And says-a wizard told him, that by G And, for my name of George begins with G, These, as I learn, and such like toys* as these, Glo. Why, this it is, when men are rul'd by wo men: 'Tis not the king that sends you to the Tower; Was it not she, and that good man of worship, That made him send lord Hastings to the Tower; Clar. By heaven, I think, there is no man secure But the queen's kindred, and night-walking heralds That trudge betwixt the king and mistress Shore. Heard you not, what an humble suppliant Lord Hastings was to her for his delivery? Glo. Humbly complaining to her deity, Got my lord chamberlain his liberty. I'll tell you what,-I think, it is our way, If we will keep in favour with the king, To be her men, and wear her livery : The jealous o'er-worn widow, and herselft, Since that our brother dubb'd them gentlewomen, Are mighty gossips in this monarchy. Brak. I beseech your graces both to pardon me; His majesty hath straitly given in charge, That no man shall have private conference, Of what degree soever, with his brother. Glo. Even so? an please your worship, Braken bury, You may partake of any thing we say: We say, that Shore's wife hath a pretty foot, A bonny eye, a passing pleasing tongue; Brak. With this, my lord, myself have nought to do. Glo. Naught to do with mistress Shore? I tell thee, fellow, He that doth naught with her, excepting one, Glo. Her husband, knave:-Would'st thou betray me? Brak. I beseech your grace to pardon me; and, withal, Forbear your conference with the noble duke. Clar. We know thy charge, Brakenbury, and will obey. Glo. We are the queen's abjects*, and must obey. Mean time, this deep disgrace in brotherhood, Clar. I know it pleaseth neither of us well. Mean time, have patience. Clar. I must perforce; farewell. [Exeunt Clarence, Brakenbury, and Guard. Glo. Go, tread the path that thou shalt ne'er re turn. Simple, plain Clarence !-I do love thee so, * Lowest of subjects. Enter Hastings. Hast. Good time of day unto my gracious lord! Glo. As much unto my good lord chamberlain ! Well are you welcome to this open air. How hath your lordship brook'd imprisonment? Hast. With patience, noble lord, as prisoners must: But I shall live, my lord, to give them thanks, That were the cause of my imprisonment. Glo. No doubt, no doubt; and so shall Clarence too; For they that were your enemies, are his, Glo. What news abroad? Hast. No news so bad abroad, as this at home :The king is sickly, weak, and melancholy; And his physicians fear him mightily. Glo. Now, by saint Paul, this news is bad indeed. O, he hath kept an evil diet long, And over-much consum'd his royal person; 'Tis very grievous to be thought upon. What, is he in his bed? Glo. Go you before, and I will follow you. [Exit Hastings. He cannot live, I hope; and must not die, Till George be pack'd with posthorse up to heaven. Which done, God take king Edward to his mercy, For then I'll marry Warwick's youngest daughter: * Confined. The which will I; not all so much for love, By marrying her, which I must reach unto. Clarence still breathes: Edward still lives, and reigns; When they are gone, then must I count my gains. [Exit. Enter the corpse of King Henry the Sixth, borne in an open coffin, Gentlemen bearing halberds, to guard it; and Lady Anne as mourner. Anne. Set down, set down, your honourable load, If honour may be shrouded in a hearse,- Lo, in these windows, that let forth thy life, * Funereal. If ever he have child, abortive be it, May fright the hopeful mother at the view; Than I am made by my young lord, and thee!- [The Bearers take up the corse and advance. Enter Gloster. Glo. Stay you that bear the corse, and set it down. Anne. What black magician conjures up this fiend, To stop devoted charitable deeds? Glo. Villains, set down the corse; or, by saint Paul, I'll make a corse of him that disobeys. 1 Gent. My lord, stand back, and let the coffin pass. Glo. Unmanner'd dog! stand thou when I command: Advance thy halberd higher than my breast, [The bearers set down the coffin. For thou hast made the happy earth thy hell, |