Edward the Second

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ln 0001The troublesome
ln 0002raigne and lamentable death of
ln 0003Edward the second, King of
ln 0004England: with the tragicall
ln 0005fall of proud Mortimer:

ln 0006As it was sundrie times publiquely acted
ln 0007in the honourable citie of London, by the
ln 0008right honourable the Earle of Pem-
ln 0009brooke his seruants.
ln 0010Written by Chri. Marlow Gent.

ln 0011Imprinted at London for William Iones
ln 0012dwelling neere Holbourne conduit, at the
ln 0013signe of the Gunne. 1594.

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wln 0001The troublesome raigne and la-
wln 0002mentable death of Edward the
wln 0003second, king of England: with the
wln 0004tragicall fall of proud Mortimer.

wln 0005Enter Gauestone reading on a letter that was
wln 0006brought him from the king.

wln 0007MY father is deceast, come Gaueston,
wln 0008And share the kingdom with thy deerest friend
wln 0009Ah words that make me surfet with delight:
wln 0010What greater blisse can hap to Gaueston,
wln 0011Then liue and be the fauorit of a king?
wln 0012Sweete prince I come, these these thy amorous lines,
wln 0013Might haue enforst me to haue swum from France,
wln 0014And like Leander gaspt vpon the sande,
wln 0015So thou wouldst smile and take me in thy armes.
wln 0016The sight of London to my exiled eyes,
wln 0017Is as Elizium to a new come soule,
wln 0018Not that I loue the citie or the men,
wln 0019But that it harbors him I hold so deare,
wln 0020The king, vpon whose bosome let me die,
wln 0021And with the world be still at enmitie:
wln 0022What neede the artick people loue star-light,
wln 0023To whom the sunne shines both by day and night.
wln 0024Farewell base stooping to the lordly peeres,

M[ * ]

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The Tragedie

wln 0025My knee shall bowe to none but to the king,
wln 0026As for the multitude that are but sparkes,
wln 0027Rakt vp in embers of their pouertie,
wln 0028Tanti: Ile fanne first on the winde,
wln 0029That glaunceth at my lips and flieth away;
wln 0030But how now, what are these?
wln 0031Enter three poore men.
wln 0032Poore men.Such as desire your worships seruice.
wln 0033Gauest.What canst thou doe?
wln 00341. poore.I can ride.
wln 0035Gauest.But I haue no horses. What art thou?
wln 00362. poore.A traueller.
wln 0037Gauest.Let me see, thou wouldst do well
wln 0038To waite at my trencher, & tell me lies at dinner time,
wln 0039And as I like your discoursing, ile haue you.
wln 0040And what art thou?
wln 00413. poore.A souldier, that hath seru’d against the Scot.
wln 0042Gauest.Why there are hospitals for such as you,
wln 0043I haue no warre, and therefore sir be gone.
wln 0044Sold.Farewell, and perish by a souldiers hand,
wln 0045That wouldst reward them with an hospitall.
wln 0046Gau.I, I, these wordes of his moue me as much,
wln 0047As if a Goose should play the Porpintine,
wln 0048And dart her plumes, thinking to pierce my brest,
wln 0049But yet it is no paine to speake men faire,
wln 0050Ile flatter these, and make them liue in hope:
wln 0051You know that I came lately out of France,
wln 0052And yet I haue not viewd my Lord the king,
wln 0053If I speed well, ile entertaine you all.
wln 0054Omnes.We thanke your worship.
wln 0055Gauest.I haue some busines, leaue me to my selfe.
wln 0056Omnes.We will wait heere about the court.Exeunt.

Gauest.

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of Edward the second.

wln 0057Gauest.Do: these are not men for me,
wln 0058I must haue wanton Poets, pleasant wits,
wln 0059Musitians, that with touching of a string
wln 0060May draw the pliant king which way I please:
wln 0061Musicke and poetrie is his delight,
wln 0062Therefore ile haue Italian maskes by night,
wln 0063Sweete speeches, comedies, and pleasing showes,
wln 0064And in the day when he shall walke abroad,
wln 0065Like Siluian Nimphes my pages shall be clad,
wln 0066My men like Satyres grazing on the lawnes,
wln 0067Shall with their Goate feete daunce an antick hay,
wln 0068Sometime a louelie boye in Dians shape,
wln 0069With haire that gilds the water as it glides,
wln 0070Crownets of pearle about his naked armes,
wln 0071And in his sportfull hands an Oliue tree,
wln 0072To hide those parts which men delight to see,
wln 0073Shall bathe him in a spring, and there hard by,
wln 0074One like Actæon peeping through the groue,
wln 0075Shall by the angrie goddesse be transformde,
wln 0076And running in the likenes of an Hart,
wln 0077By yelping hounds puld downe, and seeme to die,
wln 0078Such things as these best please his maiestie.
wln 0079My lord, heere comes the king and the nobles
wln 0080From the parlament, ile stand aside.

wln 0081Enter the King, Lancaster, Mortimer senior, Mortimer
wln 0082iunior, Edmund Earle of Kent, Guie Earle of War-
wln 0083wicke, &c.

wln 0084Edward.Lancaster.
wln 0085Lancast.My Lorde.
wln 0086Gauest.That Earle of Lancaster do I abhorre.

Edwa.

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The Tragedie

wln 0087Edw.Will you not graunt me this? in spight of them
wln 0088Ile haue my will, and these two Mortimers,
wln 0089That crosse me thus, shall know I am displeasd.
wln 0090Mor. se.If you loue vs my lord, hate Gaueston.
wln 0091Gauest.That villaine Mortimer ile be his death.
wln 0092Mor. iu.Mine vnckle heere, this Earle, & I my selfe,
wln 0093Were sworne to your father at his death,
wln 0094That he should nere returne into the realme:
wln 0095And know my lord, ere I will breake my oath,
wln 0096This sword of mine that should offend your foes,
wln 0097Shall sleepe within the scabberd at thy neede,
wln 0098And vnderneath thy banners march who will,
wln 0099For Mortimer will hang his armor vp.
wln 0100Gauest.Mort. dieu.
wln 0101Edw.Well Mortimer, ile make thee rue these words,
wln 0102Beseemes it thee to contradict thy king?
wln 0103Frownst thou thereat aspiring Lancaster,
wln 0104The sworde shall plane the furrowes of thy browes,
wln 0105And hew these knees that now are growne so stiffe,
wln 0106I will haue Gaueston, and you shall know,
wln 0107What danger tis to stand against your king.
wln 0108Gauest.Well doone, Ned.
wln 0109Lan.My lord, why do you thus incense your peeres,
wln 0110That naturally would loue and honour you:
wln 0111But for that base and obscure Gaueston,
wln 0112Foure Earldomes haue I besides Lancaster,
wln 0113Darbie, Salsburie, Lincolne, Leicester,
wln 0114These will I sell to giue my souldiers paye,
wln 0115Ere Gaueston shall stay within the realme,
wln 0116Therefore if he be come, expell him straight.
wln 0117Edm.Barons & Earls, your pride hath made me mute,
wln 0118But now ile speake, and to the proofe I hope:

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of Edward the second.

wln 0119I do remember in my fathers dayes,
wln 0120Lord Percie of the North being highly mou’d,
wln 0121Brau’d Mowberie in presence of the king,
wln 0122For which, had not his highnes lou’d him well,
wln 0123He should haue lost his head, but with his looke,
wln 0124The vndaunted spirit of Percie was appeasd,
wln 0125And Mowberie and he were reconcild:
wln 0126Yet dare you braue the king vnto his face,
wln 0127Brother reuenge it, and let these their heads,
wln 0128Preach vpon poles for trespasse of their tongues.
wln 0129Warwicke.O our heads.
wln 0130Edw.I yours, and therefore I would wish you graunt.
wln 0131Warw.Bridle thy anger gentle Mortimer.
wln 0132Mor. iu.I cannot, nor I will not, I must speake,
wln 0133Cosin, our hands I hope shall fence our heads,
wln 0134And strike off his that makes you threaten vs.
wln 0135Come vnckle, let vs leaue the brainsick king,
wln 0136And henceforth parle with our naked swords.
wln 0137Mor. se.Wilshire hath men enough to saue our heads.
wln 0138Warw.All Warwickshire will loue him for my sake.
wln 0139Lanc.And Northward Gaueston hath many friends,
wln 0140Adew my Lord, and either change your minde,
wln 0141Or looke to see the throne where you should sit,
wln 0142To floate in bloud, and at thy wanton head,
wln 0143The glozing head of thy base minion throwne.
wln 0144Exeunt Nobiles.
wln 0145Edw.I cannot brooke these hautie menaces:
wln 0146Am I a king and must be ouer rulde ?
wln 0147Brother displaie my ensignes in the field,
wln 0148Ile bandie with the Barons and the Earles,
wln 0149And eyther die, or liue with Gaueston.
wln 0150Gau.I can no longer keepe me from my lord.

Edw.

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The Tragedie

wln 0151Edw.What Gaueston, welcome: kis not my hand,
wln 0152Embrace me Gaueston as I do thee:
wln 0153Why shouldst thou kneele,
wln 0154Knowest thou not who I am?
wln 0155Thy friend, thy selfe, another Gaueston,
wln 0156Not Hilas was more mourned of Hercules,
wln 0157Then thou hast beene of me since thy exile.
wln 0158Gau.And since I went from hence, no soule in hell
wln 0159Hath felt more torment then poore Gaueston.
wln 0160Edw.I know it, brother welcome home my friend,
wln 0161Now let the treacherous Mortimers conspire,
wln 0162And that high minded earle of Lancaster,
wln 0163I haue my wish, in that I ioy thy sight,
wln 0164And sooner shall the sea orewhelme my land,
wln 0165Then beare the ship that shall transport thee hence:
wln 0166I heere create thee Lord high Chamberlaine,
wln 0167Cheefe Secretarie to the state and me,
wln 0168Earle of Cornewall, king and lord of Man.
wln 0169Gauest.My lord, these titles far exceed my worth.
wln 0170Kent.Brother, the least of these may well suffice
wln 0171For one of greater birth then Gaueston.
wln 0172Edw.Cease brother, for I cannot brooke these words,
wln 0173Thy woorth sweet friend is far aboue my guifts,
wln 0174Therefore to equall it receiue my hart,
wln 0175If for these dignities thou be enuied,
wln 0176Ile giue thee more, for but to honour thee,
wln 0177Is Edward pleazd with kinglie regiment.
wln 0178Fearst thou thy person? thou shalt haue a guard:
wln 0179Wants thou gold? go to my treasurie,
wln 0180Wouldst thou be loude and fearde? receiue my seale,
wln 0181Saue or condemne, and in our name commaund,
wln 0182What so thy minde affectes or fancie likes.

Gaue.

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of Edward the second.

wln 0183Gaue.It shall suffice me to enioy your loue,
wln 0184Which whiles I haue, I thinke my selfe as great,
wln 0185As Cæsar riding in the Romaine streete,
wln 0186With captiue kings at his triumphant Carre.

wln 0187Enter the Bishop of Couentrie.
wln 0188Edw.Whether goes my Lord of Couentrie so fast?
wln 0189Bish.To celebrate your fathers exequies,
wln 0190But is that wicked Gaueston returnd?
wln 0191Edw.I priest, and liues to be reuengd on thee,
wln 0192That wert the onely cause of his exile.
wln 0193Gaue.Tis true, and but for reuerence of these robes,
wln 0194Thou shouldst not plod one foote beyond this place.
wln 0195Bish.I did no more then I was bound to do,
wln 0196And Gaueston vnlesse thou be reclaimd,
wln 0197As then I did incense the parlement,
wln 0198So will I now, and thou shalt back to France.
wln 0199Gaue.Sauing your reuerence, you must pardon me.
wln 0200Edw.Throwe of his golden miter, rend his stole,
wln 0201And in the channell christen him a new .
wln 0202Kent.Ah brother, lay not violent hands on him,
wln 0203For heele complaine vnto the sea of Rome.
wln 0204Gaue.Let him complaine vnto the sea of hell,
wln 0205Ile be reuengd on him for my exile.
wln 0206Edw.No, spare his life, but seaze vpon his goods,
wln 0207Be thou lord bishop, and receiue his rents,
wln 0208And make him serue thee as thy chaplaine,
wln 0209I giue him thee, here vse him as thou wilt.
wln 0210Gaue.He shall to prison, and there die in boults.
wln 0211Edw.I to the tower, the fleete, or where thou wilt.
wln 0212Bish.For this offence be thou accurst of God.
wln 0213Edw.Whose there? conueie this priest to the tower.
wln 0214Bish.True, true.

Edw.

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The Tragedie

wln 0215Edw.But in the meane time Gaueston away,
wln 0216And take possession of his house and goods,
wln 0217Come follow me, and thou shalt haue my guarde,
wln 0218To see it done, and bring thee safe againe.
wln 0219Gaue.What should a priest do with so faire a house?
wln 0220A prison may be seeme his holinesse.
wln 0221Enter both the Mortimers, Warwicke,
wln 0222and Lancaster.
wln 0223War.Tis true, the Bishop is in the tower,
wln 0224And goods and body giuen to Gaueston.
wln 0225Lan.What? will they tyrannize vpon the Church?
wln 0226Ah wicked king, accurssed Gaueston,
wln 0227This ground which is corrupted with their steps,
wln 0228Shall be their timeles sepulcher, or mine.
wln 0229Mor. iu.Wel, let that peeuish Frenchmā guard him sure
wln 0230Vnlesse his brest be sword proofe he shall die.
wln 0231Mor. se.How now, why droops the earle of Lancaster?
wln 0232Mor. iu.Wherfore is Guy of Warwicke discontent?
wln 0233Lan.That villaine Gaueston is made an Earle.
wln 0234Mortim. sen.An Earle!
wln 0235War.I, and besides, lord Chamberlaine of the realme,
wln 0236And secretary to, and lord of Man.
wln 0237Mor. se.We may not, nor we will not suffer this.
wln 0238Mor. iu.Why post we not from hence to leuie men?
wln 0239Lan.My lord of Cornewall, now at euery worde,
wln 0240And happie is the man, whom he vouchsafes
wln 0241For vailing of his bonnet one good looke,
wln 0242Thus arme in arme, the king and he dooth marche:
wln 0243Nay more, the guarde vpon his lordship waites:
wln 0244And all the court begins to flatter him.
wln 0245War.Thus leaning on the shoulder of the king.
wln 0246He nods, and scornes, and smiles at those that passe.
wln 0247Mor. se.Doth no man take exceptions at the slaue?

Lan.

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of Edward the second.

wln 0248Lan.All stomack him, but none dare speake a word.
wln 0249Mor. iu.Ah that bewraies their basenes Lancaster,
wln 0250Were all the Earles and Barons of my minde,
wln 0251Weele hale him from the bosome of the king,
wln 0252And at the court gate hang the pessant vp,
wln 0253Who swolne with venome of ambitious pride,
wln 0254Will be the ruine of the realme and vs.
wln 0255Enter the Bishop of Canterburie.
wln 0256War.Here comes my lord of Canterburies grace.
wln 0257Lan.His countenance bewraies he is displeasd.
wln 0258Bish.First were his sacred garments rent and torne,
wln 0259Then laide they violent hands vpon him next,
wln 0260Himselfe imprisoned, and his goods asceasd,
wln 0261This certifie the Pope, away take horsse.
wln 0262Lan.My lord, will you take armes against the king?
wln 0263Bish.What neede I, God himselfe is vp in armes,
wln 0264When violence is offered to the church.
wln 0265Mor. iu.Then wil you ioine with vs that be his peeres
wln 0266To banish or behead that Gaueston?
wln 0267Bish.VVhat els my lords, for it concernes me neere,
wln 0268The Bishoprick of Couentrie is his.
wln 0269Enter the Queene.
wln 0270Mor. iu.Madam, whether walks your maiestie so fast?
wln 0271Que.Vnto the forrest gentle Mortimer,
wln 0272To liue in greefe and balefull discontent,
wln 0273For now my lord the king regardes me not,
wln 0274But dotes vpon the loue of Gaueston,
wln 0275He claps his cheekes, and hanges about his neck,
wln 0276Smiles in his face, and whispers in his eares,
wln 0277And when I come, he frownes, as who should say,
wln 0278Go whether thou wilt seeing I haue Gaueston.
wln 0279Mor. se.Is it not straunge, that he is thus bewitcht?
wln 0280Mor. iu.Madam, returne vnto the court againe:

That

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The Tragedie

wln 0281That slie inueigling Frenchman weele exile,
wln 0282Or lose our liues: and yet ere that day come,
wln 0283The king shall lose his crowne, for we haue power,
wln 0284And courage to, to be reuengde at full.
wln 0285Bish.But yet lift not your swords against the king.
wln 0286Lan.No, but weele lift Gaueston from hence.
wln 0287War.And war must be the meanes, or heele stay stil.
wln 0288Queen.Then let him stay, for rather then my lord
wln 0289Shall be opprest by ciuill mutinies,
wln 0290I wil endure a melancholie life,
wln 0291And let him frollick with his minion.
wln 0292Bish.My lords, to eaze all this, but heare me speake,
wln 0293VVe and the rest that are his counsellers,
wln 0294VVill meete, and with a generall consent,
wln 0295Confirme his banishment with our handes and seales.
wln 0296Lan.VVhat we confirme the king will frustrate.
wln 0297Mor. iu.Then may we lawfully reuolt from him.
wln 0298War.But say my lord, where shall this meeting bee?
wln 0299Bish.At the new temple.
wln 0300Mor. iu.Content:
wln 0301And in the meane time ile intreat you all,
wln 0302To crosse to Lambeth, and there stay with me.
wln 0303Lan.Come then lets away.
wln 0304Mor. iu.Madam farewell.
wln 0305Qu.Farewell sweet Mortimer, and for my sake,
wln 0306Forbeare to leuie armes against the king.
wln 0307Mor. iu.I, if words will serue, if not, I must.

wln 0308Enter Gaueston and the earle of Kent.
wln 0309Gau.Edmund the mightie prince of Lancaster,
wln 0310That hath more earldomes then an asse can beare,
wln 0311And both the Mortimers two goodly men,
wln 0312VVith Guie of VVarwick that redoubted knight,

Are

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of Edward the second.

wln 0313Are gone towards Lambeth, there let them remaine.
wln 0314Exeunt.

wln 0315Enter Nobiles.
wln 0316Lan.Here is the forme of Gauestons exile:
wln 0317May it please your lordship to subscribe your name.
wln 0318Bish.Giue me the paper.
wln 0319Lan.Quick quick my lorde,
wln 0320I long to write my name.
wln 0321War.But I long more to see him banisht hence.
wln 0322Mor. iu.The name of Mortimer shall fright the king,
wln 0323Vnlesse he be declinde from that base pesant.

wln 0324Enter the King and Gaueston.
wln 0325Edw.VVhat? are you mou’d that Gaueston sits heere?
wln 0326It is our pleasure, we will haue it so.
wln 0327Lan.Your grace doth wel to place him by your side,
wln 0328For no where else the new earle is so safe.
wln 0329Mor. se.VVhat man of noble birth can brooke this
wln 0330 sight?
wln 0331Quam male conueniunt:
wln 0332See what a scornfull looke the pesant casts.
wln 0333Penb.Can kinglie Lions fawne on creeping Ants?
wln 0334War.Ignoble vassaile that like Phaeton,
wln 0335Aspir’st vnto the guidance of the sunne.
wln 0336Mor. iu.Their downfall is at hand, their forces downe,
wln 0337VVe will not thus be facst and ouerpeerd.
wln 0338Edw.Lay hands on that traitor Mortimer.
wln 0339Mor. se.Lay hands on that traitor Gaueston.
wln 0340Kent.Is this the dutie that you owe your king?
wln 0341War.VVe know our duties, let him know his peeres.
wln 0342Edw.Whether will you beare him, stay or ye shall die,
wln 0343Mor. se.VVe are no traitors, therefore threaten not.

