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Enter three or four PETITIONERS, PETER, the ARMORER’S MAN, being one.
Enter three or four PETITIONERS, PETER, the ARMORER’S MAN, being one.
FIRST PETITIONER
My masters, let’s stand close. My
Lord Protector will come this way by and by, and
then we may deliver our supplications in the quill.
FIRST PETITIONER
My masters, let’s stand close. My
Lord Protector will come this way by and by, and
then we may deliver our supplications in the quill.
SECOND PETITIONER
Marry, the Lord protect him, for
5
he’s a good man! Jesu bless him!
SECOND PETITIONER
Marry, the Lord protect him, for
5
he’s a good man! Jesu bless him!
Enter SUFFOLK, wearing the red rose, and QUEEN MARGARET.
Enter SUFFOLK, wearing the red rose, and QUEEN MARGARET.
FIRST PETITIONER
Here he comes, methinks, and the
Queen with him. I’ll be the first, sure.
FIRST PETITIONER
Here he comes, methinks, and the
Queen with him. I’ll be the first, sure.
He steps forward.
He steps forward.
SECOND PETITIONER
Come back, fool! This is the Duke
of Suffolk, and not my Lord Protector.
SECOND PETITIONER
Come back, fool! This is the Duke
of Suffolk, and not my Lord Protector.
SUFFOLK
10
How now, fellow? Wouldst anything with
me?
SUFFOLK
10
How now, fellow? Wouldst anything with
me?
FIRST PETITIONER
I pray, my lord, pardon me. I took
you for my Lord Protector.
FIRST PETITIONER
I pray, my lord, pardon me. I took
you for my Lord Protector.
QUEEN MARGARET takes a petition and reads.  
To my
15
Lord Protector. Are your supplications to his Lordship?
Let me see them.—What is thine?
QUEEN MARGARET takes a petition and reads.  
To my
15
Lord Protector. Are your supplications to his Lordship?
Let me see them.—What is thine?
FIRST PETITIONER
Mine is, an ’t please your Grace,
against John Goodman, my Lord Cardinal’s man,
for keeping my house, and lands, and wife and all,
20
from me.
FIRST PETITIONER
Mine is, an ’t please your Grace,
against John Goodman, my Lord Cardinal’s man,
for keeping my house, and lands, and wife and all,
20
from me.
SUFFOLK
Thy wife too? That’s some wrong indeed.—
What’s yours? Taking a petition. What’s here?
(Reads.) Against the Duke of Suffolk for enclosing
the commons of Melford. How now, sir knave?
SUFFOLK
Thy wife too? That’s some wrong indeed.—
What’s yours? Taking a petition. What’s here?
(Reads.) Against the Duke of Suffolk for enclosing
the commons of Melford. How now, sir knave?
SECOND PETITIONER
25
Alas, sir, I am but a poor petitioner
of our whole township.
SECOND PETITIONER
25
Alas, sir, I am but a poor petitioner
of our whole township.
PETER , showing his petition
Against my master,
Thomas Horner, for saying that the Duke of York
was rightful heir to the crown.
PETER , showing his petition
Against my master,
Thomas Horner, for saying that the Duke of York
was rightful heir to the crown.
QUEEN MARGARET
30
What sayst thou? Did the Duke of
York say he was rightful heir to the crown?
QUEEN MARGARET
30
What sayst thou? Did the Duke of
York say he was rightful heir to the crown?
PETER
That my master was? No, forsooth. My master
said that he was and that the King was an
usurper.
PETER
That my master was? No, forsooth. My master
said that he was and that the King was an
usurper.
SUFFOLK , calling
35
Who is there?
Enter SERVANT.
Take this fellow in, and send for his master with a
pursuivant presently.—We’ll hear more of your
matter before the King.
SUFFOLK , calling
35
Who is there?
Enter SERVANT.
Take this fellow in, and send for his master with a
pursuivant presently.—We’ll hear more of your
matter before the King.
PETER exits with SERVANT.
PETER exits with SERVANT.
QUEEN MARGARET
And as for you that love to be protected
40
Under the wings of our Protector’s grace,
Begin your suits anew, and sue to him.
Tear the supplication.
Away, base cullions.—Suffolk, let them go.
QUEEN MARGARET
And as for you that love to be protected
40
Under the wings of our Protector’s grace,
Begin your suits anew, and sue to him.
Tear the supplication.
Away, base cullions.—Suffolk, let them go.
ALL
Come, let’s be gone. They exit.
ALL
Come, let’s be gone. They exit.
QUEEN MARGARET
My lord of Suffolk, say, is this the guise,
45
Is this the fashions in the court of England?
Is this the government of Britain’s isle
And this the royalty of Albion’s king?
What, shall King Henry be a pupil still
Under the surly Gloucester’s governance?
50
Am I a queen in title and in style,
And must be made a subject to a duke?
I tell thee, Pole, when in the city Tours
Thou rann’st atilt in honor of my love
And stol’st away the ladies’ hearts of France,
55
I thought King Henry had resembled thee
In courage, courtship, and proportion.
But all his mind is bent to holiness,
To number Ave Marys on his beads;
His champions are the prophets and apostles,
60
His weapons holy saws of sacred writ,
His study is his tiltyard, and his loves
Are brazen images of canonized saints.
I would the College of the Cardinals
Would choose him pope and carry him to Rome
65
And set the triple crown upon his head!
That were a state fit for his holiness.
QUEEN MARGARET
My lord of Suffolk, say, is this the guise,
45
Is this the fashions in the court of England?
Is this the government of Britain’s isle
And this the royalty of Albion’s king?
