2 KEEPER.
Here in this country, where we now remain.
KING HENRY.
I was anointed king at nine months old;
My father and my grandfather were kings,
And you were sworn true subjects unto me.
And tell me, then, have you not broke your oaths?
1 KEEPER.
No, for we were subjects but while you were king.
KING HENRY.
Why, am I dead? Do I not breathe a man?
Ah, simple men, you know not what you swear.
Look, as I blow this feather from my face,
And as the air blows it to me again,
Obeying with my wind when I do blow,
And yielding to another when it blows,
Commanded always by the greater gust,
Such is the lightness of you common men.
But do not break your oaths; for of that sin
My mild entreaty shall not make you guilty.
Go where you will, the King shall be commanded;
And be you kings; command, and I’ll obey.
1 KEEPER.
We are true subjects to the King, King Edward.
KING HENRY.
So would you be again to Henry
If he were seated as King Edward is.
1 KEEPER.
We charge you, in God’s name and the King’s
To go with us unto the officers.
KING HENRY.
In God’s name, lead; your king’s name be obeyed,
And what God will, that let your king perform;
And what he will, I humbly yield unto.
[Exeunt.]