Gau.

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The Tragedie

wln 0344Gau.No, threaten not my lord, but pay them home.
wln 0345VVere I a king.
wln 0346Mor. iu.Thou villaine, wherfore talkes thou of a king,
wln 0347That hardly art a gentleman by birth?
wln 0348Edw.VVere he a peasant being my minion,
wln 0349Ile make the prowdest of you stoope to him.
wln 0350Lan.My lord, you may not thus disparage vs,
wln 0351Away I say with hatefull Gaueston.
wln 0352Mort. se.And with the earle of Kent that fauors him.
wln 0353Edw.Nay, then lay violent hands vpon your king,
wln 0354Here Mortimer, sit thou in Edwards throne,
wln 0355Warwicke and Lancaster, weare you my crowne,
wln 0356VVas euer king thus ouer rulde as I?
wln 0357Lan.Learne then to rule vs better and the realme.
wln 0358Mor. iu.VVhat we haue done,
wln 0359our hart bloud shall maintaine.
wln 0360War.Think you that we can brooke this vpstart pride?
wln 0361Edw.Anger and wrathfull furie stops my speech.
wln 0362Bish.VVhy are you moou’d, be patient my lord,
wln 0363And see what we your councellers haue done.
wln 0364Mor. iu.My lords, now let vs all be resolute,
wln 0365And either haue our wils, or lose our liues.
wln 0366Edw.Meete you for this, proud ouerdaring peeres,
wln 0367Ere my sweete Gaueston shall part from me,
wln 0368This Ile shall fleete vpon the Ocean,
wln 0369And wander to the vnfrequented Inde.
wln 0370Bish.You know that I am legate to the Pope,
wln 0371On your allegeance to the sea of Rome,
wln 0372Subscribe as we haue done to his exile.
wln 0373Mor. iu.Curse him, if he refuse, and then may we
wln 0374Depose him and elect an other king.
wln 0375Edw.I there it goes, but yet I will not yeeld,
wln 0376Curse me, depose me, doe the worst you can.

Lan.

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of Edward the second.

wln 0377Lan.Then linger not my lord but do it straight.
wln 0378Bish.Remember how the Bishop was abusde,
wln 0379Either banish him that was the cause thereof.
wln 0380Or I will presentlie discharge these lords,
wln 0381Of dutie and allegeance due to thee.
wln 0382Edw.It bootes me not to threat, I must speake faire,
wln 0383The Legate of the Pope will be obayd:
wln 0384My lord, you shalbe Chauncellor of the realme,
wln 0385Thou Lancaster, high admirall of our fleete,
wln 0386Yong Mortimer and his vnckle shalbe earles,
wln 0387And you lord VVarwick, president of the North,
wln 0388And thou of VVales, if this content you not,
wln 0389Make seuerall kingdomes of this monarchie,
wln 0390And share it equally amongst you all,
wln 0391So I may haue some nooke or corner left,
wln 0392To frolike with my deerest Gaueston.
wln 0393Bish.Nothing shall alter vs, wee are resolu’d.
wln 0394Lan.Come, come, subscribe.
wln 0395Mor. iu.VVhy should you loue him,
wln 0396whome the world hates so?
wln 0397Edw.Because he loues me more then all the world:
wln 0398Ah none but rude and sauage minded men,
wln 0399VVould seeke the ruine of my Gaueston,
wln 0400You that be noble borne should pitie him.
wln 0401Warwicke.You that are princely borne should shake
wln 0402 him off,
wln 0403For shame subscribe, and let the lowne depart.
wln 0404Mor. se.Vrge him my lord.
wln 0405Bish.Are you content to banish him the realme?
wln 0406Edw.I see I must, and therefore am content,
wln 0407In steede of inke, ile write it with my teares.
wln 0408Mor. iu.The king is loue-sick for his minion.
wln 0409Edw.Tis done, and now accursed hand fall off.

Lan.

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The Tragedie

wln 0410Lan.Giue it me, ile haue it published in the streetes.
wln 0411Mor. in.Ile see him presently dispatched away.
wln 0412Bish.Now is my heart at ease.
wln 0413Warw.And so is mine.
wln 0414Penb.This will be good newes to the common sort.
wln 0415Mor. se.Be it or no, he shall not linger here.
wln 0416Exeunt Nobiles.
wln 0417Edw.How fast they run to banish him I loue,
wln 0418They would not stir, were it to do me good:
wln 0419Why should a king be subiect to a priest?
wln 0420Proud Rome, that hatchest such imperiall groomes,
wln 0421For these thy superstitious taperlights,
wln 0422Wherewith thy antichristian churches blaze,
wln 0423Ile fire thy crased buildings, and enforce
wln 0424The papall towers, to kisse the lowlie ground,
wln 0425With slaughtered priests may Tibers channell swell
wln 0426And bankes raisd higher with their sepulchers:
wln 0427As for the peeres that backe the cleargie thus,
wln 0428If I be king, not one of them shall liue.

wln 0429Enter Gaueston.
wln 0430Gau.My lord I heare it whispered euery where,
wln 0431That I am banishd, and must flie the land.
wln 0432Edw.Tis true sweete Gaueston, oh were it false,
wln 0433The Legate of the Pope will haue it so,
wln 0434And thou must hence, or I shall be deposd,
wln 0435But I will raigne to be reueng’d of them,
wln 0436And therefore sweete friend, take it patiently,
wln 0437Liue where thou wilt, ile send thee gould enough,
wln 0438And long thou shalt not stay, or if thou doost,
wln 0439Ile come to thee, my loue shall neare decline.
wln 0440Gaue.Is all my hope turnd to this hell of greefe.
wln 0441Edw.Rend not my hart with thy too piercing words,

Thou

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of Edward the second.

wln 0442Thou from this land, I from my selfe am banisht.
wln 0443Gau.To go from hence, greeues not poore Gaueston,
wln 0444But to forsake you, in whose gratious lookes
wln 0445The blessednes of Gaueston remaines,
wln 0446For no where else seekes he felicitie.
wln 0447Edw.And onely this torments my wretched soule,
wln 0448That whether I will or no thou must depart:
wln 0449Be gouernour of Ireland in my stead,
wln 0450And there abide till fortune call thee home.
wln 0451Here take my picture, and let me weare thine,
wln 0452O might I keepe thee heere, as I doe this,
wln 0453Happie were I, but now most miserable.
wln 0454Gauest.Tis something to be pitied of a king.
wln 0455Edw.Thou shalt not hence, ile hide thee Gaueston.
wln 0456Gau.I shal be found, and then twil greeue me more.
wln 0457Edwa.Kinde wordes, and mutuall talke, makes our
wln 0458 greefe greater.
wln 0459Therefore with dum imbracement let vs part,
wln 0460Stay Gaueston I cannot leaue thee thus.
wln 0461Gau.For euery looke, my lord drops downe a teare,
wln 0462Seeing I must go, do not renew my sorrow.
wln 0463Edwa.The time is little that thou hast to stay,
wln 0464And therefore giue me leaue to looke my fill,
wln 0465But come sweete friend, ile beare thee on thy way.
wln 0466Gau.The peeres will frowne.
wln 0467Edw.I passe not for their anger, come lets go,
wln 0468O that we might as well returne as goe.

wln 0469Enter Edmund and Queen Isabell.
wln 0470Qu.Whether goes my lord?
wln 0471Edw.Fawne not on me French strumpet, get thee
wln 0472 gone.
wln 0473Qu.On whom but on my husband should I fawne?

Gau.

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The Tragedie

wln 0474Gau.On Mortimer, with whom vngentle Queene,
wln 0475I say no more, iudge you the rest my lord.
wln 0476Qu.In saying this, thou wrongst me Gaueston,
wln 0477Ist not enough, that thou corrupts my lord,
wln 0478And art a bawd to his affections,
wln 0479But thou must call mine honor thus in question?
wln 0480Gau.I meane not so, your grace must pardon me.
wln 0481Edw.Thou art too familiar with that Mortimer,
wln 0482And by thy meanes is Gaueston exilde,
wln 0483But I would wish thee reconcile the lords,
wln 0484Or thou shalt nere be reconcild to me.
wln 0485Qu.Your highnes knowes, it lies not in my power.
wln 0486Edw.Away then, touch me not, come Gaueston.
wln 0487Qu.Villaine, tis thou that robst me of my lord.
wln 0488Gau.Madam, tis you that rob me of my lord.
wln 0489Edw.Speake not vnto her, let her droope and pine.
wln 0490Qu.Wherein my lord, haue I deserud these words?
wln 0491Witnesse the teares that Isabella sheds,
wln 0492Witnesse this hart, that sighing for thee breakes,
wln 0493How deare my lord is to poore Isabell.
wln 0494Edw.And witnesse heauen how deere thou art to me.
wln 0495There weepe, for till my Gaueston be repeald,
wln 0496Assure thy selfe thou comst not in my sight.
wln 0497Exeunt Edward and Gaueston.
wln 0498Qu.O miserable and distressed Queene!
wln 0499Would when I left sweet France and was imbarkt,
wln 0500That charming Circes walking on the waues,
wln 0501Had chaungd my shape, or at the mariage day
wln 0502The cup of Hymen had beene full of poyson,
wln 0503Or with those armes that twind about my neck,
wln 0504I had beene stifled, and not liued to see,
wln 0505The king my lord thus to abandon me:
wln 0506Like frantick Iuno will I fill the earth,

With

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of Edward the second.

wln 0507With gastlie murmure of my sighes and cries,
wln 0508For neuer doted Ioue on Ganimed,
wln 0509So much as he on cursed Gaueston,
wln 0510But that will more exasperate his wrath,
wln 0511I must entreat him, I must speake him faire,
wln 0512And be a meanes to call home Gaueston:
wln 0513And yet heele euer dote on Gaueston,
wln 0514And so am I for euer miserable.
wln 0515Enter the Nobles to the Queene.
wln 0516Lanc.Looke where the sister of the king of Fraunce,
wln 0517Sits wringing of her hands, and beats her brest.
wln 0518Warw.The king I feare hath ill intreated her.
wln 0519Pen.Hard is the hart, that iniures such a saint.
wln 0520Mor. iu.I know tis long of Gaueston she weepes.
wln 0521Mor. se.Why? he is gone.
wln 0522Mor. iu.Madam, how fares your grace?
wln 0523Qu.Ah Mortimer! now breaks the kings hate forth,
wln 0524And he confesseth that he loues me not.
wln 0525Mor. iu.Crie quittance Madam then, & loue not him.
wln 0526Qu.No, rather will I die a thousand deaths,
wln 0527And yet I loue in vaine, heele nere loue me.
wln 0528Lan.Feare ye not Madam, now his minions gone,
wln 0529His wanton humor will be quicklie left.
wln 0530Qu.O neuer Lancaster! I am inioynde,
wln 0531To sue vnto you all for his repeale:
wln 0532This wils my lord, and this must I performe,
wln 0533Or else be banisht from his highnesse presence.
wln 0534Lan.For his repeale, Madam, he comes not back,
wln 0535Vnlesse the sea cast vp his shipwrack body.
wln 0536War.And to behold so sweete a sight as that,
wln 0537Theres none here, but would run his horse to death.
wln 0538Mor. iu.But madam, would you haue vs cal him home?
wln 0539Qu.I Mortimer, for till he be restorde,

The

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The Tragedie

wln 0540The angrie king hath banished me the court:
wln 0541And therefore as thou louest and tendrest me,
wln 0542Be thou my aduocate vnto these peeres.
wln 0543Mor. iu.What, would ye haue me plead for Gaueston?
wln 0544Mor. se.Plead for him he that will, I am resolude.
wln 0545Lan.And so am I my lord, diswade the Queene.
wln 0546Qu.O Lancaster, let him diswade the king,
wln 0547For tis against my will he should returne.
wln 0548War.Then speake not for him, let the pesant go.
wln 0549Qu.Tis for my selfe I speake, and not for him.
wln 0550Pen.No speaking will preuaile, and therefore cease.
wln 0551Mor. iu.Faire Queene forbeare to angle for the fish,
wln 0552Which being caught, strikes him that takes it dead,
wln 0553I meane that vile Torpedo, Gaueston,
wln 0554That now I hope flotes on the Irish seas.
wln 0555Qu.Sweete Mortimer, sit downe by me a while,
wln 0556And I will tell thee reasons of such waighte,
wln 0557As thou wilt soone subscribe to his repeale.
wln 0558Mor. iu.It is impossible, but speake your minde.
wln 0559Qu.Then thus, but none shal heare it but our selues.
wln 0560Lanc.My Lords albeit the Queen winne Mortimer,
wln 0561will you be resolute and hold with me?
wln 0562Mor. se.Not I against my nephew.
wln 0563Pen.Feare not, the queens words cannot alter him.
wln 0564War.No, doe but marke how earnestly she pleads.
wln 0565Lan.And see how coldly his lookes make deniall.
wln 0566War.She smiles, now for my life his mind is changd.
wln 0567Lanc.Ile rather loose his friendship I, then graunt.
wln 0568Mor. iu.Well of necessitie it must be so,
wln 0569My Lords, that I abhorre base Gaueston,
wln 0570I hope your honors make no question,
wln 0571And therefore though I pleade for his repeall,
wln 0572Tis not for his sake, but for our auaile:

Nay

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of Edward the second.

wln 0573Nay for the realms behoofe and for the kings.
wln 0574Lanc.Fie Mortimer, dishonor not thy selfe,
wln 0575Can this be true twas good to banish him?
wln 0576And is this true to call him home againe?
wln 0577Such reasons make white blacke, and darke night day.
wln 0578Mor. iu.My Lord of Lancaster, marke the respect.
wln 0579Lan.In no respect can contraries be true.
wln 0580Qu.Yet good my lord, heare what he can alledge.
wln 0581War.All that he speakes, is nothing, we are resolu’d.
wln 0582Mor. iu.Do you not wish that Gaueston were dead?
wln 0583Pen.I would he were.
wln 0584Mor. iu.Why then my lord, giue me but leaue to speak.
wln 0585Mor. se.But nephew, do not play the sophister.
wln 0586Mor. iu.This which I vrge, is of a burning zeale,
wln 0587To mend the king, and do our countrie good:
wln 0588Know you not Gaueston hath store of golde,
wln 0589Which may in Ireland purchase him such friends,
wln 0590As he will front the mightiest of vs all,
wln 0591And whereas he shall liue and be beloude,
wln 0592Tis hard for vs to worke his ouerthrow.
wln 0593War.Marke you but that my lord of Lancaster.
wln 0594Mor. iu.But were he here, detested as he is,
wln 0595How easilie might some base slaue be subbornd,
wln 0596To greet his lordship with a poniard,
wln 0597And none so much as blame the murtherer,
wln 0598But rather praise him for that braue attempt,
wln 0599And in the Chronicle, enrowle his name,
wln 0600For purging of the realme of such a plague.
wln 0601Pen.He saith true.
wln 0602Lan.I, but how chance this was not done before?
wln 0603Mor. iu.Because my lords, it was not thought vpon:
wln 0604Nay more, when he shall know it lies in vs,
wln 0605To banish him, and then to call him home,

Twill

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The Tragedie

wln 0606Twill make him vaile the topflag of his pride,
wln 0607And feare to offend the meanest noble man.
wln 0608Mor. se.But how if he do not Nephew?
wln 0609Mor. iu.Then may we with some colour rise in armes,
wln 0610For howsoeuer we haue borne it out,
wln 0611Tis treason to be vp against the king,
wln 0612So shall we haue the people of our side,
wln 0613Which for his fathers sake leane to the king,
wln 0614But cannot brooke a night growne mushrump,
wln 0615Such a one as my Lord of Cornewall is,
wln 0616Should beare vs downe of the nobilitie,
wln 0617And when the commons and the nobles ioyne,
wln 0618Tis not the king can buckler Gaueston.
wln 0619Weele pull him from the strongest hould he hath,
wln 0620My lords, if to performe this I be slack,
wln 0621Thinke me as base a groome as Gaueston.
wln 0622Lan.On that condition Lancaster will graunt.
wln 0623War.And so will Penbrooke and I.
wln 0624Mor. se.And I.
wln 0625Mor. iu.In this I count me highly gratified,
wln 0626And Mortimer will rest at your commaund.
wln 0627Qu.And when this fauour Isabell forgets,
wln 0628Then let her liue abandond and forlorne,
wln 0629But see in happie time, my lord the king,
wln 0630Hauing brought the Earle of Cornewall on his way,
wln 0631Is new returnd, this newes will glad him much,
wln 0632Yet not so much as me, I loue him more
wln 0633Then he can Gaueston, would he lou’d me
wln 0634But halfe so much, then were I treble blest.

wln 0635Enter king Edward moorning.
wln 0636Edw.Hees gone, and for his absence thus I moorne,
wln 0637Did neuer sorrow go so neere my heart,

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of Edward the second.

wln 0638As dooth the want of my sweete Gaueston,
wln 0639And could my crownes reuenew bring him back,
wln 0640I would freelie giue it to his enemies,
wln 0641And thinke I gaind, hauing bought so deare a friend.
wln 0642Qu.Harke how he harpes vpon his minion.
wln 0643Edw.My heart is as an anuill vnto sorrow,
wln 0644Which beates vpon it like the Cyclops hammers,
wln 0645And with the noise turnes vp my giddie braine,
wln 0646And makes me frantick for my Gaueston:
wln 0647Ah had some bloudlesse furie rose from hell,
wln 0648And with my kinglie scepter stroke me dead,
wln 0649When I was forst to leaue my Gaueston.
wln 0650Lan.Diablo, what passions call you these
wln 0651Qu.My gratious lord, I come to bring you newes.
wln 0652Edw.That you haue parled with your Mortimer.
wln 0653Qu.That Gaueston my Lord shalbe repeald.
wln 0654Edw.Repeald, the newes is too sweet to be true.
wln 0655Qu.But will you loue me, if you finde it so?
wln 0656Edw.If it be so, what will not Edward do?
wln 0657Qu.For Gaueston, but not for Isabell.
wln 0658Edw.For thee faire Queene, if thou louest Gaueston,
wln 0659Ile hang a golden tongue about thy neck,
wln 0660Seeing thou hast pleaded with so good successe.
wln 0661Qu.No other iewels hang about my neck
wln 0662Then these my lord, nor let me haue more wealth,
wln 0663Then I may fetch from this ritch treasurie:
wln 0664O how a kisse reuiues poore Isabell.
wln 0665Edw.Once more receiue my hand, and let this be,
wln 0666A second mariage twixt thy selfe and me.
wln 0667Qu.And may it prooue more happie then the first,
wln 0668My gentle lord, bespeake these nobles faire,
wln 0669That waite attendance for a gratious looke,
wln 0670And on their knees salute your maiestie.

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The Tragedie

wln 0671Edw.Couragious Lancaster, imbrace thy king,
wln 0672And as grosse vapours perish by the sunne,
wln 0673Euen so let hatred with thy soueraigne smile,
wln 0674Liue thou with me as my companion.
wln 0675Lan.This salutation ouerioyes my heart.
wln 0676Edw.Warwick, shalbe my chiefest counseller:
wln 0677These siluer haires will more adorne my court,
wln 0678Then gaudie silkes, or rich imbrotherie,
wln 0679Chide me sweete Warwick, if I go astray.
wln 0680War.Slay me my lord, when I offend your grace.
wln 0681Edw.In sollemne triumphes, and in publike showes,
wln 0682Penbrooke shall beare the sword before the king.
wln 0683Pen.And with this sword, Penbrooke wil fight for you.
wln 0684Edw.But wherefore walkes yong Mortimer aside?
wln 0685Be thou commaunder of our royall fleete,
wln 0686Or if that loftie office like thee not,
wln 0687I make thee heere lord Marshall of the realme.
wln 0688Mor. iu.My lord, ile marshall so your enemies,
wln 0689As England shall be quiet, and you safe.
wln 0690Edw.And as for you, lord Mortimer of Chirke,
wln 0691Whose great atchiuements in our forrain warre,
wln 0692Deserues no common place, nor meane reward:
wln 0693Be you the generall of the leuied troopes,
wln 0694That now are readie to assaile the Scots.
wln 0695Mor. se.In this your grace hath highly honoured me,
wln 0696For with my nature warre doth best agree.
wln 0697Qu.Now is the king of England riche and strong.
wln 0698Hauing the loue of his renowned peeres.
wln 0699Edw.I Isabell, nere was my heart so light,
wln 0700Clarke of the crowne, direct our warrant forth,
wln 0701For Gaueston to Ireland: Beamont flie,
wln 0702As fast as Iris, or Ioues Mercurie.
wln 0703Beam.It shalbe done my gratious Lord.