What, shall King Henry be a pupil still
Under the surly Gloucester’s governance?
50
Am I a queen in title and in style,
And must be made a subject to a duke?
I tell thee, Pole, when in the city Tours
Thou rann’st atilt in honor of my love
And stol’st away the ladies’ hearts of France,
55
I thought King Henry had resembled thee
In courage, courtship, and proportion.
But all his mind is bent to holiness,
To number Ave Marys on his beads;
His champions are the prophets and apostles,
60
His weapons holy saws of sacred writ,
His study is his tiltyard, and his loves
Are brazen images of canonized saints.
I would the College of the Cardinals
Would choose him pope and carry him to Rome
65
And set the triple crown upon his head!
That were a state fit for his holiness.
SUFFOLK
Madam, be patient. As I was cause
Your Highness came to England, so will I
In England work your Grace’s full content.
SUFFOLK
Madam, be patient. As I was cause
Your Highness came to England, so will I
In England work your Grace’s full content.
QUEEN MARGARET
70
Besides the haughty Protector, have we Beaufort
The imperious churchman, Somerset, Buckingham,
And grumbling York; and not the least of these
But can do more in England than the King.
QUEEN MARGARET
70
Besides the haughty Protector, have we Beaufort
The imperious churchman, Somerset, Buckingham,
And grumbling York; and not the least of these
But can do more in England than the King.
SUFFOLK
And he of these that can do most of all
75
Cannot do more in England than the Nevilles;
Salisbury and Warwick are no simple peers.
SUFFOLK
And he of these that can do most of all
75
Cannot do more in England than the Nevilles;
Salisbury and Warwick are no simple peers.
QUEEN MARGARET
Not all these lords do vex me half so much
As that proud dame, the Lord Protector’s wife.
She sweeps it through the court with troops of
80
ladies,
More like an empress than Duke Humphrey’s wife.
Strangers in court do take her for the Queen.
She bears a duke’s revenues on her back,
And in her heart she scorns our poverty.
85
Shall I not live to be avenged on her?
Contemptuous baseborn callet as she is,
She vaunted ’mongst her minions t’ other day
The very train of her worst wearing gown
Was better worth than all my father’s lands
90
Till Suffolk gave two dukedoms for his daughter.
QUEEN MARGARET
Not all these lords do vex me half so much
As that proud dame, the Lord Protector’s wife.
She sweeps it through the court with troops of
80
ladies,
More like an empress than Duke Humphrey’s wife.
Strangers in court do take her for the Queen.
She bears a duke’s revenues on her back,
And in her heart she scorns our poverty.
85
Shall I not live to be avenged on her?
Contemptuous baseborn callet as she is,
She vaunted ’mongst her minions t’ other day
The very train of her worst wearing gown
Was better worth than all my father’s lands
90
Till Suffolk gave two dukedoms for his daughter.
SUFFOLK
Madam, myself have limed a bush for her
And placed a choir of such enticing birds
That she will light to listen to the lays
And never mount to trouble you again.
95
So let her rest. And, madam, list to me,
For I am bold to counsel you in this:
Although we fancy not the Cardinal,
Yet must we join with him and with the lords
Till we have brought Duke Humphrey in disgrace.
100
As for the Duke of York, this late complaint
Will make but little for his benefit.
So, one by one, we’ll weed them all at last,
And you yourself shall steer the happy helm.
SUFFOLK
Madam, myself have limed a bush for her
And placed a choir of such enticing birds
That she will light to listen to the lays
And never mount to trouble you again.
95
So let her rest. And, madam, list to me,
For I am bold to counsel you in this:
Although we fancy not the Cardinal,
Yet must we join with him and with the lords
Till we have brought Duke Humphrey in disgrace.
100
As for the Duke of York, this late complaint
Will make but little for his benefit.
So, one by one, we’ll weed them all at last,
And you yourself shall steer the happy helm.
Sound a sennet. Enter KING HENRY, DUKE HUMPHREY OF GLOUCESTER, CARDINAL, SOMERSET, wearing the red rose, BUCKINGHAM, SALISBURY; YORK and WARWICK, both wearing the white rose; and the DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER.
Sound a sennet. Enter KING HENRY, DUKE HUMPHREY OF GLOUCESTER, CARDINAL, SOMERSET, wearing the red rose, BUCKINGHAM, SALISBURY; YORK and WARWICK, both wearing the white rose; and the DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER.
KING HENRY
For my part, noble lords, I care not which;
105
Or Somerset or York, all’s one to me.
KING HENRY
For my part, noble lords, I care not which;
105
Or Somerset or York, all’s one to me.
YORK
If York have ill demeaned himself in France,
Then let him be denied the regentship.
YORK
If York have ill demeaned himself in France,
Then let him be denied the regentship.
SOMERSET
If Somerset be unworthy of the place,
Let York be regent; I will yield to him.
SOMERSET
If Somerset be unworthy of the place,
Let York be regent; I will yield to him.
WARWICK
110
Whether your Grace be worthy, yea or no,
Dispute not that. York is the worthier.
WARWICK
110
Whether your Grace be worthy, yea or no,
Dispute not that. York is the worthier.
CARDINAL
Ambitious Warwick, let thy betters speak.
CARDINAL
Ambitious Warwick, let thy betters speak.
WARWICK
The Cardinal’s not my better in the field.
WARWICK
The Cardinal’s not my better in the field.
BUCKINGHAM
All in this presence are thy betters, Warwick.
BUCKINGHAM
All in this presence are thy betters, Warwick.
WARWICK
115
Warwick may live to be the best of all.
WARWICK
115
Warwick may live to be the best of all.
