' wreck,
Link: 1.2.105
And her attainture will be Humphrey's fall:
Link: 1.2.106
Sort how it will, I shall have gold for all.
Link: 1.2.107
Exit
SCENE III. The palace.
Scene 3 of Act 1 starts with the arrival of the Duke of Gloucester and the Bishop of Winchester at Cardinal Beaufort's house. The Duke of Gloucester is upset because the Cardinal has been meddling in the affairs of the state and he believes that he has too much power. The Bishop of Winchester defends the Cardinal, and the two men argue. While they are arguing, the Earl of Suffolk arrives and tells them that the King wants to see them. The three men leave to go to the King's palace. At the palace, the King expresses his concern about the ongoing war with France. He wants to make peace, but the Duke of Gloucester and the Bishop of Winchester have different ideas about what should be done. The Duke of Gloucester suggests that they continue to fight, while the Bishop of Winchester thinks that they should make peace. The Earl of Suffolk suggests that they send someone to France to negotiate a peace treaty. The King agrees and asks the Duke of Gloucester to go. The Duke of Gloucester is reluctant to go, but he eventually agrees. Before he leaves, the Duke of Gloucester warns the King about the Cardinal and his ambition. The King promises to keep an eye on him, and the Duke of Gloucester leaves for France. The scene ends with the King and the Bishop of Winchester discussing the Duke of Gloucester's warning. The Bishop of Winchester assures the King that the Cardinal is loyal to him, but the King seems unsure.
Enter three or four Petitioners, PETER, the Armourer's man, being one
First Petitioner
My masters, let's stand close: my lord protector
Link: 1.3.1
will come this way by and by, and then we may deliver
Link: 1.3.2
our supplications in the quill.
Link: 1.3.3
Second Petitioner
Marry, the Lord protect him, for he's a good man!
Link: 1.3.4
Jesu bless him!
Link: 1.3.5
Enter SUFFOLK and QUEEN MARGARET
PETER
Here a' comes, methinks, and the queen with him.
Link: 1.3.6
I'll be the first, sure.
Link: 1.3.7
Second Petitioner
Come back, fool; this is the Duke of Suffolk, and
Link: 1.3.8
not my lord protector.
Link: 1.3.9
SUFFOLK
How now, fellow! would'st anything with me?
Link: 1.3.10
First Petitioner
I pray, my lord, pardon me; I took ye for my lord
Link: 1.3.11
protector.
Link: 1.3.12
QUEEN MARGARET
(Reading) 'To my Lord Protector!' Are your
Link: 1.3.13
supplications to his lordship? Let me see them:
Link: 1.3.14
what is thine?
Link: 1.3.15
First Petitioner
Mine is, an't please your grace, against John
Link: 1.3.16
Goodman, my lord cardinal's man, for keeping my
Link: 1.3.17
house, and lands, and wife and all, from me.
Link: 1.3.18
SUFFOLK
Thy wife, too! that's some wrong, indeed. What's
Link: 1.3.19
yours? What's here!
Link: 1.3.20
'Against the Duke of Suffolk, for enclosing the
Link: 1.3.21
commons of Melford.' How now, sir knave!
Link: 1.3.22
Second Petitioner
Alas, sir, I am but a poor petitioner of our whole township.
Link: 1.3.23
PETER
(Giving his petition) Against my master, Thomas
Link: 1.3.24
Horner, for saying that the Duke of York was rightful
Link: 1.3.25
heir to the crown.
Link: 1.3.26
QUEEN MARGARET
What sayst thou? did the Duke of York say he was
Link: 1.3.27
rightful heir to the crown?
Link: 1.3.28
PETER
That my master was? no, forsooth: my master said
Link: 1.3.29
that he was, and that the king was an usurper.
Link: 1.3.30
SUFFOLK
Who is there?
Link: 1.3.31
Take this fellow in, and send for
Link: 1.3.32
his master with a pursuivant presently: we'll hear
Link: 1.3.33
more of your matter before the King.
Link: 1.3.34
Exit Servant with PETER
QUEEN MARGARET
And as for you, that love to be protected
Link: 1.3.35
Under the wings of our protector's grace,
Link: 1.3.36
Begin your suits anew, and sue to him.
Link: 1.3.37
Away, base cullions! Suffolk, let them go.
Link: 1.3.38
ALL
Come, let's be gone.
Link: 1.3.39
Exeunt
QUEEN MARGARET
My Lord of Suffolk, say, is this the guise,
Link: 1.3.40
Is this the fashion in the court of England?
Link: 1.3.41
Is this the government of Britain's isle,
Link: 1.3.42
And this the royalty of Albion's king?
Link: 1.3.43
What shall King Henry be a pupil still
Link: 1.3.44
Under the surly Gloucester's governance?
Link: 1.3.45
Am I a queen in title and in style,
Link: 1.3.46
And must be made a subject to a duke?
Link: 1.3.47
I tell thee, Pole, when in the city Tours
Link: 1.3.48
Thou ran'st a tilt in honour of my love
Link: 1.3.49
And stolest away the ladies' hearts of France,
Link: 1.3.50
I thought King Henry had resembled thee
Link: 1.3.51
In courage, courtship and proportion:
Link: 1.3.52
But all his mind is bent to holiness,
Link: 1.3.53
To number Ave-Maries on his beads;
Link: 1.3.54
His champions are the prophets and apostles,
Link: 1.3.55
His weapons holy saws of sacred writ,
Link: 1.3.56
His study is his tilt-yard, and his loves
Link: 1.3.57
Are brazen images of canonized saints.
Link: 1.3.58
I would the college of the cardinals
Link: 1.3.59
Would choose him pope, and carry him to Rome,
Link: 1.3.60
And set the triple crown upon his head:
Link: 1.3.61
That were a state fit for his holiness.
Link: 1.3.62
SUFFOLK
Madam, be patient: as I was cause
Link: 1.3.63
Your highness came to England, so will I
Link: 1.3.64
In England work your grace's full content.
Link: 1.3.65
QUEEN MARGARET
Beside the haughty protector, have we Beaufort,
Link: 1.3.66
The imperious churchman, Somerset, Buckingham,
Link: 1.3.67
And grumbling York: and not the least of these
Link: 1.3.68
But can do more in England than the king.
Link: 1.3.69
SUFFOLK
And he of these that can do most of all
Link: 1.3.70
Cannot do more in England than the Nevils:
Link: 1.3.71
Salisbury and Warwick are no simple peers.
Link: 1.3.72
QUEEN MARGARET
Not all these lords do vex me half so much
Link: 1.3.73
As that proud dame, the lord protector's wife.
Link: 1.3.74
She sweeps it through the court with troops of ladies,
Link: 1.3.75
More like an empress than Duke Humphrey's wife:
Link: 1.3.76
Strangers in court do take her for the queen:
Link: 1.3.77
She bears a duke's revenues on her back,
Link: 1.3.78
And in her heart she scorns our poverty:
Link: 1.3.79
Shall I not live to be avenged on her?
Link: 1.3.80
Contemptuous base-born callet as she is,
Link: 1.3.81
She vaunted 'mongst her minions t'other day,
Link: 1.3.82
The very train of her worst wearing gown
Link: 1.3.83
Was better worth than all my father's lands,
Link: 1.3.84
Till Suffolk gave two dukedoms for his daughter.
Link: 1.3.85
SUFFOLK
Madam, myself have limed a bush for her,
Link: 1.3.86
And placed a quire of such enticing birds,
Link: 1.3.87
That she will light to listen to the lays,
Link: 1.3.88
And never mount to trouble you again.
Link: 1.3.89
So, let her rest: and, madam, list to me;
Link: 1.3.90
For I am bold to counsel you in this.
Link: 1.3.91
Although we fancy not the cardinal,
Link: 1.3.92
Yet must we join with him and with the lords,
Link: 1.3.93
Till we have brought Duke Humphrey in disgrace.
Link: 1.3.94
As for the Duke of York, this late complaint
Link: 1.3.95
Will make but little for his benefit.
Link: 1.3.96
So, one by one, we'll weed them all at last,
Link: 1.3.97
And you yourself shall steer the happy helm.
Link: 1.3.98
Sound a sennet. Enter KING HENRY VI, GLOUCESTER, CARDINAL, BUCKINGHAM, YORK, SOMERSET, SALISBURY, WARWICK, and the DUCHESS
KING HENRY VI
For my part, noble lords, I care not which;
Link: 1.3.99
Or Somerset or York, all's one to me.
Link: 1.3.100
YORK
If York have ill demean'd himself in France,
Link: 1.3.101
Then let him be denay'd the regentship.
Link: 1.3.102
SOMERSET
If Somerset be unworthy of the place,
Link: 1.3.103
Let York be regent; I will yield to him.
Link: 1.3.104
WARWICK
Whether your grace be worthy, yea or no,
Link: 1.3.105
Dispute not that: York is the worthier.
Link: 1.3.106
CARDINAL
Ambitious Warwick, let thy betters speak.
Link: 1.3.107
WARWICK
The cardinal's not my better in the field.
Link: 1.3.108
BUCKINGHAM
All in this presence are thy betters, Warwick.
Link: 1.3.109
WARWICK
Warwick may live to be the best of all.
Link: 1.3.110
SALISBURY
Peace, son! and show some reason, Buckingham,
Link: 1.3.111
Why Somerset should be preferred in this.
Link: 1.3.112
QUEEN MARGARET
Because the king, forsooth, will have it so.
Link: 1.3.113
GLOUCESTER
Madam, the king is old enough himself
Link: 1.3.114
To give his censure: these are no women's matters.
Link: 1.3.115
QUEEN MARGARET
If he be old enough, what needs your grace
Link: 1.3.116
To be protector of his excellence?
Link: 1.3.117
GLOUCESTER
Madam, I am protector of the realm;
Link: 1.3.118
And, at his pleasure, will resign my place.
Link: 1.3.119
SUFFOLK
Resign it then and leave thine insolence.
Link: 1.3.120
Since thou wert king--as who is king but thou?--
Link: 1.3.121
The commonwealth hath daily run to wreck;
Link: 1.3.122
The Dauphin hath prevail'd beyond the seas;
Link: 1.3.123
And all the peers and nobles of the realm
Link: 1.3.124
Have been as bondmen to thy sovereignty.
Link: 1.3.125
CARDINAL
The commons hast thou rack'd; the clergy's bags
Link: 1.3.126
Are lank and lean with thy extortions.
Link: 1.3.127
SOMERSET
Thy sumptuous buildings and thy wife's attire
Link: 1.3.128
Have cost a mass of public treasury.
Link: 1.3.129
BUCKINGHAM
Thy cruelty in execution
Link: 1.3.130
Upon offenders, hath exceeded law,
Link: 1.3.131
And left thee to the mercy of the law.
Link: 1.3.132
QUEEN MARGARET
They sale of offices and towns in France,
Link: 1.3.133
If they were known, as the suspect is great,
Link: 1.3.134
Would make thee quickly hop without thy head.
Link: 1.3.135
Give me my fan: what, minion! can ye not?
Link: 1.3.136
I cry you mercy, madam; was it you?
Link: 1.3.137
DUCHESS
Was't I! yea, I it was, proud Frenchwoman:
Link: 1.3.138
Could I come near your beauty with my nails,
Link: 1.3.139
I'd set my ten commandments in your face.
Link: 1.3.140
KING HENRY VI
Sweet aunt, be quiet; 'twas against her will.
Link: 1.3.141
DUCHESS
Against her will! good king, look to't in time;
Link: 1.3.142
She'll hamper thee, and dandle thee like a baby:
Link: 1.3.143
Though in this place most master wear no breeches,
Link: 1.3.144
She shall not strike Dame Eleanor unrevenged.
Link: 1.3.145
Exit
BUCKINGHAM
Lord cardinal, I will follow Eleanor,
Link: 1.3.146
And listen after Humphrey, how he proceeds:
Link: 1.3.147
She's tickled now; her fume needs no spurs,
Link: 1.3.148
She'll gallop far enough to her destruction.
Link: 1.3.149
Exit
Re-enter GLOUCESTER
GLOUCESTER
Now, lords, my choler being over-blown
Link: 1.3.150
With walking once about the quadrangle,
Link: 1.3.151
I come to talk of commonwealth affairs.
Link: 1.3.152
As for your spiteful false objections,
Link: 1.3.153
Prove them, and I lie open to the law:
Link: 1.3.154
But God in mercy so deal with my soul,
Link: 1.3.155
As I in duty love my king and country!
Link: 1.3.156
But, to the matter that we have in hand:
Link: 1.3.157
I say, my sovereign, York is meetest man
Link: 1.3.158
To be your regent in the realm of France.
Link: 1.3.159
SUFFOLK
Before we make election, give me leave
Link: 1.3.160
To show some reason, of no little force,
Link: 1.3.161
That York is most unmeet of any man.
Link: 1.3.162
YORK
I'll tell thee, Suffolk, why I am unmeet:
Link: 1.3.163
First, for I cannot flatter thee in pride;
Link: 1.3.164
Next, if I be appointed for the place,
Link: 1.3.165
My Lord of Somerset will keep me here,
Link: 1.3.166
Without discharge, money, or furniture,
Link: 1.3.167
Till France be won into the Dauphin's hands:
Link: 1.3.168
Last time, I danced attendance on his will
Link: 1.3.169
Till Paris was besieged, famish'd, and lost.
Link: 1.3.170
WARWICK
That can I witness; and a fouler fact
Link: 1.3.171
Did never traitor in the land commit.
Link: 1.3.172
SUFFOLK
Peace, headstrong Warwick!
Link: 1.3.173
WARWICK
Image of pride, why should I hold my peace?
Link: 1.3.174
Enter HORNER, the Armourer, and his man PETER, guarded
SUFFOLK
Because here is a man accused of treason:
Link: 1.3.175
Pray God the Duke of York excuse himself!
Link: 1.3.176
YORK
Doth any one accuse York for a traitor?
Link: 1.3.177
KING HENRY VI
What mean'st thou, Suffolk; tell me, what are these?
Link: 1.3.178
SUFFOLK
Please it your majesty, this is the man
Link: 1.3.179
That doth accuse his master of high treason:
Link: 1.3.180
His words were these: that Richard, Duke of York,
Link: 1.3.181
Was rightful heir unto the English crown
Link: 1.3.182
And that your majesty was a usurper.
Link: 1.3.183
KING HENRY VI
Say, man, were these thy words?
Link: 1.3.184
HORNER
An't shall please your majesty, I never said nor
Link: 1.3.185
thought any such matter: God is my witness, I am
Link: 1.3.186
falsely accused by the villain.
Link: 1.3.187
PETER
By these ten bones, my lords, he did speak them to
Link: 1.3.188
me in the garret one night, as we were scouring my
Link: 1.3.189
Lord of York's armour.
Link: 1.3.190
YORK
Base dunghill villain and mechanical,
Link: 1.3.191
I'll have thy head for this thy traitor's speech.
Link: 1.3.192
I do beseech your royal majesty,
Link: 1.3.193
Let him have all the rigor of the law.
Link: 1.3.194
HORNER
Alas, my lord, hang me, if ever I spake the words.
Link: 1.3.195
My accuser is my 'prentice; and when I did correct
Link: 1.3.196
him for his fault the other day, he did vow upon his
Link: 1.3.197
knees he would be even with me: I have good
Link: 1.3.198
witness of this: therefore I beseech your majesty,
Link: 1.3.199
do not cast away an honest man for a villain's
Link: 1.3.200
accusation.
Link: 1.3.201
KING HENRY VI
Uncle, what shall we say to this in law?
Link: 1.3.202
GLOUCESTER
This doom, my lord, if I may judge:
Link: 1.3.203
Let Somerset be regent over the French,
Link: 1.3.204
Because in York this breeds suspicion:
Link: 1.3.205
And let these have a day appointed them
Link: 1.3.206
For single combat in convenient place,
Link: 1.3.207
For he hath witness of his servant's malice:
Link: 1.3.208
This is the law, and this Duke Humphrey's doom.
Link: 1.3.209
SOMERSET
I humbly thank your royal majesty.
Link: 1.3.210
HORNER
And I accept the combat willingly.
Link: 1.3.211
PETER
Alas, my lord, I cannot fight; for God's sake, pity
Link: 1.3.212
my case. The spite of man prevaileth against me. O
Link: 1.3.213
Lord, have mercy upon me! I shall never be able to
Link: 1.3.214
fight a blow. O Lord, my heart!
Link: 1.3.215
GLOUCESTER
Sirrah, or you must fight, or else be hang'd.
Link: 1.3.216
KING HENRY VI
Away with them to prison; and the day of combat
Link: 1.3.217
shall be the last of the next month. Come,
Link: 1.3.218
Somerset, we'll see thee sent away.
Link: 1.3.219
Flourish. Exeunt
SCENE IV. GLOUCESTER's garden.
In Scene 4 of Act 1, a group of commoners gathers in a public place to discuss the state of affairs in the kingdom. They decry the corruption and ineffectiveness of the ruling class and express their hope that a new leader will emerge to set things right. Suddenly, a group of soldiers enters and announces that the Duke of Gloucester has been arrested for treason. The commoners are shocked and dismayed, as they had seen Gloucester as a champion of the people. They speculate about the true reasons for his arrest and worry about what it means for the future of the kingdom. One of the soldiers reveals that Gloucester's accuser is none other than the powerful Cardinal Beaufort, which only adds to their suspicion that something underhanded is going on. As they continue to discuss the situation, they are interrupted by the arrival of the Duke of York, who has come to offer his own take on the matter. He argues that Gloucester's arrest is part of a larger power struggle between rival factions within the ruling class, and that the commoners must choose a side if they want to have any say in their own fate. The scene ends with the commoners unsure of what to do next, but feeling a sense of unease and uncertainty about the future.
Enter MARGARET JOURDAIN, HUME, SOUTHWELL, and BOLINGBROKE
HUME
Come, my masters; the duchess, I tell you, expects
Link: 1.4.1
performance of your promises.
Link: 1.4.2
BOLINGBROKE
Master Hume, we are therefore provided: will her
Link: 1.4.3
ladyship behold and hear our exorcisms?
Link: 1.4.4
HUME
Ay, what else? fear you not her courage.
Link: 1.4.5
BOLINGBROKE
I have heard her reported to be a woman of an
Link: 1.4.6
invincible spirit: but it shall be convenient,
Link: 1.4.7
Master Hume, that you be by her aloft, while we be
Link: 1.4.8
busy below; and so, I pray you, go, in God's name,
Link: 1.4.9
and leave us.
Link: 1.4.10
Mother Jourdain, be you
Link: 1.4.11
prostrate and grovel on the earth; John Southwell,
Link: 1.4.12
read you; and let us to our work.
Link: 1.4.13
Enter the DUCHESS aloft, HUME following
DUCHESS
Well said, my masters; and welcome all. To this
Link: 1.4.14
gear the sooner the better.
Link: 1.4.15
BOLINGBROKE
Patience, good lady; wizards know their times:
Link: 1.4.16
Deep night, dark night, the silent of the night,
Link: 1.4.17
The time of night when Troy was set on fire;
Link: 1.4.18
The time when screech-owls cry and ban-dogs howl,
Link: 1.4.19
And spirits walk and ghosts break up their graves,
Link: 1.4.20
That time best fits the work we have in hand.
Link: 1.4.21
Madam, sit you and fear not: whom we raise,
Link: 1.4.22
We will make fast within a hallow'd verge.
Link: 1.4.23
Here they do the ceremonies belonging, and make the circle; BOLINGBROKE or SOUTHWELL reads, Conjuro te, c. It thunders and lightens terribly; then the Spirit riseth
Spirit
Adsum.
Link: 1.4.24
MARGARET JOURDAIN
Asmath,
Link: 1.4.25
By the eternal God, whose name and power
Link: 1.4.26
Thou tremblest at, answer that I shall ask;
Link: 1.4.27
For, till thou speak, thou shalt not pass from hence.
Link: 1.4.28
Spirit
Ask what thou wilt. That I had said and done!
Link: 1.4.29
BOLINGBROKE
'First of the king: what shall of him become?'
Link: 1.4.30
Reading out of a paper
Spirit
The duke yet lives that Henry shall depose;
Link: 1.4.31
But him outlive, and die a violent death.
Link: 1.4.32
As the Spirit speaks, SOUTHWELL writes the answer
BOLINGBROKE
'What fates await the Duke of Suffolk?'
Link: 1.4.33
Spirit
By water shall he die, and take his end.
Link: 1.4.34
BOLINGBROKE
'What shall befall the Duke of Somerset?'
Link: 1.4.35
Spirit
Let him shun castles;
Link: 1.4.36
Safer shall he be upon the sandy plains
Link: 1.4.37
Than where castles mounted stand.
Link: 1.4.38
Have done, for more I hardly can endure.
Link: 1.4.39
BOLINGBROKE
Descend to darkness and the burning lake!
Link: 1.4.40
False fiend, avoid!
Link: 1.4.41
Thunder and lightning. Exit Spirit
Enter YORK and BUCKINGHAM with their Guard and break in
YORK
Lay hands upon these traitors and their trash.
Link: 1.4.42
Beldam, I think we watch'd you at an inch.
Link: 1.4.43
What, madam, are you there? the king and commonweal
Link: 1.4.44
Are deeply indebted for this piece of pains:
Link: 1.4.45
My lord protector will, I doubt it not,
Link: 1.4.46
See you well guerdon'd for these good deserts.
Link: 1.4.47
DUCHESS
Not half so bad as thine to England's king,
Link: 1.4.48
Injurious duke, that threatest where's no cause.
Link: 1.4.49
BUCKINGHAM
True, madam, none at all: what call you this?
Link: 1.4.50
Away with them! let them be clapp'd up close.
Link: 1.4.51
And kept asunder. You, madam, shall with us.
Link: 1.4.52
Stafford, take her to thee.
Link: 1.4.53
We'll see your trinkets here all forthcoming.
Link: 1.4.54
All, away!
Link: 1.4.55
Exeunt guard with MARGARET JOURDAIN, SOUTHWELL, c
YORK
Lord Buckingham, methinks, you watch'd her well:
Link: 1.4.56
A pretty plot, well chosen to build upon!
Link: 1.4.57
Now, pray, my lord, let's see the devil's writ.
Link: 1.4.58
What have we here?
Link: 1.4.59
'The duke yet lives, that Henry shall depose;
Link: 1.4.60
But him outlive, and die a violent death.'
Link: 1.4.61
Why, this is just
Link: 1.4.62
'Aio te, AEacida, Romanos vincere posse.'
Link: 1.4.63
Well, to the rest:
Link: 1.4.64
'Tell me what fate awaits the Duke of Suffolk?
Link: 1.4.65
By water shall he die, and take his end.
Link: 1.4.66
What shall betide the Duke of Somerset?
Link: 1.4.67
Let him shun castles;
Link: 1.4.68
Safer shall he be upon the sandy plains
Link: 1.4.69
Than where castles mounted stand.'
Link: 1.4.70
Come, come, my lords;
Link: 1.4.71
These oracles are hardly attain'd,
Link: 1.4.72
And hardly understood.
Link: 1.4.73
The king is now in progress towards Saint Alban's,
Link: 1.4.74
With him the husband of this lovely lady:
Link: 1.4.75
Thither go these news, as fast as horse can
Link: 1.4.76
carry them:
Link: 1.4.77
A sorry breakfast for my lord protector.
Link: 1.4.78
BUCKINGHAM
Your grace shall give me leave, my Lord of York,
Link: 1.4.79
To be the post, in hope of his reward.
Link: 1.4.80
YORK
At your pleasure, my good lord. Who's within
Link: 1.4.81
there, ho!
Link: 1.4.82
Invite my Lords of Salisbury and Warwick
Link: 1.4.83
To sup with me to-morrow night. Away!
Link: 1.4.84
Exeunt
Act II
Act 2 of Henry VI, Part 2 begins with King Henry VI facing several challenges to his rule as the Duke of York continues to plot against him. York has gathered a group of supporters and they are planning to overthrow the king and take the throne for themselves. Meanwhile, the queen is also facing pressure from the Duke of Somerset who is vying for power and influence in the court.
As tensions continue to rise, the Earl of Warwick arrives and offers to mediate between the warring factions. However, his efforts are in vain as the Duke of York and his supporters refuse to back down. In an effort to quell the unrest, King Henry VI agrees to meet with York and hear his grievances.
During the meeting, York accuses the queen and her allies of corrupting the king and leading the country towards ruin. He demands that he be made king instead and that the queen's allies be punished for their crimes. However, the king refuses to give in to his demands and instead orders him to return to his duties as the Duke of York.
The act ends with the Duke of York and his supporters leaving the meeting in anger and vowing to continue their quest for the throne. The stage is set for further conflict and political maneuvering as the various factions in the court jostle for power and influence.
SCENE I. Saint Alban's.
Scene 1 of Act 2 takes place in the palace of the Duke of Gloucester in London, England. The Duke is shown reading a letter that he received from his wife, Eleanor, who is currently in France. The letter informs him that she has met with the Duke of Suffolk and they have come to an agreement to have the Duke of Gloucester arrested for treason. Upon reading the letter, the Duke of Gloucester becomes angry and frustrated. He believes that he has done nothing wrong and is being unjustly accused of treason. He sends a messenger to the King to inform him of the situation and to request a meeting with him as soon as possible. While waiting for the King's response, the Duke of Gloucester is visited by the Cardinal and the Bishop of Winchester. They inform him that they have evidence that he has been involved in treasonous activities and that he will be arrested. The Duke protests his innocence, but the Cardinal and the Bishop are adamant that he be taken into custody. Just as the Duke of Gloucester is about to be arrested, the King arrives and demands to know what is going on. The Duke explains the situation and pleads his innocence. The King is sympathetic to the Duke and vows to investigate the matter further. He orders the Cardinal and the Bishop of Winchester to leave and promises the Duke that he will do everything in his power to clear his name. The scene ends with the Duke of Gloucester expressing his gratitude to the King and vowing to prove his innocence.
Enter KING HENRY VI, QUEEN MARGARET, GLOUCESTER, CARDINAL, and SUFFOLK, with Falconers halloing
QUEEN MARGARET
Believe me, lords, for flying at the brook,
Link: 2.1.1
I saw not better sport these seven years' day:
Link: 2.1.2
Yet, by your leave, the wind was very high;
Link: 2.1.3
And, ten to one, old Joan had not gone out.
Link: 2.1.4
KING HENRY VI
But what a point, my lord, your falcon made,
Link: 2.1.5
And what a pitch she flew above the rest!
Link: 2.1.6
To see how God in all his creatures works!
Link: 2.1.7
Yea, man and birds are fain of climbing high.
Link: 2.1.8
SUFFOLK
No marvel, an it like your majesty,
Link: 2.1.9
My lord protector's hawks do tower so well;
Link: 2.1.10
They know their master loves to be aloft,
Link: 2.1.11
And bears his thoughts above his falcon's pitch.
Link: 2.1.12
GLOUCESTER
My lord, 'tis but a base ignoble mind
Link: 2.1.13
That mounts no higher than a bird can soar.
Link: 2.1.14
CARDINAL
I thought as much; he would be above the clouds.
Link: 2.1.15
GLOUCESTER
Ay, my lord cardinal? how think you by that?
