The Works of Christopher Marlowe - LightNovelsOnl.com
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_Edw._ Nay, all of them conspire to cross me thus; But if I live, I'll tread upon their heads That think with high looks thus to tread me down.
Come, Edmund, let's away and levy men, 'Tis war that must abate these barons' pride.
[_Exeunt the_ KING, QUEEN, _and_ KENT.
_War._ Let's to our castles, for the king is moved. 100
_Y. Mor._ Moved may he be, and perish in his wrath!
_Lan._ Cousin, it is no dealing with him now, He means to make us stoop by force of arms; And therefore let us jointly here protest, To prosecute that Gaveston to the death.
_Y. Mor._ By heaven, the abject villain shall not live!
_War._ I'll have his blood, or die in seeking it.
_Pem._ The like oath Pembroke takes.
_Lan._ And so doth Lancaster.
Now send our heralds to defy the king; And make the people swear to put him down. 110
_Enter_ Messenger.
_Y. Mor._ Letters! from whence?
_Mess._ From Scotland, My lord.
[_Giving letters to_ MORTIMER.
_Lan._ Why, how now, cousin, how fares all our friends?
_Y. Mor._ My uncle's taken prisoner by the Scots.
_Lan._ We'll have him ransomed, man; be of good cheer.
_Y. Mor._ They rate his ransom at five thousand pound.
Who should defray the money but the king, Seeing he is taken prisoner in his wars?
I'll to the king.
_Lan._ Do, cousin, and I'll bear thee company.
_War._ Meantime, my lord of Pembroke and myself 120 Will to Newcastle here, and gather head.
_Y. Mor._ About it then, and we will follow you.
_Lan._ Be resolute and full of secrecy.
_War._ I warrant you. [_Exit with_ PEMBROKE.
_Y. Mor._ Cousin, and if he will not ransom him, I'll thunder such a peal into his ears, As never subject did unto his king.[223]
_Lan._ Content, I'll bear my part--Holla! whose there?
[Guard _appears._ _Enter_ Guard.
_Y. Mor._ I, marry, such a guard as thus doth well.
_Lan._ Lead on the way. 130
_Guard._ Whither will your lords.h.i.+ps?
_Y. Mor._ Whither else but to the king.
_Guard._ His highness is disposed to be alone.
_Lan._ Why, so he may, but we will speak to him.
_Guard._ You may not in, my lord.
_Y. Mor._ May we not?
_Enter_[224] EDWARD _and_ KENT.
_Edw._ How now! what noise is this?
Who have we there, is't you? [_Going._
_Y. Mor._ Nay, stay, my lord, I come to bring you news; Mine uncle's taken prisoner by the Scots. 140
_Edw._ Then ransom him.
_Lan._ 'Twas in your wars; you should ransom him.
_Y. Mor._ And you shall ransom him, or else----
_Kent._ What! Mortimer, you will not threaten him?
_Edw._ Quiet yourself, you shall have the broad seal, To gather for him th[o]roughout the realm.
_Lan._ Your minion Gaveston hath taught you this.
_Y. Mor._ My lord, the family of the Mortimers Are not so poor, but, would they sell their land, 'Twould[225] levy men enough to anger you. 150 We never beg, but use such prayers as these.
_Edw._ Shall I still be haunted thus?
_Y. Mor._ Nay, now you're here alone, I'll speak my mind.
_Lan._ And so will I, and then, my lord, farewell.
_Y. Mor._ The idle triumphs, masks, lascivious shows, And prodigal gifts bestowed on Gaveston, Have drawn thy treasury[226] dry, and made thee weak; The murmuring commons, overstretched, break.[227]
_Lan._ Look for rebellion, look to be deposed; Thy garrisons are beaten out of France, 160 And, lame and poor, lie groaning at the gates.
The wild Oneyl, with swarms of Irish kerns,[228]
Lives uncontrolled within the English pale.
