Trus. My lord, the parliament must have present news, And therefore say will you resign or no? [The King rageth.
Edw. I'll not resign, but whilst I live [308] [be king]. Traitors, be gone! and join you with Mortimer! Elect, conspire, install, do what you will:— Their blood and yours shall seal these treacheries!
Winch. This answer we'll return, and so farewell.90
Leices. Call them again, my lord, and speak them fair; For if they go, the prince shall lose his right.
Edw. Call thou them back, I have no power to speak.
Leices. My lord, the king is willing to resign.
Winch. If he be not, let him choose.
Edw. O would I might! but heavens and earth conspire To make me miserable! Here receive my crown; Receive it? no, these innocent hands of mine Shall not be guilty of so foul a crime. He of you all that most desires my blood,100 And will be called the murderer of a king, Take it. What, are you moved? pity you me? Then send for unrelenting Mortimer, And Isabel, whose eyes, being turned to steel, Will sooner sparkle fire than shed a tear. Yet stay, for rather than I'll look on them, Here, here! [He gives them the crown. Now, sweet God of heaven, Make me despise this transitory pomp, And sit for aye enthronizèd in heaven! Come, death, and with thy fingers close my eyes,110 Or if I live, let me forget myself.[309]
Winch. My lord.
Edw. Call me not lord; away—out of my sight: Ah, pardon me: grief makes me lunatic! Let not that Mortimer protect my son; More safety there is in a tiger's jaws, Than his embracements—bear this to the queen, Wet with my tears, and dried again with sighs; [Gives a handkerchief. If with the sight thereof she be not moved, Return it back and dip it in my blood.120 Commend me to my son, and bid him rule Better than I. Yet how have I transgressed, Unless it be with too much clemency?