Buck.
Think you, my Lord, this little prating York
Was not incensed by his subtle mother,
To taunt and scorn you thus opprobriously?

Glo.
No doubt, no doubt. Oh, 'tis a per'lous boy,
Bold, quick, ingenious, forward, capable;
He's all the mother's, from the top to toe.

Buck.
Well, let them rest. Come, Catesby, thou art sworn
As deeply to effect what we intend,
As closely to conceal what we impart.
Thou know'st our reasons urg'd upon the way;

What think'st thou? is it not an easy matter
To make Lord William Hastings of our mind,
For the instalment of this noble Duke
In the seat royal of this famous isle?

Cates.
He for his father's sake so loves the Prince,
That he will not be won to aught against him.

Buck.
What think'st thou then of Stanley? will not he?

Cates.
He will do all in all as Hastings doth.

Buck.
Well then, no more than this. Go, gentle Catesby,
And, as it were far off, sound thou Lord Hastings
How he doth stand affected to our purpose;
And summon him to-morrow to the Tower,
To sit about the corronation.
If thou dost find him tractable to us,
Encourage him, and tell him all our Reasons;
If he be leaden, icy, cold, unwilling,
Be thou so too, and so break off the talk,
And give us notice of his inclination;
For we to-morrow hold ^{8 note}divided councils,
Wherein thyself shalt highly be employ'd.

Glo.
Commend me to Lord William; tell him, Catesby,
His ancient knot of dangerous adversaries
To-morrow are let blood at Pomfret-castle;
And bid my friend, for joy of this good news,
Give mistress Shore one gentle kiss the more.

Buck.
Good Catesby, go, effect this business soundly.

Cates.
My good Lords both, with all the heed I can.

Glo.
Shall we hear from you, Catesby, ere we sleep?

Cates.
You shall, my Lord.

Glo.
At Crosby-place, there you shall find us both. [Exit Catesby.

Buck.
My Lord, what shall we do, if we perceive,

Lord Hastings will not yield to our complots?

Glo.
Chop off his head, man; somewhat we will do;
And look, when I am King, claim thou of me
The Earldom of Hereford, and the moveables
Whereof, the King, my brother, stood possest.

Buck.
I'll claim that promise at your Grace's hand.

Glo.
And look to have it yielded with all kindness.
Come, let us sup betimes; that, afterwards,
We may digest our complots in some form. [Exeunt.

Previous section

Next section