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Flourish. Enter LEWIS THE FRENCH KING, his sister the LADY BONA, his Admiral called BOURBON, PRINCE EDWARD, QUEEN MARGARET, and the EARL OF OXFORD, the last three wearing the red rose.
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Flourish. Enter LEWIS THE FRENCH KING, his sister the LADY BONA, his Admiral called BOURBON, PRINCE EDWARD, QUEEN MARGARET, and the EARL OF OXFORD, the last three wearing the red rose.
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LEWIS sits, and riseth up again.
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LEWIS sits, and riseth up again.
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KING LEWIS
Fair Queen of England, worthy Margaret,
Sit down with us. It ill befits thy state
And birth that thou shouldst stand while Lewis
doth sit.
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KING LEWIS
Fair Queen of England, worthy Margaret,
Sit down with us. It ill befits thy state
And birth that thou shouldst stand while Lewis
doth sit.
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QUEEN MARGARET
5
No, mighty King of France. Now Margaret
Must strike her sail and learn awhile to serve
Where kings command. I was, I must confess,
Great Albion’s queen in former golden days,
But now mischance hath trod my title down
10
And with dishonor laid me on the ground,
Where I must take like seat unto my fortune
And to my humble seat conform myself.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Must strike her sail and learn awhile to serve
Where kings command. I was, I must confess,
Great Albion’s queen in former golden days,
But now mischance hath trod my title down
Where I must take like seat unto my fortune
And to my humble seat conform myself.
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KING LEWIS
Why, say, fair queen, whence springs this deep
despair?
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KING LEWIS
Why, say, fair queen, whence springs this deep
despair?
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QUEEN MARGARET
15
From such a cause as fills mine eyes with tears
And stops my tongue, while heart is drowned in cares.
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QUEEN MARGARET
And stops my tongue, while heart is drowned in cares.
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KING LEWIS
Whate’er it be, be thou still like thyself,
And sit thee by our side.
Seats her by him.
Yield not thy neck
20
To Fortune’s yoke, but let thy dauntless mind
Still ride in triumph over all mischance.
Be plain, Queen Margaret, and tell thy grief.
It shall be eased if France can yield relief.
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KING LEWIS
Whate’er it be, be thou still like thyself,
And sit thee by our side.
Seats her by him.
Yield not thy neck
Still ride in triumph over all mischance.
Be plain, Queen Margaret, and tell thy grief.
It shall be eased if France can yield relief.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Those gracious words revive my drooping thoughts
25
And give my tongue-tied sorrows leave to speak.
Now therefore be it known to noble Lewis
That Henry, sole possessor of my love,
Is, of a king, become a banished man
And forced to live in Scotland a forlorn;
30
While proud ambitious Edward, Duke of York,
Usurps the regal title and the seat
Of England’s true-anointed lawful king.
This is the cause that I, poor Margaret,
With this my son, Prince Edward, Henry’s heir,
35
Am come to crave thy just and lawful aid;
And if thou fail us, all our hope is done.
Scotland hath will to help but cannot help;
Our people and our peers are both misled,
Our treasure seized, our soldiers put to flight,
40
And, as thou seest, ourselves in heavy plight.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Those gracious words revive my drooping thoughts
Now therefore be it known to noble Lewis
That Henry, sole possessor of my love,
Is, of a king, become a banished man
And forced to live in Scotland a forlorn;
Usurps the regal title and the seat
Of England’s true-anointed lawful king.
This is the cause that I, poor Margaret,
With this my son, Prince Edward, Henry’s heir,
And if thou fail us, all our hope is done.
Scotland hath will to help but cannot help;
Our people and our peers are both misled,
Our treasure seized, our soldiers put to flight,
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KING LEWIS
Renownèd queen, with patience calm the storm
While we bethink a means to break it off.
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KING LEWIS
Renownèd queen, with patience calm the storm
While we bethink a means to break it off.
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QUEEN MARGARET
The more we stay, the stronger grows our foe.
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QUEEN MARGARET
The more we stay, the stronger grows our foe.
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KING LEWIS
The more I stay, the more I’ll succor thee.
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KING LEWIS
The more I stay, the more I’ll succor thee.
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QUEEN MARGARET
45
O, but impatience waiteth on true sorrow.
Enter WARWICK, wearing the white rose.
And see where comes the breeder of my sorrow.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Enter WARWICK, wearing the white rose.
And see where comes the breeder of my sorrow.
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KING LEWIS
What’s he approacheth boldly to our presence?
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KING LEWIS
What’s he approacheth boldly to our presence?
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QUEEN MARGARET
Our Earl of Warwick, Edward’s greatest friend.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Our Earl of Warwick, Edward’s greatest friend.
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KING LEWIS ,
standing
Welcome, brave Warwick. What brings thee to France?
He descends. She ariseth.
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KING LEWIS ,
standing
Welcome, brave Warwick. What brings thee to France?
He descends. She ariseth.
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QUEEN MARGARET ,
aside
50
Ay, now begins a second storm to rise,
For this is he that moves both wind and tide.
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QUEEN MARGARET ,
aside
For this is he that moves both wind and tide.
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WARWICK
From worthy Edward, King of Albion,
My lord and sovereign and thy vowèd friend,
I come in kindness and unfeignèd love,
55
First, to do greetings to thy royal person,
And then to crave a league of amity,
And, lastly, to confirm that amity
With nuptial knot, if thou vouchsafe to grant
That virtuous Lady Bona, thy fair sister,
60
To England’s king in lawful marriage.
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WARWICK
From worthy Edward, King of Albion,
My lord and sovereign and thy vowèd friend,
I come in kindness and unfeignèd love,
And then to crave a league of amity,
And, lastly, to confirm that amity
With nuptial knot, if thou vouchsafe to grant
That virtuous Lady Bona, thy fair sister,
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QUEEN MARGARET ,
aside
If that go forward, Henry’s hope is done.
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QUEEN MARGARET ,
aside
If that go forward, Henry’s hope is done.
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WARWICK ,
speaking to LADY BONA
And, gracious madam, in our king’s behalf,
I am commanded, with your leave and favor,
Humbly to kiss your hand, and with my tongue
65
To tell the passion of my sovereign’s heart,
Where fame, late ent’ring at his heedful ears,
Hath placed thy beauty’s image and thy virtue.