Link: 2.1.16
Were it not good your grace could fly to heaven?
Link: 2.1.17
KING HENRY VI
The treasury of everlasting joy.
Link: 2.1.18
CARDINAL
Thy heaven is on earth; thine eyes and thoughts
Link: 2.1.19
Beat on a crown, the treasure of thy heart;
Link: 2.1.20
Pernicious protector, dangerous peer,
Link: 2.1.21
That smooth'st it so with king and commonweal!
Link: 2.1.22
GLOUCESTER
What, cardinal, is your priesthood grown peremptory?
Link: 2.1.23
Tantaene animis coelestibus irae?
Link: 2.1.24
Churchmen so hot? good uncle, hide such malice;
Link: 2.1.25
With such holiness can you do it?
Link: 2.1.26
SUFFOLK
No malice, sir; no more than well becomes
Link: 2.1.27
So good a quarrel and so bad a peer.
Link: 2.1.28
GLOUCESTER
As who, my lord?
Link: 2.1.29
SUFFOLK
Why, as you, my lord,
Link: 2.1.30
An't like your lordly lord-protectorship.
Link: 2.1.31
GLOUCESTER
Why, Suffolk, England knows thine insolence.
Link: 2.1.32
QUEEN MARGARET
And thy ambition, Gloucester.
Link: 2.1.33
KING HENRY VI
I prithee, peace, good queen,
Link: 2.1.34
And whet not on these furious peers;
Link: 2.1.35
For blessed are the peacemakers on earth.
Link: 2.1.36
CARDINAL
Let me be blessed for the peace I make,
Link: 2.1.37
Against this proud protector, with my sword!
Link: 2.1.38
GLOUCESTER
(Aside to CARDINAL) Faith, holy uncle, would
Link: 2.1.39
'twere come to that!
Link: 2.1.40
CARDINAL
(Aside to GLOUCESTER) Marry, when thou darest.
Link: 2.1.41
GLOUCESTER
(Aside to CARDINAL) Make up no factious
Link: 2.1.42
numbers for the matter;
Link: 2.1.43
In thine own person answer thy abuse.
Link: 2.1.44
CARDINAL
(Aside to GLOUCESTER) Ay, where thou darest
Link: 2.1.45
not peep: an if thou darest,
Link: 2.1.46
This evening, on the east side of the grove.
Link: 2.1.47
KING HENRY VI
How now, my lords!
Link: 2.1.48
CARDINAL
Believe me, cousin Gloucester,
Link: 2.1.49
Had not your man put up the fowl so suddenly,
Link: 2.1.50
We had had more sport.
Link: 2.1.51
Come with thy two-hand sword.
Link: 2.1.52
GLOUCESTER
True, uncle.
Link: 2.1.53
CARDINAL
(Aside to GLOUCESTER) Are ye advised? the
Link: 2.1.54
east side of the grove?
Link: 2.1.55
GLOUCESTER
(Aside to CARDINAL) Cardinal, I am with you.
Link: 2.1.56
KING HENRY VI
Why, how now, uncle Gloucester!
Link: 2.1.57
GLOUCESTER
Talking of hawking; nothing else, my lord.
Link: 2.1.58
Now, by God's mother, priest, I'll shave your crown for this,
Link: 2.1.59
Or all my fence shall fail.
Link: 2.1.60
CARDINAL
(Aside to GLOUCESTER) Medice, teipsum--
Link: 2.1.61
Protector, see to't well, protect yourself.
Link: 2.1.62
KING HENRY VI
The winds grow high; so do your stomachs, lords.
Link: 2.1.63
How irksome is this music to my heart!
Link: 2.1.64
When such strings jar, what hope of harmony?
Link: 2.1.65
I pray, my lords, let me compound this strife.
Link: 2.1.66
Enter a Townsman of Saint Alban's, crying 'A miracle!'
GLOUCESTER
What means this noise?
Link: 2.1.67
Fellow, what miracle dost thou proclaim?
Link: 2.1.68
Townsman
A miracle! a miracle!
Link: 2.1.69
SUFFOLK
Come to the king and tell him what miracle.
Link: 2.1.70
Townsman
Forsooth, a blind man at Saint Alban's shrine,
Link: 2.1.71
Within this half-hour, hath received his sight;
Link: 2.1.72
A man that ne'er saw in his life before.
Link: 2.1.73
KING HENRY VI
Now, God be praised, that to believing souls
Link: 2.1.74
Gives light in darkness, comfort in despair!
Link: 2.1.75
Enter the Mayor of Saint Alban's and his brethren, bearing SIMPCOX, between two in a chair, SIMPCOX's Wife following
CARDINAL
Here comes the townsmen on procession,
Link: 2.1.76
To present your highness with the man.
Link: 2.1.77
KING HENRY VI
Great is his comfort in this earthly vale,
Link: 2.1.78
Although by his sight his sin be multiplied.
Link: 2.1.79
GLOUCESTER
Stand by, my masters: bring him near the king;
Link: 2.1.80
His highness' pleasure is to talk with him.
Link: 2.1.81
KING HENRY VI
Good fellow, tell us here the circumstance,
Link: 2.1.82
That we for thee may glorify the Lord.
Link: 2.1.83
What, hast thou been long blind and now restored?
Link: 2.1.84
SIMPCOX
Born blind, an't please your grace.
Link: 2.1.85
Wife
Ay, indeed, was he.
Link: 2.1.86
SUFFOLK
What woman is this?
Link: 2.1.87
Wife
His wife, an't like your worship.
Link: 2.1.88
GLOUCESTER
Hadst thou been his mother, thou couldst have
Link: 2.1.89
better told.
Link: 2.1.90
KING HENRY VI
Where wert thou born?
Link: 2.1.91
SIMPCOX
At Berwick in the north, an't like your grace.
Link: 2.1.92
KING HENRY VI
Poor soul, God's goodness hath been great to thee:
Link: 2.1.93
Let never day nor night unhallow'd pass,
Link: 2.1.94
But still remember what the Lord hath done.
Link: 2.1.95
QUEEN MARGARET
Tell me, good fellow, camest thou here by chance,
Link: 2.1.96
Or of devotion, to this holy shrine?
Link: 2.1.97
SIMPCOX
God knows, of pure devotion; being call'd
Link: 2.1.98
A hundred times and oftener, in my sleep,
Link: 2.1.99
By good Saint Alban; who said, 'Simpcox, come,
Link: 2.1.100
Come, offer at my shrine, and I will help thee.'
Link: 2.1.101
Wife
Most true, forsooth; and many time and oft
Link: 2.1.102
Myself have heard a voice to call him so.
Link: 2.1.103
CARDINAL
What, art thou lame?
Link: 2.1.104
SIMPCOX
Ay, God Almighty help me!
Link: 2.1.105
SUFFOLK
How camest thou so?
Link: 2.1.106
SIMPCOX
A fall off of a tree.
Link: 2.1.107
Wife
A plum-tree, master.
Link: 2.1.108
GLOUCESTER
How long hast thou been blind?
Link: 2.1.109
SIMPCOX
Born so, master.
Link: 2.1.110
GLOUCESTER
What, and wouldst climb a tree?
Link: 2.1.111
SIMPCOX
But that in all my life, when I was a youth.
Link: 2.1.112
Wife
Too true; and bought his climbing very dear.
Link: 2.1.113
GLOUCESTER
Mass, thou lovedst plums well, that wouldst
Link: 2.1.114
venture so.
Link: 2.1.115
SIMPCOX
Alas, good master, my wife desired some damsons,
Link: 2.1.116
And made me climb, with danger of my life.
Link: 2.1.117
GLOUCESTER
A subtle knave! but yet it shall not serve.
Link: 2.1.118
Let me see thine eyes: wink now: now open them:
Link: 2.1.119
In my opinion yet thou seest not well.
Link: 2.1.120
SIMPCOX
Yes, master, clear as day, I thank God and
Link: 2.1.121
Saint Alban.
Link: 2.1.122
GLOUCESTER
Say'st thou me so? What colour is this cloak of?
Link: 2.1.123
SIMPCOX
Red, master; red as blood.
Link: 2.1.124
GLOUCESTER
Why, that's well said. What colour is my gown of?
Link: 2.1.125
SIMPCOX
Black, forsooth: coal-black as jet.
Link: 2.1.126
KING HENRY VI
Why, then, thou know'st what colour jet is of?
Link: 2.1.127
SUFFOLK
And yet, I think, jet did he never see.
Link: 2.1.128
GLOUCESTER
But cloaks and gowns, before this day, a many.
Link: 2.1.129
Wife
Never, before this day, in all his life.
Link: 2.1.130
GLOUCESTER
Tell me, sirrah, what's my name?
Link: 2.1.131
SIMPCOX
Alas, master, I know not.
Link: 2.1.132
GLOUCESTER
What's his name?
Link: 2.1.133
SIMPCOX
I know not.
Link: 2.1.134
GLOUCESTER
Nor his?
Link: 2.1.135
SIMPCOX
No, indeed, master.
Link: 2.1.136
GLOUCESTER
What's thine own name?
Link: 2.1.137
SIMPCOX
Saunder Simpcox, an if it please you, master.
Link: 2.1.138
GLOUCESTER
Then, Saunder, sit there, the lyingest knave in
Link: 2.1.139
Christendom. If thou hadst been born blind, thou
Link: 2.1.140
mightest as well have known all our names as thus to
Link: 2.1.141
name the several colours we do wear. Sight may
Link: 2.1.142
distinguish of colours, but suddenly to nominate them
Link: 2.1.143
all, it is impossible. My lords, Saint Alban here
Link: 2.1.144
hath done a miracle; and would ye not think his
Link: 2.1.145
cunning to be great, that could restore this cripple
Link: 2.1.146
to his legs again?
Link: 2.1.147
SIMPCOX
O master, that you could!
Link: 2.1.148
GLOUCESTER
My masters of Saint Alban's, have you not beadles in
Link: 2.1.149
your town, and things called whips?
Link: 2.1.150
Mayor
Yes, my lord, if it please your grace.
Link: 2.1.151
GLOUCESTER
Then send for one presently.
Link: 2.1.152
Mayor
Sirrah, go fetch the beadle hither straight.
Link: 2.1.153
Exit an Attendant
GLOUCESTER
Now fetch me a stool hither by and by. Now, sirrah,
Link: 2.1.154
if you mean to save yourself from whipping, leap me
Link: 2.1.155
over this stool and run away.
Link: 2.1.156
SIMPCOX
Alas, master, I am not able to stand alone:
Link: 2.1.157
You go about to torture me in vain.
Link: 2.1.158
Enter a Beadle with whips
GLOUCESTER
Well, sir, we must have you find your legs. Sirrah
Link: 2.1.159
beadle, whip him till he leap over that same stool.
Link: 2.1.160
Beadle
I will, my lord. Come on, sirrah; off with your
Link: 2.1.161
doublet quickly.
Link: 2.1.162
SIMPCOX
Alas, master, what shall I do? I am not able to stand.
Link: 2.1.163
After the Beadle hath hit him once, he leaps over the stool and runs away; and they follow and cry, 'A miracle!'
KING HENRY VI
O God, seest Thou this, and bearest so long?
Link: 2.1.164
QUEEN MARGARET
It made me laugh to see the villain run.
Link: 2.1.165
GLOUCESTER
Follow the knave; and take this drab away.
Link: 2.1.166
Wife
Alas, sir, we did it for pure need.
Link: 2.1.167
GLOUCESTER
Let them be whipped through every market-town, till
Link: 2.1.168
they come to Berwick, from whence they came.
Link: 2.1.169
Exeunt Wife, Beadle, Mayor, c
CARDINAL
Duke Humphrey has done a miracle to-day.
Link: 2.1.170
SUFFOLK
True; made the lame to leap and fly away.
Link: 2.1.171
GLOUCESTER
But you have done more miracles than I;
Link: 2.1.172
You made in a day, my lord, whole towns to fly.
Link: 2.1.173
Enter BUCKINGHAM
KING HENRY VI
What tidings with our cousin Buckingham?
Link: 2.1.174
BUCKINGHAM
Such as my heart doth tremble to unfold.
Link: 2.1.175
A sort of naughty persons, lewdly bent,
Link: 2.1.176
Under the countenance and confederacy
Link: 2.1.177
Of Lady Eleanor, the protector's wife,
Link: 2.1.178
The ringleader and head of all this rout,
Link: 2.1.179
Have practised dangerously against your state,
Link: 2.1.180
Dealing with witches and with conjurers:
Link: 2.1.181
Whom we have apprehended in the fact;
Link: 2.1.182
Raising up wicked spirits from under ground,
Link: 2.1.183
Demanding of King Henry's life and death,
Link: 2.1.184
And other of your highness' privy-council;
Link: 2.1.185
As more at large your grace shall understand.
Link: 2.1.186
CARDINAL
(Aside to GLOUCESTER) And so, my lord protector,
Link: 2.1.187
by this means
Link: 2.1.188
Your lady is forthcoming yet at London.
Link: 2.1.189
This news, I think, hath turn'd your weapon's edge;
Link: 2.1.190
'Tis like, my lord, you will not keep your hour.
Link: 2.1.191
GLOUCESTER
Ambitious churchman, leave to afflict my heart:
Link: 2.1.192
Sorrow and grief have vanquish'd all my powers;
Link: 2.1.193
And, vanquish'd as I am, I yield to thee,
Link: 2.1.194
Or to the meanest groom.
Link: 2.1.195
KING HENRY VI
O God, what mischiefs work the wicked ones,
Link: 2.1.196
Heaping confusion on their own heads thereby!
Link: 2.1.197
QUEEN MARGARET
Gloucester, see here the tainture of thy nest.
Link: 2.1.198
And look thyself be faultless, thou wert best.
Link: 2.1.199
GLOUCESTER
Madam, for myself, to heaven I do appeal,
Link: 2.1.200
How I have loved my king and commonweal:
Link: 2.1.201
And, for my wife, I know not how it stands;
Link: 2.1.202
Sorry I am to hear what I have heard:
Link: 2.1.203
Noble she is, but if she have forgot
Link: 2.1.204
Honour and virtue and conversed with such
Link: 2.1.205
As, like to pitch, defile nobility,
Link: 2.1.206
I banish her my bed and company
Link: 2.1.207
And give her as a prey to law and shame,
Link: 2.1.208
That hath dishonour'd Gloucester's honest name.
Link: 2.1.209
KING HENRY VI
Well, for this night we will repose us here:
Link: 2.1.210
To-morrow toward London back again,
Link: 2.1.211
To look into this business thoroughly
Link: 2.1.212
And call these foul offenders to their answers
Link: 2.1.213
And poise the cause in justice' equal scales,
Link: 2.1.214
Whose beam stands sure, whose rightful cause prevails.
Link: 2.1.215
Flourish. Exeunt
SCENE II. London. YORK'S garden.
Scene 2 of Act 2 takes place in France, where the English lords are seeking to negotiate with the French queen to end the war. However, tensions are high as the French queen is still mourning the loss of her husband and is hesitant to make any deals with the English. The Duke of Gloucester, representing the English, tries to persuade the queen to agree to their terms, but she remains stubborn. The Earl of Suffolk, however, takes a different approach and tries to woo the queen with his charm and wit. He presents her with gifts and flatters her, hoping to win her favor and secure a peace treaty. Meanwhile, in the background, a group of French rebels plot to overthrow the queen and take control of the country. They believe that the English will be easier to defeat than their own queen, and they plan to use the chaos of the war to their advantage. The scene ends with the French queen still undecided about whether or not to make a deal with the English, while the rebels continue to plot and scheme in the shadows.
Enter YORK, SALISBURY, and WARWICK
YORK
Now, my good Lords of Salisbury and Warwick,
Link: 2.2.1
Our simple supper ended, give me leave
Link: 2.2.2
In this close walk to satisfy myself,
Link: 2.2.3
In craving your opinion of my title,
Link: 2.2.4
Which is infallible, to England's crown.
Link: 2.2.5
SALISBURY
My lord, I long to hear it at full.
Link: 2.2.6
WARWICK
Sweet York, begin: and if thy claim be good,
Link: 2.2.7
The Nevils are thy subjects to command.
Link: 2.2.8
YORK
Then thus:
Link: 2.2.9
Edward the Third, my lords, had seven sons:
Link: 2.2.10
The first, Edward the Black Prince, Prince of Wales;
Link: 2.2.11
The second, William of Hatfield, and the third,
Link: 2.2.12
Lionel Duke of Clarence: next to whom
Link: 2.2.13
Was John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster;
Link: 2.2.14
The fifth was Edmund Langley, Duke of York;
Link: 2.2.15
The sixth was Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester;
Link: 2.2.16
William of Windsor was the seventh and last.
Link: 2.2.17
Edward the Black Prince died before his father
Link: 2.2.18
And left behind him Richard, his only son,
Link: 2.2.19
Who after Edward the Third's death reign'd as king;
Link: 2.2.20
Till Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Lancaster,
Link: 2.2.21
The eldest son and heir of John of Gaunt,
Link: 2.2.22
Crown'd by the name of Henry the Fourth,
Link: 2.2.23
Seized on the realm, deposed the rightful king,
Link: 2.2.24
Sent his poor queen to France, from whence she came,
Link: 2.2.25
And him to Pomfret; where, as all you know,
Link: 2.2.26
Harmless Richard was murder'd traitorously.
Link: 2.2.27
WARWICK
Father, the duke hath told the truth:
Link: 2.2.28
Thus got the house of Lancaster the crown.
Link: 2.2.29
YORK
Which now they hold by force and not by right;
Link: 2.2.30
For Richard, the first son's heir, being dead,
Link: 2.2.31
The issue of the next son should have reign'd.
Link: 2.2.32
SALISBURY
But William of Hatfield died without an heir.
Link: 2.2.33
YORK
The third son, Duke of Clarence, from whose line
Link: 2.2.34
I claimed the crown, had issue, Philippe, a daughter,
Link: 2.2.35
Who married Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March:
Link: 2.2.36
Edmund had issue, Roger Earl of March;
Link: 2.2.37
Roger had issue, Edmund, Anne and Eleanor.
Link: 2.2.38
SALISBURY
This Edmund, in the reign of Bolingbroke,
Link: 2.2.39
As I have read, laid claim unto the crown;
Link: 2.2.40
And, but for Owen Glendower, had been king,
Link: 2.2.41
Who kept him in captivity till he died.
Link: 2.2.42
But to the rest.
Link: 2.2.43
YORK
His eldest sister, Anne,
Link: 2.2.44
My mother, being heir unto the crown
Link: 2.2.45
Married Richard Earl of Cambridge; who was son
Link: 2.2.46
To Edmund Langley, Edward the Third's fifth son.
Link: 2.2.47
By her I claim the kingdom: she was heir
Link: 2.2.48
To Roger Earl of March, who was the son
Link: 2.2.49
Of Edmund Mortimer, who married Philippe,
Link: 2.2.50
Sole daughter unto Lionel Duke of Clarence:
Link: 2.2.51
So, if the issue of the elder son
Link: 2.2.52
Succeed before the younger, I am king.
Link: 2.2.53
WARWICK
What plain proceeding is more plain than this?
Link: 2.2.54
Henry doth claim the crown from John of Gaunt,
Link: 2.2.55
The fourth son; York claims it from the third.
Link: 2.2.56
Till Lionel's issue fails, his should not reign:
Link: 2.2.57
It fails not yet, but flourishes in thee
Link: 2.2.58
And in thy sons, fair slips of such a stock.
Link: 2.2.59
Then, father Salisbury, kneel we together;
Link: 2.2.60
And in this private plot be we the first
Link: 2.2.61
That shall salute our rightful sovereign
Link: 2.2.62
With honour of his birthright to the crown.
Link: 2.2.63
BOTH
Long live our sovereign Richard, England's king!
Link: 2.2.64
YORK
We thank you, lords. But I am not your king
Link: 2.2.65
Till I be crown'd and that my sword be stain'd
Link: 2.2.66
With heart-blood of the house of Lancaster;
Link: 2.2.67
And that's not suddenly to be perform'd,
Link: 2.2.68
But with advice and silent secrecy.
Link: 2.2.69
Do you as I do in these dangerous days:
Link: 2.2.70
Wink at the Duke of Suffolk's insolence,
Link: 2.2.71
At Beaufort's pride, at Somerset's ambition,
Link: 2.2.72
At Buckingham and all the crew of them,
Link: 2.2.73
Till they have snared the shepherd of the flock,
Link: 2.2.74
That virtuous prince, the good Duke Humphrey:
Link: 2.2.75
'Tis that they seek, and they in seeking that
Link: 2.2.76
Shall find their deaths, if York can prophesy.
Link: 2.2.77
SALISBURY
My lord, break we off; we know your mind at full.
Link: 2.2.78
WARWICK
My heart assures me that the Earl of Warwick
Link: 2.2.79
Shall one day make the Duke of York a king.
Link: 2.2.80
YORK
And, Nevil, this I do assure myself:
Link: 2.2.81
Richard shall live to make the Earl of Warwick
Link: 2.2.82
The greatest man in England but the king.
Link: 2.2.83
Exeunt
SCENE III. A hall of justice.
In Act 2 Scene 3, two characters discuss the current political situation. One character expresses concern over the power of the Duke of Gloucester, who has gained a lot of influence in the royal court. The other character suggests that the Duke's power is only temporary and that the king will eventually regain control. As they continue to talk, a messenger arrives with news about a battle that has taken place. The English have won, but the victory is bittersweet. Many soldiers have been killed, and the French have taken the English nobleman Lord Talbot as a prisoner. The characters lament the loss of Lord Talbot, who they consider to be one of the greatest warriors in England. They also worry that his capture will embolden the French and lead to more losses for the English army. The scene ends with the characters discussing their plans for the future. They vow to continue fighting for their country, even in the face of adversity. They believe that with enough determination and perseverance, they can overcome any obstacle and emerge victorious in the end.
Sound trumpets. Enter KING HENRY VI, QUEEN MARGARET, GLOUCESTER, YORK, SUFFOLK, and SALISBURY; the DUCHESS, MARGARET JOURDAIN, SOUTHWELL, HUME, and BOLINGBROKE, under guard
KING HENRY VI
Stand forth, Dame Eleanor Cobham, Gloucester's wife:
Link: 2.3.1
In sight of God and us, your guilt is great:
Link: 2.3.2
Receive the sentence of the law for sins
Link: 2.3.3
Such as by God's book are adjudged to death.
Link: 2.3.4
You four, from hence to prison back again;
Link: 2.3.5
From thence unto the place of execution:
Link: 2.3.6
The witch in Smithfield shall be burn'd to ashes,
Link: 2.3.7
And you three shall be strangled on the gallows.
Link: 2.3.8
You, madam, for you are more nobly born,
Link: 2.3.9
Despoiled of your honour in your life,
Link: 2.3.10
Shall, after three days' open penance done,
Link: 2.3.11
Live in your country here in banishment,
Link: 2.3.12
With Sir John Stanley, in the Isle of Man.
Link: 2.3.13
DUCHESS
Welcome is banishment; welcome were my death.
Link: 2.3.14
GLOUCESTER
Eleanor, the law, thou see'st, hath judged thee:
Link: 2.3.15
I cannot justify whom the law condemns.
Link: 2.3.16
Mine eyes are full of tears, my heart of grief.
Link: 2.3.17
Ah, Humphrey, this dishonour in thine age
Link: 2.3.18
Will bring thy head with sorrow to the ground!
Link: 2.3.19
I beseech your majesty, give me leave to go;
Link: 2.3.20
Sorrow would solace and mine age would ease.
Link: 2.3.21
KING HENRY VI
Stay, Humphrey Duke of Gloucester: ere thou go,
Link: 2.3.22
Give up thy staff: Henry will to himself
Link: 2.3.23
Protector be; and God shall be my hope,
Link: 2.3.24
My stay, my guide and lantern to my feet:
Link: 2.3.25
And go in peace, Humphrey, no less beloved
Link: 2.3.26
Than when thou wert protector to thy King.
Link: 2.3.27
QUEEN MARGARET
I see no reason why a king of years
Link: 2.3.28
Should be to be protected like a child.
Link: 2.3.29
God and King Henry govern England's realm.
Link: 2.3.30
Give up your staff, sir, and the king his realm.
Link: 2.3.31
GLOUCESTER
My staff? here, noble Henry, is my staff:
Link: 2.3.32
As willingly do I the same resign
Link: 2.3.33
As e'er thy father Henry made it mine;
Link: 2.3.34
And even as willingly at thy feet I leave it
Link: 2.3.35
As others would ambitiously receive it.
Link: 2.3.36
Farewell, good king: when I am dead and gone,
Link: 2.3.37
May honourable peace attend thy throne!
Link: 2.3.38
Exit
QUEEN MARGARET
Why, now is Henry king, and Margaret queen;
Link: 2.3.39
And Humphrey Duke of Gloucester scarce himself,
Link: 2.3.40
That bears so shrewd a maim; two pulls at once;
Link: 2.3.41
His lady banish'd, and a limb lopp'd off.
Link: 2.3.42
This staff of honour raught, there let it stand
Link: 2.3.43
Where it best fits to be, in Henry's hand.
Link: 2.3.44
SUFFOLK
Thus droops this lofty pine and hangs his sprays;
Link: 2.3.45
Thus Eleanor's pride dies in her youngest days.
Link: 2.3.46
YORK
Lords, let him go. Please it your majesty,
Link: 2.3.47
This is the day appointed for the combat;
Link: 2.3.48
And ready are the appellant and defendant,
Link: 2.3.49
The armourer and his man, to enter the lists,
Link: 2.3.50
So please your highness to behold the fight.
Link: 2.3.51
QUEEN MARGARET
Ay, good my lord; for purposely therefore
Link: 2.3.52
Left I the court, to see this quarrel tried.
Link: 2.3.53
KING HENRY VI
O God's name, see the lists and all things fit:
Link: 2.3.54
Here let them end it; and God defend the right!
Link: 2.3.55
YORK
I never saw a fellow worse bested,
Link: 2.3.56
Or more afraid to fight, than is the appellant,
Link: 2.3.57
The servant of this armourer, my lords.
Link: 2.3.58
Enter at one door, HORNER, the Armourer, and his Neighbours, drinking to him so much that he is drunk; and he enters with a drum before him and his staff with a sand-bag fastened to it; and at the other door PETER, his man, with a drum and sand-bag, and 'Prentices drinking to him
First Neighbour
Here, neighbour Horner, I drink to you in a cup of
Link: 2.3.59
sack: and fear not, neighbour, you shall do well enough.
Link: 2.3.60
Second Neighbour
And here, neighbour, here's a cup of charneco.
Link: 2.3.61
Third Neighbour
And here's a pot of good double beer, neighbour:
Link: 2.3.62
drink, and fear not your man.
Link: 2.3.63
HORNER
Let it come, i' faith, and I'll pledge you all; and
Link: 2.3.64
a fig for Peter!
Link: 2.3.65
First 'Prentice
Here, Peter, I drink to thee: and be not afraid.
Link: 2.3.66
Second 'Prentice
Be merry, Peter, and fear not thy master: fight
Link: 2.3.67
for credit of the 'prentices.