SALISBURY
Peace, son.—And show some reason, Buckingham,
Why Somerset should be preferred in this.
SALISBURY
Peace, son.—And show some reason, Buckingham,
Why Somerset should be preferred in this.
QUEEN MARGARET
Because the King, forsooth, will have it so.
QUEEN MARGARET
Because the King, forsooth, will have it so.
GLOUCESTER
Madam, the King is old enough himself
120
To give his censure. These are no women’s matters.
GLOUCESTER
Madam, the King is old enough himself
120
To give his censure. These are no women’s matters.
QUEEN MARGARET
If he be old enough, what needs your Grace
To be Protector of his Excellence?
QUEEN MARGARET
If he be old enough, what needs your Grace
To be Protector of his Excellence?
GLOUCESTER
Madam, I am Protector of the realm,
And at his pleasure will resign my place.
GLOUCESTER
Madam, I am Protector of the realm,
And at his pleasure will resign my place.
SUFFOLK
125
Resign it, then, and leave thine insolence.
Since thou wert king—as who is king but thou?—
The commonwealth hath daily run to wrack,
The Dauphin hath prevailed beyond the seas,
And all the peers and nobles of the realm
130
Have been as bondmen to thy sovereignty.
SUFFOLK
125
Resign it, then, and leave thine insolence.
Since thou wert king—as who is king but thou?—
The commonwealth hath daily run to wrack,
The Dauphin hath prevailed beyond the seas,
And all the peers and nobles of the realm
130
Have been as bondmen to thy sovereignty.
CARDINAL , to GLOUCESTER
The Commons hast thou racked; the clergy’s bags
Are lank and lean with thy extortions.
CARDINAL , to GLOUCESTER
The Commons hast thou racked; the clergy’s bags
Are lank and lean with thy extortions.
SOMERSET , to GLOUCESTER
Thy sumptuous buildings and thy wife’s attire
Have cost a mass of public treasury.
SOMERSET , to GLOUCESTER
Thy sumptuous buildings and thy wife’s attire
Have cost a mass of public treasury.
BUCKINGHAM , to GLOUCESTER
135
Thy cruelty in execution
Upon offenders hath exceeded law
And left thee to the mercy of the law.
BUCKINGHAM , to GLOUCESTER
135
Thy cruelty in execution
Upon offenders hath exceeded law
And left thee to the mercy of the law.
QUEEN MARGARET , to GLOUCESTER
Thy sale of offices and towns in France,
If they were known, as the suspect is great,
140
Would make thee quickly hop without thy head.
GLOUCESTER exits.
QUEEN MARGARET drops her fan.
To DUCHESS. Give me my fan. What, minion, can
you not? She gives the DUCHESS a box on the ear.
I cry you mercy, madam. Was it you?
QUEEN MARGARET , to GLOUCESTER
Thy sale of offices and towns in France,
If they were known, as the suspect is great,
140
Would make thee quickly hop without thy head.
GLOUCESTER exits.
QUEEN MARGARET drops her fan.
To DUCHESS. Give me my fan. What, minion, can
you not? She gives the DUCHESS a box on the ear.
I cry you mercy, madam. Was it you?
DUCHESS
Was ’t I? Yea, I it was, proud Frenchwoman.
145
Could I come near your beauty with my nails,
I’d set my ten commandments in your face.
DUCHESS
Was ’t I? Yea, I it was, proud Frenchwoman.
145
Could I come near your beauty with my nails,
I’d set my ten commandments in your face.
KING HENRY
Sweet aunt, be quiet. ’Twas against her will.
KING HENRY
Sweet aunt, be quiet. ’Twas against her will.
DUCHESS
Against her will, good king? Look to ’t in time.
She’ll hamper thee and dandle thee like a baby.
150
Though in this place most master wear no breeches,
She shall not strike Dame Eleanor unrevenged.
DUCHESS
Against her will, good king? Look to ’t in time.
She’ll hamper thee and dandle thee like a baby.
150
Though in this place most master wear no breeches,
She shall not strike Dame Eleanor unrevenged.
ELEANOR , THE DUCHESS, exits.
ELEANOR , THE DUCHESS, exits.
BUCKINGHAM , aside to CARDINAL
Lord Cardinal, I will follow Eleanor
And listen after Humphrey how he proceeds.
She’s tickled now; her fume needs no spurs;
155
She’ll gallop far enough to her destruction.
BUCKINGHAM , aside to CARDINAL
Lord Cardinal, I will follow Eleanor
And listen after Humphrey how he proceeds.
She’s tickled now; her fume needs no spurs;
155
She’ll gallop far enough to her destruction.
BUCKINGHAM exits.
BUCKINGHAM exits.
Enter HUMPHREY, DUKE OF GLOUCESTER.
Enter HUMPHREY, DUKE OF GLOUCESTER.
GLOUCESTER
Now, lords, my choler being overblown
With walking once about the quadrangle,
I come to talk of commonwealth affairs.
As for your spiteful false objections,
160
Prove them, and I lie open to the law;
But God in mercy so deal with my soul
As I in duty love my king and country!
But, to the matter that we have in hand:
I say, my sovereign, York is meetest man
165
To be your regent in the realm of France.
GLOUCESTER
Now, lords, my choler being overblown
With walking once about the quadrangle,
I come to talk of commonwealth affairs.
As for your spiteful false objections,
160
Prove them, and I lie open to the law;
But God in mercy so deal with my soul
As I in duty love my king and country!
But, to the matter that we have in hand:
I say, my sovereign, York is meetest man
165
To be your regent in the realm of France.
SUFFOLK
Before we make election, give me leave
To show some reason, of no little force,
That York is most unmeet of any man.