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WARWICK ,
speaking to LADY BONA
And, gracious madam, in our king’s behalf,
I am commanded, with your leave and favor,
Humbly to kiss your hand, and with my tongue
Where fame, late ent’ring at his heedful ears,
Hath placed thy beauty’s image and thy virtue.
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QUEEN MARGARET
King Lewis and Lady Bona, hear me speak
Before you answer Warwick. His demand
70
Springs not from Edward’s well-meant honest love,
But from deceit, bred by necessity;
For how can tyrants safely govern home
Unless abroad they purchase great alliance?
To prove him tyrant, this reason may suffice:
75
That Henry liveth still; but were he dead,
Yet here Prince Edward stands, King Henry’s son.
Look, therefore, Lewis, that by this league and
marriage
Thou draw not on thy danger and dishonor;
80
For though usurpers sway the rule awhile,
Yet heav’ns are just, and time suppresseth wrongs.
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QUEEN MARGARET
King Lewis and Lady Bona, hear me speak
Before you answer Warwick. His demand
But from deceit, bred by necessity;
For how can tyrants safely govern home
Unless abroad they purchase great alliance?
To prove him tyrant, this reason may suffice:
Yet here Prince Edward stands, King Henry’s son.
Look, therefore, Lewis, that by this league and
marriage
Thou draw not on thy danger and dishonor;
Yet heav’ns are just, and time suppresseth wrongs.
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WARWICK
Injurious Margaret!
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WARWICK
Injurious Margaret!
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PRINCE EDWARD
And why not “Queen”?
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PRINCE EDWARD
And why not “Queen”?
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WARWICK
Because thy father Henry did usurp,
85
And thou no more art prince than she is queen.
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WARWICK
Because thy father Henry did usurp,
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OXFORD
Then Warwick disannuls great John of Gaunt,
Which did subdue the greatest part of Spain;
And after John of Gaunt, Henry the Fourth,
Whose wisdom was a mirror to the wisest;
90
And after that wise prince, Henry the Fifth,
Who by his prowess conquerèd all France.
From these our Henry lineally descends.
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OXFORD
Then Warwick disannuls great John of Gaunt,
Which did subdue the greatest part of Spain;
And after John of Gaunt, Henry the Fourth,
Whose wisdom was a mirror to the wisest;
Who by his prowess conquerèd all France.
From these our Henry lineally descends.
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WARWICK
Oxford, how haps it in this smooth discourse
You told not how Henry the Sixth hath lost
95
All that which Henry the Fifth had gotten.
Methinks these peers of France should smile at that.
But, for the rest: you tell a pedigree
Of threescore and two years, a silly time
To make prescription for a kingdom’s worth.
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WARWICK
Oxford, how haps it in this smooth discourse
You told not how Henry the Sixth hath lost
Methinks these peers of France should smile at that.
But, for the rest: you tell a pedigree
Of threescore and two years, a silly time
To make prescription for a kingdom’s worth.
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OXFORD
100
Why, Warwick, canst thou speak against thy liege,
Whom thou obeyed’st thirty and six years,
And not bewray thy treason with a blush?
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OXFORD
Whom thou obeyed’st thirty and six years,
And not bewray thy treason with a blush?
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WARWICK
Can Oxford, that did ever fence the right,
Now buckler falsehood with a pedigree?
105
For shame, leave Henry, and call Edward king.
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WARWICK
Can Oxford, that did ever fence the right,
Now buckler falsehood with a pedigree?
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OXFORD
Call him my king, by whose injurious doom
My elder brother, the Lord Aubrey Vere,
Was done to death? And more than so, my father,
Even in the downfall of his mellowed years,
110
When nature brought him to the door of death?
No, Warwick, no. While life upholds this arm,
This arm upholds the house of Lancaster.
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OXFORD
Call him my king, by whose injurious doom
My elder brother, the Lord Aubrey Vere,
Was done to death? And more than so, my father,
Even in the downfall of his mellowed years,
No, Warwick, no. While life upholds this arm,
This arm upholds the house of Lancaster.
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WARWICK
And I the house of York.
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WARWICK
And I the house of York.
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KING LEWIS
Queen Margaret, Prince Edward, and Oxford,
115
Vouchsafe, at our request, to stand aside
While I use further conference with Warwick.
They stand aloof.
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KING LEWIS
Queen Margaret, Prince Edward, and Oxford,
While I use further conference with Warwick.
They stand aloof.
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QUEEN MARGARET ,
aside
Heavens grant that Warwick’s words bewitch him
not.
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QUEEN MARGARET ,
aside
Heavens grant that Warwick’s words bewitch him
not.
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KING LEWIS
Now, Warwick, tell me, even upon thy conscience,
120
Is Edward your true king? For I were loath
To link with him that were not lawful chosen.
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KING LEWIS
Now, Warwick, tell me, even upon thy conscience,
To link with him that were not lawful chosen.
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WARWICK
Thereon I pawn my credit and mine honor.
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WARWICK
Thereon I pawn my credit and mine honor.
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KING LEWIS
But is he gracious in the people’s eye?
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KING LEWIS
But is he gracious in the people’s eye?
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WARWICK
The more that Henry was unfortunate.
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WARWICK
The more that Henry was unfortunate.
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KING LEWIS
125
Then further, all dissembling set aside,
Tell me for truth the measure of his love
Unto our sister Bona.
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KING LEWIS
Tell me for truth the measure of his love
Unto our sister Bona.
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WARWICK
Such it seems
As may beseem a monarch like himself.
130
Myself have often heard him say and swear
That this his love was an eternal plant,
Whereof the root was fixed in virtue’s ground,
The leaves and fruit maintained with beauty’s sun,
Exempt from envy but not from disdain,
135
Unless the Lady Bona quit his pain.
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WARWICK
Such it seems
As may beseem a monarch like himself.
That this his love was an eternal plant,
Whereof the root was fixed in virtue’s ground,
The leaves and fruit maintained with beauty’s sun,
Exempt from envy but not from disdain,
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KING LEWIS
Now, sister, let us hear your firm resolve.