Edw.

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of Edward the second.

wln 0704Edw.Lord Mortimer, we leaue you to your charge:
wln 0705Now let vs in, and feast it roiallie:
wln 0706Against our friend the earle of Cornewall comes,
wln 0707Weele haue a generall tilt and turnament,
wln 0708And then his mariage shalbe solemnized,
wln 0709For wot you not that I haue made him sure,
wln 0710Vnto our cosin, the earle of Glosters heire.
wln 0711Lan.Such newes we heare my lord.
wln 0712Edw.That day, if not for him. yet for my sake,
wln 0713Who in the triumphe will be challenger,
wln 0714Spare for no cost, we will requite your loue.
wln 0715Warwick.In this, or ought, your highnes shall com-
wln 0716 maund vs.
wln 0717Edward.Thankes gentle Warwick, come lets in and
wln 0718 reuell.Exeunt.
wln 0719Manent Mortimers.
wln 0720Mor. se.Nephue, I must to Scotland, thou staiest here,
wln 0721Leaue now to oppose thy selfe against the king,
wln 0722Thou seest by nature he is milde and calme,
wln 0723And seeing his minde so dotes on Gaueston,
wln 0724Let him without controulement haue his will,
wln 0725The mightiest kings haue had their minions,
wln 0726Great Alexander loude Ephestion,
wln 0727The conquering Hector, for Hilas wept,
wln 0728And for Patroclus sterne Achillis droopt,
wln 0729And not kings onelie, but the wisest men,
wln 0730The Romaine Tullie loued Octauis,
wln 0731Graue Socrates, wilde Alcibiades:
wln 0732Then let his grace, whose youth is flexible,
wln 0733And promiseth as much as we can wish,
wln 0734Freely enioy that vaine light-headed earle,
wln 0735For riper yeares will weane him from such toyes.
wln 0736Mor. iu.Vnckle, his wanton humor greeues not me,

But

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The Tragedie

wln 0737But this I scorne, that one so baselie borne,
wln 0738Should by his soueraignes fauour grow so pert,
wln 0739And riote it with the treasure of the realme,
wln 0740While souldiers mutinie for want of paie,
wln 0741He weares a lords reuenewe on his back,
wln 0742And Midas like he iets it in the court,
wln 0743With base outlandish cullions at his heeles,
wln 0744Whose proud fantastick liueries make such show,
wln 0745As if that Proteus god of shapes appearde,
wln 0746I haue not seene a dapper iack so briske,
wln 0747He weares a short Italian hooded cloake,
wln 0748Larded with pearle, and in his tuskan cap
wln 0749A iewell of more value then the crowne,
wln 0750Whiles other walke below, the king and he
wln 0751From out a window, laugh at such as we,
wln 0752And floute our traine, and iest at our attire:
wln 0753Vnckle, tis this that makes me impatient.
wln 0754Mor. se.But nephew, now you see the king is changd.
wln 0755Mor. iu.Then so am I, and liue to do him seruice,
wln 0756But whiles I haue a sword, a hand, a hart,
wln 0757I will not yeeld to any such vpstart.
wln 0758You know my minde, come vnckle lets away.
wln 0759Exeunt.
wln 0760Enter Spencer and Balduck.
wln 0761Bald.Spencer, seeing that our Lord th’earle of Glo-
wln 0762 sters dead,
wln 0763Which of the nobles dost thou meane to serue?
wln 0764Spen.Not Mortimer, nor any of his side,
wln 0765Because the king and he are enemies,
wln 0766Baldock: learne this of me, a factious lord
wln 0767Shall hardly do himselfe good, much lesse vs,
wln 0768But he that hath the fauour of a king,
wln 0769May with one word, aduaunce vs while we liue:

The

img: 14-b
sig: D2r

of Edward the second.

wln 0770The liberall earle of Cornewall is the man,
wln 0771On whose good fortune Spencers hope depends.
wln 0772Bald.What, meane you then to be his follower?
wln 0773Spen.No, his companion, for he loues me well,
wln 0774And would haue once preferd me to the king.
wln 0775Bald.But he is banisht, theres small hope of him.
wln 0776Spen.I for a while, but Baldock marke the end,
wln 0777A friend of mine told me in secrecie,
wln 0778That hees repeald, and sent for back againe,
wln 0779And euen now, a poast came from the court,
wln 0780With letters to our ladie from the King,
wln 0781And as she red, she smild, which makes me thinke,
wln 0782It is about her louer Gaueston.
wln 0783Bald.Tis like enough, for since he was exild,
wln 0784She neither walkes abroad, nor comes in sight:
wln 0785But I had thought the match had beene broke off,
wln 0786And that his banishment had changd her minde.
wln 0787Spen.Our Ladies first loue is not wauering,
wln 0788My life for thine she will haue Gaueston.
wln 0789Bald.Then hope I by her meanes to be preferd,
wln 0790Hauing read vnto her since she was a childe.
wln 0791Spen.Then Balduck, you must cast the scholler off,
wln 0792And learne to court it like a Gentleman,
wln 0793Tis not a black coate and a little band,
wln 0794A Veluet cap’de cloake, fac’st before with Serge,
wln 0795And smelling to a Nosegay all the day,
wln 0796Or holding of a napkin in your hand,
wln 0797Or saying a long grace at a tables end,
wln 0798Or making lowe legs to a noble man,
wln 0799Or looking downeward, with your eye lids close,
wln 0800And saying, trulie ant may please your honor,
wln 0801Can get you any fauour with great men,
wln 0802You must be proud, bold, pleasant, resolute,

And

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The Tragedie

wln 0803And now and then, stab as occasion serues.
wln 0804Bald.Spencer, thou knowest I hate such formall toies,
wln 0805And vse them but of meere hypocrisie.
wln 0806Mine old lord whiles he liude, was so precise,
wln 0807That he would take exceptions at my buttons,
wln 0808And being like pins heads, blame me for the bignesse,
wln 0809Which made me curate-like in mine attire,
wln 0810Though inwardly licentious enough,
wln 0811And apt for any kinde of villanie.
wln 0812I am none of these common pendants I,
wln 0813That cannot speake without propterea quod.
wln 0814Spen.But one of those that saith quandoquidem,
wln 0815And hath a speciall gift to forme a verbe.
wln 0816Bald.Leaue of this iesting, here my lady comes.
wln 0817Enter the Ladie.
wln 0818Lady.The greefe for his exile was not so much,
wln 0819As is the ioy of his returning home,
wln 0820This letter came from my sweete Gaueston,
wln 0821VVhat needst thou loue, thus to excuse thy selfe?
wln 0822I know thou couldst not come and visit me,
wln 0823I will not long be from thee though I die:
wln 0824This argues the entire loue of my Lord,
wln 0825VVhen I forsake thee, death seaze on my heart,
wln 0826But rest thee here where Gaueston shall sleepe.
wln 0827Now to the letter of my Lord the King,
wln 0828He wils me to repaire vnto the court,
wln 0829And meete my Gaueston: why do I stay,
wln 0830Seeing that he talkes thus of my mariage day?
wln 0831VVhose there, Balduck?
wln 0832See that my coache be readie, I must hence.
wln 0833Bald.It shall be done madam.Exit.
wln 0834Lad.And meete me at the parke pale presentlie:
wln 0835Spencer, stay you and beare me companie,

For

img: 15-b
sig: D3r

of Edward the second.

wln 0836For I haue ioyfull newes to tell thee of,
wln 0837My lord of Cornewall is a comming ouer,
wln 0838And will be at the court as soone as we.
wln 0839Spen.I knew the King would haue him home againe.
wln 0840Lad.If all things sort out, as I hope they will,
wln 0841Thy seruice Spencer shalbe thought vpon.
wln 0842Spen.I humbly thanke your Ladieship.
wln 0843Lad.Come lead the way, I long till I am there.
wln 0844Enter Edward, the Queene, Lancaster, Mortimer,
wln 0845Warwicke, Penbrooke, Kent, attendants.
wln 0846Edw.The winde is good, I wonder why he stayes,
wln 0847I feare me he is wrackt vpon the sea.
wln 0848Queen.Looke Lancaster how passionate he is,
wln 0849And still his minde runs on his minion.
wln 0850Lan.My Lord.
wln 0851Edw.How now, what newes, is Gaueston arriude?
wln 0852Mor. i.Nothing but Gaueston, what means your grace?
wln 0853You haue matters of more waight to thinke vpon,
wln 0854The King of Fraunce sets foote in Normandie.
wln 0855Edw.A triflle, weele expell him when we please:
wln 0856But tell me Mortimer, whats thy deuise,
wln 0857Against the stately triumph we decreed?
wln 0858Mor.A homely one my lord, not worth the telling.
wln 0859Edw.Prethee let me know it.
wln 0860Mor. iu.But seeing you are so desirous, thus it is:
wln 0861A loftie Cedar tree faire flourishing,
wln 0862On whose top-branches Kinglie Eagles pearch,
wln 0863And by the barke a canker creepes me vp,
wln 0864And gets vnto the highest bough of all,
wln 0865The motto: Æque tandem.
wln 0866Edw.And what is yours my lord of Lancaster?
wln 0867Lan.My lord, mines more obscure then Mortimers,
wln 0868Plinie reports, there is a flying Fish,

Which

img: 16-a
sig: D3v

The Tragedie

wln 0869Which all the other fishes deadly hate,
wln 0870And therefore being pursued, it takes the aire:
wln 0871No sooner is it vp, but thers a foule,
wln 0872That seaseth it: this fish my lord I beare,
wln 0873The motto this: Vndique mors est.
wln 0874Edw.Proud Mortimer, vngentle Lancaster,
wln 0875Is this the loue you beare your soueraigne?
wln 0876Is this the fruite your reconcilement beares?
wln 0877Can you in words make showe of amitie,
wln 0878And in your shields display your rancorous minds?
wln 0879What call you this but priuate libelling,
wln 0880Against the Earle of Cornewall and my brother?
wln 0881Qu.Sweete husband be content, they all loue you.
wln 0882Edw.They loue me not that hate my Gaueston,
wln 0883I am that Cedar, shake me not too much,
wln 0884And you the Eagles, sore ye nere so high,
wln 0885I haue the gresses that will pull you downe,
wln 0886And Æque tandem shall that canker crie,
wln 0887Vnto the proudest peere of Britanie:
wln 0888Though thou comparst him to a flying Fish,
wln 0889And threatenest death whether he rise or fall,
wln 0890Tis not the hugest monster of the sea,
wln 0891Nor fowlest Harpie that shall swallow him.
wln 0892Mor. iu.If in his absence thus he fauors him,
wln 0893What will he do when as he shall be present?
wln 0894Lan.That shall wee see, looke where his lordship
wln 0895 comes.
wln 0896Enter Gaueston.
wln 0897Edw.My Gaueston, welcome to Tinmouth, welcome
wln 0898 to thy friend,
wln 0899Thy absence made me droope, and pine away,
wln 0900For as the louers of faire Danae,
wln 0901When she was lockt vp in a brasen tower,

Desirde

img: 16-b
sig: D4r

of Edward the second.

wln 0902Desirde her more, and waxt outragious,
wln 0903So did it sure with me: and now thy sight
wln 0904Is sweeter farre, then was thy parting hence
wln 0905Bitter and irkesome to my sobbing heart.
wln 0906Gau.Sweet Lord and King, your speech preuenteth
wln 0907 mine,
wln 0908Yet haue I words left to expresse my ioy:
wln 0909The sheepeherd nipt with biting winters rage,
wln 0910Frolicks not more to see the paynted springe,
wln 0911Then I doe to behold your Maiestie.
wln 0912Edw.Will none of you salute my Gaueston?
wln 0913Lan.Salute him? yes welcome Lord Chamberlaine.
wln 0914Mor. iu.Welcome is the good Earle of Cornewall
wln 0915War.Welcome Lord gouernour of the Ile of man.
wln 0916Pen.Welcome maister secretarie.
wln 0917Edw.Brother doe you heare them?
wln 0918Edw.Stil wil these Earles and Barrons vse me thus?
wln 0919Gau.My Lord I cannot brooke these iniuries.
wln 0920Qu.Aye me poore soule when these begin to iarre.
wln 0921Edw.Returne it to their throtes, ile be thy warrant.
wln 0922Gau.Base leaden Earles that glorie in your birth,
wln 0923Goe sit at home and eate your tenants beefe:
wln 0924And come not here to scoffe at Gaueston,
wln 0925Whose mounting thoughts did neuer creepe so low,
wln 0926As to bestow a looke on such as you.
wln 0927Lan.Yet I disdaine not to doe this for you.
wln 0928Edw.Treason, treason: whers the traitor?
wln 0929Pen.Heere here King: conuey hence Gaueston, thaile
wln 0930 murder him.
wln 0931Gau.The life of thee shall salue this foule disgrace.
wln 0932Mor. iu.Villaine thy life, vnlesse I misse mine aime.
wln 0933Qu.Ah furious Mortimer what hast thou done?
wln 0934Mor.No more then I would answere were he slaine.

Edw.

img: 17-a
sig: D4v

The Tragedie

wln 0935Ed.Yes more then thou canst answer though he liue,
wln 0936Deare shall you both abie this riotous deede:
wln 0937Out of my presence, come not neere the court.
wln 0938Mor. iu.Ile not be barde the court for Gaueston.
wln 0939Lan.Weele haile him by the eares vnto the block.
wln 0940Edw.Looke to your owne heads, his is sure enough.
wln 0941War.Looke to your owne crowne, if you back him
wln 0942 thus.
wln 0943Edm.Warwicke, these words do ill beseeme thy yeares.
wln 0944Edw.Nay all of them conspire to crosse me thus,
wln 0945But if I liue, ile tread vpon their heads,
wln 0946That thinke with high lookes thus to tread me down,
wln 0947Come Edmund lets away, and leuie men,
wln 0948Tis warre that must abate these Barons pride.
wln 0949Exit the King.
wln 0950War.Lets to our castels, for the king is mooude.
wln 0951Mor. iu.Moou’d may he be, and perish in his wrath.
wln 0952Lan.Cosin it is no dealing with him now,
wln 0953He meanes to make vs stoope by force of armes,
wln 0954And therefore let vs iointlie here protest,
wln 0955To prosecute that Gaueston to the death.
wln 0956Mor. iu.By heauen, the abiect villaine shall not liue.
wln 0957War.Ile haue his bloud, or die in seeking it.
wln 0958Pen.The like oath Penbrooke takes.
wln 0959Lan.And so doth Lancaster:
wln 0960Now send our Heralds to defie the King,
wln 0961And make the people sweare to put him downe.
wln 0962Enter a Poast.
wln 0963Mor. iu.Letters, from whence?
wln 0964Messen.From Scotland my lord.
wln 0965Lan.Why how now cosin, how fares all our friends?
wln 0966Mor. iu.My vnckles taken prisoner by the Scots.
wln 0967Lā.Weel haue him ransomd man, be of good cheere.

Mor.

img: 17-b
sig: E1r

of Edward the second.

wln 0968Mor.They rate his ransome at fiue thousand pound,
wln 0969Who should defray the money, but the King,
wln 0970Seeing he is taken prisoner in his warres?
wln 0971Ile to the King.
wln 0972Lan.Do cosin, and ile beare thee companie.
wln 0973War.Meane time my lord of Penbrooke and my selfe,
wln 0974Will to Newcastell heere, and gather head.
wln 0975Mor. iu.About it then, and we will follow you.
wln 0976Lan.Be resolute, and full of secrecie.
wln 0977War.I warrant you.
wln 0978Mor. iu.Cosin, and if he will not ransome him,
wln 0979Ile thunder such a peale into his eares,
wln 0980As neuer subiect did vnto his King.
wln 0981Lan.Content, ile beare my part, holla whose there?
wln 0982Mor. iuI marry, such a garde as this dooth well.
wln 0983Lan.Lead on the way.
wln 0984Guard.Whither will your lordships?
wln 0985Mor. iu.Whither else but to the King.
wln 0986Guar.His highnes is disposde to be alone.
wln 0987Lan.Why, so he may, but we will speake to him.
wln 0988Guard.You may not in my lord.
wln 0989Mor. iu.May we not.
wln 0990Edw.How now, what noise is this?
wln 0991Who haue we there, ist you?
wln 0992Mor.Nay, stay my lord, I come to bring you newes,
wln 0993Mine vnckles taken prisoner by the Scots.
wln 0994Edw.Then ransome him.
wln 0995Lan.Twas in your wars, you should ransome him.
wln 0996Mor iu.And you shall ransome him, or else.
wln 0997Edm.What Mortimer, you will not threaten him?
wln 0998Edw.Quiet your self, you shall haue the broad seale,
wln 0999To gather for him thoroughout the realme.
wln 1000Lan.Your minion Gaueston hath taught you this.

Mor.

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sig: E1v

The Tragedie

wln 1001Mor. iu.My lord, the familie of the Mortimers
wln 1002Are not so poore, but would they sell their land,
wln 1003Would leuie men enough to anger you,
wln 1004We neuer beg, but vse such praiers as these.
wln 1005Edw.Shall I still be haunted thus?
wln 1006Mor. iu.Nay, now you are heere alone, ile speake my
wln 1007 minde.
wln 1008Lan.And so will I, and then my lord farewell.
wln 1009Mor.The idle triumphes, maskes, lasciuious showes
wln 1010And prodigall gifts bestowed on Gaueston,
wln 1011Haue drawne thy treasure drie, and made thee weake,
wln 1012The murmuring commons ouerstretched hath.
wln 1013Lan.Looke for rebellion, looke to be deposde,
wln 1014Thy garrisons are beaten out of Fraunce,
wln 1015And lame and poore, lie groning at the gates,
wln 1016The wilde Oneyle, with swarmes of Irish Kernes,
wln 1017Liues vncontroulde within the English pale,
wln 1018Vnto the walles of Yorke the Scots made rode,
wln 1019And vnresisted, draue away riche spoiles.
wln 1020Mor. iu.The hautie Dane commands the narrow seas,
wln 1021While in the harbor ride thy ships vnrigd.
wln 1022Lan.What forraine prince sends thee embassadors?
wln 1023Mor.Who loues thee? but a sort of flatterers.
wln 1024Lan.Thy gentle Queene, sole sister to Valoys,
wln 1025Complaines, that thou hast left her all forlorne.
wln 1026Mor.Thy court is naked, being bereft of those,
wln 1027That makes a king seeme glorious to the world,
wln 1028I meane the peeres, whom thou shouldst dearly loue:
wln 1029Libels are cast againe thee in the streete,
wln 1030Ballads and rimes, made of thy ouerthrow.
wln 1031Lan.The Northren borderers seeing the houses burnt
wln 1032Their wiues and children slaine, run vp and downe,
wln 1033Cursing the name of thee and Gaueston.

