Edw. Barons and earls, your pride hath made me mute; But now I'll speak, and to the proof, I hope. I do remember, in my father's days, Lord Percy of the north, being highly moved, Braved Moubery [174] in presence of the king;110 For which, had not his highness loved him well, He should have lost his head; but with his look The undaunted spirit of Percy was appeased, And Moubery and he were reconciled. Yet dare you brave the king unto his face; Brother, revenge it, and let these their heads Preach upon poles, for trespass of their tongues.
War. O, our heads!
Edw. I, yours; and therefore I would wish you grant—
War. Bridle thy anger, gentle Mortimer.120
Y. Mor. I cannot, nor I will not; I must speak. Cousin, our hands I hope shall fence our heads, And strike off his that makes you threaten us. Come, uncle, let us leave the brainsick king, And henceforth parley with our naked swords.
E. Mor. Wiltshire hath men enough to save our heads.
War. All Warwickshire will love [175] him for my sake.
Lan. And northward Gaveston [176] hath many friends. Adieu, my lord; and either change your mind, Or look to see the throne, where you should sit,130 To float in blood; and at thy wanton head, The glozing head of thy base minion thrown. [Exeunt Nobles.
Edw. I cannot brook these haughty menaces; Am I a king, and must be overruled? Brother, display my ensigns in the field; I'll bandy [177] with the barons and the earls, And either die or live with Gaveston.
Gav. I can no longer keep me from my lord. [Comes forward.