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KING LEWIS
Now, sister, let us hear your firm resolve.
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LADY BONA
Your grant or your denial shall be mine.
(Speaks to WARWICK.) Yet I confess that often ere this
day,
140
When I have heard your king’s desert recounted,
Mine ear hath tempted judgment to desire.
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LADY BONA
Your grant or your denial shall be mine.
(Speaks to WARWICK.) Yet I confess that often ere this
day,
Mine ear hath tempted judgment to desire.
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KING LEWIS
Then, Warwick, thus: our sister shall be Edward’s.
And now forthwith shall articles be drawn
Touching the jointure that your king must make,
145
Which with her dowry shall be counterpoised.—
Draw near, Queen Margaret, and be a witness
That Bona shall be wife to the English king.
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KING LEWIS
Then, Warwick, thus: our sister shall be Edward’s.
And now forthwith shall articles be drawn
Touching the jointure that your king must make,
Draw near, Queen Margaret, and be a witness
That Bona shall be wife to the English king.
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PRINCE EDWARD
To Edward, but not to the English king.
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PRINCE EDWARD
To Edward, but not to the English king.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Deceitful Warwick, it was thy device
150
By this alliance to make void my suit.
Before thy coming, Lewis was Henry’s friend.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Deceitful Warwick, it was thy device
Before thy coming, Lewis was Henry’s friend.
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KING LEWIS
And still is friend to him and Margaret.
But if your title to the crown be weak,
As may appear by Edward’s good success,
155
Then ’tis but reason that I be released
From giving aid which late I promisèd.
Yet shall you have all kindness at my hand
That your estate requires and mine can yield.
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KING LEWIS
And still is friend to him and Margaret.
But if your title to the crown be weak,
As may appear by Edward’s good success,
From giving aid which late I promisèd.
Yet shall you have all kindness at my hand
That your estate requires and mine can yield.
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WARWICK
Henry now lives in Scotland at his ease,
160
Where, having nothing, nothing can he lose.—
And as for you yourself, our quondam queen,
You have a father able to maintain you,
And better ’twere you troubled him than France.
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WARWICK
Henry now lives in Scotland at his ease,
And as for you yourself, our quondam queen,
You have a father able to maintain you,
And better ’twere you troubled him than France.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Peace, impudent and shameless Warwick,
165
Proud setter-up and puller-down of kings!
I will not hence till with my talk and tears,
Both full of truth, I make King Lewis behold
Thy sly conveyance and thy lord’s false love,
For both of you are birds of selfsame feather.
POST blowing a horn within.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Peace, impudent and shameless Warwick,
I will not hence till with my talk and tears,
Both full of truth, I make King Lewis behold
Thy sly conveyance and thy lord’s false love,
For both of you are birds of selfsame feather.
POST blowing a horn within.
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KING LEWIS
170
Warwick, this is some post to us or thee.
Enter the POST.
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KING LEWIS
Enter the POST.
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POST speaks to
WARWICK.
My lord ambassador, these letters are for you,
Sent from your brother, Marquess Montague.
(To LEWIS.) These from our king unto your Majesty.
(To MARGARET.) And, madam, these for you—from
175
whom, I know not.
They all read their letters.
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POST speaks to
WARWICK.
My lord ambassador, these letters are for you,
Sent from your brother, Marquess Montague.
(To LEWIS.) These from our king unto your Majesty.
(To MARGARET.) And, madam, these for you—from
They all read their letters.
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OXFORD ,
aside
I like it well that our fair queen and mistress
Smiles at her news, while Warwick frowns at his.
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OXFORD ,
aside
I like it well that our fair queen and mistress
Smiles at her news, while Warwick frowns at his.
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PRINCE EDWARD ,
aside
Nay, mark how Lewis stamps as he were nettled.
I hope all’s for the best.
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PRINCE EDWARD ,
aside
Nay, mark how Lewis stamps as he were nettled.
I hope all’s for the best.
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KING LEWIS
180
Warwick, what are thy news? And yours, fair queen?
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KING LEWIS
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QUEEN MARGARET
Mine, such as fill my heart with unhoped joys.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Mine, such as fill my heart with unhoped joys.
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WARWICK
Mine, full of sorrow and heart’s discontent.
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WARWICK
Mine, full of sorrow and heart’s discontent.
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KING LEWIS
What, has your king married the Lady Grey,
And now, to soothe your forgery and his,
185
Sends me a paper to persuade me patience?
Is this th’ alliance that he seeks with France?
Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner?
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KING LEWIS
What, has your king married the Lady Grey,
And now, to soothe your forgery and his,
Is this th’ alliance that he seeks with France?
Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner?
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QUEEN MARGARET
I told your Majesty as much before.
This proveth Edward’s love and Warwick’s honesty.
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QUEEN MARGARET
I told your Majesty as much before.
This proveth Edward’s love and Warwick’s honesty.
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WARWICK
190
King Lewis, I here protest in sight of heaven
And by the hope I have of heavenly bliss,
That I am clear from this misdeed of Edward’s—
No more my king, for he dishonors me,
But most himself, if he could see his shame.
195
Did I forget that by the house of York
My father came untimely to his death?
Did I let pass th’ abuse done to my niece?
Did I impale him with the regal crown?
Did I put Henry from his native right?
200
And am I guerdoned at the last with shame?
Shame on himself, for my desert is honor!
And to repair my honor lost for him,
I here renounce him and return to Henry.
He removes the white rose.
My noble queen, let former grudges pass,
205
And henceforth I am thy true servitor.
I will revenge his wrong to Lady Bona
And replant Henry in his former state.
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WARWICK
And by the hope I have of heavenly bliss,
That I am clear from this misdeed of Edward’s—
No more my king, for he dishonors me,
But most himself, if he could see his shame.
My father came untimely to his death?
Did I let pass th’ abuse done to my niece?
Did I impale him with the regal crown?
Did I put Henry from his native right?
Shame on himself, for my desert is honor!
And to repair my honor lost for him,
I here renounce him and return to Henry.
He removes the white rose.