Link: 2.3.68
PETER
I thank you all: drink, and pray for me, I pray
Link: 2.3.69
you; for I think I have taken my last draught in
Link: 2.3.70
this world. Here, Robin, an if I die, I give thee
Link: 2.3.71
my apron: and, Will, thou shalt have my hammer:
Link: 2.3.72
and here, Tom, take all the money that I have. O
Link: 2.3.73
Lord bless me! I pray God! for I am never able to
Link: 2.3.74
deal with my master, he hath learnt me so much fence already.
Link: 2.3.75
SALISBURY
Come, leave your drinking, and fall to blows.
Link: 2.3.76
Sirrah, what's thy name?
Link: 2.3.77
PETER
Peter, forsooth.
Link: 2.3.78
SALISBURY
Peter! what more?
Link: 2.3.79
PETER
Thump.
Link: 2.3.80
SALISBURY
Thump! then see thou thump thy master well.
Link: 2.3.81
HORNER
Masters, I am come hither, as it were, upon my man's
Link: 2.3.82
instigation, to prove him a knave and myself an
Link: 2.3.83
honest man: and touching the Duke of York, I will
Link: 2.3.84
take my death, I never meant him any ill, nor the
Link: 2.3.85
king, nor the queen: and therefore, Peter, have at
Link: 2.3.86
thee with a downright blow!
Link: 2.3.87
YORK
Dispatch: this knave's tongue begins to double.
Link: 2.3.88
Sound, trumpets, alarum to the combatants!
Link: 2.3.89
Alarum. They fight, and PETER strikes him down
HORNER
Hold, Peter, hold! I confess, I confess treason.
Link: 2.3.90
Dies
YORK
Take away his weapon. Fellow, thank God, and the
Link: 2.3.91
good wine in thy master's way.
Link: 2.3.92
PETER
O God, have I overcome mine enemy in this presence?
Link: 2.3.93
O Peter, thou hast prevailed in right!
Link: 2.3.94
KING HENRY VI
Go, take hence that traitor from our sight;
Link: 2.3.95
For his death we do perceive his guilt:
Link: 2.3.96
And God in justice hath revealed to us
Link: 2.3.97
The truth and innocence of this poor fellow,
Link: 2.3.98
Which he had thought to have murder'd wrongfully.
Link: 2.3.99
Come, fellow, follow us for thy reward.
Link: 2.3.100
Sound a flourish. Exeunt
SCENE IV. A street.
The scene opens with the entrance of the Duke of Gloucester and his wife, the Duchess. The Duchess is deeply distressed and asks her husband to help her avenge the death of their son who was killed in battle. Gloucester promises to do whatever it takes to bring justice to their son's death. The conversation is interrupted by the arrival of a messenger who brings news that the Duke of Suffolk has been captured and is being held in custody. Gloucester is pleased with this news and sees it as an opportunity to bring the traitor to justice. The Duchess urges her husband to act quickly and punish Suffolk for his crimes. Gloucester agrees and decides to gather a council of lords to decide the fate of Suffolk. He sends word to the Lord Protector, the Duke of York, to attend the council meeting. The scene ends with Gloucester and the Duchess discussing their plans to bring justice to their son's death and punish those who are responsible for it.
Enter GLOUCESTER and his Servingmen, in mourning cloaks
GLOUCESTER
Thus sometimes hath the brightest day a cloud;
Link: 2.4.1
And after summer evermore succeeds
Link: 2.4.2
Barren winter, with his wrathful nipping cold:
Link: 2.4.3
So cares and joys abound, as seasons fleet.
Link: 2.4.4
Sirs, what's o'clock?
Link: 2.4.5
Servants
Ten, my lord.
Link: 2.4.6
GLOUCESTER
Ten is the hour that was appointed me
Link: 2.4.7
To watch the coming of my punish'd duchess:
Link: 2.4.8
Uneath may she endure the flinty streets,
Link: 2.4.9
To tread them with her tender-feeling feet.
Link: 2.4.10
Sweet Nell, ill can thy noble mind abrook
Link: 2.4.11
The abject people gazing on thy face,
Link: 2.4.12
With envious looks, laughing at thy shame,
Link: 2.4.13
That erst did follow thy proud chariot-wheels
Link: 2.4.14
When thou didst ride in triumph through the streets.
Link: 2.4.15
But, soft! I think she comes; and I'll prepare
Link: 2.4.16
My tear-stain'd eyes to see her miseries.
Link: 2.4.17
Enter the DUCHESS in a white sheet, and a taper burning in her hand; with STANLEY, the Sheriff, and Officers
Servant
So please your grace, we'll take her from the sheriff.
Link: 2.4.18
GLOUCESTER
No, stir not, for your lives; let her pass by.
Link: 2.4.19
DUCHESS
Come you, my lord, to see my open shame?
Link: 2.4.20
Now thou dost penance too. Look how they gaze!
Link: 2.4.21
See how the giddy multitude do point,
Link: 2.4.22
And nod their heads, and throw their eyes on thee!
Link: 2.4.23
Ah, Gloucester, hide thee from their hateful looks,
Link: 2.4.24
And, in thy closet pent up, rue my shame,
Link: 2.4.25
And ban thine enemies, both mine and thine!
Link: 2.4.26
GLOUCESTER
Be patient, gentle Nell; forget this grief.
Link: 2.4.27
DUCHESS
Ah, Gloucester, teach me to forget myself!
Link: 2.4.28
For whilst I think I am thy married wife
Link: 2.4.29
And thou a prince, protector of this land,
Link: 2.4.30
Methinks I should not thus be led along,
Link: 2.4.31
Mail'd up in shame, with papers on my back,
Link: 2.4.32
And followed with a rabble that rejoice
Link: 2.4.33
To see my tears and hear my deep-fet groans.
Link: 2.4.34
The ruthless flint doth cut my tender feet,
Link: 2.4.35
And when I start, the envious people laugh
Link: 2.4.36
And bid me be advised how I tread.
Link: 2.4.37
Ah, Humphrey, can I bear this shameful yoke?
Link: 2.4.38
Trow'st thou that e'er I'll look upon the world,
Link: 2.4.39
Or count them happy that enjoy the sun?
Link: 2.4.40
No; dark shall be my light and night my day;
Link: 2.4.41
To think upon my pomp shall be my hell.
Link: 2.4.42
Sometime I'll say, I am Duke Humphrey's wife,
Link: 2.4.43
And he a prince and ruler of the land:
Link: 2.4.44
Yet so he ruled and such a prince he was
Link: 2.4.45
As he stood by whilst I, his forlorn duchess,
Link: 2.4.46
Was made a wonder and a pointing-stock
Link: 2.4.47
To every idle rascal follower.
Link: 2.4.48
But be thou mild and blush not at my shame,
Link: 2.4.49
Nor stir at nothing till the axe of death
Link: 2.4.50
Hang over thee, as, sure, it shortly will;
Link: 2.4.51
For Suffolk, he that can do all in all
Link: 2.4.52
With her that hateth thee and hates us all,
Link: 2.4.53
And York and impious Beaufort, that false priest,
Link: 2.4.54
Have all limed bushes to betray thy wings,
Link: 2.4.55
And, fly thou how thou canst, they'll tangle thee:
Link: 2.4.56
But fear not thou, until thy foot be snared,
Link: 2.4.57
Nor never seek prevention of thy foes.
Link: 2.4.58
GLOUCESTER
Ah, Nell, forbear! thou aimest all awry;
Link: 2.4.59
I must offend before I be attainted;
Link: 2.4.60
And had I twenty times so many foes,
Link: 2.4.61
And each of them had twenty times their power,
Link: 2.4.62
All these could not procure me any scathe,
Link: 2.4.63
So long as I am loyal, true and crimeless.
Link: 2.4.64
Wouldst have me rescue thee from this reproach?
Link: 2.4.65
Why, yet thy scandal were not wiped away
Link: 2.4.66
But I in danger for the breach of law.
Link: 2.4.67
Thy greatest help is quiet, gentle Nell:
Link: 2.4.68
I pray thee, sort thy heart to patience;
Link: 2.4.69
These few days' wonder will be quickly worn.
Link: 2.4.70
Enter a Herald
Herald
I summon your grace to his majesty's parliament,
Link: 2.4.71
Holden at Bury the first of this next month.
Link: 2.4.72
GLOUCESTER
And my consent ne'er ask'd herein before!
Link: 2.4.73
This is close dealing. Well, I will be there.
Link: 2.4.74
My Nell, I take my leave: and, master sheriff,
Link: 2.4.75
Let not her penance exceed the king's commission.
Link: 2.4.76
Sheriff
An't please your grace, here my commission stays,
Link: 2.4.77
And Sir John Stanley is appointed now
Link: 2.4.78
To take her with him to the Isle of Man.
Link: 2.4.79
GLOUCESTER
Must you, Sir John, protect my lady here?
Link: 2.4.80
STANLEY
So am I given in charge, may't please your grace.
Link: 2.4.81
GLOUCESTER
Entreat her not the worse in that I pray
Link: 2.4.82
You use her well: the world may laugh again;
Link: 2.4.83
And I may live to do you kindness if
Link: 2.4.84
You do it her: and so, Sir John, farewell!
Link: 2.4.85
DUCHESS
What, gone, my lord, and bid me not farewell!
Link: 2.4.86
GLOUCESTER
Witness my tears, I cannot stay to speak.
Link: 2.4.87
Exeunt GLOUCESTER and Servingmen
DUCHESS
Art thou gone too? all comfort go with thee!
Link: 2.4.88
For none abides with me: my joy is death;
Link: 2.4.89
Death, at whose name I oft have been afear'd,
Link: 2.4.90
Because I wish'd this world's eternity.
Link: 2.4.91
Stanley, I prithee, go, and take me hence;
Link: 2.4.92
I care not whither, for I beg no favour,
Link: 2.4.93
Only convey me where thou art commanded.
Link: 2.4.94
STANLEY
Why, madam, that is to the Isle of Man;
Link: 2.4.95
There to be used according to your state.
Link: 2.4.96
DUCHESS
That's bad enough, for I am but reproach:
Link: 2.4.97
And shall I then be used reproachfully?
Link: 2.4.98
STANLEY
Like to a duchess, and Duke Humphrey's lady;
Link: 2.4.99
According to that state you shall be used.
Link: 2.4.100
DUCHESS
Sheriff, farewell, and better than I fare,
Link: 2.4.101
Although thou hast been conduct of my shame.
Link: 2.4.102
Sheriff
It is my office; and, madam, pardon me.
Link: 2.4.103
DUCHESS
Ay, ay, farewell; thy office is discharged.
Link: 2.4.104
Come, Stanley, shall we go?
Link: 2.4.105
STANLEY
Madam, your penance done, throw off this sheet,
Link: 2.4.106
And go we to attire you for our journey.
Link: 2.4.107
DUCHESS
My shame will not be shifted with my sheet:
Link: 2.4.108
No, it will hang upon my richest robes
Link: 2.4.109
And show itself, attire me how I can.
Link: 2.4.110
Go, lead the way; I long to see my prison.
Link: 2.4.111
Exeunt
Act III
Act 3 of Henry VI, Part 2 is a pivotal moment in the play's plot. The story follows the ongoing conflict between the House of Lancaster and the House of York during the Wars of the Roses in 15th century England.
In this act, tensions between the two houses escalate as the Duke of York and his supporters openly rebel against King Henry VI and his government. The Duke of York believes that he has a rightful claim to the throne, and he begins to gather an army to challenge the king's authority.
Meanwhile, Queen Margaret and her allies struggle to maintain their power and protect the king from York's forces. They engage in a series of political maneuvers and negotiations, attempting to rally support from other noble families and prevent York from gaining too much strength.
The climax of the act comes when York confronts the king in battle at St. Albans. The two sides clash violently, with many casualties on both sides. Despite their best efforts, the queen and her supporters are unable to prevent York from securing a decisive victory.
The act ends with York victorious but uncertain about his next move. He knows that the queen and her allies will not give up easily, and that more bloodshed is likely to come. The stage is set for further conflict and upheaval as the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance.
SCENE I. The Abbey at Bury St. Edmund's.
Scene 1 of Act 3 begins with King Henry VI talking to his advisors about the current political situation. He is informed that the Duke of York has rebelled against him and is on his way to London with an army. The king is worried about the safety of the city and orders his men to prepare for battle. Meanwhile, the Duke of York arrives outside the city with his army and is met by his sons, Edward and Richard. They discuss their plan to overthrow the king and take the throne for themselves. The Duke of York believes he has a legitimate claim to the throne and feels that King Henry VI is an ineffective ruler. As the battle begins, the Duke of York and his sons prove to be skilled warriors and are able to gain the upper hand. However, the tide of the battle turns when the Earl of Warwick arrives with reinforcements to support the king. With the help of the Earl of Warwick, King Henry VI's army is able to defeat the Duke of York's forces. After the battle, the Duke of York is captured and brought before the king. King Henry VI orders him to be executed for his treasonous actions. However, before he is executed, the Duke of York delivers a powerful speech about his loyalty to England and his belief that he was fighting for what was best for the country. His sons vow to avenge his death and continue their quest for the throne.
Sound a sennet. Enter KING HENRY VI, QUEEN MARGARET, CARDINAL, SUFFOLK, YORK, BUCKINGHAM, SALISBURY and WARWICK to the Parliament
KING HENRY VI
I muse my Lord of Gloucester is not come:
Link: 3.1.1
'Tis not his wont to be the hindmost man,
Link: 3.1.2
Whate'er occasion keeps him from us now.
Link: 3.1.3
QUEEN MARGARET
Can you not see? or will ye not observe
Link: 3.1.4
The strangeness of his alter'd countenance?
Link: 3.1.5
With what a majesty he bears himself,
Link: 3.1.6
How insolent of late he is become,
Link: 3.1.7
How proud, how peremptory, and unlike himself?
Link: 3.1.8
We know the time since he was mild and affable,
Link: 3.1.9
And if we did but glance a far-off look,
Link: 3.1.10
Immediately he was upon his knee,
Link: 3.1.11
That all the court admired him for submission:
Link: 3.1.12
But meet him now, and, be it in the morn,
Link: 3.1.13
When every one will give the time of day,
Link: 3.1.14
He knits his brow and shows an angry eye,
Link: 3.1.15
And passeth by with stiff unbowed knee,
Link: 3.1.16
Disdaining duty that to us belongs.
Link: 3.1.17
Small curs are not regarded when they grin;
Link: 3.1.18
But great men tremble when the lion roars;
Link: 3.1.19
And Humphrey is no little man in England.
Link: 3.1.20
First note that he is near you in descent,
Link: 3.1.21
And should you fall, he as the next will mount.
Link: 3.1.22
Me seemeth then it is no policy,
Link: 3.1.23
Respecting what a rancorous mind he bears
Link: 3.1.24
And his advantage following your decease,
Link: 3.1.25
That he should come about your royal person
Link: 3.1.26
Or be admitted to your highness' council.
Link: 3.1.27
By flattery hath he won the commons' hearts,
Link: 3.1.28
And when he please to make commotion,
Link: 3.1.29
'Tis to be fear'd they all will follow him.
Link: 3.1.30
Now 'tis the spring, and weeds are shallow-rooted;
Link: 3.1.31
Suffer them now, and they'll o'ergrow the garden
Link: 3.1.32
And choke the herbs for want of husbandry.
Link: 3.1.33
The reverent care I bear unto my lord
Link: 3.1.34
Made me collect these dangers in the duke.
Link: 3.1.35
If it be fond, call it a woman's fear;
Link: 3.1.36
Which fear if better reasons can supplant,
Link: 3.1.37
I will subscribe and say I wrong'd the duke.
Link: 3.1.38
My Lord of Suffolk, Buckingham, and York,
Link: 3.1.39
Reprove my allegation, if you can;
Link: 3.1.40
Or else conclude my words effectual.
Link: 3.1.41
SUFFOLK
Well hath your highness seen into this duke;
Link: 3.1.42
And, had I first been put to speak my mind,
Link: 3.1.43
I think I should have told your grace's tale.
Link: 3.1.44
The duchess, by his subornation,
Link: 3.1.45
Upon my life, began her devilish practises:
Link: 3.1.46
Or, if he were not privy to those faults,
Link: 3.1.47
Yet, by reputing of his high descent,
Link: 3.1.48
As next the king he was successive heir,
Link: 3.1.49
And such high vaunts of his nobility,
Link: 3.1.50
Did instigate the bedlam brain-sick duchess
Link: 3.1.51
By wicked means to frame our sovereign's fall.
Link: 3.1.52
Smooth runs the water where the brook is deep;
Link: 3.1.53
And in his simple show he harbours treason.
Link: 3.1.54
The fox barks not when he would steal the lamb.
Link: 3.1.55
No, no, my sovereign; Gloucester is a man
Link: 3.1.56
Unsounded yet and full of deep deceit.
Link: 3.1.57
CARDINAL
Did he not, contrary to form of law,
Link: 3.1.58
Devise strange deaths for small offences done?
Link: 3.1.59
YORK
And did he not, in his protectorship,
Link: 3.1.60
Levy great sums of money through the realm
Link: 3.1.61
For soldiers' pay in France, and never sent it?
Link: 3.1.62
By means whereof the towns each day revolted.
Link: 3.1.63
BUCKINGHAM
Tut, these are petty faults to faults unknown.
Link: 3.1.64
Which time will bring to light in smooth
Link: 3.1.65
Duke Humphrey.
Link: 3.1.66
KING HENRY VI
My lords, at once: the care you have of us,
Link: 3.1.67
To mow down thorns that would annoy our foot,
Link: 3.1.68
Is worthy praise: but, shall I speak my conscience,
Link: 3.1.69
Our kinsman Gloucester is as innocent
Link: 3.1.70
From meaning treason to our royal person
Link: 3.1.71
As is the sucking lamb or harmless dove:
Link: 3.1.72
The duke is virtuous, mild and too well given
Link: 3.1.73
To dream on evil or to work my downfall.
Link: 3.1.74
QUEEN MARGARET
Ah, what's more dangerous than this fond affiance!
Link: 3.1.75
Seems he a dove? his feathers are but borrowed,
Link: 3.1.76
For he's disposed as the hateful raven:
Link: 3.1.77
Is he a lamb? his skin is surely lent him,
Link: 3.1.78
For he's inclined as is the ravenous wolf.
Link: 3.1.79
Who cannot steal a shape that means deceit?
Link: 3.1.80
Take heed, my lord; the welfare of us all
Link: 3.1.81
Hangs on the cutting short that fraudful man.
Link: 3.1.82
Enter SOMERSET
SOMERSET
All health unto my gracious sovereign!
Link: 3.1.83
KING HENRY VI
Welcome, Lord Somerset. What news from France?
Link: 3.1.84
SOMERSET
That all your interest in those territories
Link: 3.1.85
Is utterly bereft you; all is lost.
Link: 3.1.86
KING HENRY VI
Cold news, Lord Somerset: but God's will be done!
Link: 3.1.87
YORK
(Aside) Cold news for me; for I had hope of France
Link: 3.1.88
As firmly as I hope for fertile England.
Link: 3.1.89
Thus are my blossoms blasted in the bud
Link: 3.1.90
And caterpillars eat my leaves away;
Link: 3.1.91
But I will remedy this gear ere long,
Link: 3.1.92
Or sell my title for a glorious grave.
Link: 3.1.93
Enter GLOUCESTER
GLOUCESTER
All happiness unto my lord the king!
Link: 3.1.94
Pardon, my liege, that I have stay'd so long.
Link: 3.1.95
SUFFOLK
Nay, Gloucester, know that thou art come too soon,
Link: 3.1.96
Unless thou wert more loyal than thou art:
Link: 3.1.97
I do arrest thee of high treason here.
Link: 3.1.98
GLOUCESTER
Well, Suffolk, thou shalt not see me blush
Link: 3.1.99
Nor change my countenance for this arrest:
Link: 3.1.100
A heart unspotted is not easily daunted.
Link: 3.1.101
The purest spring is not so free from mud
Link: 3.1.102
As I am clear from treason to my sovereign:
Link: 3.1.103
Who can accuse me? wherein am I guilty?
Link: 3.1.104
YORK
'Tis thought, my lord, that you took bribes of France,
Link: 3.1.105
And, being protector, stayed the soldiers' pay;
Link: 3.1.106
By means whereof his highness hath lost France.
Link: 3.1.107
GLOUCESTER
Is it but thought so? what are they that think it?
Link: 3.1.108
I never robb'd the soldiers of their pay,
Link: 3.1.109
Nor ever had one penny bribe from France.
Link: 3.1.110
So help me God, as I have watch'd the night,
Link: 3.1.111
Ay, night by night, in studying good for England,
Link: 3.1.112
That doit that e'er I wrested from the king,
Link: 3.1.113
Or any groat I hoarded to my use,
Link: 3.1.114
Be brought against me at my trial-day!
Link: 3.1.115
No; many a pound of mine own proper store,
Link: 3.1.116
Because I would not tax the needy commons,
Link: 3.1.117
Have I disbursed to the garrisons,
Link: 3.1.118
And never ask'd for restitution.
Link: 3.1.119
CARDINAL
It serves you well, my lord, to say so much.
Link: 3.1.120
GLOUCESTER
I say no more than truth, so help me God!
Link: 3.1.121
YORK
In your protectorship you did devise
Link: 3.1.122
Strange tortures for offenders never heard of,
Link: 3.1.123
That England was defamed by tyranny.
Link: 3.1.124
GLOUCESTER
Why, 'tis well known that, whiles I was
Link: 3.1.125
protector,
Link: 3.1.126
Pity was all the fault that was in me;
Link: 3.1.127
For I should melt at an offender's tears,
Link: 3.1.128
And lowly words were ransom for their fault.
Link: 3.1.129
Unless it were a bloody murderer,
Link: 3.1.130
Or foul felonious thief that fleeced poor passengers,
Link: 3.1.131
I never gave them condign punishment:
Link: 3.1.132
Murder indeed, that bloody sin, I tortured
Link: 3.1.133
Above the felon or what trespass else.
Link: 3.1.134
SUFFOLK
My lord, these faults are easy, quickly answered:
Link: 3.1.135
But mightier crimes are laid unto your charge,
Link: 3.1.136
Whereof you cannot easily purge yourself.
Link: 3.1.137
I do arrest you in his highness' name;
Link: 3.1.138
And here commit you to my lord cardinal
Link: 3.1.139
To keep, until your further time of trial.
Link: 3.1.140
KING HENRY VI
My lord of Gloucester, 'tis my special hope
Link: 3.1.141
That you will clear yourself from all suspect:
Link: 3.1.142
My conscience tells me you are innocent.
Link: 3.1.143
GLOUCESTER
Ah, gracious lord, these days are dangerous:
Link: 3.1.144
Virtue is choked with foul ambition
Link: 3.1.145
And charity chased hence by rancour's hand;
Link: 3.1.146
Foul subornation is predominant
Link: 3.1.147
And equity exiled your highness' land.
Link: 3.1.148
I know their complot is to have my life,
Link: 3.1.149
And if my death might make this island happy,
Link: 3.1.150
And prove the period of their tyranny,
Link: 3.1.151
I would expend it with all willingness:
Link: 3.1.152
But mine is made the prologue to their play;
Link: 3.1.153
For thousands more, that yet suspect no peril,
Link: 3.1.154
Will not conclude their plotted tragedy.
Link: 3.1.155
Beaufort's red sparkling eyes blab his heart's malice,
Link: 3.1.156
And Suffolk's cloudy brow his stormy hate;
Link: 3.1.157
Sharp Buckingham unburthens with his tongue
Link: 3.1.158
The envious load that lies upon his heart;
Link: 3.1.159
And dogged York, that reaches at the moon,
Link: 3.1.160
Whose overweening arm I have pluck'd back,
Link: 3.1.161
By false accuse doth level at my life:
Link: 3.1.162
And you, my sovereign lady, with the rest,
Link: 3.1.163
Causeless have laid disgraces on my head,
Link: 3.1.164
And with your best endeavour have stirr'd up
Link: 3.1.165
My liefest liege to be mine enemy:
Link: 3.1.166
Ay, all you have laid your heads together--
Link: 3.1.167
Myself had notice of your conventicles--
Link: 3.1.168
And all to make away my guiltless life.
Link: 3.1.169
I shall not want false witness to condemn me,
Link: 3.1.170
Nor store of treasons to augment my guilt;
Link: 3.1.171
The ancient proverb will be well effected:
Link: 3.1.172
'A staff is quickly found to beat a dog.'
Link: 3.1.173
CARDINAL
My liege, his railing is intolerable:
Link: 3.1.174
If those that care to keep your royal person
Link: 3.1.175
From treason's secret knife and traitors' rage
Link: 3.1.176
Be thus upbraided, chid and rated at,
Link: 3.1.177
And the offender granted scope of speech,
Link: 3.1.178
'Twill make them cool in zeal unto your grace.
Link: 3.1.179
SUFFOLK
Hath he not twit our sovereign lady here
Link: 3.1.180
With ignominious words, though clerkly couch'd,
Link: 3.1.181
As if she had suborned some to swear
Link: 3.1.182
False allegations to o'erthrow his state?
Link: 3.1.183
QUEEN MARGARET
But I can give the loser leave to chide.
Link: 3.1.184
GLOUCESTER
Far truer spoke than meant: I lose, indeed;
Link: 3.1.185
Beshrew the winners, for they play'd me false!
Link: 3.1.186
And well such losers may have leave to speak.
Link: 3.1.187
BUCKINGHAM
He'll wrest the sense and hold us here all day:
Link: 3.1.188
Lord cardinal, he is your prisoner.
Link: 3.1.189
CARDINAL
Sirs, take away the duke, and guard him sure.
Link: 3.1.190
GLOUCESTER
Ah! thus King Henry throws away his crutch
Link: 3.1.191
Before his legs be firm to bear his body.
Link: 3.1.192
Thus is the shepherd beaten from thy side,
Link: 3.1.193
And wolves are gnarling who shall gnaw thee first.
Link: 3.1.194
Ah, that my fear were false! ah, that it were!
Link: 3.1.195
For, good King Henry, thy decay I fear.
Link: 3.1.196
Exit, guarded
KING HENRY VI
My lords, what to your wisdoms seemeth best,
Link: 3.1.197
Do or undo, as if ourself were here.
Link: 3.1.198
QUEEN MARGARET
What, will your highness leave the parliament?
Link: 3.1.199
KING HENRY VI
Ay, Margaret; my heart is drown'd with grief,
Link: 3.1.200
Whose flood begins to flow within mine eyes,
Link: 3.1.201
My body round engirt with misery,
Link: 3.1.202
For what's more miserable than discontent?
Link: 3.1.203
Ah, uncle Humphrey! in thy face I see
Link: 3.1.204
The map of honour, truth and loyalty:
Link: 3.1.205
And yet, good Humphrey, is the hour to come
Link: 3.1.206
That e'er I proved thee false or fear'd thy faith.
Link: 3.1.207
What louring star now envies thy estate,
Link: 3.1.208
That these great lords and Margaret our queen
Link: 3.1.209
Do seek subversion of thy harmless life?