Mor.

img: 18-b
sig: E2r

of Edward the second.

wln 1034Mor.When wert thou in the field with banner spred?
wln 1035But once, and then thy souldiers marcht like players,
wln 1036With garish robes, not armor, and thy selfe
wln 1037Bedaubd with golde, rode laughing at the rest,
wln 1038Nodding and shaking of thy spangled crest,
wln 1039Where womens fauors hung like labels downe.
wln 1040Lan.And thereof came it, that the fleering Scots,
wln 1041To Englands high disgrace, haue made this Iig,
wln 1042Maids of England, sore may you moorne,
wln 1043For your lemmons you haue lost, at Bannocks borne,
wln 1044With a heaue and a ho,
wln 1045VVhat weeneth the king of England,
wln 1046So soone to haue woone Scotland,
wln 1047With a rombelow.
wln 1048Mor.Wigmore shall flie, to set my vnckle free.
wln 1049Lan.And when tis gone, our swordes shall purchase
wln 1050 more,
wln 1051If ye be moou’de, reuenge it as you can,
wln 1052Looke next to see vs with our ensignes spred.
wln 1053Exeunt Nobiles.
wln 1054Edwa.My swelling hart for very anger breakes,
wln 1055How oft haue I beene baited by these peeres?
wln 1056And dare not be reuengde, for their power is great:
wln 1057Yet, shall the crowing of these cockerels,
wln 1058Affright a Lion? Edward, vnfolde thy pawes,
wln 1059And let their liues bloud slake thy furies hunger:
wln 1060If I be cruell, and growe tyrannous,
wln 1061Now let them thanke themselues, and rue too late.
wln 1062Kent.My lord, I see your loue to Gaueston,
wln 1063VVill be the ruine of the realme and you,
wln 1064For now the wrathfull nobles threaten warres,
wln 1065And therefore brother banish him for euer.
wln 1066Edw.Art thou an enemie to my Gaueston?

Kent.

img: 19-a
sig: E2v

The Tragedie

wln 1067Kent.I, and it greeues me that I fauoured him.
wln 1068Edw.Traitor be gone, whine thou with Mortimer.
wln 1069Kent.So will I, rather then with Gaueston.
wln 1070Edw.Out of my sight, and trouble me no more.
wln 1071Kent.No maruell though thou scorne thy noble
wln 1072 peeres,
wln 1073VVhen I thy brother am reiected thus.Exit.
wln 1074Edw.Away poore Gaueston, that hast no friend but me,
wln 1075Do what they can, weele liue in Tinmoth here,
wln 1076And so I walke with him about the walles,
wln 1077VVhat care I though the Earles be girt vs round,
wln 1078Heere comes she thats cause of all these iarres.

wln 1079Enter the Queene, Ladies 3, Baldock,
wln 1080and Spencer.
wln 1081Qu.My lord, tis thought, the Earles are vp in armes.
wln 1082Edw.I, and tis likewise thought you fauour him.
wln 1083Qu.Thus do you still suspect me without cause.
wln 1084La.Sweet vnckle speake more kindly to the queene.
wln 1085Gau.My lord, dissemble with her, speake her faire.
wln 1086Edw.Pardon me sweet, I forgot my selfe.
wln 1087Qu.Your pardon is quicklie got of Isabell.
wln 1088Edw.The yonger Mortimer is growne so braue,
wln 1089That to my face he threatens ciuill warres.
wln 1090Gau.VVhy do you not commit him to the tower?
wln 1091Edw.I dare not, for the people loue him well.
wln 1092Gau.Why then weele haue him priuilie made away.
wln 1093Edw.VVould Lancaster and he had both carroust,
wln 1094A bowle of poison to each others health:
wln 1095But let them go, and tell me what are these.
wln 1096Lad.Two of my fathers seruants whilst he liu’de,
wln 1097Mait please your grace to entertaine them now.
wln 1098Edw.Tell me, where wast thou borne?

VVhat

img: 19-b
sig: E3r

of Edward the second.

wln 1099VVhat is thine armes?
wln 1100Bald.My name is Baldock, and my gentrie
wln 1101I fetcht from Oxford, not from Heraldrie.
wln 1102Edw.The fitter art thou Baldock for my turne,
wln 1103VVaite on me, and ile see thou shalt not want.
wln 1104Bald.I humblie thanke your maiestie.
wln 1105Edw.Knowest thou him Gaueston?
wln 1106Gau.I my lord, his name is Spencer, he is well alied,
wln 1107For my sake let him waite vpon your grace,
wln 1108Scarce shall you finde a man of more desart.
wln 1109Edw.Then Spencer waite vpon me, for his sake
wln 1110Ile grace thee with a higher stile ere long.
wln 1111Spen.No greater titles happen vnto me,
wln 1112Then to be fauoured of your maiestie.
wln 1113Edw.Cosin, this day shalbe your mariage feast,
wln 1114And Gaueston, thinke that I loue thee well,
wln 1115To wed thee to our neece, the onely heire
wln 1116Vnto the Earle of Gloster late deceased.
wln 1117Gau.I know my lord, many will stomack me,
wln 1118But I respect neither their loue nor hate.
wln 1119Edw.The head-strong Barons shall not limit me.
wln 1120He that I list to fauour shall be great:
wln 1121Come lets away, and when the mariage ends,
wln 1122Haue at the rebels, and their complices.
wln 1123Exeunt omnes.

wln 1124Enter Lancaster, Mortimer, Warwick,
wln 1125Penbrooke, Kent.
wln 1126Kent.My lords, of loue to this our natiue land,
wln 1127I come to ioine with you, and leaue the king,
wln 1128And in your quarrell and the realmes behoofe,
wln 1129VVill be the first that shall aduenture life.
wln 1130Lan.I feare me you are sent of pollicie,

img: 20-a
sig: E3v

The Tragedie

wln 1131To vndermine vs with a showe of loue.
wln 1132Warw.He is your brother, therefore haue we cause
wln 1133To cast the worst, and doubt of your reuolt.
wln 1134Edm.Mine honor shalbe hostage of my truth,
wln 1135If that will not suffice, farewell my lords.
wln 1136Mor. iu.Stay Edmund, neuer was Plantagenet
wln 1137False of his word, and therefore trust we thee.
wln 1138Pen.But whats the reason you should leaue him now?
wln 1139Kent.I haue enformd the Earle of Lancaster.
wln 1140Lan.And it sufficeth: now my lords know this,
wln 1141That Gaueston is secretlie arriude,
wln 1142And here in Tinmoth frollicks with the king,
wln 1143Let vs with these our followers scale the walles,
wln 1144And sodenly surprize them vnawares.
wln 1145Mor. iu.Ile giue the onset.
wln 1146War.And ile follow thee.
wln 1147Mor. iu.This tottered ensigne of my auncesters,
wln 1148Which swept the desart shore of that dead sea,
wln 1149Whereof we got the name of Mortimer,
wln 1150Will I aduaunce vpon this castell walles,
wln 1151Drums strike alarum, raise them from their sport,
wln 1152And ring aloude the knell of Gaueston.
wln 1153Lanc.None be so hardie as to touche the King,
wln 1154But neither spare you Gaueston, nor his friends.
wln 1155Exeunt.
wln 1156Enter the king and Spencer, to them
wln 1157Gaueston, &c.
wln 1158Edw.O tell me Spencer, where is Gaueston?
wln 1159Spen.I feare me he is slaine my gratious lord.
wln 1160Edw.No, here he comes, now let them spoile and kill:
wln 1161Flie, flie, my lords, the earles haue got the holde,
wln 1162Take shipping and away to Scarborough,
wln 1163Spencer and I will post away by land.

Gau.

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of Edward the second.

wln 1164Gau.O stay my lord, they will not iniure you.
wln 1165Edw.I will not trust them, Gaueston away.
wln 1166Gau.Farewell my Lord.
wln 1167Edw.Ladie, farewell.
wln 1168Lad.Farewell sweete vnckle till we meete againe.
wln 1169Edw.Farewell sweete Gaueston, and farewell Neece.
wln 1170Qu.No farewell, to poore Isabell, thy Queene?
wln 1171Edw.Yes, yes, for Mortimer your louers sake.
wln 1172Exeunt omnes, manet Isabella.
wln 1173Qu.Heauens can witnesse, I loue none but you,
wln 1174From my imbracements thus he breakes away,
wln 1175O that mine armes could close this Ile about,
wln 1176That I might pull him to me where I would,
wln 1177Or that these teares that drissell from mine eyes,
wln 1178Had power to mollifie his stonie hart,
wln 1179That when I had him we might neuer part.
wln 1180Enter the Barons alarums.
wln 1181Lan.I wonder how he scapt.
wln 1182Mor. iu.Whose this, the Queene?
wln 1183Qu.I Mortimer, the miserable Queene,
wln 1184Whose pining heart, her inward sighes haue blasted,
wln 1185And body with continuall moorning wasted:
wln 1186These hands are tir’d, with haling of my lord
wln 1187From Gaueston, from wicked Gaueston,
wln 1188And all in vaine, for when I speake him faire,
wln 1189He turnes away, and smiles vpon his minion.
wln 1190Mor. iu.Cease to lament, and tell vs wheres the king?
wln 1191Qu.What would you with the king, ist him you seek?
wln 1192Lan.No madam, but that cursed Gaueston,
wln 1193Farre be it from the thought of Lancaster,
wln 1194To offer violence to his soueraigne,
wln 1195We would but rid the realme of Gaueston,
wln 1196Tell vs where he remaines, and he shall die.

Qu.

img: 21-a
sig: E4v

The Tragedie

wln 1197Qu.Hees gone by water vnto Scarborough,
wln 1198Pursue him quicklie, and he cannot scape,
wln 1199The king hath left him, and his traine is small.
wln 1200War.Forslowe no time, sweet Lancaster lets march.
wln 1201Mor.How comes it, that the king and he is parted?
wln 1202Qu.That this your armie going seuerall waies,
wln 1203Might be of lesser force, and with the power
wln 1204That he intendeth presentlie to raise,
wln 1205Be easilie supprest: and therefore be gone.
wln 1206Mor.Heere in the riuer rides a Flemish hoie,
wln 1207Lets all aboord, and follow him amaine.
wln 1208Lan.The wind that bears him hence, wil fil our sailes,
wln 1209Come, come aboord, tis but an houres sailing.
wln 1210Mor.Madam, stay you within this castell here.
wln 1211Qu.No Mortimer, ile to my lord the king.
wln 1212Mor.Nay, rather saile with vs to Scarborough.
wln 1213Qu.You know the king is so suspitious,
wln 1214As if he heare I haue but talkt with you,
wln 1215Mine honour will be cald in question,
wln 1216And therefore gentle Mortimer be gone.
wln 1217Mor.Madam, I cannot stay to answer you,
wln 1218But thinke of Mortimer as he deserues.
wln 1219Qu.So well hast thou deseru’de sweete Mortimer,
wln 1220As Isæbell could liue with thee for euer,
wln 1221In vaine I looke for loue at Edwards hand,
wln 1222Whose eyes are fixt on none but Gaueston:
wln 1223Yet once more ile importune him with praiers,
wln 1224If he be straunge and not regarde my wordes,
wln 1225My sonne and I will ouer into France,
wln 1226And to the king my brother there complaine,
wln 1227How Gaueston hath robd me of his loue:
wln 1228But yet I hope my sorrowes will haue end,
wln 1229And Gaueston this blessed day be slaine.Exeunt.

Enter

img: 21-b
sig: F1r

of Edward the second.

wln 1230Enter Gaueston pursued.
wln 1231Gau.Yet lustie lords I haue escapt your handes,
wln 1232Your threats, your larums, and your hote pursutes,
wln 1233And though deuorsed from king Edwards eyes,
wln 1234Yet liueth Pierce of Gaueston vnsurprizd,
wln 1235Breathing, in hope (malgrado all your beards,
wln 1236That muster rebels thus against your king)
wln 1237To see his royall soueraigne once againe.
wln 1238Enter the Nobles.
wln 1239War.Vpon him souldiers, take away his weapons.
wln 1240Mor.Thou proud disturber of thy countries peace,
wln 1241Corrupter of thy king, cause of these broiles,
wln 1242Base flatterer, yeeld, and were it not for shame,
wln 1243Shame and dishonour to a souldiers name,
wln 1244Vpon my weapons point here shouldst thou fall,
wln 1245And welter in thy goare.
wln 1246Lan.Monster of men, that like the Greekish strumpet
wln 1247Traind to armes and bloudie warres,
wln 1248So many valiant knights,
wln 1249Looke for no other fortune wretch then death,
wln 1250Kind Edward is not heere to buckler thee.
wln 1251War.Lancaster, why talkst thou to the slaue?
wln 1252Go souldiers take him hence,
wln 1253For by my sword, his head shall off:
wln 1254Gaueston, short warning shall serue thy turne:
wln 1255It is our countries cause,
wln 1256That here seuerelie we will execute,
wln 1257Vpon thy person: hang him at a bough:
wln 1258Gau.My Lord.
wln 1259War.Souldiers, haue him away:
wln 1260But for thou wert the fauorit of a King,
wln 1261Thou shalt haue so much honor at our hands.
wln 1262Gau.I thanke you all my lords, then I perceiue,

That

img: 22-a
sig: F1v

The Tragedie

wln 1263That heading is one, and hanging is the other,
wln 1264And death is all.
wln 1265Enter earle of Arundell.
wln 1266Lan.How now my lord of Arundell?
wln 1267Arun.My lords, king Edward greetes you all by me.
wln 1268War.Arundell, say your message.
wln 1269Aru.His maiesty, hearing that you had takē Gaueston,
wln 1270Intreateth you by me, yet but he may
wln 1271See him before he dies, for why he saies,
wln 1272And sends you word, he knowes that die he shall,
wln 1273And if you gratifie his grace so farre,
wln 1274He will be mindfull of the curtesie.
wln 1275Warw.How now?
wln 1276Gau.Renowmed Edward, how thy name
wln 1277Reuiues poore Gaueston.
wln 1278War.No, it needeth not,
wln 1279Arundell, we will gratifie the king
wln 1280In other matters, he must pardon vs in this,
wln 1281Souldiers away with him.
wln 1282Gauest.Why my Lord of VVarwicke,
wln 1283Will not these delaies beget my hopes?
wln 1284I know it lords, it is this life you aime at,
wln 1285Yet graunt king Edward this.
wln 1286Mor. iu.Shalt thou appoint what we shall graunt?
wln 1287Souldiers away with him:
wln 1288Thus weele gratifie the king,
wln 1289Weele send his head by thee, let him bestow
wln 1290His teares on that, for that is all he gets
wln 1291Of Gaueston, or else his sencelesse trunck.
wln 1292Lan.Not so my Lord, least he bestow more cost,
wln 1293In burying him, then he hath euer earned.
wln 1294Arun.My lords, it is his maiesties request,
wln 1295And in the honor of a king he sweares,

img: 22-b
sig: F2r

of Edward the second.

wln 1296He will but talke with him and send him backe.
wln 1297War.When can you tell? Arundell no, we wot,
wln 1298He that the care of realme remits,
wln 1299And driues his nobles to these exigents
wln 1300For Gaueston, will if he zease him once,
wln 1301Violate any promise to possesse him.
wln 1302Arun.Then if you will not trust his grace in keepe,
wln 1303My lords, I will be pledge for his returne.
wln 1304Mor. iu.It is honourable in thee to offer this,
wln 1305But for we know thou art a noble gentleman,
wln 1306We will not wrong thee so,
wln 1307To make away a true man for a theefe.
wln 1308Gaue.How meanst thou Mortimer? that is ouer base.
wln 1309Mor.Away base groome, robber of kings renowme,
wln 1310Question with thy companions and thy mates.
wln 1311Pen.My lord Mortimer, and you my lords each one,
wln 1312To gratifie the kings request therein,
wln 1313Touching the sending of this Gaueston,
wln 1314Because his maiestie so earnestlie
wln 1315Desires to see the man before his death,
wln 1316I will vpon mine honor vndertake
wln 1317To carrie him, and bring him back againe,
wln 1318Prouided this, that you my lord of Arundell
wln 1319Will ioyne with me.
wln 1320War.Penbrooke, what wilt thou do?
wln 1321Cause yet more bloudshed: is it not enough
wln 1322That we haue taken him, but must we now
wln 1323Leaue him on had-I wist , and let him go?
wln 1324Pen.My lords, I will not ouer wooe your honors,
wln 1325But if you dare trust Penbrooke with the prisoner,
wln 1326Vpon mine oath I will returne him back.
wln 1327Arun.My lord of Lancaster, what say you in this?
wln 1328Lan.Why I say, let him go on Penbrookes word.

Pen.

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The Tragedie

wln 1329Pen.And you lord Mortimer.
wln 1330Mor. iu.How say you my lord of Warwick.
wln 1331War.Nay, do your pleasures,
wln 1332I know how twill prooue.
wln 1333Pen.Then giue him me.
wln 1334Gau.Sweete soueraigne, yet I come
wln 1335To see thee ere I die.
wln 1336Warw.Yet not perhaps,
wln 1337If Warwickes wit and policie preuaile.
wln 1338Mor. iu.My lord of Penbrooke, we deliuer him you,
wln 1339Returne him on your honor, sound away.Exeunt.
wln 1340Manent Penbrooke, Mat. Gauest. & Pen-
wln 1341brookes men, foure souldiers.
wln 1342Pen.My Lord, you shall go with me,
wln 1343My house is not farre hence out of the way,
wln 1344A little, but our men shall go along,
wln 1345We that haue prettie wenches to our wiues,
wln 1346Sir, must not come so neare and balke their lips.
wln 1347Mat.Tis verie kindlie spoke my lord of Penbrooke,
wln 1348Your honor hath an adamant of power,
wln 1349To drawe a prince.
wln 1350Pen.So my lord, come hether Iames,
wln 1351I do commit this Gaueston to thee,
wln 1352Be thou this night his keeper, in the morning
wln 1353We will discharge thee of thy charge, be gon.
wln 1354Gau.Vnhappie Gaueston, whether goest thou now.
wln 1355Exit cum seruis Pen.
wln 1356Horse boy.My lord, weele quicklie be at Cobham.
wln 1357Exeunt ambo.
wln 1358Enter Gaueston moorning, and the earle
wln 1359of Penbrookes men.
wln 1360Gaue.O treacherous Warwicke thus to wrong thy
wln 1361 friend!

