Volume II Part 44 (1/2)

Hear me, immortal Jove, and grant it too!

_Berk._ Your grace must hence with me to Berkeley straight.

_Edw._ Whither you will, all places are alike, And every earth is fit for burial.

_Leices._ Favour him, my lord, as much as lieth in you.

_Berk._ Even so betide my soul as I use him.

_Edw._ Mine enemy hath pitied my estate, And that's the cause that I am now removed. 150

_Berk._ And thinks your grace that Berkeley will be cruel?

_Edw._ I know not; but of this am I a.s.sured, That death ends all, and I can die but once.

Leicester, farewell!

_Leices._ Not yet, my lord; I'll bear you on your way.

[_Exeunt omnes._

SCENE II.

_Enter_[311] MORTIMER _and_ QUEEN ISABEL.

_Y. Mor._ Fair Isabel, now have we our desire, The proud corrupters of the light-brained king Have done their homage to the lofty gallows, And he himself lies in captivity.

Be ruled by me, and we will rule the realm.

In any case take heed of childish fear, For now we hold an old wolf[312] by the ears, That, if he slip, will seize upon us both, And gripe the sorer, being grip'd himself.

Think therefore, madam, that [it] imports us[313] much 10 To erect your son with all the speed we may, And that I be protector over him; For our behoof, 'twill[314] bear the greater sway Whenas a king's name shall be under writ.

_Queen._ Sweet Mortimer, the life of Isabel, Be thou persuaded that I love thee well, And therefore, so the prince my son be safe, Whom I esteem as dear as these mine eyes, Conclude against his father what thou wilt, And I myself will willingly subscribe. 20

_Y. Mor._ First would I hear news he were deposed, And then let me alone to handle him.

_Enter_ Messenger.

Letters! from whence?

_Mess._ From Killingworth, my lord.

_Queen._ How fares my lord the king?

_Mess._ In health, madam, but full of pensiveness.

_Queen._ Alas, poor soul, would I could ease his grief!

_Enter_ WINCHESTER[315] _with the Crown._

Thanks, gentle Winchester. [_To the Messenger._] Sirrah, be gone.

[_Exit Messenger._ _Winch._ The king hath willingly resigned his crown.

_Queen._ O happy news! send for the prince, my son.