Link: 3.1.210
Thou never didst them wrong, nor no man wrong;
Link: 3.1.211
And as the butcher takes away the calf
Link: 3.1.212
And binds the wretch, and beats it when it strays,
Link: 3.1.213
Bearing it to the bloody slaughter-house,
Link: 3.1.214
Even so remorseless have they borne him hence;
Link: 3.1.215
And as the dam runs lowing up and down,
Link: 3.1.216
Looking the way her harmless young one went,
Link: 3.1.217
And can do nought but wail her darling's loss,
Link: 3.1.218
Even so myself bewails good Gloucester's case
Link: 3.1.219
With sad unhelpful tears, and with dimm'd eyes
Link: 3.1.220
Look after him and cannot do him good,
Link: 3.1.221
So mighty are his vowed enemies.
Link: 3.1.222
His fortunes I will weep; and, 'twixt each groan
Link: 3.1.223
Say 'Who's a traitor? Gloucester he is none.'
Link: 3.1.224
Exeunt all but QUEEN MARGARET, CARDINAL, SUFFOLK, and YORK; SOMERSET remains apart
QUEEN MARGARET
Free lords, cold snow melts with the sun's hot beams.
Link: 3.1.225
Henry my lord is cold in great affairs,
Link: 3.1.226
Too full of foolish pity, and Gloucester's show
Link: 3.1.227
Beguiles him as the mournful crocodile
Link: 3.1.228
With sorrow snares relenting passengers,
Link: 3.1.229
Or as the snake roll'd in a flowering bank,
Link: 3.1.230
With shining chequer'd slough, doth sting a child
Link: 3.1.231
That for the beauty thinks it excellent.
Link: 3.1.232
Believe me, lords, were none more wise than I--
Link: 3.1.233
And yet herein I judge mine own wit good--
Link: 3.1.234
This Gloucester should be quickly rid the world,
Link: 3.1.235
To rid us of the fear we have of him.
Link: 3.1.236
CARDINAL
That he should die is worthy policy;
Link: 3.1.237
But yet we want a colour for his death:
Link: 3.1.238
'Tis meet he be condemn'd by course of law.
Link: 3.1.239
SUFFOLK
But, in my mind, that were no policy:
Link: 3.1.240
The king will labour still to save his life,
Link: 3.1.241
The commons haply rise, to save his life;
Link: 3.1.242
And yet we have but trivial argument,
Link: 3.1.243
More than mistrust, that shows him worthy death.
Link: 3.1.244
YORK
So that, by this, you would not have him die.
Link: 3.1.245
SUFFOLK
Ah, York, no man alive so fain as I!
Link: 3.1.246
YORK
'Tis York that hath more reason for his death.
Link: 3.1.247
But, my lord cardinal, and you, my Lord of Suffolk,
Link: 3.1.248
Say as you think, and speak it from your souls,
Link: 3.1.249
Were't not all one, an empty eagle were set
Link: 3.1.250
To guard the chicken from a hungry kite,
Link: 3.1.251
As place Duke Humphrey for the king's protector?
Link: 3.1.252
QUEEN MARGARET
So the poor chicken should be sure of death.
Link: 3.1.253
SUFFOLK
Madam, 'tis true; and were't not madness, then,
Link: 3.1.254
To make the fox surveyor of the fold?
Link: 3.1.255
Who being accused a crafty murderer,
Link: 3.1.256
His guilt should be but idly posted over,
Link: 3.1.257
Because his purpose is not executed.
Link: 3.1.258
No; let him die, in that he is a fox,
Link: 3.1.259
By nature proved an enemy to the flock,
Link: 3.1.260
Before his chaps be stain'd with crimson blood,
Link: 3.1.261
As Humphrey, proved by reasons, to my liege.
Link: 3.1.262
And do not stand on quillets how to slay him:
Link: 3.1.263
Be it by gins, by snares, by subtlety,
Link: 3.1.264
Sleeping or waking, 'tis no matter how,
Link: 3.1.265
So he be dead; for that is good deceit
Link: 3.1.266
Which mates him first that first intends deceit.
Link: 3.1.267
QUEEN MARGARET
Thrice-noble Suffolk, 'tis resolutely spoke.
Link: 3.1.268
SUFFOLK
Not resolute, except so much were done;
Link: 3.1.269
For things are often spoke and seldom meant:
Link: 3.1.270
But that my heart accordeth with my tongue,
Link: 3.1.271
Seeing the deed is meritorious,
Link: 3.1.272
And to preserve my sovereign from his foe,
Link: 3.1.273
Say but the word, and I will be his priest.
Link: 3.1.274
CARDINAL
But I would have him dead, my Lord of Suffolk,
Link: 3.1.275
Ere you can take due orders for a priest:
Link: 3.1.276
Say you consent and censure well the deed,
Link: 3.1.277
And I'll provide his executioner,
Link: 3.1.278
I tender so the safety of my liege.
Link: 3.1.279
SUFFOLK
Here is my hand, the deed is worthy doing.
Link: 3.1.280
QUEEN MARGARET
And so say I.
Link: 3.1.281
YORK
And I and now we three have spoke it,
Link: 3.1.282
It skills not greatly who impugns our doom.
Link: 3.1.283
Enter a Post
Post
Great lords, from Ireland am I come amain,
Link: 3.1.284
To signify that rebels there are up
Link: 3.1.285
And put the Englishmen unto the sword:
Link: 3.1.286
Send succors, lords, and stop the rage betime,
Link: 3.1.287
Before the wound do grow uncurable;
Link: 3.1.288
For, being green, there is great hope of help.
Link: 3.1.289
CARDINAL
A breach that craves a quick expedient stop!
Link: 3.1.290
What counsel give you in this weighty cause?
Link: 3.1.291
YORK
That Somerset be sent as regent thither:
Link: 3.1.292
'Tis meet that lucky ruler be employ'd;
Link: 3.1.293
Witness the fortune he hath had in France.
Link: 3.1.294
SOMERSET
If York, with all his far-fet policy,
Link: 3.1.295
Had been the regent there instead of me,
Link: 3.1.296
He never would have stay'd in France so long.
Link: 3.1.297
YORK
No, not to lose it all, as thou hast done:
Link: 3.1.298
I rather would have lost my life betimes
Link: 3.1.299
Than bring a burthen of dishonour home
Link: 3.1.300
By staying there so long till all were lost.
Link: 3.1.301
Show me one scar character'd on thy skin:
Link: 3.1.302
Men's flesh preserved so whole do seldom win.
Link: 3.1.303
QUEEN MARGARET
Nay, then, this spark will prove a raging fire,
Link: 3.1.304
If wind and fuel be brought to feed it with:
Link: 3.1.305
No more, good York; sweet Somerset, be still:
Link: 3.1.306
Thy fortune, York, hadst thou been regent there,
Link: 3.1.307
Might happily have proved far worse than his.
Link: 3.1.308
YORK
What, worse than nought? nay, then, a shame take all!
Link: 3.1.309
SOMERSET
And, in the number, thee that wishest shame!
Link: 3.1.310
CARDINAL
My Lord of York, try what your fortune is.
Link: 3.1.311
The uncivil kerns of Ireland are in arms
Link: 3.1.312
And temper clay with blood of Englishmen:
Link: 3.1.313
To Ireland will you lead a band of men,
Link: 3.1.314
Collected choicely, from each county some,
Link: 3.1.315
And try your hap against the Irishmen?
Link: 3.1.316
YORK
I will, my lord, so please his majesty.
Link: 3.1.317
SUFFOLK
Why, our authority is his consent,
Link: 3.1.318
And what we do establish he confirms:
Link: 3.1.319
Then, noble York, take thou this task in hand.
Link: 3.1.320
YORK
I am content: provide me soldiers, lords,
Link: 3.1.321
Whiles I take order for mine own affairs.
Link: 3.1.322
SUFFOLK
A charge, Lord York, that I will see perform'd.
Link: 3.1.323
But now return we to the false Duke Humphrey.
Link: 3.1.324
CARDINAL
No more of him; for I will deal with him
Link: 3.1.325
That henceforth he shall trouble us no more.
Link: 3.1.326
And so break off; the day is almost spent:
Link: 3.1.327
Lord Suffolk, you and I must talk of that event.
Link: 3.1.328
YORK
My Lord of Suffolk, within fourteen days
Link: 3.1.329
At Bristol I expect my soldiers;
Link: 3.1.330
For there I'll ship them all for Ireland.
Link: 3.1.331
SUFFOLK
I'll see it truly done, my Lord of York.
Link: 3.1.332
Exeunt all but YORK
YORK
Now, York, or never, steel thy fearful thoughts,
Link: 3.1.333
And change misdoubt to resolution:
Link: 3.1.334
Be that thou hopest to be, or what thou art
Link: 3.1.335
Resign to death; it is not worth the enjoying:
Link: 3.1.336
Let pale-faced fear keep with the mean-born man,
Link: 3.1.337
And find no harbour in a royal heart.
Link: 3.1.338
Faster than spring-time showers comes thought
Link: 3.1.339
on thought,
Link: 3.1.340
And not a thought but thinks on dignity.
Link: 3.1.341
My brain more busy than the labouring spider
Link: 3.1.342
Weaves tedious snares to trap mine enemies.
Link: 3.1.343
Well, nobles, well, 'tis politicly done,
Link: 3.1.344
To send me packing with an host of men:
Link: 3.1.345
I fear me you but warm the starved snake,
Link: 3.1.346
Who, cherish'd in your breasts, will sting
Link: 3.1.347
your hearts.
Link: 3.1.348
'Twas men I lack'd and you will give them me:
Link: 3.1.349
I take it kindly; and yet be well assured
Link: 3.1.350
You put sharp weapons in a madman's hands.
Link: 3.1.351
Whiles I in Ireland nourish a mighty band,
Link: 3.1.352
I will stir up in England some black storm
Link: 3.1.353
Shall blow ten thousand souls to heaven or hell;
Link: 3.1.354
And this fell tempest shall not cease to rage
Link: 3.1.355
Until the golden circuit on my head,
Link: 3.1.356
Like to the glorious sun's transparent beams,
Link: 3.1.357
Do calm the fury of this mad-bred flaw.
Link: 3.1.358
And, for a minister of my intent,
Link: 3.1.359
I have seduced a headstrong Kentishman,
Link: 3.1.360
John Cade of Ashford,
Link: 3.1.361
To make commotion, as full well he can,
Link: 3.1.362
Under the title of John Mortimer.
Link: 3.1.363
In Ireland have I seen this stubborn Cade
Link: 3.1.364
Oppose himself against a troop of kerns,
Link: 3.1.365
And fought so long, till that his thighs with darts
Link: 3.1.366
Were almost like a sharp-quill'd porpentine;
Link: 3.1.367
And, in the end being rescued, I have seen
Link: 3.1.368
Him caper upright like a wild Morisco,
Link: 3.1.369
Shaking the bloody darts as he his bells.
Link: 3.1.370
Full often, like a shag-hair'd crafty kern,
Link: 3.1.371
Hath he conversed with the enemy,
Link: 3.1.372
And undiscover'd come to me again
Link: 3.1.373
And given me notice of their villanies.
Link: 3.1.374
This devil here shall be my substitute;
Link: 3.1.375
For that John Mortimer, which now is dead,
Link: 3.1.376
In face, in gait, in speech, he doth resemble:
Link: 3.1.377
By this I shall perceive the commons' mind,
Link: 3.1.378
How they affect the house and claim of York.
Link: 3.1.379
Say he be taken, rack'd and tortured,
Link: 3.1.380
I know no pain they can inflict upon him
Link: 3.1.381
Will make him say I moved him to those arms.
Link: 3.1.382
Say that he thrive, as 'tis great like he will,
Link: 3.1.383
Why, then from Ireland come I with my strength
Link: 3.1.384
And reap the harvest which that rascal sow'd;
Link: 3.1.385
For Humphrey being dead, as he shall be,
Link: 3.1.386
And Henry put apart, the next for me.
Link: 3.1.387
Exit
SCENE II. Bury St. Edmund's. A room of state.
Scene 2 of Act 3 takes place in a garden in London, where the King's wife, Queen Margaret, is talking with the Duke of York's wife, Duchess of York. The two women are discussing the ongoing conflict between their husbands, the King and the Duke of York, who are vying for the English crown. Queen Margaret is angry because she believes that the Duke of York has been plotting against the King and is responsible for the deaths of several of his allies. The Duchess of York, however, defends her husband and accuses the King of being a weak ruler who has allowed his favorites to gain too much power. The two women continue to argue, with Queen Margaret insisting that the Duke of York must be punished for his actions. The Duchess of York, meanwhile, accuses the Queen of being a foreigner who does not understand the English way of life. Their argument is interrupted by the arrival of the Duke of York himself, who enters the garden with several of his allies. The Duke and the Queen exchange insults, with the Duke calling her a "she-wolf" and the Queen accusing him of being a traitor. As the argument heats up, the Duke of Somerset, one of the King's allies, enters the garden and tries to intervene. However, he is quickly drawn into the argument and begins to exchange insults with the Duke of York as well. The scene ends with the two sides still at odds, with the conflict between the King and the Duke of York seemingly no closer to resolution.
Enter certain Murderers, hastily
First Murderer
Run to my Lord of Suffolk; let him know
Link: 3.2.1
We have dispatch'd the duke, as he commanded.
Link: 3.2.2
Second Murderer
O that it were to do! What have we done?
Link: 3.2.3
Didst ever hear a man so penitent?
Link: 3.2.4
Enter SUFFOLK
First Murder
Here comes my lord.
Link: 3.2.5
SUFFOLK
Now, sirs, have you dispatch'd this thing?
Link: 3.2.6
First Murderer
Ay, my good lord, he's dead.
Link: 3.2.7
SUFFOLK
Why, that's well said. Go, get you to my house;
Link: 3.2.8
I will reward you for this venturous deed.
Link: 3.2.9
The king and all the peers are here at hand.
Link: 3.2.10
Have you laid fair the bed? Is all things well,
Link: 3.2.11
According as I gave directions?
Link: 3.2.12
First Murderer
'Tis, my good lord.
Link: 3.2.13
SUFFOLK
Away! be gone.
Link: 3.2.14
Exeunt Murderers
Sound trumpets. Enter KING HENRY VI, QUEEN MARGARET, CARDINAL, SOMERSET, with Attendants
KING HENRY VI
Go, call our uncle to our presence straight;
Link: 3.2.15
Say we intend to try his grace to-day.
Link: 3.2.16
If he be guilty, as 'tis published.
Link: 3.2.17
SUFFOLK
I'll call him presently, my noble lord.
Link: 3.2.18
Exit
KING HENRY VI
Lords, take your places; and, I pray you all,
Link: 3.2.19
Proceed no straiter 'gainst our uncle Gloucester
Link: 3.2.20
Than from true evidence of good esteem
Link: 3.2.21
He be approved in practise culpable.
Link: 3.2.22
QUEEN MARGARET
God forbid any malice should prevail,
Link: 3.2.23
That faultless may condemn a nobleman!
Link: 3.2.24
Pray God he may acquit him of suspicion!
Link: 3.2.25
KING HENRY VI
I thank thee, Meg; these words content me much.
Link: 3.2.26
How now! why look'st thou pale? why tremblest thou?
Link: 3.2.27
Where is our uncle? what's the matter, Suffolk?
Link: 3.2.28
SUFFOLK
Dead in his bed, my lord; Gloucester is dead.
Link: 3.2.29
QUEEN MARGARET
Marry, God forfend!
Link: 3.2.30
CARDINAL
God's secret judgment: I did dream to-night
Link: 3.2.31
The duke was dumb and could not speak a word.
Link: 3.2.32
KING HENRY VI swoons
QUEEN MARGARET
How fares my lord? Help, lords! the king is dead.
Link: 3.2.33
SOMERSET
Rear up his body; wring him by the nose.
Link: 3.2.34
QUEEN MARGARET
Run, go, help, help! O Henry, ope thine eyes!
Link: 3.2.35
SUFFOLK
He doth revive again: madam, be patient.
Link: 3.2.36
KING HENRY VI
O heavenly God!
Link: 3.2.37
QUEEN MARGARET
How fares my gracious lord?
Link: 3.2.38
SUFFOLK
Comfort, my sovereign! gracious Henry, comfort!
Link: 3.2.39
KING HENRY VI
What, doth my Lord of Suffolk comfort me?
Link: 3.2.40
Came he right now to sing a raven's note,
Link: 3.2.41
Whose dismal tune bereft my vital powers;
Link: 3.2.42
And thinks he that the chirping of a wren,
Link: 3.2.43
By crying comfort from a hollow breast,
Link: 3.2.44
Can chase away the first-conceived sound?
Link: 3.2.45
Hide not thy poison with such sugar'd words;
Link: 3.2.46
Lay not thy hands on me; forbear, I say;
Link: 3.2.47
Their touch affrights me as a serpent's sting.
Link: 3.2.48
Thou baleful messenger, out of my sight!
Link: 3.2.49
Upon thy eye-balls murderous tyranny
Link: 3.2.50
Sits in grim majesty, to fright the world.
Link: 3.2.51
Look not upon me, for thine eyes are wounding:
Link: 3.2.52
Yet do not go away: come, basilisk,
Link: 3.2.53
And kill the innocent gazer with thy sight;
Link: 3.2.54
For in the shade of death I shall find joy;
Link: 3.2.55
In life but double death, now Gloucester's dead.
Link: 3.2.56
QUEEN MARGARET
Why do you rate my Lord of Suffolk thus?
Link: 3.2.57
Although the duke was enemy to him,
Link: 3.2.58
Yet he most Christian-like laments his death:
Link: 3.2.59
And for myself, foe as he was to me,
Link: 3.2.60
Might liquid tears or heart-offending groans
Link: 3.2.61
Or blood-consuming sighs recall his life,
Link: 3.2.62
I would be blind with weeping, sick with groans,
Link: 3.2.63
Look pale as primrose with blood-drinking sighs,
Link: 3.2.64
And all to have the noble duke alive.
Link: 3.2.65
What know I how the world may deem of me?
Link: 3.2.66
For it is known we were but hollow friends:
Link: 3.2.67
It may be judged I made the duke away;
Link: 3.2.68
So shall my name with slander's tongue be wounded,
Link: 3.2.69
And princes' courts be fill'd with my reproach.
Link: 3.2.70
This get I by his death: ay me, unhappy!
Link: 3.2.71
To be a queen, and crown'd with infamy!
Link: 3.2.72
KING HENRY VI
Ah, woe is me for Gloucester, wretched man!
Link: 3.2.73
QUEEN MARGARET
Be woe for me, more wretched than he is.
Link: 3.2.74
What, dost thou turn away and hide thy face?
Link: 3.2.75
I am no loathsome leper; look on me.
Link: 3.2.76
What! art thou, like the adder, waxen deaf?
Link: 3.2.77
Be poisonous too and kill thy forlorn queen.
Link: 3.2.78
Is all thy comfort shut in Gloucester's tomb?
Link: 3.2.79
Why, then, dame Margaret was ne'er thy joy.
Link: 3.2.80
Erect his statue and worship it,
Link: 3.2.81
And make my image but an alehouse sign.
Link: 3.2.82
Was I for this nigh wreck'd upon the sea
Link: 3.2.83
And twice by awkward wind from England's bank
Link: 3.2.84
Drove back again unto my native clime?
Link: 3.2.85
What boded this, but well forewarning wind
Link: 3.2.86
Did seem to say 'Seek not a scorpion's nest,
Link: 3.2.87
Nor set no footing on this unkind shore'?
Link: 3.2.88
What did I then, but cursed the gentle gusts
Link: 3.2.89
And he that loosed them forth their brazen caves:
Link: 3.2.90
And bid them blow towards England's blessed shore,
Link: 3.2.91
Or turn our stern upon a dreadful rock
Link: 3.2.92
Yet AEolus would not be a murderer,
Link: 3.2.93
But left that hateful office unto thee:
Link: 3.2.94
The pretty-vaulting sea refused to drown me,
Link: 3.2.95
Knowing that thou wouldst have me drown'd on shore,
Link: 3.2.96
With tears as salt as sea, through thy unkindness:
Link: 3.2.97
The splitting rocks cower'd in the sinking sands
Link: 3.2.98
And would not dash me with their ragged sides,
Link: 3.2.99
Because thy flinty heart, more hard than they,
Link: 3.2.100
Might in thy palace perish Margaret.
Link: 3.2.101
As far as I could ken thy chalky cliffs,
Link: 3.2.102
When from thy shore the tempest beat us back,
Link: 3.2.103
I stood upon the hatches in the storm,
Link: 3.2.104
And when the dusky sky began to rob
Link: 3.2.105
My earnest-gaping sight of thy land's view,
Link: 3.2.106
I took a costly jewel from my neck,
Link: 3.2.107
A heart it was, bound in with diamonds,
Link: 3.2.108
And threw it towards thy land: the sea received it,
Link: 3.2.109
And so I wish'd thy body might my heart:
Link: 3.2.110
And even with this I lost fair England's view
Link: 3.2.111
And bid mine eyes be packing with my heart
Link: 3.2.112
And call'd them blind and dusky spectacles,
Link: 3.2.113
For losing ken of Albion's wished coast.
Link: 3.2.114
How often have I tempted Suffolk's tongue,
Link: 3.2.115
The agent of thy foul inconstancy,
Link: 3.2.116
To sit and witch me, as Ascanius did
Link: 3.2.117
When he to madding Dido would unfold
Link: 3.2.118
His father's acts commenced in burning Troy!
Link: 3.2.119
Am I not witch'd like her? or thou not false like him?
Link: 3.2.120
Ay me, I can no more! die, Margaret!
Link: 3.2.121
For Henry weeps that thou dost live so long.
Link: 3.2.122
Noise within. Enter WARWICK, SALISBURY, and many Commons
WARWICK
It is reported, mighty sovereign,
Link: 3.2.123
That good Duke Humphrey traitorously is murder'd
Link: 3.2.124
By Suffolk and the Cardinal Beaufort's means.
Link: 3.2.125
The commons, like an angry hive of bees
Link: 3.2.126
That want their leader, scatter up and down
Link: 3.2.127
And care not who they sting in his revenge.
Link: 3.2.128
Myself have calm'd their spleenful mutiny,
Link: 3.2.129
Until they hear the order of his death.
Link: 3.2.130
KING HENRY VI
That he is dead, good Warwick, 'tis too true;
Link: 3.2.131
But how he died God knows, not Henry:
Link: 3.2.132
Enter his chamber, view his breathless corpse,
Link: 3.2.133
And comment then upon his sudden death.
Link: 3.2.134
WARWICK
That shall I do, my liege. Stay, Salisbury,
Link: 3.2.135
With the rude multitude till I return.
Link: 3.2.136
Exit
KING HENRY VI
O Thou that judgest all things, stay my thoughts,
Link: 3.2.137
My thoughts, that labour to persuade my soul
Link: 3.2.138
Some violent hands were laid on Humphrey's life!
Link: 3.2.139
If my suspect be false, forgive me, God,
Link: 3.2.140
For judgment only doth belong to thee.
Link: 3.2.141
Fain would I go to chafe his paly lips
Link: 3.2.142
With twenty thousand kisses, and to drain
Link: 3.2.143
Upon his face an ocean of salt tears,
Link: 3.2.144
To tell my love unto his dumb deaf trunk,
Link: 3.2.145
And with my fingers feel his hand unfeeling:
Link: 3.2.146
But all in vain are these mean obsequies;
Link: 3.2.147
And to survey his dead and earthly image,
Link: 3.2.148
What were it but to make my sorrow greater?
Link: 3.2.149
Re-enter WARWICK and others, bearing GLOUCESTER'S body on a bed
WARWICK
Come hither, gracious sovereign, view this body.
Link: 3.2.150
KING HENRY VI
That is to see how deep my grave is made;
Link: 3.2.151
For with his soul fled all my worldly solace,
Link: 3.2.152
For seeing him I see my life in death.
Link: 3.2.153
WARWICK
As surely as my soul intends to live
Link: 3.2.154
With that dread King that took our state upon him
Link: 3.2.155
To free us from his father's wrathful curse,
Link: 3.2.156
I do believe that violent hands were laid
Link: 3.2.157
Upon the life of this thrice-famed duke.
Link: 3.2.158
SUFFOLK
A dreadful oath, sworn with a solemn tongue!
Link: 3.2.159
What instance gives Lord Warwick for his vow?
Link: 3.2.160
WARWICK
See how the blood is settled in his face.
Link: 3.2.161
Oft have I seen a timely-parted ghost,
Link: 3.2.162
Of ashy semblance, meagre, pale and bloodless,
Link: 3.2.163
Being all descended to the labouring heart;
Link: 3.2.164
Who, in the conflict that it holds with death,
Link: 3.2.165
Attracts the same for aidance 'gainst the enemy;
Link: 3.2.166
Which with the heart there cools and ne'er returneth
Link: 3.2.167
To blush and beautify the cheek again.
Link: 3.2.168
But see, his face is black and full of blood,
Link: 3.2.169
His eye-balls further out than when he lived,
Link: 3.2.170
Staring full ghastly like a strangled man;
Link: 3.2.171
His hair uprear'd, his nostrils stretched with struggling;
Link: 3.2.172
His hands abroad display'd, as one that grasp'd
Link: 3.2.173
And tugg'd for life and was by strength subdued:
Link: 3.2.174
Look, on the sheets his hair you see, is sticking;
Link: 3.2.175
His well-proportion'd beard made rough and rugged,
Link: 3.2.176
Like to the summer's corn by tempest lodged.
Link: 3.2.177
It cannot be but he was murder'd here;
Link: 3.2.178
The least of all these signs were probable.
Link: 3.2.179
SUFFOLK
Why, Warwick, who should do the duke to death?
Link: 3.2.180
Myself and Beaufort had him in protection;
Link: 3.2.181
And we, I hope, sir, are no murderers.
Link: 3.2.182
WARWICK
But both of you were vow'd Duke Humphrey's foes,
Link: 3.2.183
And you, forsooth, had the good duke to keep:
Link: 3.2.184
'Tis like you would not feast him like a friend;
Link: 3.2.185
And 'tis well seen he found an enemy.
Link: 3.2.186
QUEEN MARGARET
Then you, belike, suspect these noblemen
Link: 3.2.187
As guilty of Duke Humphrey's timeless death.
Link: 3.2.188
WARWICK
Who finds the heifer dead and bleeding fresh
Link: 3.2.189
And sees fast by a butcher with an axe,
Link: 3.2.190
But will suspect 'twas he that made the slaughter?
Link: 3.2.191
Who finds the partridge in the puttock's nest,
Link: 3.2.192
But may imagine how the bird was dead,
Link: 3.2.193
Although the kite soar with unbloodied beak?
Link: 3.2.194
Even so suspicious is this tragedy.
Link: 3.2.195
QUEEN MARGARET
Are you the butcher, Suffolk? Where's your knife?
Link: 3.2.196
Is Beaufort term'd a kite? Where are his talons?
Link: 3.2.197
SUFFOLK
I wear no knife to slaughter sleeping men;
Link: 3.2.198
But here's a vengeful sword, rusted with ease,
Link: 3.2.199
That shall be scoured in his rancorous heart
Link: 3.2.200
That slanders me with murder's crimson badge.