My noble queen, let former grudges pass,
I will revenge his wrong to Lady Bona
And replant Henry in his former state.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Warwick, these words have turned my hate to love,
And I forgive and quite forget old faults,
210
And joy that thou becom’st King Henry’s friend.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Warwick, these words have turned my hate to love,
And I forgive and quite forget old faults,
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WARWICK
So much his friend, ay, his unfeignèd friend,
That if King Lewis vouchsafe to furnish us
With some few bands of chosen soldiers,
I’ll undertake to land them on our coast
215
And force the tyrant from his seat by war.
’Tis not his new-made bride shall succor him.
And as for Clarence, as my letters tell me,
He’s very likely now to fall from him
For matching more for wanton lust than honor,
220
Or than for strength and safety of our country.
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WARWICK
So much his friend, ay, his unfeignèd friend,
That if King Lewis vouchsafe to furnish us
With some few bands of chosen soldiers,
I’ll undertake to land them on our coast
’Tis not his new-made bride shall succor him.
And as for Clarence, as my letters tell me,
He’s very likely now to fall from him
For matching more for wanton lust than honor,
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LADY BONA
Dear brother, how shall Bona be revenged
But by thy help to this distressèd queen?
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LADY BONA
Dear brother, how shall Bona be revenged
But by thy help to this distressèd queen?
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QUEEN MARGARET
Renownèd prince, how shall poor Henry live
Unless thou rescue him from foul despair?
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QUEEN MARGARET
Renownèd prince, how shall poor Henry live
Unless thou rescue him from foul despair?
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LADY BONA
225
My quarrel and this English queen’s are one.
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LADY BONA
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WARWICK
And mine, fair Lady Bona, joins with yours.
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WARWICK
And mine, fair Lady Bona, joins with yours.
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KING LEWIS
And mine with hers and thine and Margaret’s.
Therefore at last I firmly am resolved
You shall have aid.
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KING LEWIS
And mine with hers and thine and Margaret’s.
Therefore at last I firmly am resolved
You shall have aid.
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QUEEN MARGARET
230
Let me give humble thanks for all, at once.
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QUEEN MARGARET
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KING LEWIS
Then, England’s messenger, return in post,
And tell false Edward, thy supposèd king,
That Lewis of France is sending over maskers
To revel it with him and his new bride.
235
Thou seest what’s passed; go fear thy king withal.
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KING LEWIS
Then, England’s messenger, return in post,
And tell false Edward, thy supposèd king,
That Lewis of France is sending over maskers
To revel it with him and his new bride.
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LADY BONA
Tell him, in hope he’ll prove a widower shortly,
I wear the willow garland for his sake.
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LADY BONA
Tell him, in hope he’ll prove a widower shortly,
I wear the willow garland for his sake.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Tell him my mourning weeds are laid aside
And I am ready to put armor on.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Tell him my mourning weeds are laid aside
And I am ready to put armor on.
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WARWICK
240
Tell him from me that he hath done me wrong,
And therefore I’ll uncrown him ere ’t be long.
There’s thy reward.
Gives money.
Be gone.
POST exits.
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WARWICK
And therefore I’ll uncrown him ere ’t be long.
There’s thy reward.
Gives money.
Be gone.
POST exits.
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KING LEWIS
But, Warwick,
245
Thou and Oxford with five thousand men
Shall cross the seas and bid false Edward battle;
And as occasion serves, this noble queen
And prince shall follow with a fresh supply.
Yet ere thou go, but answer me one doubt:
250
What pledge have we of thy firm loyalty?
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KING LEWIS
But, Warwick,
Shall cross the seas and bid false Edward battle;
And as occasion serves, this noble queen
And prince shall follow with a fresh supply.
Yet ere thou go, but answer me one doubt:
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WARWICK
This shall assure my constant loyalty:
That if our queen and this young prince agree,
I’ll join mine eldest daughter, and my joy,
To him forthwith in holy wedlock bands.
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WARWICK
This shall assure my constant loyalty:
That if our queen and this young prince agree,
I’ll join mine eldest daughter, and my joy,
To him forthwith in holy wedlock bands.
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QUEEN MARGARET
255
Yes, I agree, and thank you for your motion.
Son Edward, she is fair and virtuous.
Therefore, delay not; give thy hand to Warwick,
And with thy hand, thy faith irrevocable,
That only Warwick’s daughter shall be thine.
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QUEEN MARGARET
Son Edward, she is fair and virtuous.
Therefore, delay not; give thy hand to Warwick,
And with thy hand, thy faith irrevocable,
That only Warwick’s daughter shall be thine.
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PRINCE EDWARD
260
Yes, I accept her, for she well deserves it,
And here, to pledge my vow, I give my hand.
He gives his hand to WARWICK.
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PRINCE EDWARD
And here, to pledge my vow, I give my hand.
He gives his hand to WARWICK.
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KING LEWIS
Why stay we now? These soldiers shall be levied,
And thou, Lord Bourbon, our High Admiral,
Shall waft them over with our royal fleet.
265
I long till Edward fall by war’s mischance
For mocking marriage with a dame of France.
All but WARWICK exit.
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KING LEWIS
Why stay we now? These soldiers shall be levied,
And thou, Lord Bourbon, our High Admiral,
Shall waft them over with our royal fleet.
For mocking marriage with a dame of France.
All but WARWICK exit.
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WARWICK
I came from Edward as ambassador,
But I return his sworn and mortal foe.
Matter of marriage was the charge he gave me,
270
But dreadful war shall answer his demand.
Had he none else to make a stale but me?
Then none but I shall turn his jest to sorrow.
I was the chief that raised him to the crown,
And I’ll be chief to bring him down again:
275
Not that I pity Henry’s misery,
But seek revenge on Edward’s mockery.
He exits.
|
WARWICK
I came from Edward as ambassador,
But I return his sworn and mortal foe.
Matter of marriage was the charge he gave me,
Had he none else to make a stale but me?
Then none but I shall turn his jest to sorrow.
I was the chief that raised him to the crown,
And I’ll be chief to bring him down again:
But seek revenge on Edward’s mockery.
