POST.
My lord ambassador, these letters are for you.
Sent from your brother, Marquess Montague.
These from our king unto your Majesty.
And, madam, these for you, from whom I know not.
[They all read their letters.]
OXFORD.
I like it well that our fair Queen and mistress
Smiles at her news while Warwick frowns at his.
PRINCE EDWARD.
Nay, mark how Lewis stamps as he were nettled.
I hope all’s for the best.
KING LEWIS.
Warwick, what are thy news? And yours, fair Queen?
QUEEN MARGARET.
Mine, such as fill my heart with unhoped joys.
WARWICK.
Mine, full of sorrow and heart’s discontent.
KING LEWIS.
What, has your king married the Lady Grey,
And now, to soothe your forgery and his,
Sends me a paper to persuade me patience?
Is this th’ alliance that he seeks with France?
Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner?
QUEEN MARGARET.
I told your majesty as much before;
This proveth Edward’s love and Warwick’s honesty.
WARWICK.
King Lewis, I here protest in sight of heaven,
And by the hope I have of heavenly bliss,
That I am clear from this misdeed of Edward’s—
No more my king, for he dishonours me,
But most himself, if he could see his shame.
Did I forget that by the house of York
My father came untimely to his death?
Did I let pass th’ abuse done to my niece?
Did I impale him with the regal crown?
Did I put Henry from his native right?
And am I guerdoned at the last with shame?
Shame on himself, for my desert is honour;
And to repair my honour lost for him,
I here renounce him and return to Henry.
My noble Queen, let former grudges pass,
And henceforth I am thy true servitor.
I will revenge his wrong to Lady Bona,
And replant Henry in his former state.