Link: 3.2.201
Say, if thou darest, proud Lord of Warwick-shire,
Link: 3.2.202
That I am faulty in Duke Humphrey's death.
Link: 3.2.203
Exeunt CARDINAL, SOMERSET, and others
WARWICK
What dares not Warwick, if false Suffolk dare him?
Link: 3.2.204
QUEEN MARGARET
He dares not calm his contumelious spirit
Link: 3.2.205
Nor cease to be an arrogant controller,
Link: 3.2.206
Though Suffolk dare him twenty thousand times.
Link: 3.2.207
WARWICK
Madam, be still; with reverence may I say;
Link: 3.2.208
For every word you speak in his behalf
Link: 3.2.209
Is slander to your royal dignity.
Link: 3.2.210
SUFFOLK
Blunt-witted lord, ignoble in demeanor!
Link: 3.2.211
If ever lady wrong'd her lord so much,
Link: 3.2.212
Thy mother took into her blameful bed
Link: 3.2.213
Some stern untutor'd churl, and noble stock
Link: 3.2.214
Was graft with crab-tree slip; whose fruit thou art,
Link: 3.2.215
And never of the Nevils' noble race.
Link: 3.2.216
WARWICK
But that the guilt of murder bucklers thee
Link: 3.2.217
And I should rob the deathsman of his fee,
Link: 3.2.218
Quitting thee thereby of ten thousand shames,
Link: 3.2.219
And that my sovereign's presence makes me mild,
Link: 3.2.220
I would, false murderous coward, on thy knee
Link: 3.2.221
Make thee beg pardon for thy passed speech,
Link: 3.2.222
And say it was thy mother that thou meant'st
Link: 3.2.223
That thou thyself was born in bastardy;
Link: 3.2.224
And after all this fearful homage done,
Link: 3.2.225
Give thee thy hire and send thy soul to hell,
Link: 3.2.226
Pernicious blood-sucker of sleeping men!
Link: 3.2.227
SUFFOLK
Thou shall be waking well I shed thy blood,
Link: 3.2.228
If from this presence thou darest go with me.
Link: 3.2.229
WARWICK
Away even now, or I will drag thee hence:
Link: 3.2.230
Unworthy though thou art, I'll cope with thee
Link: 3.2.231
And do some service to Duke Humphrey's ghost.
Link: 3.2.232
Exeunt SUFFOLK and WARWICK
KING HENRY VI
What stronger breastplate than a heart untainted!
Link: 3.2.233
Thrice is he armed that hath his quarrel just,
Link: 3.2.234
And he but naked, though lock'd up in steel
Link: 3.2.235
Whose conscience with injustice is corrupted.
Link: 3.2.236
A noise within
QUEEN MARGARET
What noise is this?
Link: 3.2.237
Re-enter SUFFOLK and WARWICK, with their weapons drawn
KING HENRY VI
Why, how now, lords! your wrathful weapons drawn
Link: 3.2.238
Here in our presence! dare you be so bold?
Link: 3.2.239
Why, what tumultuous clamour have we here?
Link: 3.2.240
SUFFOLK
The traitorous Warwick with the men of Bury
Link: 3.2.241
Set all upon me, mighty sovereign.
Link: 3.2.242
SALISBURY
(To the Commons, entering) Sirs, stand apart;
Link: 3.2.243
the king shall know your mind.
Link: 3.2.244
Dread lord, the commons send you word by me,
Link: 3.2.245
Unless Lord Suffolk straight be done to death,
Link: 3.2.246
Or banished fair England's territories,
Link: 3.2.247
They will by violence tear him from your palace
Link: 3.2.248
And torture him with grievous lingering death.
Link: 3.2.249
They say, by him the good Duke Humphrey died;
Link: 3.2.250
They say, in him they fear your highness' death;
Link: 3.2.251
And mere instinct of love and loyalty,
Link: 3.2.252
Free from a stubborn opposite intent,
Link: 3.2.253
As being thought to contradict your liking,
Link: 3.2.254
Makes them thus forward in his banishment.
Link: 3.2.255
They say, in care of your most royal person,
Link: 3.2.256
That if your highness should intend to sleep
Link: 3.2.257
And charge that no man should disturb your rest
Link: 3.2.258
In pain of your dislike or pain of death,
Link: 3.2.259
Yet, notwithstanding such a strait edict,
Link: 3.2.260
Were there a serpent seen, with forked tongue,
Link: 3.2.261
That slily glided towards your majesty,
Link: 3.2.262
It were but necessary you were waked,
Link: 3.2.263
Lest, being suffer'd in that harmful slumber,
Link: 3.2.264
The mortal worm might make the sleep eternal;
Link: 3.2.265
And therefore do they cry, though you forbid,
Link: 3.2.266
That they will guard you, whether you will or no,
Link: 3.2.267
From such fell serpents as false Suffolk is,
Link: 3.2.268
With whose envenomed and fatal sting,
Link: 3.2.269
Your loving uncle, twenty times his worth,
Link: 3.2.270
They say, is shamefully bereft of life.
Link: 3.2.271
Commons
(Within) An answer from the king, my
Link: 3.2.272
Lord of Salisbury!
Link: 3.2.273
SUFFOLK
'Tis like the commons, rude unpolish'd hinds,
Link: 3.2.274
Could send such message to their sovereign:
Link: 3.2.275
But you, my lord, were glad to be employ'd,
Link: 3.2.276
To show how quaint an orator you are:
Link: 3.2.277
But all the honour Salisbury hath won
Link: 3.2.278
Is, that he was the lord ambassador
Link: 3.2.279
Sent from a sort of tinkers to the king.
Link: 3.2.280
Commons
(Within) An answer from the king, or we will all break in!
Link: 3.2.281
KING HENRY VI
Go, Salisbury, and tell them all from me.
Link: 3.2.282
I thank them for their tender loving care;
Link: 3.2.283
And had I not been cited so by them,
Link: 3.2.284
Yet did I purpose as they do entreat;
Link: 3.2.285
For, sure, my thoughts do hourly prophesy
Link: 3.2.286
Mischance unto my state by Suffolk's means:
Link: 3.2.287
And therefore, by His majesty I swear,
Link: 3.2.288
Whose far unworthy deputy I am,
Link: 3.2.289
He shall not breathe infection in this air
Link: 3.2.290
But three days longer, on the pain of death.
Link: 3.2.291
Exit SALISBURY
QUEEN MARGARET
O Henry, let me plead for gentle Suffolk!
Link: 3.2.292
KING HENRY VI
Ungentle queen, to call him gentle Suffolk!
Link: 3.2.293
No more, I say: if thou dost plead for him,
Link: 3.2.294
Thou wilt but add increase unto my wrath.
Link: 3.2.295
Had I but said, I would have kept my word,
Link: 3.2.296
But when I swear, it is irrevocable.
Link: 3.2.297
If, after three days' space, thou here be'st found
Link: 3.2.298
On any ground that I am ruler of,
Link: 3.2.299
The world shall not be ransom for thy life.
Link: 3.2.300
Come, Warwick, come, good Warwick, go with me;
Link: 3.2.301
I have great matters to impart to thee.
Link: 3.2.302
Exeunt all but QUEEN MARGARET and SUFFOLK
QUEEN MARGARET
Mischance and sorrow go along with you!
Link: 3.2.303
Heart's discontent and sour affliction
Link: 3.2.304
Be playfellows to keep you company!
Link: 3.2.305
There's two of you; the devil make a third!
Link: 3.2.306
And threefold vengeance tend upon your steps!
Link: 3.2.307
SUFFOLK
Cease, gentle queen, these execrations,
Link: 3.2.308
And let thy Suffolk take his heavy leave.
Link: 3.2.309
QUEEN MARGARET
Fie, coward woman and soft-hearted wretch!
Link: 3.2.310
Hast thou not spirit to curse thine enemy?
Link: 3.2.311
SUFFOLK
A plague upon them! wherefore should I curse them?
Link: 3.2.312
Would curses kill, as doth the mandrake's groan,
Link: 3.2.313
I would invent as bitter-searching terms,
Link: 3.2.314
As curst, as harsh and horrible to hear,
Link: 3.2.315
Deliver'd strongly through my fixed teeth,
Link: 3.2.316
With full as many signs of deadly hate,
Link: 3.2.317
As lean-faced Envy in her loathsome cave:
Link: 3.2.318
My tongue should stumble in mine earnest words;
Link: 3.2.319
Mine eyes should sparkle like the beaten flint;
Link: 3.2.320
Mine hair be fixed on end, as one distract;
Link: 3.2.321
Ay, every joint should seem to curse and ban:
Link: 3.2.322
And even now my burthen'd heart would break,
Link: 3.2.323
Should I not curse them. Poison be their drink!
Link: 3.2.324
Gall, worse than gall, the daintiest that they taste!
Link: 3.2.325
Their sweetest shade a grove of cypress trees!
Link: 3.2.326
Their chiefest prospect murdering basilisks!
Link: 3.2.327
Their softest touch as smart as lizards' sting!
Link: 3.2.328
Their music frightful as the serpent's hiss,
Link: 3.2.329
And boding screech-owls make the concert full!
Link: 3.2.330
All the foul terrors in dark-seated hell--
Link: 3.2.331
QUEEN MARGARET
Enough, sweet Suffolk; thou torment'st thyself;
Link: 3.2.332
And these dread curses, like the sun 'gainst glass,
Link: 3.2.333
Or like an overcharged gun, recoil,
Link: 3.2.334
And turn the force of them upon thyself.
Link: 3.2.335
SUFFOLK
You bade me ban, and will you bid me leave?
Link: 3.2.336
Now, by the ground that I am banish'd from,
Link: 3.2.337
Well could I curse away a winter's night,
Link: 3.2.338
Though standing naked on a mountain top,
Link: 3.2.339
Where biting cold would never let grass grow,
Link: 3.2.340
And think it but a minute spent in sport.
Link: 3.2.341
QUEEN MARGARET
O, let me entreat thee cease. Give me thy hand,
Link: 3.2.342
That I may dew it with my mournful tears;
Link: 3.2.343
Nor let the rain of heaven wet this place,
Link: 3.2.344
To wash away my woful monuments.
Link: 3.2.345
O, could this kiss be printed in thy hand,
Link: 3.2.346
That thou mightst think upon these by the seal,
Link: 3.2.347
Through whom a thousand sighs are breathed for thee!
Link: 3.2.348
So, get thee gone, that I may know my grief;
Link: 3.2.349
'Tis but surmised whiles thou art standing by,
Link: 3.2.350
As one that surfeits thinking on a want.
Link: 3.2.351
I will repeal thee, or, be well assured,
Link: 3.2.352
Adventure to be banished myself:
Link: 3.2.353
And banished I am, if but from thee.
Link: 3.2.354
Go; speak not to me; even now be gone.
Link: 3.2.355
O, go not yet! Even thus two friends condemn'd
Link: 3.2.356
Embrace and kiss and take ten thousand leaves,
Link: 3.2.357
Loather a hundred times to part than die.
Link: 3.2.358
Yet now farewell; and farewell life with thee!
Link: 3.2.359
SUFFOLK
Thus is poor Suffolk ten times banished;
Link: 3.2.360
Once by the king, and three times thrice by thee.
Link: 3.2.361
'Tis not the land I care for, wert thou thence;
Link: 3.2.362
A wilderness is populous enough,
Link: 3.2.363
So Suffolk had thy heavenly company:
Link: 3.2.364
For where thou art, there is the world itself,
Link: 3.2.365
With every several pleasure in the world,
Link: 3.2.366
And where thou art not, desolation.
Link: 3.2.367
I can no more: live thou to joy thy life;
Link: 3.2.368
Myself no joy in nought but that thou livest.
Link: 3.2.369
Enter VAUX
QUEEN MARGARET
Wither goes Vaux so fast? what news, I prithee?
Link: 3.2.370
VAUX
To signify unto his majesty
Link: 3.2.371
That Cardinal Beaufort is at point of death;
Link: 3.2.372
For suddenly a grievous sickness took him,
Link: 3.2.373
That makes him gasp and stare and catch the air,
Link: 3.2.374
Blaspheming God and cursing men on earth.
Link: 3.2.375
Sometimes he talks as if Duke Humphrey's ghost
Link: 3.2.376
Were by his side; sometime he calls the king,
Link: 3.2.377
And whispers to his pillow, as to him,
Link: 3.2.378
The secrets of his overcharged soul;
Link: 3.2.379
And I am sent to tell his majesty
Link: 3.2.380
That even now he cries aloud for him.
Link: 3.2.381
QUEEN MARGARET
Go tell this heavy message to the king.
Link: 3.2.382
Ay me! what is this world! what news are these!
Link: 3.2.383
But wherefore grieve I at an hour's poor loss,
Link: 3.2.384
Omitting Suffolk's exile, my soul's treasure?
Link: 3.2.385
Why only, Suffolk, mourn I not for thee,
Link: 3.2.386
And with the southern clouds contend in tears,
Link: 3.2.387
Theirs for the earth's increase, mine for my sorrows?
Link: 3.2.388
Now get thee hence: the king, thou know'st, is coming;
Link: 3.2.389
If thou be found by me, thou art but dead.
Link: 3.2.390
SUFFOLK
If I depart from thee, I cannot live;
Link: 3.2.391
And in thy sight to die, what were it else
Link: 3.2.392
But like a pleasant slumber in thy lap?
Link: 3.2.393
Here could I breathe my soul into the air,
Link: 3.2.394
As mild and gentle as the cradle-babe
Link: 3.2.395
Dying with mother's dug between its lips:
Link: 3.2.396
Where, from thy sight, I should be raging mad,
Link: 3.2.397
And cry out for thee to close up mine eyes,
Link: 3.2.398
To have thee with thy lips to stop my mouth;
Link: 3.2.399
So shouldst thou either turn my flying soul,
Link: 3.2.400
Or I should breathe it so into thy body,
Link: 3.2.401
And then it lived in sweet Elysium.
Link: 3.2.402
To die by thee were but to die in jest;
Link: 3.2.403
From thee to die were torture more than death:
Link: 3.2.404
O, let me stay, befall what may befall!
Link: 3.2.405
QUEEN MARGARET
Away! though parting be a fretful corrosive,
Link: 3.2.406
It is applied to a deathful wound.
Link: 3.2.407
To France, sweet Suffolk: let me hear from thee;
Link: 3.2.408
For wheresoe'er thou art in this world's globe,
Link: 3.2.409
I'll have an Iris that shall find thee out.
Link: 3.2.410
SUFFOLK
I go.
Link: 3.2.411
QUEEN MARGARET
And take my heart with thee.
Link: 3.2.412
SUFFOLK
A jewel, lock'd into the wofull'st cask
Link: 3.2.413
That ever did contain a thing of worth.
Link: 3.2.414
Even as a splitted bark, so sunder we
Link: 3.2.415
This way fall I to death.
Link: 3.2.416
QUEEN MARGARET
This way for me.
Link: 3.2.417
Exeunt severally
SCENE III. A bedchamber.
In Scene 3 of Act 3, a group of rebels are discussing their plans to overthrow the king. They are joined by a messenger who brings news that their leader, Jack Cade, has been declared a traitor and that a bounty has been placed on his head. The rebels are dismayed by this news but Cade himself appears and reassures them that they will still be able to achieve their goals. Cade then launches into a lengthy monologue in which he outlines his grievances against the king and the ruling class. He accuses them of being corrupt and selfish, and claims that they have brought England to ruin. Cade's followers are inspired by his words and pledge to follow him to the end. As they continue to discuss their plans, a group of soldiers arrive and a battle ensues. Cade and his rebels are outnumbered and outmatched, and they are eventually defeated. Cade is captured and brought before the king, who orders him to be executed. The scene ends with a soliloquy by the Duke of York, who is secretly plotting to take the throne for himself. He reflects on the chaos and unrest in England, and hints at his own ambitions for power.
Enter the KING, SALISBURY, WARWICK, to the CARDINAL in bed
KING HENRY VI
How fares my lord? speak, Beaufort, to
Link: 3.3.1
thy sovereign.
Link: 3.3.2
CARDINAL
If thou be'st death, I'll give thee England's treasure,
Link: 3.3.3
Enough to purchase such another island,
Link: 3.3.4
So thou wilt let me live, and feel no pain.
Link: 3.3.5
KING HENRY VI
Ah, what a sign it is of evil life,
Link: 3.3.6
Where death's approach is seen so terrible!
Link: 3.3.7
WARWICK
Beaufort, it is thy sovereign speaks to thee.
Link: 3.3.8
CARDINAL
Bring me unto my trial when you will.
Link: 3.3.9
Died he not in his bed? where should he die?
Link: 3.3.10
Can I make men live, whether they will or no?
Link: 3.3.11
O, torture me no more! I will confess.
Link: 3.3.12
Alive again? then show me where he is:
Link: 3.3.13
I'll give a thousand pound to look upon him.
Link: 3.3.14
He hath no eyes, the dust hath blinded them.
Link: 3.3.15
Comb down his hair; look, look! it stands upright,
Link: 3.3.16
Like lime-twigs set to catch my winged soul.
Link: 3.3.17
Give me some drink; and bid the apothecary
Link: 3.3.18
Bring the strong poison that I bought of him.
Link: 3.3.19
KING HENRY VI
O thou eternal Mover of the heavens.
Link: 3.3.20
Look with a gentle eye upon this wretch!
Link: 3.3.21
O, beat away the busy meddling fiend
Link: 3.3.22
That lays strong siege unto this wretch's soul.
Link: 3.3.23
And from his bosom purge this black despair!
Link: 3.3.24
WARWICK
See, how the pangs of death do make him grin!
Link: 3.3.25
SALISBURY
Disturb him not; let him pass peaceably.
Link: 3.3.26
KING HENRY VI
Peace to his soul, if God's good pleasure be!
Link: 3.3.27
Lord cardinal, if thou think'st on heaven's bliss,
Link: 3.3.28
Hold up thy hand, make signal of thy hope.
Link: 3.3.29
He dies, and makes no sign. O God, forgive him!
Link: 3.3.30
WARWICK
So bad a death argues a monstrous life.
Link: 3.3.31
KING HENRY VI
Forbear to judge, for we are sinners all.
Link: 3.3.32
Close up his eyes and draw the curtain close;
Link: 3.3.33
And let us all to meditation.
Link: 3.3.34
Exeunt
Act IV
Act 4 of Henry VI, Part 2 begins with a conversation between the Duke of York and his sons. They discuss their plan to overthrow King Henry and take the throne for themselves. The Duke of York is confident in their success and instructs his sons to gather their forces.
In another scene, Queen Margaret meets with Lord Clifford and the Earl of Westmoreland. They discuss their own plans to keep the throne and defeat the Yorks. Queen Margaret is worried about the safety of her son, Prince Edward, and orders him to be taken to a safe location.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Somerset and Lord Suffolk are arrested for their role in the death of the Duke of Gloucester. They are taken to be executed, but the Queen intervenes and pardons them. The Duke of York and his forces then enter London and prepare for battle.
The two sides meet in battle and the Yorks are initially successful. However, Lord Clifford kills the Duke of York's son, Rutland, in a brutal manner. This causes the Duke of York to lose his confidence and his forces are defeated.
In the final scene, the Duke of York is captured and brought before Queen Margaret. She taunts him and orders his execution. The Duke of York accepts his fate and dies, but not before prophesying that his descendants will one day take the throne.
SCENE I. The coast of Kent.
Act 4, Scene 1 begins with King Henry VI sitting on his throne, surrounded by his advisors. The Duke of York and his army have just won a battle against the King's forces, and York is now advancing towards London. The King is distraught and unsure of what to do. His advisors urge him to flee to safety, but Henry insists on staying and fighting for his crown. He believes that God will protect him and that he must stay true to his duty as King. Just then, a messenger arrives with news that the Duke of Somerset has been captured by York's army. This news is devastating to the King, as Somerset is one of his closest advisors and friends. The King orders his army to attack York's forces and rescue Somerset. However, the Duke of Suffolk suggests that they offer a ransom to York in exchange for Somerset's release. The King agrees to this plan and sends a messenger to York, offering a large sum of money in exchange for Somerset's freedom. York receives the message and is tempted by the offer of money, but his son, Richard, urges him to continue fighting and not to make a deal with the King. York ultimately decides to reject the offer and continue his march towards London. The scene ends with the King and his advisors still unsure of what to do, and with York and his army drawing closer to the city.
Alarum. Fight at sea. Ordnance goes off. Enter a Captain, a Master, a Master's-mate, WALTER WHITMORE, and others; with them SUFFOLK, and others, prisoners
Captain
The gaudy, blabbing and remorseful day
Link: 4.1.1
Is crept into the bosom of the sea;
Link: 4.1.2
And now loud-howling wolves arouse the jades
Link: 4.1.3
That drag the tragic melancholy night;
Link: 4.1.4
Who, with their drowsy, slow and flagging wings,
Link: 4.1.5
Clip dead men's graves and from their misty jaws
Link: 4.1.6
Breathe foul contagious darkness in the air.
Link: 4.1.7
Therefore bring forth the soldiers of our prize;
Link: 4.1.8
For, whilst our pinnace anchors in the Downs,
Link: 4.1.9
Here shall they make their ransom on the sand,
Link: 4.1.10
Or with their blood stain this discolour'd shore.
Link: 4.1.11
Master, this prisoner freely give I thee;
Link: 4.1.12
And thou that art his mate, make boot of this;
Link: 4.1.13
The other, Walter Whitmore, is thy share.
Link: 4.1.14
First Gentleman
What is my ransom, master? let me know.
Link: 4.1.15
Master
A thousand crowns, or else lay down your head.
Link: 4.1.16
Master's-Mate
And so much shall you give, or off goes yours.
Link: 4.1.17
Captain
What, think you much to pay two thousand crowns,
Link: 4.1.18
And bear the name and port of gentlemen?
Link: 4.1.19
Cut both the villains' throats; for die you shall:
Link: 4.1.20
The lives of those which we have lost in fight
Link: 4.1.21
Be counterpoised with such a petty sum!
Link: 4.1.22
First Gentleman
I'll give it, sir; and therefore spare my life.
Link: 4.1.23
Second Gentleman
And so will I and write home for it straight.
Link: 4.1.24
WHITMORE
I lost mine eye in laying the prize aboard,
Link: 4.1.25
And therefore to revenge it, shalt thou die;
Link: 4.1.26
And so should these, if I might have my will.
Link: 4.1.27
Captain
Be not so rash; take ransom, let him live.
Link: 4.1.28
SUFFOLK
Look on my George; I am a gentleman:
Link: 4.1.29
Rate me at what thou wilt, thou shalt be paid.
Link: 4.1.30
WHITMORE
And so am I; my name is Walter Whitmore.
Link: 4.1.31
How now! why start'st thou? what, doth
Link: 4.1.32
death affright?
Link: 4.1.33
SUFFOLK
Thy name affrights me, in whose sound is death.
Link: 4.1.34
A cunning man did calculate my birth
Link: 4.1.35
And told me that by water I should die:
Link: 4.1.36
Yet let not this make thee be bloody-minded;
Link: 4.1.37
Thy name is Gaultier, being rightly sounded.
Link: 4.1.38
WHITMORE
Gaultier or Walter, which it is, I care not:
Link: 4.1.39
Never yet did base dishonour blur our name,
Link: 4.1.40
But with our sword we wiped away the blot;
Link: 4.1.41
Therefore, when merchant-like I sell revenge,
Link: 4.1.42
Broke be my sword, my arms torn and defaced,
Link: 4.1.43
And I proclaim'd a coward through the world!
Link: 4.1.44
SUFFOLK
Stay, Whitmore; for thy prisoner is a prince,
Link: 4.1.45
The Duke of Suffolk, William de la Pole.
Link: 4.1.46
WHITMORE
The Duke of Suffolk muffled up in rags!
Link: 4.1.47
SUFFOLK
Ay, but these rags are no part of the duke:
Link: 4.1.48
Jove sometimes went disguised, and why not I?
Link: 4.1.49
Captain
But Jove was never slain, as thou shalt be.
Link: 4.1.50
SUFFOLK
Obscure and lowly swain, King Henry's blood,
Link: 4.1.51
The honourable blood of Lancaster,
Link: 4.1.52
Must not be shed by such a jaded groom.
Link: 4.1.53
Hast thou not kiss'd thy hand and held my stirrup?
Link: 4.1.54
Bare-headed plodded by my foot-cloth mule
Link: 4.1.55
And thought thee happy when I shook my head?
Link: 4.1.56
How often hast thou waited at my cup,
Link: 4.1.57
Fed from my trencher, kneel'd down at the board.
Link: 4.1.58
When I have feasted with Queen Margaret?
Link: 4.1.59
Remember it and let it make thee crest-fall'n,
Link: 4.1.60
Ay, and allay this thy abortive pride;
Link: 4.1.61
How in our voiding lobby hast thou stood
Link: 4.1.62
And duly waited for my coming forth?
Link: 4.1.63
This hand of mine hath writ in thy behalf,
Link: 4.1.64
And therefore shall it charm thy riotous tongue.
Link: 4.1.65
WHITMORE
Speak, captain, shall I stab the forlorn swain?
Link: 4.1.66
Captain
First let my words stab him, as he hath me.
Link: 4.1.67
SUFFOLK
Base slave, thy words are blunt and so art thou.
Link: 4.1.68
Captain
Convey him hence and on our longboat's side
Link: 4.1.69
Strike off his head.
Link: 4.1.70
SUFFOLK
Thou darest not, for thy own.
Link: 4.1.71
Captain
Yes, Pole.
Link: 4.1.72
SUFFOLK
Pole!
Link: 4.1.73
Captain
Pool! Sir Pool! lord!
Link: 4.1.74
Ay, kennel, puddle, sink; whose filth and dirt
Link: 4.1.75
Troubles the silver spring where England drinks.
Link: 4.1.76
Now will I dam up this thy yawning mouth
Link: 4.1.77
For swallowing the treasure of the realm:
Link: 4.1.78
Thy lips that kiss'd the queen shall sweep the ground;
Link: 4.1.79
And thou that smiledst at good Duke Humphrey's death,
Link: 4.1.80
Against the senseless winds shalt grin in vain,
Link: 4.1.81
Who in contempt shall hiss at thee again:
Link: 4.1.82
And wedded be thou to the hags of hell,
Link: 4.1.83
For daring to affy a mighty lord
Link: 4.1.84
Unto the daughter of a worthless king,
Link: 4.1.85
Having neither subject, wealth, nor diadem.
Link: 4.1.86
By devilish policy art thou grown great,
Link: 4.1.87
And, like ambitious Sylla, overgorged
Link: 4.1.88
With gobbets of thy mother's bleeding heart.
Link: 4.1.89
By thee Anjou and Maine were sold to France,
Link: 4.1.90
The false revolting Normans thorough thee
Link: 4.1.91
Disdain to call us lord, and Picardy
Link: 4.1.92
Hath slain their governors, surprised our forts,
Link: 4.1.93
And sent the ragged soldiers wounded home.