He exits.
|
Original Text |
Modern Text |
|
Flourish. Enter LEWIS THE FRENCH KING, his sister the LADY BONA, his Admiral called BOURBON, PRINCE EDWARD, QUEEN MARGARET, and the EARL OF OXFORD, the last three wearing the red rose.
|
Flourish. Enter LEWIS THE FRENCH KING, his sister the LADY BONA, his Admiral called BOURBON, PRINCE EDWARD, QUEEN MARGARET, and the EARL OF OXFORD, the last three wearing the red rose.
|
|
LEWIS sits, and riseth up again.
|
LEWIS sits, and riseth up again.
|
|
KING LEWIS
Fair Queen of England, worthy Margaret,
Sit down with us. It ill befits thy state
And birth that thou shouldst stand while Lewis
doth sit.
|
KING LEWIS
Fair Queen of England, worthy Margaret,
Sit down with us. It ill befits thy state
And birth that thou shouldst stand while Lewis
doth sit.
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
5
No, mighty King of France. Now Margaret
Must strike her sail and learn awhile to serve
Where kings command. I was, I must confess,
Great Albion’s queen in former golden days,
But now mischance hath trod my title down
10
And with dishonor laid me on the ground,
Where I must take like seat unto my fortune
And to my humble seat conform myself.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Must strike her sail and learn awhile to serve
Where kings command. I was, I must confess,
Great Albion’s queen in former golden days,
But now mischance hath trod my title down
Where I must take like seat unto my fortune
And to my humble seat conform myself.
|
|
KING LEWIS
Why, say, fair queen, whence springs this deep
despair?
|
KING LEWIS
Why, say, fair queen, whence springs this deep
despair?
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
15
From such a cause as fills mine eyes with tears
And stops my tongue, while heart is drowned in cares.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
And stops my tongue, while heart is drowned in cares.
|
|
KING LEWIS
Whate’er it be, be thou still like thyself,
And sit thee by our side.
Seats her by him.
Yield not thy neck
20
To Fortune’s yoke, but let thy dauntless mind
Still ride in triumph over all mischance.
Be plain, Queen Margaret, and tell thy grief.
It shall be eased if France can yield relief.
|
KING LEWIS
Whate’er it be, be thou still like thyself,
And sit thee by our side.
Seats her by him.
Yield not thy neck
Still ride in triumph over all mischance.
Be plain, Queen Margaret, and tell thy grief.
It shall be eased if France can yield relief.
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Those gracious words revive my drooping thoughts
25
And give my tongue-tied sorrows leave to speak.
Now therefore be it known to noble Lewis
That Henry, sole possessor of my love,
Is, of a king, become a banished man
And forced to live in Scotland a forlorn;
30
While proud ambitious Edward, Duke of York,
Usurps the regal title and the seat
Of England’s true-anointed lawful king.
This is the cause that I, poor Margaret,
With this my son, Prince Edward, Henry’s heir,
35
Am come to crave thy just and lawful aid;
And if thou fail us, all our hope is done.
Scotland hath will to help but cannot help;
Our people and our peers are both misled,
Our treasure seized, our soldiers put to flight,
40
And, as thou seest, ourselves in heavy plight.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Those gracious words revive my drooping thoughts
Now therefore be it known to noble Lewis
That Henry, sole possessor of my love,
Is, of a king, become a banished man
And forced to live in Scotland a forlorn;
Usurps the regal title and the seat
Of England’s true-anointed lawful king.
This is the cause that I, poor Margaret,
With this my son, Prince Edward, Henry’s heir,
And if thou fail us, all our hope is done.
Scotland hath will to help but cannot help;
Our people and our peers are both misled,
Our treasure seized, our soldiers put to flight,
|
|
KING LEWIS
Renownèd queen, with patience calm the storm
While we bethink a means to break it off.
|
KING LEWIS
Renownèd queen, with patience calm the storm
While we bethink a means to break it off.
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
The more we stay, the stronger grows our foe.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
The more we stay, the stronger grows our foe.
|
|
KING LEWIS
The more I stay, the more I’ll succor thee.
|
KING LEWIS
The more I stay, the more I’ll succor thee.
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
45
O, but impatience waiteth on true sorrow.
Enter WARWICK, wearing the white rose.
And see where comes the breeder of my sorrow.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Enter WARWICK, wearing the white rose.
And see where comes the breeder of my sorrow.
|
|
KING LEWIS
What’s he approacheth boldly to our presence?
|
KING LEWIS
What’s he approacheth boldly to our presence?
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Our Earl of Warwick, Edward’s greatest friend.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Our Earl of Warwick, Edward’s greatest friend.
|
|
KING LEWIS ,
standing
Welcome, brave Warwick. What brings thee to France?
He descends. She ariseth.
|
KING LEWIS ,
standing
Welcome, brave Warwick. What brings thee to France?
He descends. She ariseth.
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET ,
aside
50
Ay, now begins a second storm to rise,
For this is he that moves both wind and tide.
|
QUEEN MARGARET ,
aside
For this is he that moves both wind and tide.
|
|
WARWICK
From worthy Edward, King of Albion,
My lord and sovereign and thy vowèd friend,
I come in kindness and unfeignèd love,
55
First, to do greetings to thy royal person,
And then to crave a league of amity,
And, lastly, to confirm that amity
With nuptial knot, if thou vouchsafe to grant
That virtuous Lady Bona, thy fair sister,
60
To England’s king in lawful marriage.
|
WARWICK
From worthy Edward, King of Albion,
My lord and sovereign and thy vowèd friend,
I come in kindness and unfeignèd love,
And then to crave a league of amity,
And, lastly, to confirm that amity
With nuptial knot, if thou vouchsafe to grant
That virtuous Lady Bona, thy fair sister,
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET ,
aside
If that go forward, Henry’s hope is done.
|
QUEEN MARGARET ,
aside
If that go forward, Henry’s hope is done.
|
|
WARWICK ,
speaking to LADY BONA
And, gracious madam, in our king’s behalf,
I am commanded, with your leave and favor,
Humbly to kiss your hand, and with my tongue
65
To tell the passion of my sovereign’s heart,
Where fame, late ent’ring at his heedful ears,
Hath placed thy beauty’s image and thy virtue.
|
WARWICK ,
speaking to LADY BONA
And, gracious madam, in our king’s behalf,
I am commanded, with your leave and favor,
Humbly to kiss your hand, and with my tongue
Where fame, late ent’ring at his heedful ears,
Hath placed thy beauty’s image and thy virtue.
