Enter Gaveston.
Gav. My lord, I hear it whispered everywhere, That I am banished, and must fly the land.
Edw. 'Tis true, sweet Gaveston—O! were it false! The legate of the Pope will have it so, And thou must hence, or I shall be deposed.110 But I will reign to be revenged of them; And therefore, sweet friend, take it patiently. Live where thou wilt, I'll send thee gold enough; And long thou shalt not stay, or if thou dost, I'll come to thee; my love shall ne'er decline.
Gav. Is all my hope turned to this hell of grief?
Edw. Rend not my heart with thy too-piercing words: Thou from this land, I from myself am banished.
Gav. To go from hence grieves not poor Gaveston; But to forsake you, in whose gracious looks120 The blessedness of Gaveston remains: For nowhere else seeks he felicity.
Edw. And only this torments my wretched soul, That, whether I will or no, thou must depart. Be governor of Ireland in my stead, And there abide till fortune call thee home. Here take my picture, and let me wear thine; [They exchange pictures. O, might I keep thee here as I do this, Happy were I! but now most miserable!
Gav. 'Tis something to be pitied of a king.130
Edw. Thou shalt not hence—I'll hide thee, Gaveston.
Gav. I shall be found, and then 'twill grieve me more.