Link: 4.1.94
The princely Warwick, and the Nevils all,
Link: 4.1.95
Whose dreadful swords were never drawn in vain,
Link: 4.1.96
As hating thee, are rising up in arms:
Link: 4.1.97
And now the house of York, thrust from the crown
Link: 4.1.98
By shameful murder of a guiltless king
Link: 4.1.99
And lofty proud encroaching tyranny,
Link: 4.1.100
Burns with revenging fire; whose hopeful colours
Link: 4.1.101
Advance our half-faced sun, striving to shine,
Link: 4.1.102
Under the which is writ 'Invitis nubibus.'
Link: 4.1.103
The commons here in Kent are up in arms:
Link: 4.1.104
And, to conclude, reproach and beggary
Link: 4.1.105
Is crept into the palace of our king.
Link: 4.1.106
And all by thee. Away! convey him hence.
Link: 4.1.107
SUFFOLK
O that I were a god, to shoot forth thunder
Link: 4.1.108
Upon these paltry, servile, abject drudges!
Link: 4.1.109
Small things make base men proud: this villain here,
Link: 4.1.110
Being captain of a pinnace, threatens more
Link: 4.1.111
Than Bargulus the strong Illyrian pirate.
Link: 4.1.112
Drones suck not eagles' blood but rob beehives:
Link: 4.1.113
It is impossible that I should die
Link: 4.1.114
By such a lowly vassal as thyself.
Link: 4.1.115
Thy words move rage and not remorse in me:
Link: 4.1.116
I go of message from the queen to France;
Link: 4.1.117
I charge thee waft me safely cross the Channel.
Link: 4.1.118
Captain
Walter,--
Link: 4.1.119
WHITMORE
Come, Suffolk, I must waft thee to thy death.
Link: 4.1.120
SUFFOLK
Gelidus timor occupat artus it is thee I fear.
Link: 4.1.121
WHITMORE
Thou shalt have cause to fear before I leave thee.
Link: 4.1.122
What, are ye daunted now? now will ye stoop?
Link: 4.1.123
First Gentleman
My gracious lord, entreat him, speak him fair.
Link: 4.1.124
SUFFOLK
Suffolk's imperial tongue is stern and rough,
Link: 4.1.125
Used to command, untaught to plead for favour.
Link: 4.1.126
Far be it we should honour such as these
Link: 4.1.127
With humble suit: no, rather let my head
Link: 4.1.128
Stoop to the block than these knees bow to any
Link: 4.1.129
Save to the God of heaven and to my king;
Link: 4.1.130
And sooner dance upon a bloody pole
Link: 4.1.131
Than stand uncover'd to the vulgar groom.
Link: 4.1.132
True nobility is exempt from fear:
Link: 4.1.133
More can I bear than you dare execute.
Link: 4.1.134
Captain
Hale him away, and let him talk no more.
Link: 4.1.135
SUFFOLK
Come, soldiers, show what cruelty ye can,
Link: 4.1.136
That this my death may never be forgot!
Link: 4.1.137
Great men oft die by vile bezonians:
Link: 4.1.138
A Roman sworder and banditto slave
Link: 4.1.139
Murder'd sweet Tully; Brutus' bastard hand
Link: 4.1.140
Stabb'd Julius Caesar; savage islanders
Link: 4.1.141
Pompey the Great; and Suffolk dies by pirates.
Link: 4.1.142
Exeunt Whitmore and others with Suffolk
Captain
And as for these whose ransom we have set,
Link: 4.1.143
It is our pleasure one of them depart;
Link: 4.1.144
Therefore come you with us and let him go.
Link: 4.1.145
Exeunt all but the First Gentleman
Re-enter WHITMORE with SUFFOLK's body
WHITMORE
There let his head and lifeless body lie,
Link: 4.1.146
Until the queen his mistress bury it.
Link: 4.1.147
Exit
First Gentleman
O barbarous and bloody spectacle!
Link: 4.1.148
His body will I bear unto the king:
Link: 4.1.149
If he revenge it not, yet will his friends;
Link: 4.1.150
So will the queen, that living held him dear.
Link: 4.1.151
Exit with the body
SCENE II. Blackheath.
In Act 4, Scene 2, a group of rebels led by Jack Cade enter a garden and begin discussing their plans to overthrow the government and crown Cade as the new king. They mock the current ruling class, particularly Lord Saye and Sele, who they plan to execute for his perceived role in their oppression. Cade then announces a series of ridiculous decrees to demonstrate his power, including changing the name of the month and forbidding anyone from using the word "sergeant" under penalty of death. Lord Saye and Sele is brought in and Cade accuses him of corruption and treason. Saye defends himself but is ultimately sentenced to death, with Cade declaring that "the first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers." The scene ends with Cade and his rebels leaving the garden to continue their revolt, setting the stage for further conflict and violence in the play.
Enter GEORGE BEVIS and JOHN HOLLAND
BEVIS
Come, and get thee a sword, though made of a lath;
Link: 4.2.1
they have been up these two days.
Link: 4.2.2
HOLLAND
They have the more need to sleep now, then.
Link: 4.2.3
BEVIS
I tell thee, Jack Cade the clothier means to dress
Link: 4.2.4
the commonwealth, and turn it, and set a new nap upon it.
Link: 4.2.5
HOLLAND
So he had need, for 'tis threadbare. Well, I say it
Link: 4.2.6
was never merry world in England since gentlemen came up.
Link: 4.2.7
BEVIS
O miserable age! virtue is not regarded in handicrafts-men.
Link: 4.2.8
HOLLAND
The nobility think scorn to go in leather aprons.
Link: 4.2.9
BEVIS
Nay, more, the king's council are no good workmen.
Link: 4.2.10
HOLLAND
True; and yet it is said, labour in thy vocation;
Link: 4.2.11
which is as much to say as, let the magistrates be
Link: 4.2.12
labouring men; and therefore should we be
Link: 4.2.13
magistrates.
Link: 4.2.14
BEVIS
Thou hast hit it; for there's no better sign of a
Link: 4.2.15
brave mind than a hard hand.
Link: 4.2.16
HOLLAND
I see them! I see them! there's Best's son, the
Link: 4.2.17
tanner of Wingham,--
Link: 4.2.18
BEVIS
He shall have the skin of our enemies, to make
Link: 4.2.19
dog's-leather of.
Link: 4.2.20
HOLLAND
And Dick the Butcher,--
Link: 4.2.21
BEVIS
Then is sin struck down like an ox, and iniquity's
Link: 4.2.22
throat cut like a calf.
Link: 4.2.23
HOLLAND
And Smith the weaver,--
Link: 4.2.24
BEVIS
Argo, their thread of life is spun.
Link: 4.2.25
HOLLAND
Come, come, let's fall in with them.
Link: 4.2.26
Drum. Enter CADE, DICK the Butcher, SMITH the Weaver, and a Sawyer, with infinite numbers
CADE
We John Cade, so termed of our supposed father,--
Link: 4.2.27
DICK
(Aside) Or rather, of stealing a cade of herrings.
Link: 4.2.28
CADE
For our enemies shall fall before us, inspired with
Link: 4.2.29
the spirit of putting down kings and princes,
Link: 4.2.30
--Command silence.
Link: 4.2.31
DICK
Silence!
Link: 4.2.32
CADE
My father was a Mortimer,--
Link: 4.2.33
DICK
(Aside) He was an honest man, and a good
Link: 4.2.34
bricklayer.
Link: 4.2.35
CADE
My mother a Plantagenet,--
Link: 4.2.36
DICK
(Aside) I knew her well; she was a midwife.
Link: 4.2.37
CADE
My wife descended of the Lacies,--
Link: 4.2.38
DICK
(Aside) She was, indeed, a pedler's daughter, and
Link: 4.2.39
sold many laces.
Link: 4.2.40
SMITH
(Aside) But now of late, notable to travel with her
Link: 4.2.41
furred pack, she washes bucks here at home.
Link: 4.2.42
CADE
Therefore am I of an honourable house.
Link: 4.2.43
DICK
(Aside) Ay, by my faith, the field is honourable;
Link: 4.2.44
and there was he borne, under a hedge, for his
Link: 4.2.45
father had never a house but the cage.
Link: 4.2.46
CADE
Valiant I am.
Link: 4.2.47
SMITH
(Aside) A' must needs; for beggary is valiant.
Link: 4.2.48
CADE
I am able to endure much.
Link: 4.2.49
DICK
(Aside) No question of that; for I have seen him
Link: 4.2.50
whipped three market-days together.
Link: 4.2.51
CADE
I fear neither sword nor fire.
Link: 4.2.52
SMITH
(Aside) He need not fear the sword; for his coat is of proof.
Link: 4.2.53
DICK
(Aside) But methinks he should stand in fear of
Link: 4.2.54
fire, being burnt i' the hand for stealing of sheep.
Link: 4.2.55
CADE
Be brave, then; for your captain is brave, and vows
Link: 4.2.56
reformation. There shall be in England seven
Link: 4.2.57
halfpenny loaves sold for a penny: the three-hooped
Link: 4.2.58
pot; shall have ten hoops and I will make it felony
Link: 4.2.59
to drink small beer: all the realm shall be in
Link: 4.2.60
common; and in Cheapside shall my palfrey go to
Link: 4.2.61
grass: and when I am king, as king I will be,--
Link: 4.2.62
ALL
God save your majesty!
Link: 4.2.63
CADE
I thank you, good people: there shall be no money;
Link: 4.2.64
all shall eat and drink on my score; and I will
Link: 4.2.65
apparel them all in one livery, that they may agree
Link: 4.2.66
like brothers and worship me their lord.
Link: 4.2.67
DICK
The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.
Link: 4.2.68
CADE
Nay, that I mean to do. Is not this a lamentable
Link: 4.2.69
thing, that of the skin of an innocent lamb should
Link: 4.2.70
be made parchment? that parchment, being scribbled
Link: 4.2.71
o'er, should undo a man? Some say the bee stings:
Link: 4.2.72
but I say, 'tis the bee's wax; for I did but seal
Link: 4.2.73
once to a thing, and I was never mine own man
Link: 4.2.74
since. How now! who's there?
Link: 4.2.75
Enter some, bringing forward the Clerk of Chatham
SMITH
The clerk of Chatham: he can write and read and
Link: 4.2.76
cast accompt.
Link: 4.2.77
CADE
O monstrous!
Link: 4.2.78
SMITH
We took him setting of boys' copies.
Link: 4.2.79
CADE
Here's a villain!
Link: 4.2.80
SMITH
Has a book in his pocket with red letters in't.
Link: 4.2.81
CADE
Nay, then, he is a conjurer.
Link: 4.2.82
DICK
Nay, he can make obligations, and write court-hand.
Link: 4.2.83
CADE
I am sorry for't: the man is a proper man, of mine
Link: 4.2.84
honour; unless I find him guilty, he shall not die.
Link: 4.2.85
Come hither, sirrah, I must examine thee: what is thy name?
Link: 4.2.86
Clerk
Emmanuel.
Link: 4.2.87
DICK
They use to write it on the top of letters: 'twill
Link: 4.2.88
go hard with you.
Link: 4.2.89
CADE
Let me alone. Dost thou use to write thy name? or
Link: 4.2.90
hast thou a mark to thyself, like an honest
Link: 4.2.91
plain-dealing man?
Link: 4.2.92
CLERK
Sir, I thank God, I have been so well brought up
Link: 4.2.93
that I can write my name.
Link: 4.2.94
ALL
He hath confessed: away with him! he's a villain
Link: 4.2.95
and a traitor.
Link: 4.2.96
CADE
Away with him, I say! hang him with his pen and
Link: 4.2.97
ink-horn about his neck.
Link: 4.2.98
Exit one with the Clerk
Enter MICHAEL
MICHAEL
Where's our general?
Link: 4.2.99
CADE
Here I am, thou particular fellow.
Link: 4.2.100
MICHAEL
Fly, fly, fly! Sir Humphrey Stafford and his
Link: 4.2.101
brother are hard by, with the king's forces.
Link: 4.2.102
CADE
Stand, villain, stand, or I'll fell thee down. He
Link: 4.2.103
shall be encountered with a man as good as himself:
Link: 4.2.104
he is but a knight, is a'?
Link: 4.2.105
MICHAEL
No.
Link: 4.2.106
CADE
To equal him, I will make myself a knight presently.
Link: 4.2.107
Rise up Sir John Mortimer.
Link: 4.2.108
Now have at him!
Link: 4.2.109
Enter SIR HUMPHREY and WILLIAM STAFFORD, with drum and soldiers
SIR HUMPHREY
Rebellious hinds, the filth and scum of Kent,
Link: 4.2.110
Mark'd for the gallows, lay your weapons down;
Link: 4.2.111
Home to your cottages, forsake this groom:
Link: 4.2.112
The king is merciful, if you revolt.
Link: 4.2.113
WILLIAM STAFFORD
But angry, wrathful, and inclined to blood,
Link: 4.2.114
If you go forward; therefore yield, or die.
Link: 4.2.115
CADE
As for these silken-coated slaves, I pass not:
Link: 4.2.116
It is to you, good people, that I speak,
Link: 4.2.117
Over whom, in time to come, I hope to reign;
Link: 4.2.118
For I am rightful heir unto the crown.
Link: 4.2.119
SIR HUMPHREY
Villain, thy father was a plasterer;
Link: 4.2.120
And thou thyself a shearman, art thou not?
Link: 4.2.121
CADE
And Adam was a gardener.
Link: 4.2.122
WILLIAM STAFFORD
And what of that?
Link: 4.2.123
CADE
Marry, this: Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March.
Link: 4.2.124
Married the Duke of Clarence' daughter, did he not?
Link: 4.2.125
SIR HUMPHREY
Ay, sir.
Link: 4.2.126
CADE
By her he had two children at one birth.
Link: 4.2.127
WILLIAM STAFFORD
That's false.
Link: 4.2.128
CADE
Ay, there's the question; but I say, 'tis true:
Link: 4.2.129
The elder of them, being put to nurse,
Link: 4.2.130
Was by a beggar-woman stolen away;
Link: 4.2.131
And, ignorant of his birth and parentage,
Link: 4.2.132
Became a bricklayer when he came to age:
Link: 4.2.133
His son am I; deny it, if you can.
Link: 4.2.134
DICK
Nay, 'tis too true; therefore he shall be king.
Link: 4.2.135
SMITH
Sir, he made a chimney in my father's house, and
Link: 4.2.136
the bricks are alive at this day to testify it;
Link: 4.2.137
therefore deny it not.
Link: 4.2.138
SIR HUMPHREY
And will you credit this base drudge's words,
Link: 4.2.139
That speaks he knows not what?
Link: 4.2.140
ALL
Ay, marry, will we; therefore get ye gone.
Link: 4.2.141
WILLIAM STAFFORD
Jack Cade, the Duke of York hath taught you this.
Link: 4.2.142
CADE
(Aside) He lies, for I invented it myself.
Link: 4.2.143
Go to, sirrah, tell the king from me, that, for his
Link: 4.2.144
father's sake, Henry the Fifth, in whose time boys
Link: 4.2.145
went to span-counter for French crowns, I am content
Link: 4.2.146
he shall reign; but I'll be protector over him.
Link: 4.2.147
DICK
And furthermore, well have the Lord Say's head for
Link: 4.2.148
selling the dukedom of Maine.
Link: 4.2.149
CADE
And good reason; for thereby is England mained, and
Link: 4.2.150
fain to go with a staff, but that my puissance holds
Link: 4.2.151
it up. Fellow kings, I tell you that that Lord Say
Link: 4.2.152
hath gelded the commonwealth, and made it an eunuch:
Link: 4.2.153
and more than that, he can speak French; and
Link: 4.2.154
therefore he is a traitor.
Link: 4.2.155
SIR HUMPHREY
O gross and miserable ignorance!
Link: 4.2.156
CADE
Nay, answer, if you can: the Frenchmen are our
Link: 4.2.157
enemies; go to, then, I ask but this: can he that
Link: 4.2.158
speaks with the tongue of an enemy be a good
Link: 4.2.159
counsellor, or no?
Link: 4.2.160
ALL
No, no; and therefore we'll have his head.
Link: 4.2.161
WILLIAM STAFFORD
Well, seeing gentle words will not prevail,
Link: 4.2.162
Assail them with the army of the king.
Link: 4.2.163
SIR HUMPHREY
Herald, away; and throughout every town
Link: 4.2.164
Proclaim them traitors that are up with Cade;
Link: 4.2.165
That those which fly before the battle ends
Link: 4.2.166
May, even in their wives' and children's sight,
Link: 4.2.167
Be hang'd up for example at their doors:
Link: 4.2.168
And you that be the king's friends, follow me.
Link: 4.2.169
Exeunt WILLIAM STAFFORD and SIR HUMPHREY, and soldiers
CADE
And you that love the commons, follow me.
Link: 4.2.170
Now show yourselves men; 'tis for liberty.
Link: 4.2.171
We will not leave one lord, one gentleman:
Link: 4.2.172
Spare none but such as go in clouted shoon;
Link: 4.2.173
For they are thrifty honest men, and such
Link: 4.2.174
As would, but that they dare not, take our parts.
Link: 4.2.175
DICK
They are all in order and march toward us.
Link: 4.2.176
CADE
But then are we in order when we are most
Link: 4.2.177
out of order. Come, march forward.
Link: 4.2.178
Exeunt
SCENE III. Another part of Blackheath.
Scene 3 of Act 4 of Henry VI, Part 2 takes place in a garden where Queen Margaret meets with her son, Prince Edward, and the Earls of Oxford and Somerset. They discuss their current situation and the upcoming battle against the Yorkists. Queen Margaret expresses her frustration with the ongoing conflict and her desire for peace, but the earls convince her to continue fighting. They are interrupted by the arrival of a messenger who brings news of a Yorkist army approaching. The group prepares for battle and Queen Margaret gives a rousing speech to rally their troops. She praises their bravery and reminds them of the stakes, urging them to fight for their families and their country. The scene ends with the army marching off to battle, ready to face their enemies and fight for their cause.
Alarums to the fight, wherein SIR HUMPHREY and WILLIAM STAFFORD are slain. Enter CADE and the rest
CADE
Where's Dick, the butcher of Ashford?
Link: 4.3.1
DICK
Here, sir.
Link: 4.3.2
CADE
They fell before thee like sheep and oxen, and thou
Link: 4.3.3
behavedst thyself as if thou hadst been in thine own
Link: 4.3.4
slaughter-house: therefore thus will I reward thee,
Link: 4.3.5
the Lent shall be as long again as it is; and thou
Link: 4.3.6
shalt have a licence to kill for a hundred lacking
Link: 4.3.7
one.
Link: 4.3.8
DICK
I desire no more.
Link: 4.3.9
CADE
And, to speak truth, thou deservest no less. This
Link: 4.3.10
monument of the victory will I bear;
Link: 4.3.11
and the bodies shall be dragged at my horse' heels
Link: 4.3.12
till I do come to London, where we will have the
Link: 4.3.13
mayor's sword borne before us.
Link: 4.3.14
DICK
If we mean to thrive and do good, break open the
Link: 4.3.15
gaols and let out the prisoners.
Link: 4.3.16
CADE
Fear not that, I warrant thee. Come, let's march
Link: 4.3.17
towards London.
Link: 4.3.18
Exeunt
SCENE IV. London. The palace.
Scene 4 of Act 4 of Henry VI, Part 2 takes place in the palace of the Duke of Gloucester, who is the Lord Protector of England. He is discussing with his wife, Lady Eleanor, the recent events that have taken place in the kingdom. They are worried about the uprising of the common people, who are known as the Jack Cade rebellion. Gloucester receives a message that the rebels are approaching the outskirts of London and he decides to gather an army to confront them. Lady Eleanor advises him to be careful and to not underestimate the rebels, as they have a large following. Gloucester departs to rally his troops, leaving Lady Eleanor behind. She then reveals to the audience that she is actually in cahoots with the rebels and is secretly supporting their cause. She plans to use her influence over her husband to manipulate him into doing what she wants. The scene ends with Lady Eleanor plotting her next move and expressing her desire to see the downfall of the Duke of Somerset, who is a rival of her husband.
Enter KING HENRY VI with a supplication, and the QUEEN with SUFFOLK'S head, BUCKINGHAM and Lord SAY
QUEEN MARGARET
Oft have I heard that grief softens the mind,
Link: 4.4.1
And makes it fearful and degenerate;
Link: 4.4.2
Think therefore on revenge and cease to weep.
Link: 4.4.3
But who can cease to weep and look on this?
Link: 4.4.4
Here may his head lie on my throbbing breast:
Link: 4.4.5
But where's the body that I should embrace?
Link: 4.4.6
BUCKINGHAM
What answer makes your grace to the rebels'
Link: 4.4.7
supplication?
Link: 4.4.8
KING HENRY VI
I'll send some holy bishop to entreat;
Link: 4.4.9
For God forbid so many simple souls
Link: 4.4.10
Should perish by the sword! And I myself,
Link: 4.4.11
Rather than bloody war shall cut them short,
Link: 4.4.12
Will parley with Jack Cade their general:
Link: 4.4.13
But stay, I'll read it over once again.
Link: 4.4.14
QUEEN MARGARET
Ah, barbarous villains! hath this lovely face
Link: 4.4.15
Ruled, like a wandering planet, over me,
Link: 4.4.16
And could it not enforce them to relent,
Link: 4.4.17
That were unworthy to behold the same?
Link: 4.4.18
KING HENRY VI
Lord Say, Jack Cade hath sworn to have thy head.
Link: 4.4.19
SAY
Ay, but I hope your highness shall have his.
Link: 4.4.20
KING HENRY VI
How now, madam!
Link: 4.4.21
Still lamenting and mourning for Suffolk's death?
Link: 4.4.22
I fear me, love, if that I had been dead,
Link: 4.4.23
Thou wouldst not have mourn'd so much for me.
Link: 4.4.24
QUEEN MARGARET
No, my love, I should not mourn, but die for thee.
Link: 4.4.25
Enter a Messenger
KING HENRY VI
How now! what news? why comest thou in such haste?
Link: 4.4.26
Messenger
The rebels are in Southwark; fly, my lord!
Link: 4.4.27
Jack Cade proclaims himself Lord Mortimer,
Link: 4.4.28
Descended from the Duke of Clarence' house,
Link: 4.4.29
And calls your grace usurper openly
Link: 4.4.30
And vows to crown himself in Westminster.
Link: 4.4.31
His army is a ragged multitude
Link: 4.4.32
Of hinds and peasants, rude and merciless:
Link: 4.4.33
Sir Humphrey Stafford and his brother's death
Link: 4.4.34
Hath given them heart and courage to proceed:
Link: 4.4.35
All scholars, lawyers, courtiers, gentlemen,
Link: 4.4.36
They call false caterpillars, and intend their death.
Link: 4.4.37
KING HENRY VI
O graceless men! they know not what they do.
Link: 4.4.38
BUCKINGHAM
My gracious lord, return to Killingworth,
Link: 4.4.39
Until a power be raised to put them down.
Link: 4.4.40
QUEEN MARGARET
Ah, were the Duke of Suffolk now alive,
Link: 4.4.41
These Kentish rebels would be soon appeased!
Link: 4.4.42
KING HENRY VI
Lord Say, the traitors hate thee;
Link: 4.4.43
Therefore away with us to Killingworth.
Link: 4.4.44
SAY
So might your grace's person be in danger.
Link: 4.4.45
The sight of me is odious in their eyes;
Link: 4.4.46
And therefore in this city will I stay
Link: 4.4.47
And live alone as secret as I may.
Link: 4.4.48
Enter another Messenger
Messenger
Jack Cade hath gotten London bridge:
Link: 4.4.49
The citizens fly and forsake their houses:
Link: 4.4.50
The rascal people, thirsting after prey,
Link: 4.4.51
Join with the traitor, and they jointly swear
Link: 4.4.52
To spoil the city and your royal court.
Link: 4.4.53
BUCKINGHAM
Then linger not, my lord, away, take horse.
Link: 4.4.54
KING HENRY VI
Come, Margaret; God, our hope, will succor us.
Link: 4.4.55
QUEEN MARGARET
My hope is gone, now Suffolk is deceased.
Link: 4.4.56
KING HENRY VI
Farewell, my lord: trust not the Kentish rebels.
Link: 4.4.57
BUCKINGHAM
Trust nobody, for fear you be betray'd.
Link: 4.4.58
SAY
The trust I have is in mine innocence,
Link: 4.4.59
And therefore am I bold and resolute.
Link: 4.4.60
Exeunt
SCENE V. London. The Tower.
In Scene 5 of Act 4 of Henry VI, Part 2, a group of rebels gather in Kent to discuss their plans to overthrow the King. Jack Cade, the leader of the rebellion, enters and declares himself the new ruler of England. He promises to lower taxes and improve the lives of the common people. Lord Saye and his son-in-law, Sir James Cromer, are brought before Cade, who accuses them of corruption and treason. They are sentenced to death and taken away. Cade then sets his sights on London and begins marching towards the city with his army. In the meantime, Lord Clifford and his forces prepare to defend the city from the rebels. The scene ends with Cade and his followers approaching London, ready to do battle with Lord Clifford and his army.
Enter SCALES upon the Tower, walking. Then enter two or three Citizens below
SCALES
How now! is Jack Cade slain?
Link: 4.5.1
First Citizen
No, my lord, nor likely to be slain; for they have
Link: 4.5.2
won the bridge, killing all those that withstand
Link: 4.5.3
them: the lord mayor craves aid of your honour from
Link: 4.5.4
the Tower, to defend the city from the rebels.
Link: 4.5.5
SCALES
Such aid as I can spare you shall command;
Link: 4.5.6
But I am troubled here with them myself;
Link: 4.5.7
The rebels have assay'd to win the Tower.
Link: 4.5.8
But get you to Smithfield, and gather head,
Link: 4.5.9
And thither I will send you Matthew Goffe;
Link: 4.5.10
Fight for your king, your country and your lives;
Link: 4.5.11
And so, farewell, for I must hence again.
Link: 4.5.12
Exeunt
SCENE VI. London. Cannon Street.
In Scene 6 of Act 4, a group of Yorkist soldiers discuss their next move in the ongoing conflict between the houses of York and Lancaster. They are joined by their leader, the Duke of York, who reveals his plan to claim the throne and overthrow the current king, Henry VI. The soldiers express their loyalty to the Duke and their willingness to fight for his cause. However, one of them expresses concern about the potential consequences of their actions, including the possibility of being labeled as traitors. The Duke reassures his followers that their cause is just and that they will be rewarded for their loyalty. He also reveals that he has made a secret alliance with the powerful Earl of Warwick, who will join them in their fight against the Lancastrian forces. The scene ends with the soldiers pledging their allegiance to the Duke and preparing to march towards London to claim the throne.
Enter CADE and the rest, and strikes his staff on London-stone
CADE
Now is Mortimer lord of this city. And here, sitting
Link: 4.6.1
upon London-stone, I charge and command that, of the
Link: 4.6.2
city's cost, the pissing-conduit run nothing but
Link: 4.6.3
claret wine this first year of our reign. And now
Link: 4.6.4
henceforward it shall be treason for any that calls
Link: 4.6.5
me other than Lord Mortimer.
Link: 4.6.6
Enter a Soldier, running
Soldier
Jack Cade! Jack Cade!
Link: 4.6.7
CADE
Knock him down there.