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
King Lewis and Lady Bona, hear me speak
Before you answer Warwick. His demand
70
Springs not from Edward’s well-meant honest love,
But from deceit, bred by necessity;
For how can tyrants safely govern home
Unless abroad they purchase great alliance?
To prove him tyrant, this reason may suffice:
75
That Henry liveth still; but were he dead,
Yet here Prince Edward stands, King Henry’s son.
Look, therefore, Lewis, that by this league and
marriage
Thou draw not on thy danger and dishonor;
80
For though usurpers sway the rule awhile,
Yet heav’ns are just, and time suppresseth wrongs.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
King Lewis and Lady Bona, hear me speak
Before you answer Warwick. His demand
But from deceit, bred by necessity;
For how can tyrants safely govern home
Unless abroad they purchase great alliance?
To prove him tyrant, this reason may suffice:
Yet here Prince Edward stands, King Henry’s son.
Look, therefore, Lewis, that by this league and
marriage
Thou draw not on thy danger and dishonor;
Yet heav’ns are just, and time suppresseth wrongs.
|
|
WARWICK
Injurious Margaret!
|
WARWICK
Injurious Margaret!
|
|
PRINCE EDWARD
And why not “Queen”?
|
PRINCE EDWARD
And why not “Queen”?
|
|
WARWICK
Because thy father Henry did usurp,
85
And thou no more art prince than she is queen.
|
WARWICK
Because thy father Henry did usurp,
|
|
OXFORD
Then Warwick disannuls great John of Gaunt,
Which did subdue the greatest part of Spain;
And after John of Gaunt, Henry the Fourth,
Whose wisdom was a mirror to the wisest;
90
And after that wise prince, Henry the Fifth,
Who by his prowess conquerèd all France.
From these our Henry lineally descends.
|
OXFORD
Then Warwick disannuls great John of Gaunt,
Which did subdue the greatest part of Spain;
And after John of Gaunt, Henry the Fourth,
Whose wisdom was a mirror to the wisest;
Who by his prowess conquerèd all France.
From these our Henry lineally descends.
|
|
WARWICK
Oxford, how haps it in this smooth discourse
You told not how Henry the Sixth hath lost
95
All that which Henry the Fifth had gotten.
Methinks these peers of France should smile at that.
But, for the rest: you tell a pedigree
Of threescore and two years, a silly time
To make prescription for a kingdom’s worth.
|
WARWICK
Oxford, how haps it in this smooth discourse
You told not how Henry the Sixth hath lost
Methinks these peers of France should smile at that.
But, for the rest: you tell a pedigree
Of threescore and two years, a silly time
To make prescription for a kingdom’s worth.
|
|
OXFORD
100
Why, Warwick, canst thou speak against thy liege,
Whom thou obeyed’st thirty and six years,
And not bewray thy treason with a blush?
|
OXFORD
Whom thou obeyed’st thirty and six years,
And not bewray thy treason with a blush?
|
|
WARWICK
Can Oxford, that did ever fence the right,
Now buckler falsehood with a pedigree?
105
For shame, leave Henry, and call Edward king.
|
WARWICK
Can Oxford, that did ever fence the right,
Now buckler falsehood with a pedigree?
|
|
OXFORD
Call him my king, by whose injurious doom
My elder brother, the Lord Aubrey Vere,
Was done to death? And more than so, my father,
Even in the downfall of his mellowed years,
110
When nature brought him to the door of death?
No, Warwick, no. While life upholds this arm,
This arm upholds the house of Lancaster.
|
OXFORD
Call him my king, by whose injurious doom
My elder brother, the Lord Aubrey Vere,
Was done to death? And more than so, my father,
Even in the downfall of his mellowed years,
No, Warwick, no. While life upholds this arm,
This arm upholds the house of Lancaster.
|
|
WARWICK
And I the house of York.
|
WARWICK
And I the house of York.
|
|
KING LEWIS
Queen Margaret, Prince Edward, and Oxford,
115
Vouchsafe, at our request, to stand aside
While I use further conference with Warwick.
They stand aloof.
|
KING LEWIS
Queen Margaret, Prince Edward, and Oxford,
While I use further conference with Warwick.
They stand aloof.
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET ,
aside
Heavens grant that Warwick’s words bewitch him
not.
|
QUEEN MARGARET ,
aside
Heavens grant that Warwick’s words bewitch him
not.
|
|
KING LEWIS
Now, Warwick, tell me, even upon thy conscience,
120
Is Edward your true king? For I were loath
To link with him that were not lawful chosen.
|
KING LEWIS
Now, Warwick, tell me, even upon thy conscience,
To link with him that were not lawful chosen.
|
|
WARWICK
Thereon I pawn my credit and mine honor.
|
WARWICK
Thereon I pawn my credit and mine honor.
|
|
KING LEWIS
But is he gracious in the people’s eye?
|
KING LEWIS
But is he gracious in the people’s eye?
|
|
WARWICK
The more that Henry was unfortunate.
|
WARWICK
The more that Henry was unfortunate.
|
|
KING LEWIS
125
Then further, all dissembling set aside,
Tell me for truth the measure of his love
Unto our sister Bona.
|
KING LEWIS
Tell me for truth the measure of his love
Unto our sister Bona.
|
|
WARWICK
Such it seems
As may beseem a monarch like himself.
130
Myself have often heard him say and swear
That this his love was an eternal plant,
Whereof the root was fixed in virtue’s ground,
The leaves and fruit maintained with beauty’s sun,
Exempt from envy but not from disdain,
135
Unless the Lady Bona quit his pain.
|
WARWICK
Such it seems
As may beseem a monarch like himself.
