WARWICK.
And I choose Clarence only for Protector.
KING HENRY.
Warwick and Clarence, give me both your hands.
Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts,
That no dissension hinder government.
I make you both Protectors of this land,
While I myself will lead a private life
And in devotion spend my latter days,
To sin’s rebuke and my Creator’s praise.
WARWICK.
What answers Clarence to his sovereign’s will?
GEORGE.
That he consents, if Warwick yield consent,
For on thy fortune I repose myself.
WARWICK.
Why, then, though loath, yet I must be content.
We’ll yoke together, like a double shadow
To Henry’s body, and supply his place;
I mean, in bearing weight of government,
While he enjoys the honour and his ease.
And, Clarence, now then it is more than needful
Forthwith that Edward be pronounced a traitor
And all his lands and goods be confiscate.
GEORGE.
What else? And that succession be determined.
WARWICK.
Ay, therein Clarence shall not want his part.
KING HENRY.
But with the first of all your chief affairs
Let me entreat—for I command no more—
That Margaret your Queen and my son Edward
Be sent for to return from France with speed;
For till I see them here, by doubtful fear
My joy of liberty is half eclipsed.
GEORGE.
It shall be done, my sovereign, with all speed.
KING HENRY.
My Lord of Somerset, what youth is that
Of whom you seem to have so tender care?