SUFFOLK
Before we make election, give me leave
To show some reason, of no little force,
That York is most unmeet of any man.
YORK
I’ll tell thee, Suffolk, why I am unmeet:
170
First, for I cannot flatter thee in pride;
Next, if I be appointed for the place,
My lord of Somerset will keep me here
Without discharge, money, or furniture
Till France be won into the Dauphin’s hands.
175
Last time I danced attendance on his will
Till Paris was besieged, famished, and lost.
YORK
I’ll tell thee, Suffolk, why I am unmeet:
170
First, for I cannot flatter thee in pride;
Next, if I be appointed for the place,
My lord of Somerset will keep me here
Without discharge, money, or furniture
Till France be won into the Dauphin’s hands.
175
Last time I danced attendance on his will
Till Paris was besieged, famished, and lost.
WARWICK
That can I witness, and a fouler fact
Did never traitor in the land commit.
WARWICK
That can I witness, and a fouler fact
Did never traitor in the land commit.
SUFFOLK
Peace, headstrong Warwick!
SUFFOLK
Peace, headstrong Warwick!
WARWICK
180
Image of pride, why should I hold my peace?
WARWICK
180
Image of pride, why should I hold my peace?
Enter HORNER, the ARMORER, and his MAN PETER, under guard.
Enter HORNER, the ARMORER, and his MAN PETER, under guard.
SUFFOLK
Because here is a man accused of treason.
Pray God the Duke of York excuse himself!
SUFFOLK
Because here is a man accused of treason.
Pray God the Duke of York excuse himself!
YORK
Doth anyone accuse York for a traitor?
YORK
Doth anyone accuse York for a traitor?
KING HENRY
What mean’st thou, Suffolk? Tell me, what are
185
these?
KING HENRY
What mean’st thou, Suffolk? Tell me, what are
185
these?
SUFFOLK
Please it your Majesty, this is the man
That doth accuse his master of high treason.
His words were these: that Richard, Duke of York,
Was rightful heir unto the English crown,
190
And that your Majesty was an usurper.
SUFFOLK
Please it your Majesty, this is the man
That doth accuse his master of high treason.
His words were these: that Richard, Duke of York,
Was rightful heir unto the English crown,
190
And that your Majesty was an usurper.
KING HENRY
Say, man, were these thy words?
KING HENRY
Say, man, were these thy words?
HORNER
An ’t shall please your Majesty, I never said
nor thought any such matter. God is my witness, I
am falsely accused by the villain.
HORNER
An ’t shall please your Majesty, I never said
nor thought any such matter. God is my witness, I
am falsely accused by the villain.
PETER
195
By these ten bones, my lords, he did speak
them to me in the garret one night as we were
scouring my lord of York’s armor.
PETER
195
By these ten bones, my lords, he did speak
them to me in the garret one night as we were
scouring my lord of York’s armor.
YORK , to HORNER
Base dunghill villain and mechanical,
I’ll have thy head for this thy traitor’s speech!—
200
I do beseech your royal Majesty,
Let him have all the rigor of the law.
YORK , to HORNER
Base dunghill villain and mechanical,
I’ll have thy head for this thy traitor’s speech!—
200
I do beseech your royal Majesty,
Let him have all the rigor of the law.
HORNER
Alas, my lord, hang me if ever I spake the
words. My accuser is my prentice; and when I did
correct him for his fault the other day, he did vow
205
upon his knees he would be even with me. I have
good witness of this. Therefore I beseech your
Majesty, do not cast away an honest man for a
villain’s accusation!
HORNER
Alas, my lord, hang me if ever I spake the
words. My accuser is my prentice; and when I did
correct him for his fault the other day, he did vow
205
upon his knees he would be even with me. I have
good witness of this. Therefore I beseech your
Majesty, do not cast away an honest man for a
villain’s accusation!
KING HENRY
Uncle, what shall we say to this in law?
KING HENRY
Uncle, what shall we say to this in law?
GLOUCESTER
210
This doom, my lord, if I may judge:
Let Somerset be regent o’er the French,
Because in York this breeds suspicion;
And let these have a day appointed them
For single combat in convenient place,
215
For he hath witness of his servant’s malice.
This is the law, and this Duke Humphrey’s doom.
GLOUCESTER
210
This doom, my lord, if I may judge:
Let Somerset be regent o’er the French,
Because in York this breeds suspicion;
And let these have a day appointed them
For single combat in convenient place,
215
For he hath witness of his servant’s malice.
This is the law, and this Duke Humphrey’s doom.
SOMERSET
I humbly thank your royal Majesty.
SOMERSET
I humbly thank your royal Majesty.
HORNER
And I accept the combat willingly.
HORNER
And I accept the combat willingly.
PETER
Alas, my lord, I cannot fight; for God’s sake pity
220
my case! The spite of man prevaileth against me. O
Lord, have mercy upon me! I shall never be able to
fight a blow. O Lord, my heart!
PETER
Alas, my lord, I cannot fight; for God’s sake pity
220
my case! The spite of man prevaileth against me. O
Lord, have mercy upon me! I shall never be able to
fight a blow. O Lord, my heart!
GLOUCESTER
Sirrah, or you must fight or else be hanged.
GLOUCESTER
Sirrah, or you must fight or else be hanged.
KING HENRY
Away with them to prison; and the day of
225
combat shall be the last of the next month.—
Come, Somerset, we’ll see thee sent away.
KING HENRY
Away with them to prison; and the day of
225
combat shall be the last of the next month.—
Come, Somerset, we’ll see thee sent away.
Flourish. They exit.
Flourish. They exit.