Iames.

img: 23-b
sig: F3r

of Edward the second.

wln 1362Iames.I see it is your life these armes pursue.
wln 1363Gau.Weaponles must I fall and die in bands,
wln 1364O must this day be period of my life!
wln 1365Center of all my blisse, and yee be men,
wln 1366Speede to the king.
wln 1367Enter Warwicke and his companie.
wln 1368War.My lord of Penbrookes men,
wln 1369Striue you no longer, I will haue that Gaueston.
wln 1370Iam.Your lordship doth dishonor to your selfe,
wln 1371And wrong our lord, your honorable friend.
wln 1372War.No Iames, it is my countries cause I follow,
wln 1373Goe, take the villaine, soldiers come away,
wln 1374Weel make quick worke, cōmend me to your maister
wln 1375My friend, and tell him that I watcht it well,
wln 1376Come, let thy shadow parley with king Edward.
wln 1377Gau.Treacherous earle, shall I not see the king?
wln 1378War.The king of heauen perhaps, no other king,
wln 1379Away.Exeunt Warwike and his men, with Gauest.
wln 1380Manet Iames cum cæteris.
wln 1381Come fellowes, it booted not for vs to striue,
wln 1382We will in hast go certifie our Lord.Exeunt.
wln 1383Enter king Edward and Spencer, with
wln 1384Drummes and Fifes.
wln 1385Edw.I long to heare an answer from the Barons
wln 1386Touching my friend, my deerest Gaueston,
wln 1387Ah Spencer, not the riches of my realme
wln 1388Can ransome him, ah he is markt to die,
wln 1389I know the malice of the yonger Mortimer,
wln 1390VVarwick I know is roughe, and Lancaster
wln 1391Inexorable, and I shall neuer see
wln 1392My louely Pierce, my Gaueston againe,
wln 1393The Barons ouerbeare me with their pride.
wln 1394Spencer.Were I king Edward Englands soueraigne,

Sonne

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The Tragedie

wln 1395Sonne to the louelie Elenor of Spaine,
wln 1396Great Edward Longshankes issue: would I bear
wln 1397These braues, this rage, and suffer vncontrowld
wln 1398These Barons thus to beard me in my land,
wln 1399In mine owne realme? my lord pardon my speeche,
wln 1400Did you retaine your fathers magnanimitie?
wln 1401Did you regard the honor of your name?
wln 1402You would not suffer thus your maiestie
wln 1403Be counterbuft of your nobilitie,
wln 1404Strike off their heads, and let them preach on poles,
wln 1405No doubt, such lessons they will teach the rest,
wln 1406As by their preachments they will profit much,
wln 1407And learne obedience to their lawfull king.
wln 1408Edw.Yea gentle Spencer, we haue beene too milde,
wln 1409Too kinde to them, but now haue drawne our sword,
wln 1410And if they send me not my Gaueston,
wln 1411Weele steele it on their crest, and powle their tops.
wln 1412Bald.This haught resolue becomes your maiestie,
wln 1413Not to be tied to their affection,
wln 1414As though your highnes were a schoole boy still,
wln 1415And must be awde and gouernd like a child.
wln 1416Enter Hugh Spencer an old man, father to
wln 1417the yong Spencer, with his trunchion,
wln 1418and soldiers.
wln 1419Spen. pa.Long liue my soueraigne the noble Edward,
wln 1420In peace triumphant, fortunate in warres.
wln 1421Edw.Welcome old man, comst thou in Edwards aide?
wln 1422Then tell thy prince, of whence, and what thou art.
wln 1423Spen. pa.Loe, with a band of bowmen and of pikes,
wln 1424Browne bils, and targetiers, 400 strong,
wln 1425Sworne to defend king Edwards royall right,
wln 1426I come in person to your maiestie,
wln 1427Spencer, the father of Hugh Spencer there,

Bound

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of Edward the second.

wln 1428Bound to your highnes euerlastinglie,
wln 1429For fauors done in him, vnto vs all.
wln 1430Edw.Thy father Spencer?
wln 1431Spen. filius.True, and it like your grace,
wln 1432That powres in lieu of all your goodnes showne,
wln 1433His life my lord, before your princely feete.
wln 1434Edw.Welcome ten thousand times, old man againe,
wln 1435Spencer, this loue, this kindnes to thy King,
wln 1436Argues thy noble minde and disposition:
wln 1437Spencer, I heere create thee earle of Wilshire,
wln 1438And daily will enrich thee with our fauour,
wln 1439That as the sun-shine shall reflect ore thee:
wln 1440Beside, the more to manifest our loue,
wln 1441Because we heare Lord Bruse dooth sell his land,
wln 1442And that the Mortimers are in hand withall,
wln 1443Thou shalt haue crownes of vs, t’out bid the Barons,
wln 1444And Spenser, spare them not, but lay it on.
wln 1445Souldiers a largis, and thrice welcome all.
wln 1446Spen.My lord, here comes the Queene.
wln 1447Enter the Queene and her sonne, and
wln 1448Lewne a Frenchman.
wln 1449Edw.Madam, what newes?
wln 1450Qu.Newes of dishonor lord, and discontent,
wln 1451Our friend Lewne, faithfull and full of trust,
wln 1452Informeth vs, by letters and by words,
wln 1453That lord Valoyes our brother, king of Fraunce,
wln 1454Because your highnesse hath beene slack in homage,
wln 1455Hath seazed Normandie into his hands,
wln 1456These be the letters, this the messenger.
wln 1457Edw.Welcome Lewne, tush Sib, if this be all,
wln 1458Valoys and I will soone be friends againe,
wln 1459But to my Gaueston: shall I neuer see,
wln 1460Neuer behold thee now? Madam in this matter

img: 25-a
sig: F4v

The Tragedie

wln 1461We will employ you and your little sonne,
wln 1462You shall go parley with the king of Fraunce,
wln 1463Boye, see you beare you brauelie to the king,
wln 1464And do your message with a maiestie.
wln 1465Prin.Commit not to my youth things of more waight
wln 1466Then fits a prince so yong as I to beare,
wln 1467And feare not lord and father, heauens great beames
wln 1468On Atlas shoulder, shall not lie more safe,
wln 1469Then shall your charge committed to my trust.
wln 1470Qu.A boye, this towardnes makes thy mother feare
wln 1471Thou art not markt to many daies on earth.
wln 1472Edw.Madam, we will that you with speed be shipt,
wln 1473And this our sonne, Lewne shall follow you,
wln 1474With all the hast we can dispatch him hence,
wln 1475Choose of our lords to beare you companie,
wln 1476And go in peace, leaue vs in warres at home.
wln 1477Qu.Vnnatural wars, where subiects braue their king,
wln 1478God end them once, my lord I take my leaue,
wln 1479To make my preparation for Fraunce.
wln 1480Enter lord Matre.
wln 1481Edw.What lord Matre. dost thou come alone?
wln 1482Mat.Yea my good lord, for Gaueston is dead.
wln 1483Edw.Ah traitors, haue they put my friend to death,
wln 1484Tell me Matre. died he ere thou camst,
wln 1485Or didst thou see my friend to take his death?
wln 1486Matr.Neither my lord, for as he was surprizd,
wln 1487Begirt with weapons, and with enemies round,
wln 1488I did your highnes message to them all,
wln 1489Demanding him of them, entreating rather,
wln 1490And said, vpon the honour of my name,
wln 1491That I would vndertake to carrie him
wln 1492Vnto your highnes, and to bring him back.
wln 1493Edw.And tell me, would the rebels denie me that?

Spen.

img: 25-b
sig: G1r

of Edward the second.

wln 1494Spen.Proud recreants.
wln 1495Edw.Yea Spencer, traitors all.
wln 1496Matr.I found them at the first inexorable,
wln 1497The earle of Warwick would not bide the hearing,
wln 1498Mortimer hardly, Penbrooke and Lancaster
wln 1499Spake least: and when they flatly had denyed,
wln 1500Refusing to receiue me pledge for him,
wln 1501The earle of Penbrooke mildlie thus bespake.
wln 1502My lords, because our soueraigne sends for him,
wln 1503And promiseth he shall be safe returnd,
wln 1504I will this vndertake, to haue him hence,
wln 1505And see him redeliuered to your hands.
wln 1506Edw.Well, and how fortunes that he came not?
wln 1507Spen.Some treason, or some villanie was cause.
wln 1508Mat.The earle of Warwick seazde him on his way,
wln 1509For being deliuered vnto Penbrookes men,
wln 1510Their lord rode home, thinking his prisoner safe,
wln 1511But ere he came, Warwick in ambush laie,
wln 1512And bare him to his death, and in a trenche
wln 1513Strake off his head, and marcht vnto the campe.
wln 1514Spen.A bloudie part, flatly against law of armes.
wln 1515Edw.O shall I speake, or shall I sigh and die!
wln 1516Spen.My lord, referre your vengeance to the sword,
wln 1517Vpon these Barons, harten vp your men,
wln 1518Let them not vnreuengd murther your friends,
wln 1519Aduaunce your standard Edward in the field,
wln 1520And marche to fire them from their starting holes.
wln 1521Edward kneeles, and saith.
wln 1522By earth, the common mother of vs all,
wln 1523By heauen, and all the moouing orbes thereof,
wln 1524By this right hand, and by my fathers sword,
wln 1525And all the honors longing to my crowne,
wln 1526I will haue heads, and liues for him as many,

img: 26-a
sig: G1v

of Edward the second

wln 1527As I haue manors, castels, townes, and towers,
wln 1528Tretcherous Warwicke, traiterous Mortimer:
wln 1529If I be Englands king, in lakes of gore
wln 1530Your headles trunkes, your bodies will I traile,
wln 1531That you may drinke your fill, and quaffe in bloud,
wln 1532And staine my roiall standard with the same,
wln 1533That so my bloudie colours may suggest
wln 1534Remembrance of reuenge immortallie,
wln 1535On your accursed traiterous progenie:
wln 1536You villaines that haue slaine my Gaueston,
wln 1537And in this place of honor and of trust,
wln 1538Spencer, sweet Spencer, I adopt thee heere,
wln 1539And meerely of our loue we do create thee
wln 1540Earle of Gloster, and lord Chamberlaine,
wln 1541Despite of times, despite of enemies.
wln 1542Spen.My lord, heres is a messenger from the Barons,
wln 1543Desires accesse vnto your maiestie.
wln 1544Edw.Admit him neere.
wln 1545Enter the Herald from the Barons,
wln 1546with his coate of armes.
wln 1547Messen.Long liue king Edward, Englands lawful lord.
wln 1548Edw.So wish not they Iwis that sent thee hither,
wln 1549Thou comst from Mortimer and his complices,
wln 1550A ranker route of rebels neuer was:
wln 1551Well, say thy message.
wln 1552Messen.The Barons vp in armes, by me salute
wln 1553Your highnes, with long life and happines,
wln 1554And bid me say as plainer to your grace,
wln 1555That if without effusion of bloud,
wln 1556You will this greefe haue ease and remedie,
wln 1557That from your princely person you remooue
wln 1558This Spencer, as a putrifying branche,
wln 1559That deads the royall vine, whose golden leaues

Empale

img: 26-b
sig: G2r

of Edward the second.

wln 1560Empale your princelie head, your diadem,
wln 1561Whose brightnes such pernitious vpstarts dim,
wln 1562Say they, and louinglie aduise your grace,
wln 1563To cherish vertue and nobilitie,
wln 1564And haue old seruitors in high esteeme,
wln 1565And shake off smooth dissembling flatterers:
wln 1566This graunted, they, their honors, and their liues,
wln 1567Are to your highnesse vowd and consecrate.
wln 1568Spen.A traitors, will they still display their pride?
wln 1569Edw.Away, tarrie no answer, but be gon,
wln 1570Rebels, will they appoint their soueraigne
wln 1571His sports, his pleasures, and his companie:
wln 1572Yet ere thou go, see how I do deuorceEmbrace
Spencer.
wln 1573Spencer from me: now get thee to thy lords,
wln 1574And tell them I will come to chastise them,
wln 1575For murthering Gaueston: hie thee, get thee gone,
wln 1576Edward with fire and sword, followes at thy heeles,
wln 1577My lord, perceiue you how these rebels swell:
wln 1578Souldiers, good harts, defend your soueraignes right,
wln 1579For now, euen now, we marche to make them stoope,
wln 1580Away.Exeunt.
wln 1581Alarums, excursions, a great fight, and a retreate.

wln 1582Enter the king, Spencer the father, Spencer the sonne,
wln 1583and the noblemen of the kings side.
wln 1584Edw.Why do we sound retreat? vpon them lords,
wln 1585This day I shall powre vengeance with my sword
wln 1586On those proud rebels that are vp in armes,
wln 1587And do confront and countermaund their king.
wln 1588Spen. son.I doubt it not my lord, right will preuaile.
wln 1589Spen. fa.Tis not amisse my liege for eyther part,
wln 1590To breathe a while, our men with sweat and dust
wln 1591All chockt well neare, begin to faint for heate,

And

img: 27-a
sig: G2v

The Tragedie

wln 1592And this retire refresheth horse and man.
wln 1593Spen. son.Heere come the rebels.
wln 1594Enter the Barons, Mortimer, Lancaster, Warwick,
wln 1595Penbrooke, cum cæteris.
wln 1596Mor.Looke Lancaster, yonder is Edward among his
wln 1597 flatterers.
wln 1598Lan.And there let him bee, till hee pay deerely for
wln 1599 their companie.
wln 1600War.And shall or Warwicks sword shal smite in vaine.
wln 1601Edw.What rebels, do you shrinke, and sound retreat?
wln 1602Mor. iu.No Edward, no, thy flatterers faint and flie.
wln 1603Lan.Th’ad best betimes forsake thee and their trains,
wln 1604For theile betray thee, traitors as they are.
wln 1605Spen. so.Traitor on thy face, rebellious Lancaster.
wln 1606Pen.Away base vpstart, brau’st thou nobles thus.
wln 1607Spen. fa.A noble attempt, and honourable deed,
wln 1608Is it not trowe ye, to assemble aide,
wln 1609And leuie armes against your lawfull king?
wln 1610Edw.For which ere long, their heads shall satisfie,
wln 1611T’appeaze the wrath of their offended king.
wln 1612Mor. iu.Then Edward, thou wilt fight it to the last,
wln 1613And rather bathe thy sword in subiects bloud,
wln 1614Then banish that pernicious companie.
wln 1615Edw.I traitors all, rather then thus be braude,
wln 1616Make Englands ciuill townes huge heapes of stones,
wln 1617And plowes to go about our pallace gates.
wln 1618War.A desperate and vnnaturall resolution,
wln 1619Alarum to the fight, saint George for England,
wln 1620And the Barons right.
wln 1621Edw.S. George for England, and king Edwards right.
wln 1622Enter Edward, with the Barons captiues.
wln 1623Edw.Now lustie lords, now not by chance of warre,
wln 1624But iustice of the quarrell and the cause

Vaild

img: 27-b
sig: G3r

of Edward the second.

wln 1625Vaild is your pride, me thinkes you hang the hea[ * ]
wln 1626But weele aduance them traitors, now tis time
wln 1627To be auengd on you for all your braues,
wln 1628And for the murther of my deerest friend,
wln 1629To whome right well you knew our soule was knit,
wln 1630Good Pierce of Gaueston my sweet fauoret,
wln 1631A rebels, recreants, you made him away.
wln 1632Edm.Brother, in regard of thee and of thy land,
wln 1633Did they remooue that flatterer from thy throne.
wln 1634Edw.So sir, you haue spoke, away, auoid our presence,
wln 1635Accursed wretches, wast in regard of vs,
wln 1636When we had sent our messenger to request
wln 1637He might be spared to come to speake with vs,
wln 1638And Penbrooke vndertooke for his returne,
wln 1639That thou proud Warwicke watcht the prisoner,
wln 1640Poore Pierce, and headed him against lawe of armes,
wln 1641For which thy head shall ouer looke the rest.
wln 1642As much as thou in rage out wentst the rest?
wln 1643War.Tyrant, I scorne thy threats and menaces,
wln 1644Tis but temporall that thou canst inflict.
wln 1645Lan.The worst is death, and better die to liue,
wln 1646Then liue in infamie vnder such a king.
wln 1647Edw.Away with them my lord of Winchester,
wln 1648These lustie leaders Warwicke and Lancaster,
wln 1649I charge you roundly off with both their heads, away.
wln 1650War.Farewell vaine worlde.
wln 1651Lan.Sweete Mortimer farewell.
wln 1652Mor. iu.England, vnkinde to thy nobilitie,
wln 1653Grone for this greefe, behold how thou art maimed.
wln 1654Edw.Go take that haughtie Mortimer to the tower,
wln 1655There see him safe bestowed, and for the rest,
wln 1656Do speedie execution on them all, be gon.
wln 1657Mor. iu.What Mortimer? can ragged stonie walle

Immur

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sig: G3v

The Tragedie

wln 1658[ ** ]mure thy vertue that aspires to heauen,
wln 1659[ ** ] Edward, Englands scourge, it may not be,
wln 1660Mortimers hope surmounts his fortune farre.
wln 1661Edw.Sound drums and trumpets, marche with me
wln 1662 my friends,
wln 1663Edward this day hath crownd him king a new.Exit.
wln 1664Manent Spencer filius, Lewne & Baldock.
wln 1665Spen.Lewne, the trust that we repose in thee,
wln 1666Begets the quiet of king Edwards land,
wln 1667Therefore be gon in hast, and with aduice,
wln 1668Bestowe that treasure on the lords of Fraunce,
wln 1669That therewith all enchaunted like the guarde,
wln 1670That suffered Ioue to passe in showers of golde
wln 1671To Danae, all aide may be denied
wln 1672To Isabell the Queene, that now in France
wln 1673Makes friends, to crosse the seas with her yong sonne,
wln 1674And step into his fathers regiment.
wln 1675Lew.Thats it these Barons and the subtill Queene,
wln 1676Long leuied at.
wln 1677Bald.Yea, but Lewne thou seest,
wln 1678These Barons lay their heads on blocks together,
wln 1679What they intend, the hangman frustrates cleane.
wln 1680Lewn.Haue you no doubts my lords, ile claps close,
wln 1681Among the lords of France with Englands golde,
wln 1682That Isabell shall make her plaints in vaine,
wln 1683And Fraunce shall be obdurat with her teares.
wln 1684Spen.Then make for Fraunce, amaine Lewne away,
wln 1685Proclaime king Edwards warres and victories.
wln 1686Exeunt omnes.
wln 1687Enter Edmund.
wln 1688Edm.Faire blowes the winde for Fraunce, blowe
wln 1689 gentle gale,
wln 1690Till Edmund be arriude for Englands good,

Nature

img: 28-b
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of Edward the second.

wln 1691Nature, yeeld to my countries cause in this,
wln 1692A brother, no, a butcher of thy friends,
wln 1693Proud Edward, doost thou banish me thy presence?
wln 1694But ile to Fraunce, and cheere the wronged Queene,
wln 1695And certifie what Edwards loosenes is,
wln 1696Vnnaturall king, to slaughter noble men
wln 1697And cherish flatterers: Mortimer I stay
wln 1698Thy sweet escape, stand gratious gloomie night to his
wln 1699 deuice.
wln 1700Enter Mortimer disguised.
wln 1701Mor. iu.Holla, who walketh there, ist you my lord?
wln 1702Edm.Mortimer tis I, but hath thy potion wrought so
wln 1703 happilie?
wln 1704Mor. iu.It hath my lord, the warders all a sleepe,
wln 1705I thanke them, gaue me leaue to passe in peace:
wln 1706But hath your grace got shipping vnto Fraunce?
wln 1707Edm.Feare it not.Exeunt.
wln 1708Enter the Queene and her sonne.
wln 1709Qu.A boye, our friends do faile vs all in Fraunce,
wln 1710The lords are cruell, and the king vnkinde,
wln 1711What shall we doe?
wln 1712Prince.Madam, returne to England,
wln 1713And please my father well, and then a Fig
wln 1714For all my vnckles frienship here in Fraunce,
wln 1715I warrant you, ile winne his highnes quicklie,
wln 1716A loues me better than a thousand Spencers.
wln 1717Qu.A boye, thou art deceiude at least in this,
wln 1718To thinke that we can yet be tun’d together,
wln 1719No, no, we warre too farre, vnkinde Valoys,
wln 1720Vnhappie Isabell, when Fraunce reiects,
wln 1721Whether, O whether doost thou bend thy steps.
wln 1722Enter sir Iohn of Henolt.
wln 1723S. Ioh.Madam, what cheere?

