War. When? can you tell? [251] Arundel, no; we wot. He that the care of his [252] realm remits, And drives his nobles to these exigents For Gaveston, will, if he seize [253] him once,60 Violate any promise to possess him.
Arun. Then if you will not trust his grace in keep, My lords, I will be pledge for his return.
Y. Mor. 'Tis [254] honourable in thee to offer this; But for we know thou art a noble gentleman, We will not wrong thee so, to make away A true man for a thief.
Gav. How mean'st thou, Mortimer? that is over-base.
Y. Mor. Away, base groom, robber of king's renown, Question with thy companions and mates.70
Pem. My Lord Mortimer, and you, my lords, each one, To gratify the king's request therein. Touching the sending of this Gaveston, Because his majesty so earnestly Desires to see the man before his death, I will upon mine honour undertake To carry him, and bring him back again; Provided this, that you my lord of Arundel Will join with me.
War. Pembroke, what wilt thou do? Cause yet more bloodshed? is it not enough80 That we have taken him, but must we now Leave him on "had I wist," [255] and let him go?
Pem. My lords, I will not over-woo your honours, But if you dare trust Pembroke with the prisoner, Upon mine oath, I will return him back.
Arun. My lord of Lancaster, what say you in this?
Lan. Why, I say, let him go on Pembroke's word.