Original Text

Modern Text
Enter three or four PETITIONERS, PETER, the ARMORER’S MAN, being one.
Enter three or four PETITIONERS, PETER, the ARMORER’S MAN, being one.
FIRST PETITIONER
My masters, let’s stand close. My
Lord Protector will come this way by and by, and
then we may deliver our supplications in the quill.
FIRST PETITIONER
My masters, let’s stand close. My
Lord Protector will come this way by and by, and
then we may deliver our supplications in the quill.
SECOND PETITIONER
Marry, the Lord protect him, for
5
he’s a good man! Jesu bless him!
SECOND PETITIONER
Marry, the Lord protect him, for
5
he’s a good man! Jesu bless him!
Enter SUFFOLK, wearing the red rose, and QUEEN MARGARET.
Enter SUFFOLK, wearing the red rose, and QUEEN MARGARET.
FIRST PETITIONER
Here he comes, methinks, and the
Queen with him. I’ll be the first, sure.
FIRST PETITIONER
Here he comes, methinks, and the
Queen with him. I’ll be the first, sure.
He steps forward.
He steps forward.
SECOND PETITIONER
Come back, fool! This is the Duke
of Suffolk, and not my Lord Protector.
SECOND PETITIONER
Come back, fool! This is the Duke
of Suffolk, and not my Lord Protector.
SUFFOLK
10
How now, fellow? Wouldst anything with
me?
SUFFOLK
10
How now, fellow? Wouldst anything with
me?
FIRST PETITIONER
I pray, my lord, pardon me. I took
you for my Lord Protector.
FIRST PETITIONER
I pray, my lord, pardon me. I took
you for my Lord Protector.
QUEEN MARGARET takes a petition and reads.  
To my
15
Lord Protector. Are your supplications to his Lordship?
Let me see them.—What is thine?
QUEEN MARGARET takes a petition and reads.  
To my
15
Lord Protector. Are your supplications to his Lordship?
Let me see them.—What is thine?
FIRST PETITIONER
Mine is, an ’t please your Grace,
against John Goodman, my Lord Cardinal’s man,
for keeping my house, and lands, and wife and all,
20
from me.
FIRST PETITIONER
Mine is, an ’t please your Grace,
against John Goodman, my Lord Cardinal’s man,
for keeping my house, and lands, and wife and all,
20
from me.
SUFFOLK
Thy wife too? That’s some wrong indeed.—
What’s yours? Taking a petition. What’s here?
(Reads.) Against the Duke of Suffolk for enclosing
the commons of Melford. How now, sir knave?
SUFFOLK
Thy wife too? That’s some wrong indeed.—
What’s yours? Taking a petition. What’s here?
(Reads.) Against the Duke of Suffolk for enclosing
the commons of Melford. How now, sir knave?
SECOND PETITIONER
25
Alas, sir, I am but a poor petitioner
of our whole township.
SECOND PETITIONER
25
Alas, sir, I am but a poor petitioner
of our whole township.
PETER , showing his petition
Against my master,
Thomas Horner, for saying that the Duke of York
was rightful heir to the crown.
PETER , showing his petition
Against my master,
Thomas Horner, for saying that the Duke of York
was rightful heir to the crown.
QUEEN MARGARET
30
What sayst thou? Did the Duke of
York say he was rightful heir to the crown?
QUEEN MARGARET
30
What sayst thou? Did the Duke of
York say he was rightful heir to the crown?
PETER
That my master was? No, forsooth. My master
said that he was and that the King was an
usurper.
PETER
That my master was? No, forsooth. My master
said that he was and that the King was an
usurper.
SUFFOLK , calling
35
Who is there?
Enter SERVANT.
Take this fellow in, and send for his master with a
pursuivant presently.—We’ll hear more of your
matter before the King.
SUFFOLK , calling
35
Who is there?
Enter SERVANT.
Take this fellow in, and send for his master with a
pursuivant presently.—We’ll hear more of your
matter before the King.
PETER exits with SERVANT.
PETER exits with SERVANT.
QUEEN MARGARET
And as for you that love to be protected
40
Under the wings of our Protector’s grace,
Begin your suits anew, and sue to him.
Tear the supplication.
Away, base cullions.—Suffolk, let them go.
QUEEN MARGARET
And as for you that love to be protected
40
Under the wings of our Protector’s grace,
Begin your suits anew, and sue to him.
Tear the supplication.
Away, base cullions.—Suffolk, let them go.
ALL
Come, let’s be gone. They exit.
ALL
Come, let’s be gone. They exit.
QUEEN MARGARET
My lord of Suffolk, say, is this the guise,
45
Is this the fashions in the court of England?
Is this the government of Britain’s isle
And this the royalty of Albion’s king?
What, shall King Henry be a pupil still
Under the surly Gloucester’s governance?
50
Am I a queen in title and in style,
And must be made a subject to a duke?
I tell thee, Pole, when in the city Tours
Thou rann’st atilt in honor of my love
And stol’st away the ladies’ hearts of France,
55
I thought King Henry had resembled thee
In courage, courtship, and proportion.
But all his mind is bent to holiness,
To number Ave Marys on his beads;
His champions are the prophets and apostles,
60
His weapons holy saws of sacred writ,
His study is his tiltyard, and his loves
Are brazen images of canonized saints.
I would the College of the Cardinals
Would choose him pope and carry him to Rome
65
And set the triple crown upon his head!
That were a state fit for his holiness.
QUEEN MARGARET
My lord of Suffolk, say, is this the guise,
45
Is this the fashions in the court of England?
Is this the government of Britain’s isle
And this the royalty of Albion’s king?
