K. Henry.
For my part, noble Lords, I care not which,
Or Somerset, or York, all's one to me.

York.
If York have ill demean'd himself in France,
Then let him be deny'd the Regentship.

Som.
If Somerset be unworthy of the Place,
Let York be Regent, I will yield to him.

War.
Whether your Grace be worthy, yea or no,
Dispute not that; York is the worthier.

Car.
Ambitious Warwick, let thy Betters speak.

War.
The Cardinal's not my better in the field.

Buck.
All in this Presence are thy betters, Warwick.

War.
Warwick may live to be the best of all.

Sal.
Peace, Son; and shew some reason, Buckingham,
Why Somerset should be preferr'd in this.

Q. Mar.
Because the King, forsooth, will have it so.

Glo.
Madam, the King is old enough himself
To give his Censure: these are no woman's matters.

Q. Mar.
If he be old enough, what needs your Grace
To be Protector of his Excellence?

Glo.
Madam, I am Protector of the Realm,
And, at his Pleasure, will resign my Place.

Suf.
Resign it then, and leave thine insolence.
Since thou wert King, (as who is King, but thou?)
The Common-wealth hath daily run to wreck.
The Dauphin hath prevail'd beyond the seas,
And all the Peers, and Nobles of the Realm,
Have been as bond-men to thy sov'reignty.

Car.
The Commons hast thou rack'd; the Clergy's bags

Are lank and lean with thy extortions.

Som.
Thy sumptuous buildings, and thy wife's attire,
Have cost a mass of publick treasury.

Buck.
Thy cruelty in execution
Upon offenders hath exceeded law;
And left thee to the mercy of the law.

Q. Mar.
Thy sale of offices and towns in France,
If they were known, as the suspect is great,
Would make thee quickly hop without thy head. [Exit Glo.
Give me my fan; what, minion? can ye not? [She gives the Dutchess a box on the ear.
I cry you mercy, Madam; was it you?

Elean.
Was't I? yea, I it was, proud French-woman:
Could I come near your beauty with my nails,
I'd set my ten commandments in your face.

K. Henry.
Sweet aunt, be quiet; 'twas against her will.

Elean.
Against her will, good King? look to't in time,
She'll hamper thee and dandle thee like a baby:
Though in this place most Master wears no breeches,
She shall not strike Dame Eleanor unrevenged. [Exit Eleanor.

Buck.
Lord Cardinal, I'll follow Eleanor,
And listen after Humphry, how he proceeds:
She's tickled now, her fume can need no spurs;
She'll gallop fast enough to her destruction. [Exit Buckingham.

Previous section

Next section