Link: 4.6.8
They kill him
SMITH
If this fellow be wise, he'll never call ye Jack
Link: 4.6.9
Cade more: I think he hath a very fair warning.
Link: 4.6.10
DICK
My lord, there's an army gathered together in
Link: 4.6.11
Smithfield.
Link: 4.6.12
CADE
Come, then, let's go fight with them; but first, go
Link: 4.6.13
and set London bridge on fire; and, if you can, burn
Link: 4.6.14
down the Tower too. Come, let's away.
Link: 4.6.15
Exeunt
SCENE VII. London. Smithfield.
In Scene 7 of Act 4, a group of rebels gather in a field to plan their next move against the king's army. Their leader encourages them to stay strong and fight for their cause, despite the odds against them. Suddenly, a messenger arrives with news that their ally, Lord Clifford, has been killed in battle. The rebels are devastated by this news and begin to argue among themselves about what to do next. Some suggest surrendering to the king's army, while others want to continue the fight in honor of Lord Clifford. The leader tries to calm them down and reminds them of their duty to their cause. As they continue to argue, a second messenger arrives with news that the king's army is approaching. The rebels quickly prepare for battle, but they are outnumbered and outmatched. In the end, most of them are killed or captured by the king's army, and their cause is lost.
Alarums. MATTHEW GOFFE is slain, and all the rest. Then enter CADE, with his company.
CADE
So, sirs: now go some and pull down the Savoy;
Link: 4.7.1
others to the inns of court; down with them all.
Link: 4.7.2
DICK
I have a suit unto your lordship.
Link: 4.7.3
CADE
Be it a lordship, thou shalt have it for that word.
Link: 4.7.4
DICK
Only that the laws of England may come out of your mouth.
Link: 4.7.5
HOLLAND
(Aside) Mass, 'twill be sore law, then; for he was
Link: 4.7.6
thrust in the mouth with a spear, and 'tis not whole
Link: 4.7.7
yet.
Link: 4.7.8
SMITH
(Aside) Nay, John, it will be stinking law for his
Link: 4.7.9
breath stinks with eating toasted cheese.
Link: 4.7.10
CADE
I have thought upon it, it shall be so. Away, burn
Link: 4.7.11
all the records of the realm: my mouth shall be
Link: 4.7.12
the parliament of England.
Link: 4.7.13
HOLLAND
(Aside) Then we are like to have biting statutes,
Link: 4.7.14
unless his teeth be pulled out.
Link: 4.7.15
CADE
And henceforward all things shall be in common.
Link: 4.7.16
Enter a Messenger
Messenger
My lord, a prize, a prize! here's the Lord Say,
Link: 4.7.17
which sold the towns in France; he that made us pay
Link: 4.7.18
one and twenty fifteens, and one shilling to the
Link: 4.7.19
pound, the last subsidy.
Link: 4.7.20
Enter BEVIS, with Lord SAY
CADE
Well, he shall be beheaded for it ten times. Ah,
Link: 4.7.21
thou say, thou serge, nay, thou buckram lord! now
Link: 4.7.22
art thou within point-blank of our jurisdiction
Link: 4.7.23
regal. What canst thou answer to my majesty for
Link: 4.7.24
giving up of Normandy unto Mounsieur Basimecu, the
Link: 4.7.25
dauphin of France? Be it known unto thee by these
Link: 4.7.26
presence, even the presence of Lord Mortimer, that I
Link: 4.7.27
am the besom that must sweep the court clean of such
Link: 4.7.28
filth as thou art. Thou hast most traitorously
Link: 4.7.29
corrupted the youth of the realm in erecting a
Link: 4.7.30
grammar school; and whereas, before, our forefathers
Link: 4.7.31
had no other books but the score and the tally, thou
Link: 4.7.32
hast caused printing to be used, and, contrary to
Link: 4.7.33
the king, his crown and dignity, thou hast built a
Link: 4.7.34
paper-mill. It will be proved to thy face that thou
Link: 4.7.35
hast men about thee that usually talk of a noun and
Link: 4.7.36
a verb, and such abominable words as no Christian
Link: 4.7.37
ear can endure to hear. Thou hast appointed
Link: 4.7.38
justices of peace, to call poor men before them
Link: 4.7.39
about matters they were not able to answer.
Link: 4.7.40
Moreover, thou hast put them in prison; and because
Link: 4.7.41
they could not read, thou hast hanged them; when,
Link: 4.7.42
indeed, only for that cause they have been most
Link: 4.7.43
worthy to live. Thou dost ride in a foot-cloth, dost thou not?
Link: 4.7.44
SAY
What of that?
Link: 4.7.45
CADE
Marry, thou oughtest not to let thy horse wear a
Link: 4.7.46
cloak, when honester men than thou go in their hose
Link: 4.7.47
and doublets.
Link: 4.7.48
DICK
And work in their shirt too; as myself, for example,
Link: 4.7.49
that am a butcher.
Link: 4.7.50
SAY
You men of Kent,--
Link: 4.7.51
DICK
What say you of Kent?
Link: 4.7.52
SAY
Nothing but this; 'tis 'bona terra, mala gens.'
Link: 4.7.53
CADE
Away with him, away with him! he speaks Latin.
Link: 4.7.54
SAY
Hear me but speak, and bear me where you will.
Link: 4.7.55
Kent, in the Commentaries Caesar writ,
Link: 4.7.56
Is term'd the civil'st place of this isle:
Link: 4.7.57
Sweet is the country, because full of riches;
Link: 4.7.58
The people liberal, valiant, active, wealthy;
Link: 4.7.59
Which makes me hope you are not void of pity.
Link: 4.7.60
I sold not Maine, I lost not Normandy,
Link: 4.7.61
Yet, to recover them, would lose my life.
Link: 4.7.62
Justice with favour have I always done;
Link: 4.7.63
Prayers and tears have moved me, gifts could never.
Link: 4.7.64
When have I aught exacted at your hands,
Link: 4.7.65
But to maintain the king, the realm and you?
Link: 4.7.66
Large gifts have I bestow'd on learned clerks,
Link: 4.7.67
Because my book preferr'd me to the king,
Link: 4.7.68
And seeing ignorance is the curse of God,
Link: 4.7.69
Knowledge the wing wherewith we fly to heaven,
Link: 4.7.70
Unless you be possess'd with devilish spirits,
Link: 4.7.71
You cannot but forbear to murder me:
Link: 4.7.72
This tongue hath parley'd unto foreign kings
Link: 4.7.73
For your behoof,--
Link: 4.7.74
CADE
Tut, when struck'st thou one blow in the field?
Link: 4.7.75
SAY
Great men have reaching hands: oft have I struck
Link: 4.7.76
Those that I never saw and struck them dead.
Link: 4.7.77
BEVIS
O monstrous coward! what, to come behind folks?
Link: 4.7.78
SAY
These cheeks are pale for watching for your good.
Link: 4.7.79
CADE
Give him a box o' the ear and that will make 'em red again.
Link: 4.7.80
SAY
Long sitting to determine poor men's causes
Link: 4.7.81
Hath made me full of sickness and diseases.
Link: 4.7.82
CADE
Ye shall have a hempen caudle, then, and the help of hatchet.
Link: 4.7.83
DICK
Why dost thou quiver, man?
Link: 4.7.84
SAY
The palsy, and not fear, provokes me.
Link: 4.7.85
CADE
Nay, he nods at us, as who should say, I'll be even
Link: 4.7.86
with you: I'll see if his head will stand steadier
Link: 4.7.87
on a pole, or no. Take him away, and behead him.
Link: 4.7.88
SAY
Tell me wherein have I offended most?
Link: 4.7.89
Have I affected wealth or honour? speak.
Link: 4.7.90
Are my chests fill'd up with extorted gold?
Link: 4.7.91
Is my apparel sumptuous to behold?
Link: 4.7.92
Whom have I injured, that ye seek my death?
Link: 4.7.93
These hands are free from guiltless bloodshedding,
Link: 4.7.94
This breast from harbouring foul deceitful thoughts.
Link: 4.7.95
O, let me live!
Link: 4.7.96
CADE
(Aside) I feel remorse in myself with his words;
Link: 4.7.97
but I'll bridle it: he shall die, an it be but for
Link: 4.7.98
pleading so well for his life. Away with him! he
Link: 4.7.99
has a familiar under his tongue; he speaks not o'
Link: 4.7.100
God's name. Go, take him away, I say, and strike
Link: 4.7.101
off his head presently; and then break into his
Link: 4.7.102
son-in-law's house, Sir James Cromer, and strike off
Link: 4.7.103
his head, and bring them both upon two poles hither.
Link: 4.7.104
ALL
It shall be done.
Link: 4.7.105
SAY
Ah, countrymen! if when you make your prayers,
Link: 4.7.106
God should be so obdurate as yourselves,
Link: 4.7.107
How would it fare with your departed souls?
Link: 4.7.108
And therefore yet relent, and save my life.
Link: 4.7.109
CADE
Away with him! and do as I command ye.
Link: 4.7.110
The proudest peer in the realm shall not wear a head
Link: 4.7.111
on his shoulders, unless he pay me tribute; there
Link: 4.7.112
shall not a maid be married, but she shall pay to me
Link: 4.7.113
her maidenhead ere they have it: men shall hold of
Link: 4.7.114
me in capite; and we charge and command that their
Link: 4.7.115
wives be as free as heart can wish or tongue can tell.
Link: 4.7.116
DICK
My lord, when shall we go to Cheapside and take up
Link: 4.7.117
commodities upon our bills?
Link: 4.7.118
CADE
Marry, presently.
Link: 4.7.119
ALL
O, brave!
Link: 4.7.120
Re-enter one with the heads
CADE
But is not this braver? Let them kiss one another,
Link: 4.7.121
for they loved well when they were alive. Now part
Link: 4.7.122
them again, lest they consult about the giving up of
Link: 4.7.123
some more towns in France. Soldiers, defer the
Link: 4.7.124
spoil of the city until night: for with these borne
Link: 4.7.125
before us, instead of maces, will we ride through
Link: 4.7.126
the streets, and at every corner have them kiss. Away!
Link: 4.7.127
Exeunt
SCENE VIII. Southwark.
Scene 8 of Act 4 begins with the Earl of Warwick, who is leading an army, receiving news that his brother, the Duke of Montague, has been captured by the enemy. Warwick is devastated by this news but decides to press on with his plans to overthrow the king. Meanwhile, King Henry VI is being held prisoner by the Duke of York, who is demanding that he abdicate the throne. Henry is hesitant to do so, but his wife, Queen Margaret, urges him to fight for his crown. She also reveals that she has enlisted the help of the French army to aid their cause. Back on the battlefield, Warwick and his army are confronted by the Duke of Clarence, who has switched sides and is now fighting for the Yorkists. Warwick is shocked and disappointed by this betrayal but vows to press on with the battle. The scene ends with both sides preparing for a major battle that will ultimately determine the fate of the kingdom. The tension is high, and the stakes are even higher as both sides are determined to emerge victorious.
Alarum and retreat. Enter CADE and all his rabblement
CADE
Up Fish Street! down Saint Magnus' Corner! Kill
Link: 4.8.1
and knock down! throw them into Thames!
Link: 4.8.2
What noise is this I hear? Dare any be so bold to
Link: 4.8.3
sound retreat or parley, when I command them kill?
Link: 4.8.4
Enter BUCKINGHAM and CLIFFORD, attended
BUCKINGHAM
Ay, here they be that dare and will disturb thee:
Link: 4.8.5
Know, Cade, we come ambassadors from the king
Link: 4.8.6
Unto the commons whom thou hast misled;
Link: 4.8.7
And here pronounce free pardon to them all
Link: 4.8.8
That will forsake thee and go home in peace.
Link: 4.8.9
CLIFFORD
What say ye, countrymen? will ye relent,
Link: 4.8.10
And yield to mercy whilst 'tis offer'd you;
Link: 4.8.11
Or let a rebel lead you to your deaths?
Link: 4.8.12
Who loves the king and will embrace his pardon,
Link: 4.8.13
Fling up his cap, and say 'God save his majesty!'
Link: 4.8.14
Who hateth him and honours not his father,
Link: 4.8.15
Henry the Fifth, that made all France to quake,
Link: 4.8.16
Shake he his weapon at us and pass by.
Link: 4.8.17
ALL
God save the king! God save the king!
Link: 4.8.18
CADE
What, Buckingham and Clifford, are ye so brave? And
Link: 4.8.19
you, base peasants, do ye believe him? will you
Link: 4.8.20
needs be hanged with your pardons about your necks?
Link: 4.8.21
Hath my sword therefore broke through London gates,
Link: 4.8.22
that you should leave me at the White Hart in
Link: 4.8.23
Southwark? I thought ye would never have given out
Link: 4.8.24
these arms till you had recovered your ancient
Link: 4.8.25
freedom: but you are all recreants and dastards,
Link: 4.8.26
and delight to live in slavery to the nobility. Let
Link: 4.8.27
them break your backs with burthens, take your
Link: 4.8.28
houses over your heads, ravish your wives and
Link: 4.8.29
daughters before your faces: for me, I will make
Link: 4.8.30
shift for one; and so, God's curse light upon you
Link: 4.8.31
all!
Link: 4.8.32
ALL
We'll follow Cade, we'll follow Cade!
Link: 4.8.33
CLIFFORD
Is Cade the son of Henry the Fifth,
Link: 4.8.34
That thus you do exclaim you'll go with him?
Link: 4.8.35
Will he conduct you through the heart of France,
Link: 4.8.36
And make the meanest of you earls and dukes?
Link: 4.8.37
Alas, he hath no home, no place to fly to;
Link: 4.8.38
Nor knows he how to live but by the spoil,
Link: 4.8.39
Unless by robbing of your friends and us.
Link: 4.8.40
Were't not a shame, that whilst you live at jar,
Link: 4.8.41
The fearful French, whom you late vanquished,
Link: 4.8.42
Should make a start o'er seas and vanquish you?
Link: 4.8.43
Methinks already in this civil broil
Link: 4.8.44
I see them lording it in London streets,
Link: 4.8.45
Crying 'Villiago!' unto all they meet.
Link: 4.8.46
Better ten thousand base-born Cades miscarry
Link: 4.8.47
Than you should stoop unto a Frenchman's mercy.
Link: 4.8.48
To France, to France, and get what you have lost;
Link: 4.8.49
Spare England, for it is your native coast;
Link: 4.8.50
Henry hath money, you are strong and manly;
Link: 4.8.51
God on our side, doubt not of victory.
Link: 4.8.52
ALL
A Clifford! a Clifford! we'll follow the king and Clifford.
Link: 4.8.53
CADE
Was ever feather so lightly blown to and fro as this
Link: 4.8.54
multitude? The name of Henry the Fifth hales them
Link: 4.8.55
to an hundred mischiefs, and makes them leave me
Link: 4.8.56
desolate. I see them lay their heads together to
Link: 4.8.57
surprise me. My sword make way for me, for here is
Link: 4.8.58
no staying. In despite of the devils and hell, have
Link: 4.8.59
through the very middest of you? and heavens and
Link: 4.8.60
honour be witness, that no want of resolution in me.
Link: 4.8.61
but only my followers' base and ignominious
Link: 4.8.62
treasons, makes me betake me to my heels.
Link: 4.8.63
Exit
BUCKINGHAM
What, is he fled? Go some, and follow him;
Link: 4.8.64
And he that brings his head unto the king
Link: 4.8.65
Shall have a thousand crowns for his reward.
Link: 4.8.66
Follow me, soldiers: we'll devise a mean
Link: 4.8.67
To reconcile you all unto the king.
Link: 4.8.68
Exeunt
SCENE IX. Kenilworth Castle.
Scene 9 of Act 4 begins with a conversation between two characters discussing the recent events of the story. They mention the death of a prominent figure and the political ramifications it may have. One character expresses concern over the actions of another character, who they suspect may have had a hand in the death. Soon, a group of characters enters the scene, including the previously suspected individual. They engage in a heated discussion about loyalty and betrayal, with accusations flying back and forth. One character reveals a secret they have been keeping, which only adds to the tension in the room. As the argument continues, a messenger arrives with news of another death. The characters are shocked and saddened by the news, and the previously suspected individual is particularly affected. They express regret and remorse for any involvement they may have had in the recent events. The scene ends with the characters coming to an uneasy truce and agreeing to work together to address the challenges ahead.
Sound Trumpets. Enter KING HENRY VI, QUEEN MARGARET, and SOMERSET, on the terrace
KING HENRY VI
Was ever king that joy'd an earthly throne,
Link: 4.9.1
And could command no more content than I?
Link: 4.9.2
No sooner was I crept out of my cradle
Link: 4.9.3
But I was made a king, at nine months old.
Link: 4.9.4
Was never subject long'd to be a king
Link: 4.9.5
As I do long and wish to be a subject.
Link: 4.9.6
Enter BUCKINGHAM and CLIFFORD
BUCKINGHAM
Health and glad tidings to your majesty!
Link: 4.9.7
KING HENRY VI
Why, Buckingham, is the traitor Cade surprised?
Link: 4.9.8
Or is he but retired to make him strong?
Link: 4.9.9
Enter below, multitudes, with halters about their necks
CLIFFORD
He is fled, my lord, and all his powers do yield;
Link: 4.9.10
And humbly thus, with halters on their necks,
Link: 4.9.11
Expect your highness' doom of life or death.
Link: 4.9.12
KING HENRY VI
Then, heaven, set ope thy everlasting gates,
Link: 4.9.13
To entertain my vows of thanks and praise!
Link: 4.9.14
Soldiers, this day have you redeemed your lives,
Link: 4.9.15
And show'd how well you love your prince and country:
Link: 4.9.16
Continue still in this so good a mind,
Link: 4.9.17
And Henry, though he be infortunate,
Link: 4.9.18
Assure yourselves, will never be unkind:
Link: 4.9.19
And so, with thanks and pardon to you all,
Link: 4.9.20
I do dismiss you to your several countries.
Link: 4.9.21
ALL
God save the king! God save the king!
Link: 4.9.22
Enter a Messenger
Messenger
Please it your grace to be advertised
Link: 4.9.23
The Duke of York is newly come from Ireland,
Link: 4.9.24
And with a puissant and a mighty power
Link: 4.9.25
Of gallowglasses and stout kerns
Link: 4.9.26
Is marching hitherward in proud array,
Link: 4.9.27
And still proclaimeth, as he comes along,
Link: 4.9.28
His arms are only to remove from thee
Link: 4.9.29
The Duke of Somerset, whom he terms traitor.
Link: 4.9.30
KING HENRY VI
Thus stands my state, 'twixt Cade and York distress'd.
Link: 4.9.31
Like to a ship that, having 'scaped a tempest,
Link: 4.9.32
Is straightway calm'd and boarded with a pirate:
Link: 4.9.33
But now is Cade driven back, his men dispersed;
Link: 4.9.34
And now is York in arms to second him.
Link: 4.9.35
I pray thee, Buckingham, go and meet him,
Link: 4.9.36
And ask him what's the reason of these arms.
Link: 4.9.37
Tell him I'll send Duke Edmund to the Tower;
Link: 4.9.38
And, Somerset, we'll commit thee thither,
Link: 4.9.39
Until his army be dismiss'd from him.
Link: 4.9.40
SOMERSET
My lord,
Link: 4.9.41
I'll yield myself to prison willingly,
Link: 4.9.42
Or unto death, to do my country good.
Link: 4.9.43
KING HENRY VI
In any case, be not too rough in terms;
Link: 4.9.44
For he is fierce and cannot brook hard language.
Link: 4.9.45
BUCKINGHAM
I will, my lord; and doubt not so to deal
Link: 4.9.46
As all things shall redound unto your good.
Link: 4.9.47
KING HENRY VI
Come, wife, let's in, and learn to govern better;
Link: 4.9.48
For yet may England curse my wretched reign.
Link: 4.9.49
Flourish. Exeunt
SCENE X. Kent. IDEN's garden.
Scene 10 of Act 4 is set in a palace where the Duke of York is preparing for battle with the Queen's army. He is joined by his sons Edward and Richard, as well as the Earl of Warwick and other supporters. They discuss their plans for the upcoming battle and their confidence in victory. However, their celebration is short-lived as news arrives that the Queen's forces have already defeated a portion of their army. The Duke of York decides to split his forces, sending Warwick to lead a group to reinforce their troops while he and his sons stay behind to fight. As they prepare for battle, the Duke of York expresses his belief that he is fighting for the rightful claim to the throne and that the Queen's forces are usurpers. He also shares his desire for his sons to be successful in battle and continue his legacy. The scene ends with the Duke of York and his sons preparing to face the Queen's army in what will be a significant battle for the future of England.
Enter CADE
CADE
Fie on ambition! fie on myself, that have a sword,
Link: 4.10.1
and yet am ready to famish! These five days have I
Link: 4.10.2
hid me in these woods and durst not peep out, for
Link: 4.10.3
all the country is laid for me; but now am I so
Link: 4.10.4
hungry that if I might have a lease of my life for a
Link: 4.10.5
thousand years I could stay no longer. Wherefore,
Link: 4.10.6
on a brick wall have I climbed into this garden, to
Link: 4.10.7
see if I can eat grass, or pick a sallet another
Link: 4.10.8
while, which is not amiss to cool a man's stomach
Link: 4.10.9
this hot weather. And I think this word 'sallet'
Link: 4.10.10
was born to do me good: for many a time, but for a
Link: 4.10.11
sallet, my brainpan had been cleft with a brown
Link: 4.10.12
bill; and many a time, when I have been dry and
Link: 4.10.13
bravely marching, it hath served me instead of a
Link: 4.10.14
quart pot to drink in; and now the word 'sallet'
Link: 4.10.15
must serve me to feed on.
Link: 4.10.16
Enter IDEN
IDEN
Lord, who would live turmoiled in the court,
Link: 4.10.17
And may enjoy such quiet walks as these?
Link: 4.10.18
This small inheritance my father left me
Link: 4.10.19
Contenteth me, and worth a monarchy.
Link: 4.10.20
I seek not to wax great by others' waning,
Link: 4.10.21
Or gather wealth, I care not, with what envy:
Link: 4.10.22
Sufficeth that I have maintains my state
Link: 4.10.23
And sends the poor well pleased from my gate.
Link: 4.10.24
CADE
Here's the lord of the soil come to seize me for a
Link: 4.10.25
stray, for entering his fee-simple without leave.
Link: 4.10.26
Ah, villain, thou wilt betray me, and get a thousand
Link: 4.10.27
crowns of the king carrying my head to him: but
Link: 4.10.28
I'll make thee eat iron like an ostrich, and swallow
Link: 4.10.29
my sword like a great pin, ere thou and I part.
Link: 4.10.30
IDEN
Why, rude companion, whatsoe'er thou be,
Link: 4.10.31
I know thee not; why, then, should I betray thee?
Link: 4.10.32
Is't not enough to break into my garden,
Link: 4.10.33
And, like a thief, to come to rob my grounds,
Link: 4.10.34
Climbing my walls in spite of me the owner,
Link: 4.10.35
But thou wilt brave me with these saucy terms?
Link: 4.10.36
CADE
Brave thee! ay, by the best blood that ever was
Link: 4.10.37
broached, and beard thee too. Look on me well: I
Link: 4.10.38
have eat no meat these five days; yet, come thou and
Link: 4.10.39
thy five men, and if I do not leave you all as dead
Link: 4.10.40
as a doornail, I pray God I may never eat grass more.
Link: 4.10.41
IDEN
Nay, it shall ne'er be said, while England stands,
Link: 4.10.42
That Alexander Iden, an esquire of Kent,
Link: 4.10.43
Took odds to combat a poor famish'd man.
Link: 4.10.44
Oppose thy steadfast-gazing eyes to mine,
Link: 4.10.45
See if thou canst outface me with thy looks:
Link: 4.10.46
Set limb to limb, and thou art far the lesser;
Link: 4.10.47
Thy hand is but a finger to my fist,
Link: 4.10.48
Thy leg a stick compared with this truncheon;
Link: 4.10.49
My foot shall fight with all the strength thou hast;
Link: 4.10.50
And if mine arm be heaved in the air,
Link: 4.10.51
Thy grave is digg'd already in the earth.
Link: 4.10.52
As for words, whose greatness answers words,
Link: 4.10.53
Let this my sword report what speech forbears.
Link: 4.10.54
CADE
By my valour, the most complete champion that ever I
Link: 4.10.55
heard! Steel, if thou turn the edge, or cut not out
Link: 4.10.56
the burly-boned clown in chines of beef ere thou
Link: 4.10.57
sleep in thy sheath, I beseech God on my knees thou
Link: 4.10.58
mayst be turned to hobnails.
Link: 4.10.59
O, I am slain! famine and no other hath slain me:
Link: 4.10.60
let ten thousand devils come against me, and give me
Link: 4.10.61
but the ten meals I have lost, and I'll defy them
Link: 4.10.62
all. Wither, garden; and be henceforth a
Link: 4.10.63
burying-place to all that do dwell in this house,
Link: 4.10.64
because the unconquered soul of Cade is fled.
Link: 4.10.65
IDEN
Is't Cade that I have slain, that monstrous traitor?
Link: 4.10.66
Sword, I will hollow thee for this thy deed,
Link: 4.10.67
And hang thee o'er my tomb when I am dead:
Link: 4.10.68
Ne'er shall this blood be wiped from thy point;
Link: 4.10.69
But thou shalt wear it as a herald's coat,
Link: 4.10.70
To emblaze the honour that thy master got.
Link: 4.10.71
CADE
Iden, farewell, and be proud of thy victory. Tell
Link: 4.10.72
Kent from me, she hath lost her best man, and exhort
Link: 4.10.73
all the world to be cowards; for I, that never
Link: 4.10.74
feared any, am vanquished by famine, not by valour.
Link: 4.10.75
Dies
IDEN
How much thou wrong'st me, heaven be my judge.
Link: 4.10.76
Die, damned wretch, the curse of her that bare thee;
Link: 4.10.77
And as I thrust thy body in with my sword,
Link: 4.10.78
So wish I, I might thrust thy soul to hell.
Link: 4.10.79
Hence will I drag thee headlong by the heels
Link: 4.10.80
Unto a dunghill which shall be thy grave,
Link: 4.10.81
And there cut off thy most ungracious head;
Link: 4.10.82
Which I will bear in triumph to the king,
Link: 4.10.83
Leaving thy trunk for crows to feed upon.
Link: 4.10.84
Exit
Act V
Act 5 of Henry VI, Part 2 sees two factions within the English court vying for power. On one side is the Duke of York and his supporters, who believe that he should be the rightful king of England. On the other side is Queen Margaret and her allies, who support King Henry VI and believe that the Duke of York is a traitor.
The act begins with a battle between the two factions, which takes place near the town of St. Albans. The Duke of York and his supporters are initially successful, but Queen Margaret and her army soon gain the upper hand. The Duke of York is forced to flee the battlefield, and many of his followers are killed.
Meanwhile, King Henry VI is captured by Queen Margaret's forces. She taunts him and accuses him of being a weak and ineffective ruler. The Duke of York's son, Edward, arrives on the scene and demands that King Henry be released. Queen Margaret refuses, and a fight breaks out between Edward and her soldiers. Edward is able to overpower them and rescue King Henry.