What, shall King Henry be a pupil still
Under the surly Gloucester’s governance?
50
Am I a queen in title and in style,
And must be made a subject to a duke?
I tell thee, Pole, when in the city Tours
Thou rann’st atilt in honor of my love
And stol’st away the ladies’ hearts of France,
55
I thought King Henry had resembled thee
In courage, courtship, and proportion.
But all his mind is bent to holiness,
To number Ave Marys on his beads;
His champions are the prophets and apostles,
60
His weapons holy saws of sacred writ,
His study is his tiltyard, and his loves
Are brazen images of canonized saints.
I would the College of the Cardinals
Would choose him pope and carry him to Rome
65
And set the triple crown upon his head!
That were a state fit for his holiness.
SUFFOLK
Madam, be patient. As I was cause
Your Highness came to England, so will I
In England work your Grace’s full content.
SUFFOLK
Madam, be patient. As I was cause
Your Highness came to England, so will I
In England work your Grace’s full content.
QUEEN MARGARET
70
Besides the haughty Protector, have we Beaufort
The imperious churchman, Somerset, Buckingham,
And grumbling York; and not the least of these
But can do more in England than the King.
QUEEN MARGARET
70
Besides the haughty Protector, have we Beaufort
The imperious churchman, Somerset, Buckingham,
And grumbling York; and not the least of these
But can do more in England than the King.
SUFFOLK
And he of these that can do most of all
75
Cannot do more in England than the Nevilles;
Salisbury and Warwick are no simple peers.
SUFFOLK
And he of these that can do most of all
75
Cannot do more in England than the Nevilles;
Salisbury and Warwick are no simple peers.
QUEEN MARGARET
Not all these lords do vex me half so much
As that proud dame, the Lord Protector’s wife.
She sweeps it through the court with troops of
80
ladies,
More like an empress than Duke Humphrey’s wife.
Strangers in court do take her for the Queen.
She bears a duke’s revenues on her back,
And in her heart she scorns our poverty.
85
Shall I not live to be avenged on her?
Contemptuous baseborn callet as she is,
She vaunted ’mongst her minions t’ other day
The very train of her worst wearing gown
Was better worth than all my father’s lands
90
Till Suffolk gave two dukedoms for his daughter.
QUEEN MARGARET
Not all these lords do vex me half so much
As that proud dame, the Lord Protector’s wife.
She sweeps it through the court with troops of
80
ladies,
More like an empress than Duke Humphrey’s wife.
Strangers in court do take her for the Queen.
She bears a duke’s revenues on her back,
And in her heart she scorns our poverty.
85
Shall I not live to be avenged on her?
Contemptuous baseborn callet as she is,
She vaunted ’mongst her minions t’ other day
The very train of her worst wearing gown
Was better worth than all my father’s lands
90
Till Suffolk gave two dukedoms for his daughter.
SUFFOLK
Madam, myself have limed a bush for her
And placed a choir of such enticing birds
That she will light to listen to the lays
And never mount to trouble you again.
95
So let her rest. And, madam, list to me,
For I am bold to counsel you in this:
Although we fancy not the Cardinal,
Yet must we join with him and with the lords
Till we have brought Duke Humphrey in disgrace.
100
As for the Duke of York, this late complaint
Will make but little for his benefit.
So, one by one, we’ll weed them all at last,
And you yourself shall steer the happy helm.
SUFFOLK
Madam, myself have limed a bush for her
And placed a choir of such enticing birds
That she will light to listen to the lays
And never mount to trouble you again.
95
So let her rest. And, madam, list to me,
For I am bold to counsel you in this:
Although we fancy not the Cardinal,
Yet must we join with him and with the lords
Till we have brought Duke Humphrey in disgrace.
100
As for the Duke of York, this late complaint
Will make but little for his benefit.
So, one by one, we’ll weed them all at last,
And you yourself shall steer the happy helm.
Sound a sennet. Enter KING HENRY, DUKE HUMPHREY OF GLOUCESTER, CARDINAL, SOMERSET, wearing the red rose, BUCKINGHAM, SALISBURY; YORK and WARWICK, both wearing the white rose; and the DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER.
Sound a sennet. Enter KING HENRY, DUKE HUMPHREY OF GLOUCESTER, CARDINAL, SOMERSET, wearing the red rose, BUCKINGHAM, SALISBURY; YORK and WARWICK, both wearing the white rose; and the DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER.
KING HENRY
For my part, noble lords, I care not which;
105
Or Somerset or York, all’s one to me.
KING HENRY
For my part, noble lords, I care not which;
105
Or Somerset or York, all’s one to me.
YORK
If York have ill demeaned himself in France,
Then let him be denied the regentship.
YORK
If York have ill demeaned himself in France,
Then let him be denied the regentship.
SOMERSET
If Somerset be unworthy of the place,
Let York be regent; I will yield to him.
SOMERSET
If Somerset be unworthy of the place,
Let York be regent; I will yield to him.
WARWICK
110
Whether your Grace be worthy, yea or no,
Dispute not that. York is the worthier.
WARWICK
110
Whether your Grace be worthy, yea or no,
Dispute not that. York is the worthier.
CARDINAL
Ambitious Warwick, let thy betters speak.
CARDINAL
Ambitious Warwick, let thy betters speak.
WARWICK
The Cardinal’s not my better in the field.
WARWICK
The Cardinal’s not my better in the field.
BUCKINGHAM
All in this presence are thy betters, Warwick.
BUCKINGHAM
All in this presence are thy betters, Warwick.
WARWICK
115
Warwick may live to be the best of all.
WARWICK
115
Warwick may live to be the best of all.