Qu.

img: 29-a
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The Tragedie

wln 1724Qu.A good sir Iohn of Henolt,
wln 1725Neuer so cheereles, nor so farre distrest.
wln 1726S. Ioh.I heare sweete lady of the kings vnkindenes,
wln 1727But droope not madam, noble mindes contemne
wln 1728Despaire: will your grace with me to Henolt?
wln 1729And there stay times aduantage with your sonne,
wln 1730How say you my Lord, will you go with your friends,
wln 1731And shake off all our fortunes equallie.
wln 1732Prin.So pleaseth the Queene my mother, me it likes,
wln 1733The king of England, nor the court of Fraunce,
wln 1734Shall haue me from my gratious mothers side,
wln 1735Till I be strong enough to breake a staffe,
wln 1736And then haue at the proudest Spencers head.
wln 1737Sir Iohn.Well said my lord.
wln 1738Qu.Oh my sweet hart, how do I mone thy wrongs?
wln 1739Yet triumphe in the hope of thee my ioye,
wln 1740Ah sweete sir Iohn, euen to the vtmost verge
wln 1741Of Europe, or the shore of Tanaise,
wln 1742Will we with thee to Henolt, so we will,
wln 1743The Marques is a noble Gentleman,
wln 1744His grace I dare presume will welcome me,
wln 1745But who are these?
wln 1746Enter Edmund and Mortimer.
wln 1747Edm.Madam, long may you liue,
wln 1748Much happier then your friends in England do.
wln 1749Qu.Lord Edmund and lord Mortimer aliue,
wln 1750Welcome to Fraunce: the newes was heere my lord,
wln 1751That you were dead, or very neare your death.
wln 1752Mor. iu.Lady, the last was truest of the twaine,
wln 1753But Mortimer reserude for better hap,
wln 1754Hath shaken off the thraldome of the tower,
wln 1755And liues t’aduance your standard good my lord.
wln 1756Prin.How meane you, and the king my father liues?

img: 29-b
sig: H1r

of Edward the second.

wln 1757No my lord Mortimer, not I, I trow.
wln 1758Qu.Not sonne, why not? I would it were no worse,
wln 1759But gentle lords, friendles we are in Fraunce.
wln 1760Mor. iu.Mounsier le Grand, a noble friend of yours,
wln 1761Tould vs at our arriuall all the newes,
wln 1762How hard the nobles, how vnkinde the king
wln 1763Hath shewed himself: but madam, right makes roome,
wln 1764Where weapons want, and though a many friends
wln 1765Are made away, as Warwick, Lancaster,
wln 1766And others of our partie and faction,
wln 1767Yet haue we friends, assure your grace in England,
wln 1768Would cast vp cappes, and clap their hands for ioy,
wln 1769To see vs there appointed for our foes.
wln 1770Edm.Would all were well, and Edward well reclaimd,
wln 1771For Englands honor, peace, and quietnes.
wln 1772Mort.But by the sword, my lord, it must be deseru’d.
wln 1773The king will nere forsake his flatterers.
wln 1774S. Ioh.My Lords of England, sith the vngentle king
wln 1775Of Fraunce refuseth to giue aide of armes,
wln 1776To this distressed Queene his sister heere,
wln 1777Go you with her to Henolt, doubt yee not,
wln 1778We will finde comfort, money, men, and friends
wln 1779Ere long, to bid the English king a base,
wln 1780How say yong Prince, what thinke you of the match?
wln 1781Prin.I thinke king Edward will out run vs all.
wln 1782Qu.Nay soune, not so, and you must not discourage
wln 1783Your friends that are so forward in your aide.
wln 1784Edm.Sir Iohn of Henolt, pardon vs I pray,
wln 1785These comforts that you giue our wofull queene,
wln 1786Binde vs in kindenes all at your commaund.
wln 1787Qu.Yea gentle brother, and the God of heauen,
wln 1788Prosper your happie motion good sir Iohn.
wln 1789Mor. iu.This noble gentleman forward in armes,

Was

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sig: H1v

The Tragedie

wln 1790Was borne I see to be our anchor hold,
wln 1791Sir Iohn of Henolt, be it thy renowne,
wln 1792That Englands Queene, and nobles in distresse,
wln 1793Haue beene by thee restored and comforted.
wln 1794S. Iohn.Madam along, and you my lord with me,
wln 1795That Englands peeres may Henolts welcome see.
wln 1796Enter the king, Matr. the two Spencers, with others.
wln 1797Edw.Thus after many threats of wrathfull warre,
wln 1798Triumpheth Englands Edward with his friends,
wln 1799And triumph Edward with his friends vncontrould,
wln 1800My lord of Gloster, do you heare the newes?
wln 1801Spen. iu.What newes my lord?
wln 1802Edw.Why man, they say there is great execution
wln 1803Done through the realme, my lord of Arundell
wln 1804You haue the note, haue you not?
wln 1805Matr.From the lieutenant of the tower my lord.
wln 1806Edw.I pray let vs see it, what haue we there?
wln 1807Read it Spencer.Spencer reads their names.
wln 1808Why so, they barkt a pace a month a goe,
wln 1809Now on my life, theile neither barke nor bite.
wln 1810Now sirs, the newes from Fraunce, Gloster I trowe,
wln 1811The lords of Fraunce loue Englands gold so well,
wln 1812As Isabell gets no aide from thence.
wln 1813What now remaines, haue you proclaimed, my lord,
wln 1814Reward for them can bring in Mortimer?
wln 1815Spen. iu.My lord, we haue, and if he be in England,
wln 1816A will be had ere long I doubt it not.
wln 1817Edw.If; doost thou say? Spencer, as true as death,
wln 1818He is in Englands ground, our port-maisters
wln 1819Are not so careles of their kings commaund.
wln 1820Enter a Poaste.
wln 1821How now, what newes with thee, from whence come (these?
wln 1822Post.Letters my lord, and tidings foorth of Fraunce,

img: 30-b
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of Edward the second

wln 1823To you my lord of Gloster from Lewne.
wln 1824Edward.Reade.
wln 1825Spencer reades the letter.
wln 1826My dutie to your honor promised, &c. I haue accor-
wln 1827ding to instructions in that behalfe, dealt with the king
wln 1828of Fraunce his lords, and effected, that the Queene all
wln 1829discontented and discomforted , is gone , whither if
wln 1830you aske, with sir Iohn of Henolt , brother to the Mar-
wln 1831quesse, into Flaunders: with them are gone lord Ed-
wln 1832mund, and the lord Mortimer, hauing in their company
wln 1833diuers of your nation, and others, and as constant re-
wln 1834port goeth, they intend to giue king Edward battell in
wln 1835England, sooner then he can looke for them: this is all
wln 1836the newes of import.
wln 1837Your honors in all seruice, Lewne.
wln 1838Edw.A villaines, hath that Mortimer escapt?
wln 1839With him is Edmund gone associate?
wln 1840And will sir Iohn of Henolt lead the round?
wln 1841Welcome a Gods name Madam and your sonne,
wln 1842England shall welcome you, and all your route,
wln 1843Gallop a pace bright Phœbus through the skie,
wln 1844And duskie night, in rustie iron carre,
wln 1845Betweene you both, shorten the time I pray,
wln 1846That I may see that most desired day,
wln 1847When we may meet these traitors in the field.
wln 1848Ah nothing greeues me but my little boye,
wln 1849Is thus misled to countenance their ils,
wln 1850Come friends to Bristow, there to make vs strong,
wln 1851And windes as equall be to bring them in,
wln 1852As you iniurious were to beare them foorth.
wln 1853Enter the Queene, her sonne, Edmund, Mor-
wln 1854timer, and sir Iohn.
wln 1855Qu.Now lords, our louing friends and countrimen,

Wel-

img: 31-a
sig: H2v

The Tragedie

wln 1856Welcome to England all with prosperous windes,
wln 1857Our kindest friends in Belgia haue we left,
wln 1858To cope with friends at home: a heauie case,
wln 1859When force to force is knit and sword and gleaue,
wln 1860In ciuill broiles makes kin and country men,
wln 1861Slaughter themselues in others and their sides
wln 1862With their owne weapons gorde, but whats the helpe?
wln 1863Misgouerned kings are cause of all this wrack,
wln 1864And Edward thou art one among them all,
wln 1865Whose loosnes hath betrayed thy land to spoyle,
wln 1866And made the channels ouerflow with blood,
wln 1867Of thine own people patrō shouldst thou be, but thou.
wln 1868Mor. iu.Nay madam, if you be a warriar,
wln 1869Ye must not grow so passionate in speeches:
wln 1870Lords, sith that we are by sufferance of heauen,
wln 1871Arriude and armde in this princes right,
wln 1872Heere for our countries cause sweare we to him
wln 1873All homage, fealtie and forwardnes,
wln 1874And for the open wronges and iniuries
wln 1875Edward hath done to vs, his Queene and land,
wln 1876We come in armes to wrecke it with the swords:
wln 1877That Englands queene in peace may reposesse
wln 1878Her dignities and honors, and withall
wln 1879We may remooue these flatterers from the king,
wln 1880That hauocks Englands wealth and treasurie.
wln 1881S. Io.Sound trūpets my lord & forward let vs martch,
wln 1882Edward will thinke we come to flatter him.
wln 1883Edm.I would he neuer had bin flattered more.
wln 1884Enter the King, Baldock, and Spencer the
wln 1885sonne, flying about the stage.
wln 1886Spe.Fly, fly, my Lord, the Queene is ouerstrong.
wln 1887Her friends doe multiply and yours doe fayle,
wln 1888Shape we our course to Ireland there to breath.

Edward.

img: 31-b
sig: H3r

of Edward the second.

wln 1889Edw.What, was I borne to flye and runne away,
wln 1890And leaue the Mortimers conquerers behind?
wln 1891Giue me my horse and lets r’enforce our troupes:
wln 1892And in this bed of honor die with fame.
wln 1893Bal.O no my lord, this princely resolution
wln 1894Fits not the time, away, we are pursu’d.
wln 1895Edmund alone with a sword
wln 1896and target.
wln 1897Edm.This way he fled, but I am come too late,
wln 1898Edward, alas my hart relents for thee,
wln 1899Proud traytor Mortimer why doost thou chase
wln 1900Thy lawfull king thy soueraigne with thy sword?
wln 1901Vilde wretch, and why hast thou of all vnkinde,
wln 1902Borne armes against thy brother and thy king?
wln 1903Raigne showers of vengeance on my cursed head
wln 1904Thou God, to whom in iustice it belongs,
wln 1905To punish this vnnaturall reuolt:
wln 1906Edward, this Mortimer aimes at thy life:
wln 1907O fly him then, but Edmund calme this rage,
wln 1908Dissemble or thou diest, for Mortimer
wln 1909And Isabell doe kisse while they conspire,
wln 1910And yet she beares a face of loue forsooth:
wln 1911Fie on that loue that hatcheth death and hate.
wln 1912Edmund away, Bristow to Longshankes blood
wln 1913Is false, be not found single for suspect:
wln 1914Proud Mortimer pries neare into thy walkes.
wln 1915Enter the Queene, Mortimer, the
wln 1916young Prince and Sir Iohn
wln 1917of Henolt.
wln 1918Qu.Succesfull battells giues the God of kings,
wln 1919To them that fight in right and feare his wrath:
wln 1920Since then succesfully we haue preuayled,
wln 1921Thankes be heauens great architect and you,

Ere

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The Tragedie

wln 1922Ere farther we proceede my noble lordes,
wln 1923We heere create our welbeloued sonne,
wln 1924Of loue and care vnto his royall person,
wln 1925Lord warden of the realme, and sith the fates
wln 1926Haue made his father so infortunate,
wln 1927Deale you my lords in this, my louing lords,
wln 1928As to your wisdomes fittest seemes in all.
wln 1929Edm.Madam, without offence if I may aske,
wln 1930How will you deale with Edward in his fall?
wln 1931Prince.Tell me good vnckle, what Edward doe you
wln 1932 meane?
wln 1933Edm.Nephew, your father, I dare not call him king.
wln 1934Mor.My lord of Kent, what needes these questions?
wln 1935Tis not in her controulment, nor in ours,
wln 1936But as the realme and parlement shall please,
wln 1937So shall your brother be disposed of,
wln 1938I like not this relenting moode in Edmund,
wln 1939Madam, tis good to looke to him betimes.
wln 1940Qu.My lord, the Maior of Bristow knows our mind.
wln 1941Mor.Yea madam, and they scape not easilie,
wln 1942That fled the feeld.
wln 1943Qu.Baldock is with the king,
wln 1944A goodly chauncelor, is he not my lord?
wln 1945S. Ioh.So are the Spencers, the father and the sonne.
wln 1946Edm.This Edward is the ruine of the realme.

wln 1947Enter Rice ap Howell, and the Maior of Bristow,
wln 1948with Spencer the father.
wln 1949Rice.God saue Queene Isabell, & her princely sonne,
wln 1950Madam, the Maior and Citizens of Bristow,
wln 1951In signe of loue and dutie to this presence,
wln 1952Present by me this traitor to the state,
wln 1953Spencer, the father to that wanton Spencer,

That

img: 32-b
sig: H4r

of Edward the second.

wln 1954That like the lawles Catiline of Rome,
wln 1955Reueld in Englands wealth and treasurie.
wln 1956Qu.We thanke you all.
wln 1957Mor. iu.Your louing care in this,
wln 1958Deserueth princelie fauors and rewardes,
wln 1959But wheres the king and the other Spencer fled?
wln 1960Rice.Spencer the sonne, created earle of Gloster,
wln 1961Is with that smoothe toongd scholler Baldock gone,
wln 1962And shipt but late for Ireland with the king.
wln 1963Mort. iu.Some whirle winde fetche them backe,
wln 1964 or sincke them all:
wln 1965They shalbe started thence I doubt it not.
wln 1966Prin.Shall I not see the king my father yet?
wln 1967Edmund.Vnhappie Edward, chaste from Englands
wln 1968 bounds.
wln 1969S. Ioh.Madam, what resteth, why stand ye in a muse?
wln 1970Qu.I rue my lords ill fortune, but alas,
wln 1971Care of my countrie cald me to this warre.
wln 1972Mort.Madam, haue done with care & sad complaine,
wln 1973Your king hath wrongd your countrie and himselfe,
wln 1974And we must seeke to right it as we may,
wln 1975Meane while, haue hence this rebell to the blocke,
wln 1976Your lordship cannot priuiledge your head.
wln 1977Spen. pa.Rebell is he that fights against his prince,
wln 1978So fought not they that fought in Edwards right.
wln 1979Mort.Take him away, he prates, you Rice ap howell,
wln 1980Shall do good seruice to her Maiestie,
wln 1981Being of countenance in your countrey here,
wln 1982To follow these rebellious runnagates,
wln 1983We in meane while madam, must take aduise,
wln 1984How Baldocke, Spencer, and their complices,
wln 1985May in their fall be followed to their end.
wln 1986Exeunt omnes.

Enter

img: 33-a
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The Tragedie

wln 1987Enter the Abbot, Monkes, Edward, Spencer,
wln 1988and Baldocke.
wln 1989Abbot.Haue you no doubt my Lorde, haue you no
wln 1990 feare,
wln 1991As silent and as carefull will we be,
wln 1992To keepe your royall person safe with vs,
wln 1993Free from suspect, and fell inuasion
wln 1994Of such as haue your maiestie in chase,
wln 1995Your selfe, and those your chosen companie,
wln 1996As daunger of this stormie time requires.
wln 1997Edwa.Father, thy face should harbor no deceit,
wln 1998O hadst thou euer beene a king, thy hart
wln 1999Pierced deeply with sence of my distresse,
wln 2000Could not but take compassion of my state,
wln 2001Stately and proud, in riches and in traine,
wln 2002Whilom I was powerfull and full of pompe,
wln 2003But what is he, whome rule and emperie
wln 2004Haue not in life or death made miserable?
wln 2005Come Spencer, come Baldocke, come sit downe by me,
wln 2006Make triall now of that philosophie,
wln 2007That in our famous nurseries of artes
wln 2008Thou suckedst from Plato, and from Aristotle.
wln 2009Father, this life contemplatiue is heauen,
wln 2010O that I might this life in quiet lead,
wln 2011But we alas are chaste, and you my friends,
wln 2012Your liues and my dishonor they pursue
wln 2013Yet gentle monkes, for treasure, golde nor fee,
wln 2014Do you betray vs and our companie.
wln 2015Monks.Your grace may sit secure, if none but wee
wln 2016 doe wot of your abode.
wln 2017Spen.Not one aliue, but shrewdly I suspect,
wln 2018A gloomie fellow in a meade belowe,
wln 2019A gaue a long looke after vs my lord,

And

img: 33-b
sig: I1r

of Edward the second.

wln 2020And all the land I know is vp in armes,
wln 2021Armes that pursue our liues with deadly hate.
wln 2022Bald.We were imbarkt for Ireland, wretched we,
wln 2023With awkward windes, and sore tempests driuen
wln 2024To fall on shoare, and here to pine in feare
wln 2025Of Mortimer and his confederates.
wln 2026Edw.Mortimer, who talkes of Mortimer,
wln 2027Who wounds me with the name of Mortimer
wln 2028That bloudy man? good father on thy lap
wln 2029Lay I this head, laden with mickle care,
wln 2030O might I neuer open these eyes againe,
wln 2031Neuer againe lift vp this drooping head,
wln 2032O neuer more lift vp this dying hart!
wln 2033Spen. son.Looke vp my lord. Baldock, this drowsines
wln 2034Betides no good, here euen we are betraied.

wln 2035Enter with Welch hookes, Rice vp Howell, a Mower,
wln 2036and the Earle of Leicester.
wln 2037Mower.Vpon my life, those be the men ye see[ * ]
wln 2038Rice.Fellow enough, my lord I pray be short,
wln 2039A faire commission warrants what we do.
wln 2040Lei.The Queenes commission, vrgd by Mortimer,
wln 2041What cannot gallant Mortimer with the Queene?
wln 2042Alas, see where he sits, and hopes vnseene,
wln 2043T’escape their hands that seeke to reaue his life:
wln 2044Too true it is, quem dies vidit veniens superbum,
wln 2045Hunc dies vidit fugiens iacentem.
wln 2046But Leister leaue to growe so passionate,
wln 2047Spencer and Baldocke, by no other names,
wln 2048I arrest you of high treason here,
wln 2049Stand not on titles, but obay th’arrest,
wln 2050Tis in the name of Isabell the Queene:
wln 2051My lord, why droope you thus?

Edw.

img: 34-a
sig: I1v

The Tragedie

wln 2052Edw.O day! the last of all my blisse on earth;
wln 2053Center of all misfortune. O my starres!
wln 2054Why do you lowre vnkindly on a king?
wln 2055Comes Leister then in Isabellas name,
wln 2056To take my life, my companie from me?
wln 2057Here man, rip vp this panting brest of mine,
wln 2058And take my heart, in reskew of my friends.
wln 2059Rice.Away with them.
wln 2060Spen. iu.It may be come thee yet,
wln 2061To let vs take our farewell of his grace.
wln 2062Abb.My heart with pittie earnes to see this sight,
wln 2063A king to beare these words and proud commaunds.
wln 2064Edw.Spencer, a sweet Spencer, thus then must we part.
wln 2065Spen. iu.We must my lord, so will the angry heauens.
wln 2066Edw.Nay so will hell, and cruell Mortimer,
wln 2067The gentle heauens haue not to do in this.
wln 2068Bald.My lord, it is in vaine to greeue or storme,
wln 2069Here humblie of your grace we take our leaues,
wln 2070O[ ** ] lots are cast, I feare me so is thine.
wln 2071Edwa.In heauen wee may, in earth neuer shall wee
wln 2072 meete,
wln 2073And Leister say, what shall become of vs?
wln 2074Leist.Your maiestie must go to Killingworth.
wln 2075Edw.Must! tis somwhat hard, when kings must go.
wln 2076Leist.Here is a Litter readie for your grace,
wln 2077That waites your pleasure, and the day growes old.
wln 2078Rice.As good be gon, as stay and be benighted.
wln 2079Edw.A litter hast thou, lay me in a hearse,
wln 2080And to the gates of hell conuay me hence,
wln 2081Let Plutos bels ring out my fatall knell,
wln 2082And hags howle for my death at Charons shore,
wln 2083For friends hath Edward none, but these, and these,
wln 2084And these must die vnder a tyrants sword.

