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 easie 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 ought 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 coronation.
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 divided councils,
Wherein thy self 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. [Ex. Cat.

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

Th'Earldom of Hereford, and all 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