SALISBURY
Peace, son.—And show some reason, Buckingham,
Why Somerset should be preferred in this.
SALISBURY
Peace, son.—And show some reason, Buckingham,
Why Somerset should be preferred in this.
QUEEN MARGARET
Because the King, forsooth, will have it so.
QUEEN MARGARET
Because the King, forsooth, will have it so.
GLOUCESTER
Madam, the King is old enough himself
120
To give his censure. These are no women’s matters.
GLOUCESTER
Madam, the King is old enough himself
120
To give his censure. These are no women’s matters.
QUEEN MARGARET
If he be old enough, what needs your Grace
To be Protector of his Excellence?
QUEEN MARGARET
If he be old enough, what needs your Grace
To be Protector of his Excellence?
GLOUCESTER
Madam, I am Protector of the realm,
And at his pleasure will resign my place.
GLOUCESTER
Madam, I am Protector of the realm,
And at his pleasure will resign my place.
SUFFOLK
125
Resign it, then, and leave thine insolence.
Since thou wert king—as who is king but thou?—
The commonwealth hath daily run to wrack,
The Dauphin hath prevailed beyond the seas,
And all the peers and nobles of the realm
130
Have been as bondmen to thy sovereignty.
SUFFOLK
125
Resign it, then, and leave thine insolence.
Since thou wert king—as who is king but thou?—
The commonwealth hath daily run to wrack,
The Dauphin hath prevailed beyond the seas,
And all the peers and nobles of the realm
130
Have been as bondmen to thy sovereignty.
CARDINAL , to GLOUCESTER
The Commons hast thou racked; the clergy’s bags
Are lank and lean with thy extortions.
CARDINAL , to GLOUCESTER
The Commons hast thou racked; the clergy’s bags
Are lank and lean with thy extortions.
SOMERSET , to GLOUCESTER
Thy sumptuous buildings and thy wife’s attire
Have cost a mass of public treasury.
SOMERSET , to GLOUCESTER
Thy sumptuous buildings and thy wife’s attire
Have cost a mass of public treasury.
BUCKINGHAM , to GLOUCESTER
135
Thy cruelty in execution
Upon offenders hath exceeded law
And left thee to the mercy of the law.
BUCKINGHAM , to GLOUCESTER
135
Thy cruelty in execution
Upon offenders hath exceeded law
And left thee to the mercy of the law.
QUEEN MARGARET , to GLOUCESTER
Thy sale of offices and towns in France,
If they were known, as the suspect is great,
140
Would make thee quickly hop without thy head.
GLOUCESTER exits.
QUEEN MARGARET drops her fan.
To DUCHESS. Give me my fan. What, minion, can
you not? She gives the DUCHESS a box on the ear.
I cry you mercy, madam. Was it you?
QUEEN MARGARET , to GLOUCESTER
Thy sale of offices and towns in France,
If they were known, as the suspect is great,
140
Would make thee quickly hop without thy head.
GLOUCESTER exits.
QUEEN MARGARET drops her fan.
To DUCHESS. Give me my fan. What, minion, can
you not? She gives the DUCHESS a box on the ear.
I cry you mercy, madam. Was it you?
DUCHESS
Was ’t I? Yea, I it was, proud Frenchwoman.
145
Could I come near your beauty with my nails,
I’d set my ten commandments in your face.
DUCHESS
Was ’t I? Yea, I it was, proud Frenchwoman.
145
Could I come near your beauty with my nails,
I’d set my ten commandments in your face.
KING HENRY
Sweet aunt, be quiet. ’Twas against her will.
KING HENRY
Sweet aunt, be quiet. ’Twas against her will.
DUCHESS
Against her will, good king? Look to ’t in time.
She’ll hamper thee and dandle thee like a baby.
150
Though in this place most master wear no breeches,
She shall not strike Dame Eleanor unrevenged.
DUCHESS
Against her will, good king? Look to ’t in time.
She’ll hamper thee and dandle thee like a baby.
150
Though in this place most master wear no breeches,
She shall not strike Dame Eleanor unrevenged.
ELEANOR , THE DUCHESS, exits.
ELEANOR , THE DUCHESS, exits.
BUCKINGHAM , aside to CARDINAL
Lord Cardinal, I will follow Eleanor
And listen after Humphrey how he proceeds.
She’s tickled now; her fume needs no spurs;
155
She’ll gallop far enough to her destruction.
BUCKINGHAM , aside to CARDINAL
Lord Cardinal, I will follow Eleanor
And listen after Humphrey how he proceeds.
She’s tickled now; her fume needs no spurs;
155
She’ll gallop far enough to her destruction.
BUCKINGHAM exits.
BUCKINGHAM exits.
Enter HUMPHREY, DUKE OF GLOUCESTER.
Enter HUMPHREY, DUKE OF GLOUCESTER.
GLOUCESTER
Now, lords, my choler being overblown
With walking once about the quadrangle,
I come to talk of commonwealth affairs.
As for your spiteful false objections,
160
Prove them, and I lie open to the law;
But God in mercy so deal with my soul
As I in duty love my king and country!
But, to the matter that we have in hand:
I say, my sovereign, York is meetest man
165
To be your regent in the realm of France.
GLOUCESTER
Now, lords, my choler being overblown
With walking once about the quadrangle,
I come to talk of commonwealth affairs.
As for your spiteful false objections,
160
Prove them, and I lie open to the law;
But God in mercy so deal with my soul
As I in duty love my king and country!
But, to the matter that we have in hand:
I say, my sovereign, York is meetest man
165
To be your regent in the realm of France.
SUFFOLK
Before we make election, give me leave
To show some reason, of no little force,
That York is most unmeet of any man.