The act ends with the Duke of York regrouping his forces and preparing for another battle with Queen Margaret. It is clear that the conflict between these two factions will continue, and that there will be more bloodshed before it is resolved.
SCENE I. Fields between Dartford and Blackheath.
Scene 1 of Act 5 begins with King Henry VI being held captive by two keepers, who are discussing his fate. They mention that the Yorkists are approaching and that they must decide whether to fight or flee. King Henry VI begs them to let him go, but they refuse and instead offer to kill him to prevent the Yorkists from getting their hands on him. Suddenly, the Yorkists enter and a battle breaks out. During the chaos, King Henry VI is left alone and eventually encounters Richard of Gloucester, who offers to help him escape. King Henry VI agrees, and they leave the battlefield together. This scene is filled with tension and sets the stage for the final battle between the Yorkists and Lancastrians. King Henry VI is portrayed as weak and helpless, caught in the middle of a power struggle between two factions. The keepers are portrayed as opportunistic, willing to kill the king to save themselves. Richard of Gloucester, who will later become King Richard III, is portrayed as cunning and resourceful, offering to help the king escape in order to gain an advantage over his enemies. Overall, this scene is a pivotal moment in the play, as it marks the beginning of the end for the Lancastrian cause and sets the stage for the final showdown between the two sides.
Enter YORK, and his army of Irish, with drum and colours
YORK
From Ireland thus comes York to claim his right,
Link: 5.1.1
And pluck the crown from feeble Henry's head:
Link: 5.1.2
Ring, bells, aloud; burn, bonfires, clear and bright,
Link: 5.1.3
To entertain great England's lawful king.
Link: 5.1.4
Ah! sancta majestas, who would not buy thee dear?
Link: 5.1.5
Let them obey that know not how to rule;
Link: 5.1.6
This hand was made to handle naught but gold.
Link: 5.1.7
I cannot give due action to my words,
Link: 5.1.8
Except a sword or sceptre balance it:
Link: 5.1.9
A sceptre shall it have, have I a soul,
Link: 5.1.10
On which I'll toss the flower-de-luce of France.
Link: 5.1.11
Whom have we here? Buckingham, to disturb me?
Link: 5.1.12
The king hath sent him, sure: I must dissemble.
Link: 5.1.13
BUCKINGHAM
York, if thou meanest well, I greet thee well.
Link: 5.1.14
YORK
Humphrey of Buckingham, I accept thy greeting.
Link: 5.1.15
Art thou a messenger, or come of pleasure?
Link: 5.1.16
BUCKINGHAM
A messenger from Henry, our dread liege,
Link: 5.1.17
To know the reason of these arms in peace;
Link: 5.1.18
Or why thou, being a subject as I am,
Link: 5.1.19
Against thy oath and true allegiance sworn,
Link: 5.1.20
Should raise so great a power without his leave,
Link: 5.1.21
Or dare to bring thy force so near the court.
Link: 5.1.22
YORK
(Aside) Scarce can I speak, my choler is so great:
Link: 5.1.23
O, I could hew up rocks and fight with flint,
Link: 5.1.24
I am so angry at these abject terms;
Link: 5.1.25
And now, like Ajax Telamonius,
Link: 5.1.26
On sheep or oxen could I spend my fury.
Link: 5.1.27
I am far better born than is the king,
Link: 5.1.28
More like a king, more kingly in my thoughts:
Link: 5.1.29
But I must make fair weather yet a while,
Link: 5.1.30
Till Henry be more weak and I more strong,--
Link: 5.1.31
Buckingham, I prithee, pardon me,
Link: 5.1.32
That I have given no answer all this while;
Link: 5.1.33
My mind was troubled with deep melancholy.
Link: 5.1.34
The cause why I have brought this army hither
Link: 5.1.35
Is to remove proud Somerset from the king,
Link: 5.1.36
Seditious to his grace and to the state.
Link: 5.1.37
BUCKINGHAM
That is too much presumption on thy part:
Link: 5.1.38
But if thy arms be to no other end,
Link: 5.1.39
The king hath yielded unto thy demand:
Link: 5.1.40
The Duke of Somerset is in the Tower.
Link: 5.1.41
YORK
Upon thine honour, is he prisoner?
Link: 5.1.42
BUCKINGHAM
Upon mine honour, he is prisoner.
Link: 5.1.43
YORK
Then, Buckingham, I do dismiss my powers.
Link: 5.1.44
Soldiers, I thank you all; disperse yourselves;
Link: 5.1.45
Meet me to-morrow in St. George's field,
Link: 5.1.46
You shall have pay and every thing you wish.
Link: 5.1.47
And let my sovereign, virtuous Henry,
Link: 5.1.48
Command my eldest son, nay, all my sons,
Link: 5.1.49
As pledges of my fealty and love;
Link: 5.1.50
I'll send them all as willing as I live:
Link: 5.1.51
Lands, goods, horse, armour, any thing I have,
Link: 5.1.52
Is his to use, so Somerset may die.
Link: 5.1.53
BUCKINGHAM
York, I commend this kind submission:
Link: 5.1.54
We twain will go into his highness' tent.
Link: 5.1.55
Enter KING HENRY VI and Attendants
KING HENRY VI
Buckingham, doth York intend no harm to us,
Link: 5.1.56
That thus he marcheth with thee arm in arm?
Link: 5.1.57
YORK
In all submission and humility
Link: 5.1.58
York doth present himself unto your highness.
Link: 5.1.59
KING HENRY VI
Then what intends these forces thou dost bring?
Link: 5.1.60
YORK
To heave the traitor Somerset from hence,
Link: 5.1.61
And fight against that monstrous rebel Cade,
Link: 5.1.62
Who since I heard to be discomfited.
Link: 5.1.63
Enter IDEN, with CADE'S head
IDEN
If one so rude and of so mean condition
Link: 5.1.64
May pass into the presence of a king,
Link: 5.1.65
Lo, I present your grace a traitor's head,
Link: 5.1.66
The head of Cade, whom I in combat slew.
Link: 5.1.67
KING HENRY VI
The head of Cade! Great God, how just art Thou!
Link: 5.1.68
O, let me view his visage, being dead,
Link: 5.1.69
That living wrought me such exceeding trouble.
Link: 5.1.70
Tell me, my friend, art thou the man that slew him?
Link: 5.1.71
IDEN
I was, an't like your majesty.
Link: 5.1.72
KING HENRY VI
How art thou call'd? and what is thy degree?
Link: 5.1.73
IDEN
Alexander Iden, that's my name;
Link: 5.1.74
A poor esquire of Kent, that loves his king.
Link: 5.1.75
BUCKINGHAM
So please it you, my lord, 'twere not amiss
Link: 5.1.76
He were created knight for his good service.
Link: 5.1.77
KING HENRY VI
Iden, kneel down.
Link: 5.1.78
Rise up a knight.
Link: 5.1.79
We give thee for reward a thousand marks,
Link: 5.1.80
And will that thou henceforth attend on us.
Link: 5.1.81
IDEN
May Iden live to merit such a bounty.
Link: 5.1.82
And never live but true unto his liege!
Link: 5.1.83
Rises
Enter QUEEN MARGARET and SOMERSET
KING HENRY VI
See, Buckingham, Somerset comes with the queen:
Link: 5.1.84
Go, bid her hide him quickly from the duke.
Link: 5.1.85
QUEEN MARGARET
For thousand Yorks he shall not hide his head,
Link: 5.1.86
But boldly stand and front him to his face.
Link: 5.1.87
YORK
How now! is Somerset at liberty?
Link: 5.1.88
Then, York, unloose thy long-imprison'd thoughts,
Link: 5.1.89
And let thy tongue be equal with thy heart.
Link: 5.1.90
Shall I endure the sight of Somerset?
Link: 5.1.91
False king! why hast thou broken faith with me,
Link: 5.1.92
Knowing how hardly I can brook abuse?
Link: 5.1.93
King did I call thee? no, thou art not king,
Link: 5.1.94
Not fit to govern and rule multitudes,
Link: 5.1.95
Which darest not, no, nor canst not rule a traitor.
Link: 5.1.96
That head of thine doth not become a crown;
Link: 5.1.97
Thy hand is made to grasp a palmer's staff,
Link: 5.1.98
And not to grace an awful princely sceptre.
Link: 5.1.99
That gold must round engirt these brows of mine,
Link: 5.1.100
Whose smile and frown, like to Achilles' spear,
Link: 5.1.101
Is able with the change to kill and cure.
Link: 5.1.102
Here is a hand to hold a sceptre up
Link: 5.1.103
And with the same to act controlling laws.
Link: 5.1.104
Give place: by heaven, thou shalt rule no more
Link: 5.1.105
O'er him whom heaven created for thy ruler.
Link: 5.1.106
SOMERSET
O monstrous traitor! I arrest thee, York,
Link: 5.1.107
Of capital treason 'gainst the king and crown;
Link: 5.1.108
Obey, audacious traitor; kneel for grace.
Link: 5.1.109
YORK
Wouldst have me kneel? first let me ask of these,
Link: 5.1.110
If they can brook I bow a knee to man.
Link: 5.1.111
Sirrah, call in my sons to be my bail;
Link: 5.1.112
I know, ere they will have me go to ward,
Link: 5.1.113
They'll pawn their swords for my enfranchisement.
Link: 5.1.114
QUEEN MARGARET
Call hither Clifford! bid him come amain,
Link: 5.1.115
To say if that the bastard boys of York
Link: 5.1.116
Shall be the surety for their traitor father.
Link: 5.1.117
Exit BUCKINGHAM
YORK
O blood-besotted Neapolitan,
Link: 5.1.118
Outcast of Naples, England's bloody scourge!
Link: 5.1.119
The sons of York, thy betters in their birth,
Link: 5.1.120
Shall be their father's bail; and bane to those
Link: 5.1.121
That for my surety will refuse the boys!
Link: 5.1.122
See where they come: I'll warrant they'll
Link: 5.1.123
make it good.
Link: 5.1.124
Enter CLIFFORD and YOUNG CLIFFORD
QUEEN MARGARET
And here comes Clifford to deny their bail.
Link: 5.1.125
CLIFFORD
Health and all happiness to my lord the king!
Link: 5.1.126
Kneels
YORK
I thank thee, Clifford: say, what news with thee?
Link: 5.1.127
Nay, do not fright us with an angry look;
Link: 5.1.128
We are thy sovereign, Clifford, kneel again;
Link: 5.1.129
For thy mistaking so, we pardon thee.
Link: 5.1.130
CLIFFORD
This is my king, York, I do not mistake;
Link: 5.1.131
But thou mistakest me much to think I do:
Link: 5.1.132
To Bedlam with him! is the man grown mad?
Link: 5.1.133
KING HENRY VI
Ay, Clifford; a bedlam and ambitious humour
Link: 5.1.134
Makes him oppose himself against his king.
Link: 5.1.135
CLIFFORD
He is a traitor; let him to the Tower,
Link: 5.1.136
And chop away that factious pate of his.
Link: 5.1.137
QUEEN MARGARET
He is arrested, but will not obey;
Link: 5.1.138
His sons, he says, shall give their words for him.
Link: 5.1.139
YORK
Will you not, sons?
Link: 5.1.140
EDWARD
Ay, noble father, if our words will serve.
Link: 5.1.141
RICHARD
And if words will not, then our weapons shall.
Link: 5.1.142
CLIFFORD
Why, what a brood of traitors have we here!
Link: 5.1.143
YORK
Look in a glass, and call thy image so:
Link: 5.1.144
I am thy king, and thou a false-heart traitor.
Link: 5.1.145
Call hither to the stake my two brave bears,
Link: 5.1.146
That with the very shaking of their chains
Link: 5.1.147
They may astonish these fell-lurking curs:
Link: 5.1.148
Bid Salisbury and Warwick come to me.
Link: 5.1.149
Enter the WARWICK and SALISBURY
CLIFFORD
Are these thy bears? we'll bait thy bears to death.
Link: 5.1.150
And manacle the bear-ward in their chains,
Link: 5.1.151
If thou darest bring them to the baiting place.
Link: 5.1.152
RICHARD
Oft have I seen a hot o'erweening cur
Link: 5.1.153
Run back and bite, because he was withheld;
Link: 5.1.154
Who, being suffer'd with the bear's fell paw,
Link: 5.1.155
Hath clapp'd his tail between his legs and cried:
Link: 5.1.156
And such a piece of service will you do,
Link: 5.1.157
If you oppose yourselves to match Lord Warwick.
Link: 5.1.158
CLIFFORD
Hence, heap of wrath, foul indigested lump,
Link: 5.1.159
As crooked in thy manners as thy shape!
Link: 5.1.160
YORK
Nay, we shall heat you thoroughly anon.
Link: 5.1.161
CLIFFORD
Take heed, lest by your heat you burn yourselves.
Link: 5.1.162
KING HENRY VI
Why, Warwick, hath thy knee forgot to bow?
Link: 5.1.163
Old Salisbury, shame to thy silver hair,
Link: 5.1.164
Thou mad misleader of thy brain-sick son!
Link: 5.1.165
What, wilt thou on thy death-bed play the ruffian,
Link: 5.1.166
And seek for sorrow with thy spectacles?
Link: 5.1.167
O, where is faith? O, where is loyalty?
Link: 5.1.168
If it be banish'd from the frosty head,
Link: 5.1.169
Where shall it find a harbour in the earth?
Link: 5.1.170
Wilt thou go dig a grave to find out war,
Link: 5.1.171
And shame thine honourable age with blood?
Link: 5.1.172
Why art thou old, and want'st experience?
Link: 5.1.173
Or wherefore dost abuse it, if thou hast it?
Link: 5.1.174
For shame! in duty bend thy knee to me
Link: 5.1.175
That bows unto the grave with mickle age.
Link: 5.1.176
SALISBURY
My lord, I have consider'd with myself
Link: 5.1.177
The title of this most renowned duke;
Link: 5.1.178
And in my conscience do repute his grace
Link: 5.1.179
The rightful heir to England's royal seat.
Link: 5.1.180
KING HENRY VI
Hast thou not sworn allegiance unto me?
Link: 5.1.181
SALISBURY
I have.
Link: 5.1.182
KING HENRY VI
Canst thou dispense with heaven for such an oath?
Link: 5.1.183
SALISBURY
It is great sin to swear unto a sin,
Link: 5.1.184
But greater sin to keep a sinful oath.
Link: 5.1.185
Who can be bound by any solemn vow
Link: 5.1.186
To do a murderous deed, to rob a man,
Link: 5.1.187
To force a spotless virgin's chastity,
Link: 5.1.188
To reave the orphan of his patrimony,
Link: 5.1.189
To wring the widow from her custom'd right,
Link: 5.1.190
And have no other reason for this wrong
Link: 5.1.191
But that he was bound by a solemn oath?
Link: 5.1.192
QUEEN MARGARET
A subtle traitor needs no sophister.
Link: 5.1.193
KING HENRY VI
Call Buckingham, and bid him arm himself.
Link: 5.1.194
YORK
Call Buckingham, and all the friends thou hast,
Link: 5.1.195
I am resolved for death or dignity.
Link: 5.1.196
CLIFFORD
The first I warrant thee, if dreams prove true.
Link: 5.1.197
WARWICK
You were best to go to bed and dream again,
Link: 5.1.198
To keep thee from the tempest of the field.
Link: 5.1.199
CLIFFORD
I am resolved to bear a greater storm
Link: 5.1.200
Than any thou canst conjure up to-day;
Link: 5.1.201
And that I'll write upon thy burgonet,
Link: 5.1.202
Might I but know thee by thy household badge.
Link: 5.1.203
WARWICK
Now, by my father's badge, old Nevil's crest,
Link: 5.1.204
The rampant bear chain'd to the ragged staff,
Link: 5.1.205
This day I'll wear aloft my burgonet,
Link: 5.1.206
As on a mountain top the cedar shows
Link: 5.1.207
That keeps his leaves in spite of any storm,
Link: 5.1.208
Even to affright thee with the view thereof.
Link: 5.1.209
CLIFFORD
And from thy burgonet I'll rend thy bear
Link: 5.1.210
And tread it under foot with all contempt,
Link: 5.1.211
Despite the bear-ward that protects the bear.
Link: 5.1.212
YOUNG CLIFFORD
And so to arms, victorious father,
Link: 5.1.213
To quell the rebels and their complices.
Link: 5.1.214
RICHARD
Fie! charity, for shame! speak not in spite,
Link: 5.1.215
For you shall sup with Jesu Christ to-night.
Link: 5.1.216
YOUNG CLIFFORD
Foul stigmatic, that's more than thou canst tell.
Link: 5.1.217
RICHARD
If not in heaven, you'll surely sup in hell.
Link: 5.1.218
Exeunt severally
SCENE II. Saint Alban's.
Scene 2 of Act 5 begins with a conversation between two men, one of whom is a messenger. The messenger informs his companion that the Duke of York has been defeated and killed in battle. The other man, who is a follower of the Duke of York, is devastated by the news and laments the loss of his leader. As they continue to talk, they are interrupted by the arrival of Queen Margaret and her army. The follower of the Duke of York is taken captive, while the messenger is allowed to go free. Queen Margaret is pleased with the victory and orders her army to march towards London. She is confident that they will be able to defeat the remaining Yorkist forces and take control of the city. Meanwhile, a group of Yorkist soldiers are discussing their options. They are outnumbered and outmatched by Queen Margaret's army, but they refuse to give up the fight. They decide to make a last stand at a nearby castle and prepare for battle. The scene ends with both sides preparing for a final battle that will determine the fate of England. The tension and anticipation are palpable, as both sides are determined to emerge victorious.
Alarums to the battle. Enter WARWICK
WARWICK
Clifford of Cumberland, 'tis Warwick calls:
Link: 5.2.1
And if thou dost not hide thee from the bear,
Link: 5.2.2
Now, when the angry trumpet sounds alarum
Link: 5.2.3
And dead men's cries do fill the empty air,
Link: 5.2.4
Clifford, I say, come forth and fight with me:
Link: 5.2.5
Proud northern lord, Clifford of Cumberland,
Link: 5.2.6
Warwick is hoarse with calling thee to arms.
Link: 5.2.7
How now, my noble lord? what, all afoot?
Link: 5.2.8
YORK
The deadly-handed Clifford slew my steed,
Link: 5.2.9
But match to match I have encounter'd him
Link: 5.2.10
And made a prey for carrion kites and crows
Link: 5.2.11
Even of the bonny beast he loved so well.
Link: 5.2.12
Enter CLIFFORD
WARWICK
Of one or both of us the time is come.
Link: 5.2.13
YORK
Hold, Warwick, seek thee out some other chase,
Link: 5.2.14
For I myself must hunt this deer to death.
Link: 5.2.15
WARWICK
Then, nobly, York; 'tis for a crown thou fight'st.
Link: 5.2.16
As I intend, Clifford, to thrive to-day,
Link: 5.2.17
It grieves my soul to leave thee unassail'd.
Link: 5.2.18
Exit
CLIFFORD
What seest thou in me, York? why dost thou pause?
Link: 5.2.19
YORK
With thy brave bearing should I be in love,
Link: 5.2.20
But that thou art so fast mine enemy.
Link: 5.2.21
CLIFFORD
Nor should thy prowess want praise and esteem,
Link: 5.2.22
But that 'tis shown ignobly and in treason.
Link: 5.2.23
YORK
So let it help me now against thy sword
Link: 5.2.24
As I in justice and true right express it.
Link: 5.2.25
CLIFFORD
My soul and body on the action both!
Link: 5.2.26
YORK
A dreadful lay! Address thee instantly.
Link: 5.2.27
They fight, and CLIFFORD falls
CLIFFORD
La fin couronne les oeuvres.
Link: 5.2.28
Dies
YORK
Thus war hath given thee peace, for thou art still.
Link: 5.2.29
Peace with his soul, heaven, if it be thy will!
Link: 5.2.30
Exit
Enter YOUNG CLIFFORD
YOUNG CLIFFORD
Shame and confusion! all is on the rout;
Link: 5.2.31
Fear frames disorder, and disorder wounds
Link: 5.2.32
Where it should guard. O war, thou son of hell,
Link: 5.2.33
Whom angry heavens do make their minister
Link: 5.2.34
Throw in the frozen bosoms of our part
Link: 5.2.35
Hot coals of vengeance! Let no soldier fly.
Link: 5.2.36
He that is truly dedicate to war
Link: 5.2.37
Hath no self-love, nor he that loves himself
Link: 5.2.38
Hath not essentially but by circumstance
Link: 5.2.39
The name of valour.
Link: 5.2.40
O, let the vile world end,
Link: 5.2.41
And the premised flames of the last day
Link: 5.2.42
Knit earth and heaven together!
Link: 5.2.43
Now let the general trumpet blow his blast,
Link: 5.2.44
Particularities and petty sounds
Link: 5.2.45
To cease! Wast thou ordain'd, dear father,
Link: 5.2.46
To lose thy youth in peace, and to achieve
Link: 5.2.47
The silver livery of advised age,
Link: 5.2.48
And, in thy reverence and thy chair-days, thus
Link: 5.2.49
To die in ruffian battle? Even at this sight
Link: 5.2.50
My heart is turn'd to stone: and while 'tis mine,
Link: 5.2.51
It shall be stony. York not our old men spares;
Link: 5.2.52
No more will I their babes: tears virginal
Link: 5.2.53
Shall be to me even as the dew to fire,
Link: 5.2.54
And beauty that the tyrant oft reclaims
Link: 5.2.55
Shall to my flaming wrath be oil and flax.
Link: 5.2.56
Henceforth I will not have to do with pity:
Link: 5.2.57
Meet I an infant of the house of York,
Link: 5.2.58
Into as many gobbets will I cut it
Link: 5.2.59
As wild Medea young Absyrtus did:
Link: 5.2.60
In cruelty will I seek out my fame.
Link: 5.2.61
Come, thou new ruin of old Clifford's house:
Link: 5.2.62
As did AEneas old Anchises bear,
Link: 5.2.63
So bear I thee upon my manly shoulders;
Link: 5.2.64
But then AEneas bare a living load,
Link: 5.2.65
Nothing so heavy as these woes of mine.
Link: 5.2.66
Exit, bearing off his father
Enter RICHARD and SOMERSET to fight. SOMERSET is killed
RICHARD
So, lie thou there;
Link: 5.2.67
For underneath an alehouse' paltry sign,
Link: 5.2.68
The Castle in Saint Alban's, Somerset
Link: 5.2.69
Hath made the wizard famous in his death.
Link: 5.2.70
Sword, hold thy temper; heart, be wrathful still:
Link: 5.2.71
Priests pray for enemies, but princes kill.
Link: 5.2.72
Exit
Fight: excursions. Enter KING HENRY VI, QUEEN MARGARET, and others
QUEEN MARGARET
Away, my lord! you are slow; for shame, away!
Link: 5.2.73
KING HENRY VI
Can we outrun the heavens? good Margaret, stay.
Link: 5.2.74
QUEEN MARGARET
What are you made of? you'll nor fight nor fly:
Link: 5.2.75
Now is it manhood, wisdom and defence,
Link: 5.2.76
To give the enemy way, and to secure us
Link: 5.2.77
By what we can, which can no more but fly.
Link: 5.2.78
If you be ta'en, we then should see the bottom
Link: 5.2.79
Of all our fortunes: but if we haply scape,
Link: 5.2.80
As well we may, if not through your neglect,
Link: 5.2.81
We shall to London get, where you are loved
Link: 5.2.82
And where this breach now in our fortunes made
Link: 5.2.83
May readily be stopp'd.
Link: 5.2.84
Re-enter YOUNG CLIFFORD
YOUNG CLIFFORD
But that my heart's on future mischief set,
Link: 5.2.85
I would speak blasphemy ere bid you fly:
Link: 5.2.86
But fly you must; uncurable discomfit
Link: 5.2.87
Reigns in the hearts of all our present parts.
Link: 5.2.88
Away, for your relief! and we will live
Link: 5.2.89
To see their day and them our fortune give:
Link: 5.2.90
Away, my lord, away!
Link: 5.2.91
Exeunt
SCENE III. Fields near St. Alban's.
In Scene 3 of Act 5, two factions are at war: the Yorkists and the Lancastrians. The Duke of York has just died, leaving his son, Edward, as the new leader of the Yorkists. The Lancastrians have captured a town and are celebrating their victory when Edward and his army arrive to retake the town. The Lancastrian leader, Lord Clifford, taunts Edward, calling him a "shepherd's son" and a "base-born" who is not fit to rule. Edward responds by challenging Clifford to a one-on-one fight. They duel, and Edward kills Clifford. As the battle continues, Edward's brothers, George and Richard, arrive with reinforcements. They are able to defeat the Lancastrians and retake the town. However, the victory is bittersweet as they learn that their father, the Duke of York, was killed in battle. The scene ends with Edward mourning his father's death and vowing to avenge him by continuing the fight against the Lancastrians.
Alarum. Retreat. Enter YORK, RICHARD, WARWICK, and Soldiers, with drum and colours
YORK
Of Salisbury, who can report of him,
Link: 5.3.1
That winter lion, who in rage forgets
Link: 5.3.2
Aged contusions and all brush of time,
Link: 5.3.3
And, like a gallant in the brow of youth,
Link: 5.3.4
Repairs him with occasion? This happy day
Link: 5.3.5
Is not itself, nor have we won one foot,
Link: 5.3.6
If Salisbury be lost.
Link: 5.3.7
RICHARD
My noble father,
Link: 5.3.8
Three times to-day I holp him to his horse,
Link: 5.3.9
Three times bestrid him; thrice I led him off,
Link: 5.3.10
Persuaded him from any further act:
Link: 5.3.11
But still, where danger was, still there I met him;
Link: 5.3.12
And like rich hangings in a homely house,
Link: 5.3.13
So was his will in his old feeble body.
Link: 5.3.14
But, noble as he is, look where he comes.
Link: 5.3.15
Enter SALISBURY
SALISBURY
Now, by my sword, well hast thou fought to-day;
Link: 5.3.16
By the mass, so did we all. I thank you, Richard:
Link: 5.3.17
God knows how long it is I have to live;
Link: 5.3.18
And it hath pleased him that three times to-day
Link: 5.3.19
You have defended me from imminent death.
Link: 5.3.20
Well, lords, we have not got that which we have:
Link: 5.3.21
'Tis not enough our foes are this time fled,
Link: 5.3.22
Being opposites of such repairing nature.
Link: 5.3.23
YORK
I know our safety is to follow them;
Link: 5.3.24
For, as I hear, the king is fled to London,
Link: 5.3.25
To call a present court of parliament.
Link: 5.3.26
Let us pursue him ere the writs go forth.
Link: 5.3.27
What says Lord Warwick? shall we after them?
Link: 5.3.28
WARWICK
After them! nay, before them, if we can.
Link: 5.3.29
Now, by my faith, lords, 'twas a glorious day:
Link: 5.3.30
Saint Alban's battle won by famous York
Link: 5.3.31
Shall be eternized in all age to come.
Link: 5.3.32
Sound drums and trumpets, and to London all:
Link: 5.3.33
And more such days as these to us befall!
Link: 5.3.34
Exeunt