H. C. Where shall we pitch our tents to lie in safety?
J. S. Marry, Hob, upon Blackheath beside Greenwich, there we'll lie;
And if the king will come thither to know our pleasure, so it is; if not, I know what we'll do.
W. T. Gog's blood, Jack, have we the cards in our hands?
Let's take it upon us, while we have it.
[Exeunt, except Nobs.
Nobs. Ay, marry, for you know not how long you shall hold it,
Fifty thousand men they have already in arms that will draw together;
If we hang together as fast, some of us shall repent it. [Exit.
Enter the Queen-Mother, the County[439] of Salisbury, and a Gentleman-Usher.
Q. M. This strange, unwelcome, and unhappy news,
Of these unnatural rebels and unjust,
That threaten wrack unto this wretched land;
Ay me, affrights my woman's 'mazed mind,
Burdens my heart, and interrupts my sleep,
That now, unless some better tidings come
Unto my son, their true anointed king,
My heavy heart, I fear, will break in twain,
Surcharged with a heavy load of thoughts.
E. of S. Madam, your grace's care in this I much commend,
For, though your son, my lord the king, be young.
Yet he will see so well unto himself,
That he will make the proudest rebel know
What 'tis to move or to displease a king;
And though his looks bewray such lenity,[440]
Yet at advantage he can use extremity:
Your grace may call to mind that, being a king,
He will not put up any injury,
Especially of base and common men,
Which are not worthy but with reverence
To look into the princely state of kings.
A king sometimes will make a show of courtesy,
Only to fit a following policy:
And it may be the king determines so,
That he will try, before he trust, a foe.
Usher. True, madam; for your grace's son the King
Is so well ruled by divers of his peers,
As that I think the proudest foe he hath
Shall find more work than he will take in hand,
That seeks the downfal of his Majesty.
I hope the Council are too wise for that,
To suffer rebels in aspiring pride,
That purpose treason to the prince and state.
In good time see where my lord the king
Doth come, accompanied with the Bishop and Lord Treasurer.
King. I marvel much, my lords, what rage it is
That moves my people, whom I love so dear,
Under a show of quarrel good and just,
To rise against us thus in mutinies,
With threat'ning force against our state and us:
But if it be, as we are given to know
By letters and by credible report,
A little spark hath kindled all this fire,
Which must be quench'd with circumspect regard,
Before we feel the violence of the flame.
Meanwhile, sweet lady mother, be content,
And think their malice shall not injure you;
For we have tools to crop and cut them off,
Ere they presume to touch our royal self,
And thus resolve, that you secure shall be,
What hard mishap soever fall to me.