SUFFOLK
Before we make election, give me leave
To show some reason, of no little force,
That York is most unmeet of any man.
YORK
I’ll tell thee, Suffolk, why I am unmeet:
170
First, for I cannot flatter thee in pride;
Next, if I be appointed for the place,
My lord of Somerset will keep me here
Without discharge, money, or furniture
Till France be won into the Dauphin’s hands.
175
Last time I danced attendance on his will
Till Paris was besieged, famished, and lost.
YORK
I’ll tell thee, Suffolk, why I am unmeet:
170
First, for I cannot flatter thee in pride;
Next, if I be appointed for the place,
My lord of Somerset will keep me here
Without discharge, money, or furniture
Till France be won into the Dauphin’s hands.
175
Last time I danced attendance on his will
Till Paris was besieged, famished, and lost.
WARWICK
That can I witness, and a fouler fact
Did never traitor in the land commit.
WARWICK
That can I witness, and a fouler fact
Did never traitor in the land commit.
SUFFOLK
Peace, headstrong Warwick!
SUFFOLK
Peace, headstrong Warwick!
WARWICK
180
Image of pride, why should I hold my peace?
WARWICK
180
Image of pride, why should I hold my peace?
Enter HORNER, the ARMORER, and his MAN PETER, under guard.
Enter HORNER, the ARMORER, and his MAN PETER, under guard.
SUFFOLK
Because here is a man accused of treason.
Pray God the Duke of York excuse himself!
SUFFOLK
Because here is a man accused of treason.
Pray God the Duke of York excuse himself!
YORK
Doth anyone accuse York for a traitor?
YORK
Doth anyone accuse York for a traitor?
KING HENRY
What mean’st thou, Suffolk? Tell me, what are
185
these?
KING HENRY
What mean’st thou, Suffolk? Tell me, what are
185
these?
SUFFOLK
Please it your Majesty, this is the man
That doth accuse his master of high treason.
His words were these: that Richard, Duke of York,
Was rightful heir unto the English crown,
190
And that your Majesty was an usurper.
SUFFOLK
Please it your Majesty, this is the man
That doth accuse his master of high treason.
His words were these: that Richard, Duke of York,
Was rightful heir unto the English crown,
190
And that your Majesty was an usurper.
KING HENRY
Say, man, were these thy words?
KING HENRY
Say, man, were these thy words?
HORNER
An ’t shall please your Majesty, I never said
nor thought any such matter. God is my witness, I
am falsely accused by the villain.
HORNER
An ’t shall please your Majesty, I never said
nor thought any such matter. God is my witness, I
am falsely accused by the villain.
PETER
195
By these ten bones, my lords, he did speak
them to me in the garret one night as we were
scouring my lord of York’s armor.
PETER
195
By these ten bones, my lords, he did speak
them to me in the garret one night as we were
scouring my lord of York’s armor.
YORK , to HORNER
Base dunghill villain and mechanical,
I’ll have thy head for this thy traitor’s speech!—
200
I do beseech your royal Majesty,
Let him have all the rigor of the law.
YORK , to HORNER
Base dunghill villain and mechanical,
I’ll have thy head for this thy traitor’s speech!—
200
I do beseech your royal Majesty,
Let him have all the rigor of the law.
HORNER
Alas, my lord, hang me if ever I spake the
words. My accuser is my prentice; and when I did
correct him for his fault the other day, he did vow
205
upon his knees he would be even with me. I have
good witness of this. Therefore I beseech your
Majesty, do not cast away an honest man for a
villain’s accusation!
HORNER
Alas, my lord, hang me if ever I spake the
words. My accuser is my prentice; and when I did
correct him for his fault the other day, he did vow
205
upon his knees he would be even with me. I have
good witness of this. Therefore I beseech your
Majesty, do not cast away an honest man for a
villain’s accusation!
KING HENRY
Uncle, what shall we say to this in law?
KING HENRY
Uncle, what shall we say to this in law?
GLOUCESTER
210
This doom, my lord, if I may judge:
Let Somerset be regent o’er the French,
Because in York this breeds suspicion;
And let these have a day appointed them
For single combat in convenient place,
215
For he hath witness of his servant’s malice.
This is the law, and this Duke Humphrey’s doom.
GLOUCESTER
210
This doom, my lord, if I may judge:
Let Somerset be regent o’er the French,
Because in York this breeds suspicion;
And let these have a day appointed them
For single combat in convenient place,
215
For he hath witness of his servant’s malice.
This is the law, and this Duke Humphrey’s doom.
SOMERSET
I humbly thank your royal Majesty.
SOMERSET
I humbly thank your royal Majesty.
HORNER
And I accept the combat willingly.
HORNER
And I accept the combat willingly.
PETER
Alas, my lord, I cannot fight; for God’s sake pity
220
my case! The spite of man prevaileth against me. O
Lord, have mercy upon me! I shall never be able to
fight a blow. O Lord, my heart!
PETER
Alas, my lord, I cannot fight; for God’s sake pity
220
my case! The spite of man prevaileth against me. O
Lord, have mercy upon me! I shall never be able to
fight a blow. O Lord, my heart!
GLOUCESTER
Sirrah, or you must fight or else be hanged.
GLOUCESTER
Sirrah, or you must fight or else be hanged.
KING HENRY
Away with them to prison; and the day of
225
combat shall be the last of the next month.—
Come, Somerset, we’ll see thee sent away.
KING HENRY
Away with them to prison; and the day of
225
combat shall be the last of the next month.—
Come, Somerset, we’ll see thee sent away.
Flourish. They exit.
Flourish. They exit.
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