That this his love was an eternal plant,
Whereof the root was fixed in virtue’s ground,
The leaves and fruit maintained with beauty’s sun,
Exempt from envy but not from disdain,
|
|
KING LEWIS
Now, sister, let us hear your firm resolve.
|
KING LEWIS
Now, sister, let us hear your firm resolve.
|
|
LADY BONA
Your grant or your denial shall be mine.
(Speaks to WARWICK.) Yet I confess that often ere this
day,
140
When I have heard your king’s desert recounted,
Mine ear hath tempted judgment to desire.
|
LADY BONA
Your grant or your denial shall be mine.
(Speaks to WARWICK.) Yet I confess that often ere this
day,
Mine ear hath tempted judgment to desire.
|
|
KING LEWIS
Then, Warwick, thus: our sister shall be Edward’s.
And now forthwith shall articles be drawn
Touching the jointure that your king must make,
145
Which with her dowry shall be counterpoised.—
Draw near, Queen Margaret, and be a witness
That Bona shall be wife to the English king.
|
KING LEWIS
Then, Warwick, thus: our sister shall be Edward’s.
And now forthwith shall articles be drawn
Touching the jointure that your king must make,
Draw near, Queen Margaret, and be a witness
That Bona shall be wife to the English king.
|
|
PRINCE EDWARD
To Edward, but not to the English king.
|
PRINCE EDWARD
To Edward, but not to the English king.
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Deceitful Warwick, it was thy device
150
By this alliance to make void my suit.
Before thy coming, Lewis was Henry’s friend.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Deceitful Warwick, it was thy device
Before thy coming, Lewis was Henry’s friend.
|
|
KING LEWIS
And still is friend to him and Margaret.
But if your title to the crown be weak,
As may appear by Edward’s good success,
155
Then ’tis but reason that I be released
From giving aid which late I promisèd.
Yet shall you have all kindness at my hand
That your estate requires and mine can yield.
|
KING LEWIS
And still is friend to him and Margaret.
But if your title to the crown be weak,
As may appear by Edward’s good success,
From giving aid which late I promisèd.
Yet shall you have all kindness at my hand
That your estate requires and mine can yield.
|
|
WARWICK
Henry now lives in Scotland at his ease,
160
Where, having nothing, nothing can he lose.—
And as for you yourself, our quondam queen,
You have a father able to maintain you,
And better ’twere you troubled him than France.
|
WARWICK
Henry now lives in Scotland at his ease,
And as for you yourself, our quondam queen,
You have a father able to maintain you,
And better ’twere you troubled him than France.
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Peace, impudent and shameless Warwick,
165
Proud setter-up and puller-down of kings!
I will not hence till with my talk and tears,
Both full of truth, I make King Lewis behold
Thy sly conveyance and thy lord’s false love,
For both of you are birds of selfsame feather.
POST blowing a horn within.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Peace, impudent and shameless Warwick,
I will not hence till with my talk and tears,
Both full of truth, I make King Lewis behold
Thy sly conveyance and thy lord’s false love,
For both of you are birds of selfsame feather.
POST blowing a horn within.
|
|
KING LEWIS
170
Warwick, this is some post to us or thee.
Enter the POST.
|
KING LEWIS
Enter the POST.
|
|
POST speaks to
WARWICK.
My lord ambassador, these letters are for you,
Sent from your brother, Marquess Montague.
(To LEWIS.) These from our king unto your Majesty.
(To MARGARET.) And, madam, these for you—from
175
whom, I know not.
They all read their letters.
|
POST speaks to
WARWICK.
My lord ambassador, these letters are for you,
Sent from your brother, Marquess Montague.
(To LEWIS.) These from our king unto your Majesty.
(To MARGARET.) And, madam, these for you—from
They all read their letters.
|
|
OXFORD ,
aside
I like it well that our fair queen and mistress
Smiles at her news, while Warwick frowns at his.
|
OXFORD ,
aside
I like it well that our fair queen and mistress
Smiles at her news, while Warwick frowns at his.
|
|
PRINCE EDWARD ,
aside
Nay, mark how Lewis stamps as he were nettled.
I hope all’s for the best.
|
PRINCE EDWARD ,
aside
Nay, mark how Lewis stamps as he were nettled.
I hope all’s for the best.
|
|
KING LEWIS
180
Warwick, what are thy news? And yours, fair queen?
|
KING LEWIS
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Mine, such as fill my heart with unhoped joys.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Mine, such as fill my heart with unhoped joys.
|
|
WARWICK
Mine, full of sorrow and heart’s discontent.
|
WARWICK
Mine, full of sorrow and heart’s discontent.
|
|
KING LEWIS
What, has your king married the Lady Grey,
And now, to soothe your forgery and his,
185
Sends me a paper to persuade me patience?
Is this th’ alliance that he seeks with France?
Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner?
|
KING LEWIS
What, has your king married the Lady Grey,
And now, to soothe your forgery and his,
Is this th’ alliance that he seeks with France?
Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner?
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
I told your Majesty as much before.
This proveth Edward’s love and Warwick’s honesty.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
I told your Majesty as much before.
This proveth Edward’s love and Warwick’s honesty.
|
|
WARWICK
190
King Lewis, I here protest in sight of heaven
And by the hope I have of heavenly bliss,
That I am clear from this misdeed of Edward’s—
No more my king, for he dishonors me,
But most himself, if he could see his shame.
195
Did I forget that by the house of York
My father came untimely to his death?
Did I let pass th’ abuse done to my niece?
Did I impale him with the regal crown?
Did I put Henry from his native right?
200
And am I guerdoned at the last with shame?
Shame on himself, for my desert is honor!
And to repair my honor lost for him,
I here renounce him and return to Henry.
He removes the white rose.
My noble queen, let former grudges pass,
205
And henceforth I am thy true servitor.
I will revenge his wrong to Lady Bona
And replant Henry in his former state.
|
WARWICK
And by the hope I have of heavenly bliss,
That I am clear from this misdeed of Edward’s—
No more my king, for he dishonors me,
But most himself, if he could see his shame.
My father came untimely to his death?
Did I let pass th’ abuse done to my niece?
Did I impale him with the regal crown?
Did I put Henry from his native right?
Shame on himself, for my desert is honor!
And to repair my honor lost for him,
I here renounce him and return to Henry.
He removes the white rose.
