CARDINAL.
Ambitious Warwick, let thy betters speak.
WARWICK.
The Cardinal’s not my better in the field.
BUCKINGHAM.
All in this presence are thy betters, Warwick.
WARWICK.
Warwick may live to be the best of all.
SALISBURY.
Peace, son!—And show some reason, Buckingham,
Why Somerset should be preferred in this.
QUEEN MARGARET.
Because the King, forsooth, will have it so.
GLOUCESTER.
Madam, the King is old enough himself
To give his censure. These are no women’s matters.
QUEEN MARGARET.
If he be old enough, what needs your grace
To be Protector of his excellence?
GLOUCESTER.
Madam, I am Protector of the realm,
And at his pleasure will resign my place.
SUFFOLK.
Resign it then, and leave thine insolence.
Since thou wert king—as who is king but thou?—
The commonwealth hath daily run to wrack,
The Dauphin hath prevailed beyond the seas,
And all the peers and nobles of the realm
Have been as bondmen to thy sovereignty.