York.
Where is the hatefull Criminal?

Salisb.
In his Apartment;
Seiz'd with a violent, delirious, Fever.

York.
Observe the Queen.

Queen.
My Lords, I fear, I am to blame.—
Beaufort's Counsels
Have prov'd pernicious to the King.

Salisb.
And, Madam, Yours
Have done no less Disservice:—

Queen.
Through his Perswasion.—
But, I repent, that e'er I listen'd to him!—
And, if he be the guilty Man, you say,—

York.
Your Power shall not protect him.

Queen.
I protect him!—
My Power! my Lords:—If I have any Power;
I will exert it all, to make him wretched!—
Deliver him, to Infamy,—to Torture!—
May the innocent Blood of Suffolk, and of Gloucester,
Crying aloud to Heaven, afflict his Soul!
And, everlasting Misery be his Portion!
  And now, my Lords;—Henceforward, shall your Counsels
Direct My Conduct, and assist the King.

York.
Our Counsels, Madam, if they may prevail,
Shall influence the King to rule, without You.

Salisb.
You meddle, over-much, in his Affairs:
And, it were happier for the King, and Nation,
Much happier for your self; would you, hereafter,
Frequent your Closet, more; the Council,—never.

Queen.
Disdainfull Men!—You slight a Friendship;
You tempt an Enmity;—discerning Neither.—
You know not Margaret!—

Salisb.
That England, ne'er, had known her!

Queen.
I will be known!—Is Fortitude, and Wisdom,
Given to Man, alone?—Prove me, in Council;
Prove me, in the Field!—In Policy, let Salisbury,
In War, let York, oppose me.—But, my Lords;
Be sure, you over-match this slighted Woman!—
Urge me to all Extremes!—Friendship and Favour,

I neither ask, nor grant.—Success is Mine;
If Courage claims Success!—Yet, if We fail;
Your Chronicles shall witness to my Fame;
Your Daughters boast, your Sons all emulate,
A Woman's Glory; and the World avow,
England, once, had a Queen, deserv'd to Reign!

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