My noble queen, let former grudges pass,
I will revenge his wrong to Lady Bona
And replant Henry in his former state.
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Warwick, these words have turned my hate to love,
And I forgive and quite forget old faults,
210
And joy that thou becom’st King Henry’s friend.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Warwick, these words have turned my hate to love,
And I forgive and quite forget old faults,
|
|
WARWICK
So much his friend, ay, his unfeignèd friend,
That if King Lewis vouchsafe to furnish us
With some few bands of chosen soldiers,
I’ll undertake to land them on our coast
215
And force the tyrant from his seat by war.
’Tis not his new-made bride shall succor him.
And as for Clarence, as my letters tell me,
He’s very likely now to fall from him
For matching more for wanton lust than honor,
220
Or than for strength and safety of our country.
|
WARWICK
So much his friend, ay, his unfeignèd friend,
That if King Lewis vouchsafe to furnish us
With some few bands of chosen soldiers,
I’ll undertake to land them on our coast
’Tis not his new-made bride shall succor him.
And as for Clarence, as my letters tell me,
He’s very likely now to fall from him
For matching more for wanton lust than honor,
|
|
LADY BONA
Dear brother, how shall Bona be revenged
But by thy help to this distressèd queen?
|
LADY BONA
Dear brother, how shall Bona be revenged
But by thy help to this distressèd queen?
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Renownèd prince, how shall poor Henry live
Unless thou rescue him from foul despair?
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Renownèd prince, how shall poor Henry live
Unless thou rescue him from foul despair?
|
|
LADY BONA
225
My quarrel and this English queen’s are one.
|
LADY BONA
|
|
WARWICK
And mine, fair Lady Bona, joins with yours.
|
WARWICK
And mine, fair Lady Bona, joins with yours.
|
|
KING LEWIS
And mine with hers and thine and Margaret’s.
Therefore at last I firmly am resolved
You shall have aid.
|
KING LEWIS
And mine with hers and thine and Margaret’s.
Therefore at last I firmly am resolved
You shall have aid.
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
230
Let me give humble thanks for all, at once.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
|
|
KING LEWIS
Then, England’s messenger, return in post,
And tell false Edward, thy supposèd king,
That Lewis of France is sending over maskers
To revel it with him and his new bride.
235
Thou seest what’s passed; go fear thy king withal.
|
KING LEWIS
Then, England’s messenger, return in post,
And tell false Edward, thy supposèd king,
That Lewis of France is sending over maskers
To revel it with him and his new bride.
|
|
LADY BONA
Tell him, in hope he’ll prove a widower shortly,
I wear the willow garland for his sake.
|
LADY BONA
Tell him, in hope he’ll prove a widower shortly,
I wear the willow garland for his sake.
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Tell him my mourning weeds are laid aside
And I am ready to put armor on.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Tell him my mourning weeds are laid aside
And I am ready to put armor on.
|
|
WARWICK
240
Tell him from me that he hath done me wrong,
And therefore I’ll uncrown him ere ’t be long.
There’s thy reward.
Gives money.
Be gone.
POST exits.
|
WARWICK
And therefore I’ll uncrown him ere ’t be long.
There’s thy reward.
Gives money.
Be gone.
POST exits.
|
|
KING LEWIS
But, Warwick,
245
Thou and Oxford with five thousand men
Shall cross the seas and bid false Edward battle;
And as occasion serves, this noble queen
And prince shall follow with a fresh supply.
Yet ere thou go, but answer me one doubt:
250
What pledge have we of thy firm loyalty?
|
KING LEWIS
But, Warwick,
Shall cross the seas and bid false Edward battle;
And as occasion serves, this noble queen
And prince shall follow with a fresh supply.
Yet ere thou go, but answer me one doubt:
|
|
WARWICK
This shall assure my constant loyalty:
That if our queen and this young prince agree,
I’ll join mine eldest daughter, and my joy,
To him forthwith in holy wedlock bands.
|
WARWICK
This shall assure my constant loyalty:
That if our queen and this young prince agree,
I’ll join mine eldest daughter, and my joy,
To him forthwith in holy wedlock bands.
|
|
QUEEN MARGARET
255
Yes, I agree, and thank you for your motion.
Son Edward, she is fair and virtuous.
Therefore, delay not; give thy hand to Warwick,
And with thy hand, thy faith irrevocable,
That only Warwick’s daughter shall be thine.
|
QUEEN MARGARET
Son Edward, she is fair and virtuous.
Therefore, delay not; give thy hand to Warwick,
And with thy hand, thy faith irrevocable,
That only Warwick’s daughter shall be thine.
|
|
PRINCE EDWARD
260
Yes, I accept her, for she well deserves it,
And here, to pledge my vow, I give my hand.
He gives his hand to WARWICK.
|
PRINCE EDWARD
And here, to pledge my vow, I give my hand.
He gives his hand to WARWICK.
|
|
KING LEWIS
Why stay we now? These soldiers shall be levied,
And thou, Lord Bourbon, our High Admiral,
Shall waft them over with our royal fleet.
265
I long till Edward fall by war’s mischance
For mocking marriage with a dame of France.
All but WARWICK exit.
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KING LEWIS
Why stay we now? These soldiers shall be levied,
And thou, Lord Bourbon, our High Admiral,
Shall waft them over with our royal fleet.
For mocking marriage with a dame of France.
All but WARWICK exit.
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WARWICK
I came from Edward as ambassador,
But I return his sworn and mortal foe.
Matter of marriage was the charge he gave me,
270
But dreadful war shall answer his demand.
Had he none else to make a stale but me?
Then none but I shall turn his jest to sorrow.
I was the chief that raised him to the crown,
And I’ll be chief to bring him down again:
275
Not that I pity Henry’s misery,
But seek revenge on Edward’s mockery.
He exits.
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WARWICK
I came from Edward as ambassador,
But I return his sworn and mortal foe.
Matter of marriage was the charge he gave me,
Had he none else to make a stale but me?
Then none but I shall turn his jest to sorrow.
I was the chief that raised him to the crown,
And I’ll be chief to bring him down again:
But seek revenge on Edward’s mockery.
He exits.
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