Volume II Part 45 (1/2)

_Queen._ Something he whispers in his childish ears.

_Y. Mor._ If he have such access unto the prince, Our plots and stratagems will soon be dashed.

_Queen._ Use Edmund friendly as if all were well.

_Y. Mor._ How fares my honourable lord of Kent? 80

_Kent._ In health, sweet Mortimer: how fares your grace?

_Queen._ Well, if my lord your brother were enlarged.

_Kent._ I hear of late he hath deposed himself.

_Queen._ The more my grief.

_Y. Mor._ And mine.

_Kent._ Ah, they do dissemble? [_Aside._

_Queen._ Sweet son, come hither, I must talk with thee.

_Y. Mor._ You being his uncle, and the next of blood, Do look to be protector o'er the prince.

_Kent._ Not I, my lord; who should protect the son, 90 But she that gave him life? I mean the queen.

_Prince._ Mother, persuade me not to wear the crown: Let him be king--I am too young to reign.

_Queen._ But be content, seeing 'tis[318] his highness' pleasure.

_Prince._ Let me but see him first, and then I will.

_Kent._ I, do, sweet nephew.

_Queen._ Brother, you know it is impossible.

_Prince._ Why, is he dead?

_Queen._ No, G.o.d forbid.

_Kent._ I would those words proceeded from your heart. 100

_Y. Mor._ Inconstant Edmund, dost thou favour him, That wast a cause of his imprisonment?

_Kent._ The more cause have I now to make amends.

_Y. Mor._ I tell thee, 'tis not meet that one so false Should come about the person of a prince.

My lord, he hath betrayed the king his brother, And therefore trust him not.

_Prince._ But he repents, and sorrows for it now.

_Queen._ Come, son, and go with this gentle lord and me.

_Prince._ With you I will, but not with Mortimer. 110