*K. Hen. Let me embrace these our adversities; *For wise men say, it is the wisest course. *2 Keep. Why linger we? let us lay hands upon him. * 1 Keep. Forbear awhile; we'll hear a little more. K. Hen. My queen and son are gone to France for aid; And, as I hear, the great, commanding Warwick * And Lewis a prince soon won with moving words. * Her sighs will make a battery in his breast; * And, in conclusion, wins the king from her, *With promise of his sister, and what else, *To strengthen and support king Edward's place. *O, Margaret, thus 'twill be; and thou, poor soul, *Art then forsaken, as thou went'st forlorn. 2 Keep. Say, what art thou, that talk'st of kings and queens? K. Hen. More than I seem, and less than I was born to; A man at least, for less I should not be; And men may talk of kings, and why not I? 2 Keep. Ay, but thou talk'st as if thou wert a king VOL. IV. 61 K. Hen. Why, so I am, in mind; and that's enough. 2 Keep. But, if thou be a king, where is thy crown? K. Hen. My crown is in my heart, not on my head: *Not decked with diamonds, and Indian stones, *Nor to be seen: my crown is called content; A crown it is, that seldom kings enjoy. 2 Keep. Well, if you be a king crowned with content, Your crown content, and you, must be contented You are the king; king Edward hath deposed, *K. Hen. But did you never swear, and break an oath? * 2 Keep. No, never such an oath, nor will not now. *K Hen. Where did you dwell, when I was king of England? *2 Keep. Here in this country, where we now remain. * K. Hen. 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 Keep. No; For we were subjects but while you were king. *K Hen. 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. |