Rice.

img: 34-b
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of Edward the second.

wln 2085Rice.My lord, be going, care not for these,
wln 2086For we shall see them shorter by the heads.
wln 2087Edw.Well, that shalbe, shalbe: part we must,
wln 2088Sweete Spencer, gentle Baldocke, part we must,
wln 2089Hence fained weeds, vnfained are my woes,
wln 2090Father, farewell: Leister, thou staist for me,
wln 2091And go I must, life farewell with my friends.
wln 2092Exeunt Edward and Leicester.
wln 2093Spen. iu.O is he gone! is noble Edward gone,
wln 2094Parted from hence, neuer to see vs more,
wln 2095Rent sphere of heauen, and fier forsake thy orbe,
wln 2096Earth melt to ayre, gone is my soueraigne,
wln 2097Gone, gone alas, neuer to make returne.
wln 2098Bald.Spencer, I see our soules are fleeted hence,
wln 2099We are depriude the sun-shine of our life,
wln 2100Make for a new life man, throw vp thy eyes,
wln 2101And hart and hand to heauens immortall throne,
wln 2102Pay natures debt with cheerefull countenance,
wln 2103Reduce we all our lessons vnto this,
wln 2104To die sweet Spencer, therefore liue wee all,
wln 2105Spencer, all liue to die, and rise to fall.
wln 2106Rice.Come, come, keepe these preachments till
wln 2107 you come to the place appointed
wln 2108You, and such as you are, haue made wise worke in
wln 2109 England.
wln 2110Will your Lordships away?
wln 2111Mower.Your worship I trust will remember me?
wln 2112Rice.Remember thee fellow? what else,
wln 2113Follow me to the towne.

wln 2114Enter the king, Leicester, with a Bishop
wln 2115for the crowne.
wln 2116Lei.Be patient good my lord, cease to lament,

Ima-

img: 35-a
sig: I2v

The Tragedie

wln 2117Imagine Killingworth castell were your court,
wln 2118And that you lay for pleasure here a space,
wln 2119Not of compulsion or neceissitie.
wln 2120Edw.Leister, if gentle words might comfort me,
wln 2121Thy speeches long agoe had easde my sorrowes,
wln 2122For kinde and louing hast thou alwaies beene:
wln 2123The greefes of priuate men are soone allayde,
wln 2124But not of kings, the forrest Deare being strucke
wln 2125Runnes to an herbe that closeth vp the wounds,
wln 2126But when the imperiall Lions flesh is gorde,
wln 2127He rends and teares it with his wrathfull pawe,
wln 2128Highly scorning, that the lowly earth
wln 2129Should drinke his bloud, mounts vp into the ayre,
wln 2130And so it fares with me, whose dauntlesse minde
wln 2131The ambitious Mortimer would seeke to curbe,
wln 2132And that vnnaturall Queene false Isabell,
wln 2133That thus hath pent and mu’d me in a prison,
wln 2134For such outragious passions cloye my soule,
wln 2135As with the wings of rancor and disdaine,
wln 2136Full often am I sowring vp to heauen,
wln 2137To plaine me to the gods against them both:
wln 2138But when I call to minde I am a king,
wln 2139Me thinkes I should reuenge me of the wronges,
wln 2140That Mortimer and Isabell haue done.
wln 2141But what are kings, when regiment is gone,
wln 2142But perfect shadowes in a sun-shine day?
wln 2143My nobles rule, I beare the name of king,
wln 2144I weare the crowne, but am contrould by them,
wln 2145By Mortimer, and my vnconstant Queene,
wln 2146Who spots my nuptiall bed with infamie,
wln 2147Whilst I am lodgd within this caue of care,
wln 2148Where sorrow at my elbow still attends,
wln 2149To companie my hart with sad laments,

That

img: 35-b
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of Edward the second.

wln 2150That bleedes within me for this strange exchange.
wln 2151But tell me, must I now resigne my crowne,
wln 2152To make vsurping Mortimer a king?
wln 2153Bish.Your grace mistakes, it is for Englands good,
wln 2154And princely Edwards right we craue the crowne.
wln 2155Edw.No, tis for Mortimer, not Edwards head,
wln 2156For hees a lambe, encompassed by Woolues,
wln 2157Which in a moment will abridge his life:
wln 2158But if proud Mortimer do weare this crowne,
wln 2159Heauens turne it to a blaze of quenchelesse fier,
wln 2160Or like the snakie wreathe of Tisiphon,
wln 2161Engirt the temples of his hatefull head,
wln 2162So shall not Englands Vines be perished,
wln 2163But Edwards name suruiues, though Edward dies.
wln 2164Lei.My lord, why waste you thus the time away,
wln 2165They stay your answer, will you yeeld your crowne?
wln 2166Edw.Ah Leister, way, how hardly I can brooke
wln 2167To loose my crowne and kingdome, without cause,
wln 2168To giue ambitious Mortimer my right,
wln 2169That like a mountaine ouerwhelmes my blisse.
wln 2170In which extreame my minde here murthered is:
wln 2171But what the heauens appoint, I must obaye,
wln 2172Here, take my crowne, the life of Edward too,
wln 2173Two kings in England cannot raigne at once:
wln 2174But stay a while, let me be king till night,
wln 2175That I may gaze vpon this glittering crowne,
wln 2176So shall my eyes receiue their last content,
wln 2177My head, the latest honor dew to it,
wln 2178And ioyntly both yeeld vp their wished right.
wln 2179Continue euer thou celestiall sunne,
wln 2180Let neuer silent night possesse this clime,
wln 2181Stand still you watches of the element,
wln 2182All times and seasons rest you at a stay,

Tha

img: 36-a
sig: I3v

The Tragedie

wln 2183That Edward may be still faire Englands king:
wln 2184But dayes bright beames dooth vanish fast away,
wln 2185And needes I must resigne my wished crowne,
wln 2186Inhumaine creatures, nurst with Tigers milke,
wln 2187Why gape you for your soueraignes ouerthrow?
wln 2188My diadem I meane, and guiltlesse life,
wln 2189See monsters see, ile weare my crowne againe,
wln 2190What, feare you not the furie of your king?
wln 2191But haplesse Edward, thou art fondly led,
wln 2192They passe not for thy frownes as late they did,
wln 2193But seekes to make a new elected king,
wln 2194Which fils my mind with strange despairing thoughts,
wln 2195Which thoughts are martyred with endles torments.
wln 2196And in this torment, comfort finde I none,
wln 2197But that I feele the crowne vpon my head,
wln 2198And therefore let me weare it yet a while.
wln 2199Tru.My Lorde, the parlement must haue present
wln 2200 newes,
wln 2201And therefore say, will you resigne or no.
wln 2202The king rageth.
wln 2203Edw.Ile not resigne, but whilst I liue,
wln 2204Traitors be gon, and ioine you with Mortimer,
wln 2205Elect, conspire, install, do what you will,
wln 2206Their bloud and yours shall seale these treacheries.
wln 2207Bish.This answer weele returne, and so farewell.
wln 2208Leist.Call them againe my lorde, and speake them
wln 2209 faire,
wln 2210For if they goe, the prince shall lose his right.
wln 2211Edward.Call thou them back, I haue no power to
wln 2212 speake.
wln 2213Lei.My lord, the king is willing to resigne.
wln 2214Bish.If he be not, let him choose.
wln 2215Edw.O would I might, but heauens & earth conspire

img: 36-b
sig: I4r

of Edward the second.

wln 2216To make me miserable: heere receiue my crowne,
wln 2217Receiue it? no, these innocent hands of mine
wln 2218Shall not be guiltie of so foule a crime,
wln 2219He of you all that most desires my bloud,
wln 2220And will be called the murtherer of a king,
wln 2221Take it: what are you mooude, pitie you me?
wln 2222Then send for vnrelenting Mortimer
wln 2223And Isabell, whose eyes beene turnd to steele,
wln 2224Will sooner sparkle fire then shed a teare:
wln 2225Yet stay, for rather then I will looke on them,
wln 2226Heere, heere: now sweete God of heauen,
wln 2227Make me despise this transitorie pompe,
wln 2228And sit for aye inthronized in heauen,
wln 2229Come death, and with thy fingers close my eyes,
wln 2230Or if I liue, let me forget my selfe.

wln 2231Enter Bartley.
wln 2232Bartley.My lorde.
wln 2233Edw.Call me not lorde,
wln 2234Away, out of my sight, ah pardon me,
wln 2235Greefe makes me lunatick,
wln 2236Let not that Mortimer protect my sonne,
wln 2237More safetie is there in a Tigers iawes,
wln 2238This his imbrasements, beare this to the queene,
wln 2239Wet with my teares, and dried againe with sighes,
wln 2240If with the sight thereof she be not mooued,
wln 2241Returne it backe and dip it in my bloud,
wln 2242Commend me to my sonne, and bid him rule
wln 2243Better then I, yet how haue I transgrest,
wln 2244Vnlesse it be with too much clemencie?
wln 2245Tru.And thus, most humbly do we take our leaue.
wln 2246Edward.Farewell, I know the next newes that they
wln 2247 bring,

Will

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The Tragedie

wln 2248Will be my death, and welcome shall it be,
wln 2249To wretched men death is felicitie.
wln 2250Leist.An other poast, what newes bringes he?
wln 2251Edw.Such newes as I expect, come Bartley, come,
wln 2252And tell thy message to my naked brest.
wln 2253Bart.My lord, thinke not a thought so villanous
wln 2254Can harbor in a man of noble birth.
wln 2255To do your highnes seruice and deuoire,
wln 2256And saue you from your foes, Bartley would die.
wln 2257Leist.My lorde, the counsell of the Queene com-
wln 2258 maunds,
wln 2259That I resigne my charge.
wln 2260Edw.And who must keepe mee now, must you my
wln 2261 lorde?
wln 2262Bart.I, my most gratious lord, so tis decreed.
wln 2263Edw.By Mortimer, whose name is written here,
wln 2264Well may I rent his name, that rends my hart,
wln 2265This poore reuenge hath something easd my minde,
wln 2266So may his limmes be torne, as is this paper,
wln 2267Heare me immortall Ioue, and graunt it too.
wln 2268Bart.Your grace must hence with mee to Bartley
wln 2269 straight.
wln 2270Edw.Whether you will, all places are alike,
wln 2271And euery earth is fit for buriall.
wln 2272Leist.Fauor him my lord, as much as lieth in you.
wln 2273Bart.Euen so betide my soule as I vse him.
wln 2274Edw.Mine enemie hath pitied my estate,
wln 2275And thats the cause that I am now remooude.
wln 2276Bartley.And thinkes your grace that Bartley will bee
wln 2277 cruell?
wln 2278Edw.I know not, but of this am I assured,
wln 2279That death ends all, and I can die but once,
wln 2280Leicester, farewell.

Leist.

img: 37-b
sig: K1r

of Edward the second.

wln 2281Leicester.Not yet my lorde, ile beare you on your
wln 2282 waye.
wln 2283Exeunt omnes.

wln 2284Enter Mortimer, and Queene
wln 2285Isabell.

wln 2286Mor. iu.Faire Isabell, now haue we our desire,
wln 2287The proud corrupters of the light-brainde king,
wln 2288Haue done their homage to the loftie gallowes,
wln 2289And he himselfe lies in captiuitie,
wln 2290Be rulde by me, and we will rule the realme,
wln 2291In any case, take heed of childish feare,
wln 2292For now we hould an old Wolfe by the eares,
wln 2293That if he slip will seaze vpon vs both,
wln 2294And gripe the sorer being gript himselfe,
wln 2295Thinke therefore madam that imports as much,
wln 2296To erect your sonne withall the speed we may,
wln 2297And that I be protector ouer him,
wln 2298For our behoofe will beare the greater sway
wln 2299When as a kings name shall be vnder writ.
wln 2300Qu.Sweet Mortimer, the life of Isabell,
wln 2301Be thou perswaded, that I loue thee well,
wln 2302And therefore so the prince my sonne be safe,
wln 2303Whome I esteeme as deare as these mine eyes,
wln 2304Conclude against his father what thou wilt,
wln 2305And I my selfe will willinglie subscribe.
wln 2306Mort. iu.First would I heare newes that hee were
wln 2307 deposde,
wln 2308And then let me alone to handle him.

Enter

img: 38-a
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The Tragedie

wln 2309Enter Messenger.

wln 2310Mor. iu.Letters, from whence?
wln 2311Messen.From Killingworth my lorde.
wln 2312Qu.How fares my lord the king?
wln 2313Messen.In health madam, but full of pensiuenes.
wln 2314Queene.Alas poore soule, would I could ease his
wln 2315 greefe,
wln 2316Thankes gentle Winchester, sirra, be gon.
wln 2317Winchester.The king hath willingly resignde his
wln 2318 crowne.
wln 2319Qu.O happie newes, send for the prince my sonne.
wln 2320Bish.Further, or this letter was sealed, Lord Bartley
wln 2321 came,
wln 2322So that he now is gone from Killingworth,
wln 2323And we haue heard that Edmund laid a plot,
wln 2324To set his brother free, no more but so,
wln 2325The lord of Bartley is so pitifull,
wln 2326As Leicester that had charge of him before.
wln 2327Qu.Then let some other be his guardian.
wln 2328Mor. iu.Let me alone, here is the priuie seale,
wln 2329Whose there, call hither Gurney and Matreuis,
wln 2330To dash the heauie headed Edmunds drift,
wln 2331Bartley shall be dischargd, the king remooude,
wln 2332And none but we shall know where he lieth.
wln 2333Qu.But Mortimer, as long as he suruiues
wln 2334What safetie rests for vs, or for my sonne?
wln 2335Mort. iu.Speake, shall he presently be dispatch’d
wln 2336 and die?
wln 2337Queene.I would hee were, so it were not by my
wln 2338 meanes.

Enter

img: 38-b
sig: K2r

of Edward the second.

wln 2339Enter Matreuis and Gurney.

wln 2340Mortim. iu.Inough Matreuis, write a letter pre-
wln 2341 sently
wln 2342Vnto the Lord of Bartley from our selfe,
wln 2343That he resigne the king to thee and Gurney,
wln 2344And when tis done, we will subscribe our name.
wln 2345Matr.It shall be done my lord.
wln 2346Mort. iu.Gurney.
wln 2347Gurn.My Lorde.
wln 2348Mort. iu.As thou intendest to rise by Mortimer,
wln 2349Who now makes Fortunes wheele turne as he please,
wln 2350Seeke all the meanes thou canst to make him droope,
wln 2351And neither giue him kinde word, nor good looke.
wln 2352Gurn.I warrant you my lord.
wln 2353Mort. iu.And this aboue the rest, because we heare
wln 2354That Edmund casts to worke his libertie,
wln 2355Remooue him still from place to place by night,
wln 2356And at the last, he come to Killingworth,
wln 2357And then from thence to Bartley back againe:
wln 2358And by the way to make him fret the more,
wln 2359Speake curstlie to him, and in any case
wln 2360Let no man comfort him, if he chaunce to weepe,
wln 2361But amplifie his greefe with bitter words.
wln 2362Matre.Feare not my Lord, weele do as you com-
wln 2363 maund.
wln 2364Mor. iu.So now away, post thither wards amaine.
wln 2365Qu.Whither goes this letter, to my lord the king?
wln 2366Commend me humblie to his Maiestie,
wln 2367And tell him, that I labour all in vaine,
wln 2368To ease his greefe, and worke his libertie:

And

img: 39-a
sig: K2v

The Tragedie

wln 2369And beare him this, as witnesse of my loue.
wln 2370Matre.I will madam.

wln 2371Exeunt Matreuis and Gurney.

wln 2372Manent Isabell and Mortimer.

wln 2373Enter the yong Prince, and the Earle of Kent
wln 2374talking with him.

wln 2375Mor. iu.Finely dissembled, do so still sweet Queene,
wln 2376Heere comes the yong prince, with the Earle of Kent.
wln 2377Qu.Some thing he whispers in his childish eares.
wln 2378Mort. iu.If he haue such accesse vnto the prince,
wln 2379Our plots and stratagems will soone be dasht.
wln 2380Queen.Vse Edmund friendly, as if all were well.
wln 2381Mor. iu.How fares my honorable lord of Kent?
wln 2382Edmun.In health sweete Mortimer, how fares your
wln 2383 grace.
wln 2384Queene.Well, if my Lorde your brother were en-
wln 2385 largde.
wln 2386Edm.I heare of late he hath deposde himselfe.
wln 2387Queen.The more my greefe.
wln 2388Mortim. iu.And mine.
wln 2389Edmun.Ah they do dissemble.
wln 2390Queen.Sweete sonne come hither, I must talke with
wln 2391 thee.
wln 2392Mortim. iu.Thou being his vnckle, and the next of
wln 2393 bloud,
wln 2394Doe looke to be protector ouer the prince.
wln 2395Edm.Not I my lord: who should protect the sonne,
wln 2396But she that gaue him life, I meane the Queene?

Prin.

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sig: K3r

of Edward the second.

wln 2397Prin.Mother, perswade me not to weare the crowne,
wln 2398Let him be king, I am too yong to raigne.
wln 2399Queene.But bee content, seeing it his highnesse
wln 2400 pleasure.
wln 2401Prin.Let me but see him first, and then I will.
wln 2402Edmund.I do sweete Nephew.
wln 2403Quee.Brother, you know it is impossible.
wln 2404Prince.Why, is he dead?
wln 2405Queen.No, God forbid.
wln 2406Edmun.I would these wordes proceeded from your
wln 2407 heart.
wln 2408Mort. iu.Inconstant Edmund, doost thou fauor him,
wln 2409That wast a cause of his imprisonment?
wln 2410Edm.The more cause haue I now to make amends.
wln 2411Mort. iu.I tell thee tis not meet, that one so false
wln 2412Should come about the person of a prince,
wln 2413My lord, he hath betraied the king his brother,
wln 2414And therefore trust him not.
wln 2415Prince.But hee repents, and sorrowes for it now.
wln 2416Queen.Come sonne, and go with this gentle Lorde
wln 2417 and me.
wln 2418Prin.With you I will, but not with Mortimer.
wln 2419Mort. iu.Why yongling, s’dainst thou so of Mortimer?
wln 2420Then I will carrie thee by force away.
wln 2421Prin.Helpe vnckle Kent, Mortimer will wrong me.
wln 2422Quee.Brother Edmund, striue not, we are his friends,
wln 2423Isabell is neerer then the earle of Kent.
wln 2424Edm.Sister, Edward is my charge, redeeme him.
wln 2425Queen.Edward is my sonne, and I will keepe him.
wln 2426Edmu.Mortimer shall know that he hath wrongd
wln 2427 mee.
wln 2428Hence will I haste to Killingworth castle,

And

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The Tragedie

wln 2429And rescue aged Edward from his foes,
wln 2430To be reuengde on Mortimer and thee.

wln 2431Exeunt omnes.

wln 2432Enter Matreuis and Gurney with
wln 2433the king.

wln 2434Matr.My lord, be not pensiue, we are your friends,
wln 2435Men are ordaind to liue in miserie,
wln 2436Therefore come, dalliance dangereth our liues.
wln 2437Edw.Friends, whither must vnhappie Edward go,
wln 2438Will hatefull Mortimer appoint no rest?
wln 2439Must I be vexed like the nightly birde,
wln 2440Whose sight is loathsome to all winged fowles?
wln 2441When will the furie of his minde asswage?
wln 2442When will his hart be satisfied with bloud?
wln 2443If mine will serue, vnbowell straight this brest,
wln 2444And giue my heart to Isabell and him,
wln 2445It is the chiefest marke they leuell at.
wln 2446Gurney.Not so my liege, the Queene hath giuen
wln 2447 this charge,
wln 2448To keepe your grace in safetie,
wln 2449Your passions make your dolours to increase.
wln 2450Edw.This vsage makes my miserie increase.
wln 2451But can my ayre of life continue long,
wln 2452When all my sences are annoy with stenche?
wln 2453Within a dungeon Englands king is kept,
wln 2454Where I am staru’d for want of sustenance,
wln 2455My daily diet, is heart breaking sobs,
wln 2456That almost rents the closet of my heart,
wln 2457Thus liues old Edward not relieu’d by any,

And

img: 40-b
sig: K4r

of Edward the second.

wln 2458And so must die, though pitied by many.
wln 2459O water gentle friends to coole my thirst,
wln 2460And cleare my bodie from foule excrements.
wln 2461Matr.Heeres channell water, as our charge is giuen,
wln 2462Sit downe, for weele be Barbars to your grace.
wln 2463Edw.Traitors away, what will you murther me,
wln 2464Or choake your soueraigne with puddle water?
wln 2465Gurn.No, but wash your face, and shaue away your
wln 2466 beard,
wln 2467Least you be knowne, and so be rescued.
wln 2468Matr.Why striue you thus, your labour is in vaine?
wln 2469Edward.The Wrenne may striue against the Lions
wln 2470 strength.
wln 2471But all in vaine, so vainely do I striue,
wln 2472To seeke for mercie at a tyrants hand.
wln 2473They wash him with puddle water, and
wln 2474shaue his beard away.
wln 2475Immortall powers, that knowes the painfull cares,
wln 2476That waites vpon my poore distressed soule,
wln 2477O leuell all your lookes vpon these daring men,
wln 2478That wronges their liege and soueraigne, Englands
wln 2479 king,
wln 2480O Gaueston, it is for thee that I am wrongd,
wln 2481For me, both thou, and both the Spencers died,
wln 2482And for your sakes, a thousand wronges ile take,
wln 2483The Spencers ghostes, where euer they remaine,
wln 2484Wish well to mine, then tush for them ile die.
wln 2485Matr.Twixt theirs and yours, shall be no enmitie,
wln 2486Come, come, away, now put the torches out,
wln 2487Weele enter in by darkenes to Killingworth.
wln 2488Enter Edmund.
wln 2489Gurn.How now, who comes there?

Matr.

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sig: K4v

The Tragedie

wln 2490Matr.Guarde the king sure, it is the earle of Kent.
wln 2491Edw.O gentle brother, helpe to rescue me.
wln 2492Matr.Keepe them a sunder, thrust in the king.
wln 2493Edm.Souldiers, let me but talke to him one worde.
wln 2494Gur.Lay hands vpon the earle for this assault.
wln 2495Edmu.Lay downe your weapons, traitors yeeld the
wln 2496 king.
wln 2497Matr.Edmund, yeeld thou thy self, or thou shalt die.
wln 2498Edmu.Base villaines, wherefore doe you gripe mee
wln 2499 thus?
wln 2500Gurney.Binde him, and so conuey him to the court.
wln 2501Edm.Where is the court but heere, heere is the king,
wln 2502And I will visit him, why stay you me?
wln 2503Matr.The court is where lord Mortimer remaines,
wln 2504Thither shall your honour go, and so farewell.
wln 2505Exeunt Matr. and Gurney, with the king.
wln 2506Manent Edmund and the souldiers.
wln 2507Edm.O miserable is that commonweale, where lords
wln 2508Keepe courts, and kings are lockt in prison!
wln 2509Sould.Wherefore stay we? on sirs to the court.
wln 2510Edm.I, load me whether you will, euen to my death,
wln 2511Seeing that my brother cannot be releast.
wln 2512Exeunt omnes.

wln 2513Enter Mortimer alone.

wln 2514Mort. iu.The king must die, or Mortimer goes downe,
wln 2515The commons now begin to pitie him,
wln 2516Yet he that is the cause of Edwards death,
wln 2517Is sure to pay for it when his sonne is of age,
wln 2518And therefore will I do it cunninglie,

This

img: 41-b
sig: L1r

of Edward the second.

wln 2519This letter written by a friend of ours,
wln 2520Containes his death, yet bids them saue his life.
wln 2521Edwardum occidere nolite timere bonum est.
wln 2522Feare not to kill the king tis good he die.
wln 2523But read it thus, and thats an other sence:
wln 2524Edwardum occidere nolite timere bonum est.
wln 2525Kill not the king tis good to feare the worst.
wln 2526Vnpointed as it is, thus shall it goe,
wln 2527That being dead, if it chaunce to be found,
wln 2528Matreuis and the rest may beare the blame,
wln 2529And we be quit that causde it to be done:
wln 2530Within this roome is lockt the messenger,
wln 2531That shall conueie it, and performe the rest,
wln 2532And by a secret token that he beares,
wln 2533Shall he be murdered when the deed is done.
wln 2534Lightborn, come forth, art thou as resolute as thou wast?
wln 2535Light.What else my lord? and farre more resolute.
wln 2536Mort. iu.And hast thou cast how to accomplish it?
wln 2537Light.I, I, and none shall know which way he died.
wln 2538Mortim. iu.But at his lookes Lightborne thou wilt
wln 2539 relent.
wln 2540Light.Relent, ha, ha, I vse much to relent.
wln 2541Mort. iu.Well, do it brauely, and be secret.
wln 2542Light.You shall not need to giue instructions,
wln 2543Tis not the first time I haue killed a man,
wln 2544I learnde in Naples how to poison flowers,
wln 2545To strangle with a lawne thrust through the throte,
wln 2546To pierce the wind-pipe with a needles point,
wln 2547Or whilst one is a sleepe, to take a quill
wln 2548And blowe a little powder in his eares,
wln 2549Or open his mouth, and powre quick siluer downe,
wln 2550But yet I haue a brauer way then these.

Mort.

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sig: L1v

of Edward the second

wln 2551Mort. iu.Whats that?
wln 2552Light.Nay, you shall pardon me, none shall knowe
wln 2553 my trickes.
wln 2554Mort. iu.I care not how it is, so it be not spide,
wln 2555Deliuer this to Gurney and Matreuis,
wln 2556At euery ten miles end thou hast a horse.
wln 2557Take this, away, and neuer see me more.
wln 2558Lightborne.No.
wln 2559Mort. iu.No, vnlesse thou bring me newes of Ed-
wln 2560 wards death.
wln 2561Light.That will I quicklie do, farewell my lord.
wln 2562Mor.The prince I rule, the queene do I commaund,
wln 2563And with a lowly conge to the ground,
wln 2564The proudest lords salute me as I passe,
wln 2565I seale, I cancell, I do what I will,
wln 2566Feard am I more then lou’d, let me be feard,
wln 2567And when I frowne, make all the court looke pale,
wln 2568I view the prince with Aristorchus eyes,
wln 2569Whose lookes were as a breeching to a boye,
wln 2570They thrust vpon me the Protectorship,
wln 2571And sue to me for that that I desire,
wln 2572While at the councell table, graue enough,
wln 2573And not vnlike a bashfull paretaine,
wln 2574First I complaine of imbecilitie,
wln 2575Saying it is, onus quam grauissimum,
wln 2576Till being interrupted by my friends,
wln 2577Suscepi that prouinciam as they terme it,
wln 2578And to conclude, I am Protector now,
wln 2579Now is all sure, the Queene and Mortimer
wln 2580Shall rule the realme, the king, and none rule vs,
wln 2581Mine enemies will I plague, my friends aduance,
wln 2582And what I list commaund, who dare controwle,

Maier

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of Edward the second

wln 2583Maior sum quam cui possit fortuna nocere,
wln 2584And that this be the coronation day,
wln 2585It pleaseth me, and Isabell the Queene,
wln 2586The trumpets sound, I must go take my place.

wln 2587Enter the yong King, Bishop, Champion,
wln 2588Nobles, Queene.

wln 2589Bish.Long liue king Edward, by the grace of God
wln 2590King of England, and lorde of Ireland.
wln 2591Cham.If any Christian, Heathen, Turke, or Iew,
wln 2592Dares but affirme, that Edwards not true king.
wln 2593And will auouche his saying with the sworde,
wln 2594I am the Champion that will combate him.
wln 2595Mort. iu.None comes, sound trumpets.
wln 2596King.Champion, heeres to thee.
wln 2597Qu.Lord Mortimer, now take him to your charge.

wln 2598Enter Souldiers with the Earle of
wln 2599Kent prisoner.

wln 2600Mor. iu.What traitor haue wee there with blades
wln 2601 and billes?
wln 2602Sould.Edmund the Earle of Kent.
wln 2603King.What hath he done?
wln 2604Sould.A would haue taken the king away perforce,
wln 2605As we were bringing him to Killingworth.
wln 2606Mortimer. iu.Did you attempt his rescue, Edmund
wln 2607 speake?
wln 2608Edm.Mortimer, I did, he is our king,
wln 2609And thou compelst this prince to weare the crowne.

Mort.

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The Tragedie

wln 2610Mort. iu.Strike off his head, he shall haue marshall
wln 2611 lawe.
wln 2612Edm.Strike of my head, base traitor I defie thee.
wln 2613King.My lord, he is my vnckle, and shall liue.
wln 2614Mor. iu.My lord, he is your enemie, and shall die.
wln 2615Edmund.Staie villaines.
wln 2616King.Sweete mother, if I cannot pardon him,
wln 2617Intreate my lord Protector for his life.
wln 2618Qu.Sonne, be content, I dare not speake a worde.
wln 2619King.Nor I, and yet me thinkes I should commaund,
wln 2620But seeing I cannot, ile entreate for him:
wln 2621My lord, if you will let my vnckle liue,
wln 2622I will requite it when I come to age.
wln 2623Mort. iu.Tis for your highnesse good, and for the
wln 2624 realmes,
wln 2625How often shall I bid you beare him hence?
wln 2626Edm.Art thou king, must I die at thy commaund?
wln 2627Mort. iu.At our commaund, once more away with
wln 2628 him.
wln 2629Edm.Let me but stay and speake, I will not go,
wln 2630Either my brother or his sonne is king,
wln 2631And none of both, then thirst for Edmunds bloud,
wln 2632And therefore soldiers whether will you hale me?
wln 2633They hale Edmund away, and carie him
wln 2634to be beheaded.

wln 2635King.What safetie may I looke for at his hands,
wln 2636If that my Vnckle shall be murthered thus?
wln 2637Queen.Feare not sweete boye, ile garde thee from
wln 2638 thy foes,
wln 2639Had Edmund liu’de, he would haue sought thy death,
wln 2640Come sonne, weele ride a hunting in the parke.
wln 2641King.And shall my Vnckle Edmund ride with vs?

Queene.

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of Edward the second.

wln 2642Queene.He is a traitor, thinke not on him, come.

wln 2643Exeunt omnes.

wln 2644Enter Matr. and Gurney.

wln 2645Matr.Gurney, I wonder the king dies not,
wln 2646Being in a vault vp to the knees in water,
wln 2647To which the channels of the castell runne,
wln 2648From whence a dampe continually ariseth,
wln 2649That were enough to poison any man,
wln 2650Much more a king brought vp so tenderlie.
wln 2651Gurn.And so do I, Matreuis: yesternight
wln 2652I opened but the doore to throw him meate,
wln 2653And I was almost stifeled with the sauor.
wln 2654Matr.He hath a body able to endure,
wln 2655More then we can enflict, and therefore now,
wln 2656Let vs assaile his minde another while.
wln 2657Gurn.Send for him out thence, and I will anger him.
wln 2658Matr.But stay, whose this?

wln 2659Enter Lightborne.

wln 2660Light.My lord protector greetes you.
wln 2661Gurn.Whats heere? I know not how to conster it.
wln 2662Matr.Gurney, it was left vnpointed for the nonce,
wln 2663Edwardum occidere nolite timere,
wln 2664Thats his meaning.
wln 2665Light.Know you this token, I must haue the king?
wln 2666Matr.I stay a while, thou shalt haue answer straight.
wln 2667This villain’s sent to make away the king.
wln 2668Gurney.I thought as much.

Matr.

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of Edward the second

wln 2669Matr.And when the murders done,
wln 2670See how he must be handled for his labour,
wln 2671Pereat iste: let him haue the king,
wln 2672What else, heere is the keyes, this is the lake,
wln 2673Doe as you are commaunded by my lord.
wln 2674Light.I know what I must do, get you away,
wln 2675Yet be not farre off, I shall need your helpe,
wln 2676See that in the next roome I haue a fier,
wln 2677And get me a spit, and let it be red hote.
wln 2678Matre.Very well.
wln 2679Gurn.Neede you any thing besides?
wln 2680Light.What else, a table and a fetherbed.
wln 2681Gurn.Thats all.
wln 2682Light.I, I, so when I call you, bring it in.
wln 2683Matre.Feare not you that.
wln 2684Gurn.Heeres a light to go into the dungeon.
wln 2685Lightbor.So now must I about this geare, nere was
wln 2686 there any
wln 2687So finely handled as this king shalbe,
wln 2688Foh, heeres a place in deed with all my hart.
wln 2689Edward.VVhose there, what light is that, where-
wln 2690 fore comes thou?
wln 2691Light.To comfort you, and bring you ioyfull newes.
wln 2692Edward.Small comfort findes poore Edward in thy
wln 2693 lookes,
wln 2694Villaine, I know thou comst to murther me.
wln 2695Light.To murther you my most gratious lorde,
wln 2696Farre is it from my hart to do you harme,
wln 2697The Queene sent me, to see how you were vsed,
wln 2698For she relents at this your miserie.
wln 2699And what eyes can refraine from shedding teares,
wln 2700To see a king in this most pittious state?

Edw.

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of Edward the second

wln 2701Edw.VVeepst thou already, list a while to me,
wln 2702And then thy heart, were it as Gurneys is,
wln 2703Or as Matreuis, hewne from the Caucasus,
wln 2704Yet will it melt, ere I haue done my tale,
wln 2705This dungeon where they keepe me, is the sincke,
wln 2706Wherein the filthe of all the castell falles.
wln 2707Light.O villaines!
wln 2708Edw.And there in mire and puddle haue I stood,
wln 2709This ten dayes space, and least that I should sleepe,
wln 2710One plaies continually vpon a Drum,
wln 2711They giue me bread and water being a king,
wln 2712So that for want of sleepe and sustenance,
wln 2713My mindes distempered, and my bodies numde,
wln 2714And whether I haue limmes or no, I know not,
wln 2715O would my bloud dropt out from euery vaine,
wln 2716As doth this water from my tattered robes:
wln 2717Tell Isabell the Queene, I lookt not thus,
wln 2718VVhen for her sake I ran at tilt in Fraunce,
wln 2719And there vnhorste the duke of Cleremont.
wln 2720Light.O speake no more my lorde, this breakes my
wln 2721 heart.
wln 2722Lie on this bed, and rest your selfe a while,
wln 2723Edw.These lookes of thine can harbor nought but
wln 2724 death.
wln 2725I see my tragedie written in thy browes,
wln 2726Yet stay a while, forbeare thy bloudie hande,
wln 2727And let me see the stroke before it comes,
wln 2728That and euen then when I shall lose my life,
wln 2729My minde may be more stedfast on my God.
wln 2730Light.VVhat meanes your highnesse to mistrust me
wln 2731 thus?
wln 2732Edwa.What meanes thou to dissemble with me thus?

Light.

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The Tragedie

wln 2733Light.These handes were neuer stainde with inno-
wln 2734 cent bloud,
wln 2735Nor shall they now be tainted with a kings.
wln 2736Edward.Forgiue my thought, for hauing such a
wln 2737 thought,
wln 2738One iewell haue I left, receiue thou this,
wln 2739Still feare I, and I know not whats the cause,
wln 2740But euerie iointe shakes as I giue it thee:
wln 2741O if thou harborst murther in thy hart,
wln 2742Let this gift change thy minde, and saue thy soule,
wln 2743Know that I am a king, oh at that name,
wln 2744I feele a hell of greefe, where is my crowne?
wln 2745Gone, gone, and doe I remaine aliue?
wln 2746Light.Your ouerwatchde my lord, lie downe and rest.
wln 2747Edw.But that greefe keepes me waking, I shoulde
wln 2748 sleepe,
wln 2749For not these ten daies haue these eyes lids closd,
wln 2750Now as I speake they fall, and yet with feare
wln 2751Open againe, O wherefore sits thou heare?
wln 2752Light.If you mistrust me, ile be gon my lord.
wln 2753Edw.No, no, for if thou meanst to murther me,
wln 2754Thou wilt returne againe, and therefore stay.
wln 2755Light.He sleepes.
wln 2756Edw.O let me not die, yet stay, O stay a while.
wln 2757Light.How now my Lorde.
wln 2758Edw.Something still busseth in mine eares,
wln 2759And tels me, if I sleepe I neuer wake,
wln 2760This feare is that which makes me tremble thus,
wln 2761And therefore tell me, wherefore art thou come?
wln 2762Light.To rid thee of thy life, Matreuis come,
wln 2763Edw.I am too weake and feeble to resist,
wln 2764Assist me sweete God, and receiue my soule.

Light.

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of Edward the second.

wln 2765Light.Runne for the table.
wln 2766Edw.O spare me, or dispatche me in a trice.
wln 2767Light.So, lay the table downe, and stampe on it,
wln 2768But not too hard, least that you bruse his body.
wln 2769Matreuis.I feare mee that this crie will raise the
wln 2770 towne,
wln 2771And therefore let vs take horse and away.
wln 2772Light.Tell me sirs, was it not braue lie done?
wln 2773Gurn.Excellent well, take this for thy rewarde,
wln 2774Then Gurney stabs Lightborne.
wln 2775Come let vs cast the body in the mote,
wln 2776And beare the kings to Mortimer our lord, away.

wln 2777Exeunt omnes.

wln 2778Enter Mortimer and Matreuis.

wln 2779Mortim. iu.Ist done, Matreuis, and the murtherer
wln 2780 dead?
wln 2781Matr.I my good Lord, I would it were vndone.
wln 2782Mort. iu.Matreuis, if thou now growest penitent
wln 2783Ile be thy ghostly father, therefore choose,
wln 2784Whether thou wilt be secret in this,
wln 2785Or else die by the hand of Mortimer.
wln 2786Matr.Gurney my lord is fled, and will I feare,
wln 2787Betray vs both, therefore let me flie.
wln 2788Mort. iu.Flie to the Sauages.
wln 2789Matr.I humblie thanke your honour.
wln 2790Mor. iu.As for my selfe, I stand as Ioues huge tree,
wln 2791And others are but shrubs compard to me,
wln 2792All tremble at my name, and I feare none,
wln 2793Lets see who dare impeache me for his death?

Queen.

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of Edward the second

wln 2794Enter the Queene.

wln 2795Queen.A Mortimer, the king my sonne hath news,
wln 2796His fathers dead, and we haue murdered him.
wln 2797Mor. iu.What if he haue? the king is yet a childe.
wln 2798Queene.I, I, but he teares his haire, and wrings his
wln 2799 handes,
wln 2800And vowes to be reuengd vpon vs both,
wln 2801Into the councell chamber he is gone,
wln 2802To craue the aide and succour of his peeres,
wln 2803Aye me, see where he comes, and they with him,
wln 2804Now Mortimer begins our tragedie.

wln 2805Enter the king, with the lords.

wln 2806Lords.Feare not my lord, know that you are a king.
wln 2807King.Villaine.
wln 2808Mort. iu.How now my lord?
wln 2809King.Thinke not that I am frighted with thy words,
wln 2810My father’s murdered through thy treacherie,
wln 2811And thou shalt die, and on his mournefull hearse,
wln 2812Thy hatefull and accursed head shall lie,
wln 2813To witnesse to the world, that by thy meanes,
wln 2814His kingly body was too soone interrde.
wln 2815Qu.Weepe not sweete sonne.
wln 2816King.Forbid not me to weepe, he was my father,
wln 2817And had you lou’de him halfe so well as I,
wln 2818You could not beare his death thus patiently,
wln 2819But you I feare, conspirde with Mortimer.
wln 2820Lords.Why speake you not vnto my lord the king?
wln 2821Mor. iu.Because I thinke scorne to be accusde,

Who

img: 46-b
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of Edward the second.

wln 2822Who is the man dare say I murderedd him?
wln 2823King.Traitor, in me my louing father speakes,
wln 2824And plainely saith, twas thou that murdredst him.
wln 2825Mort. iu.But hath your grace no other proofe then
wln 2826 this?
wln 2827King.Yes, if this be the hand of Mortimer.
wln 2828Mortim. iu.False Gurney hath betraide me and him-
wln 2829 selfe.
wln 2830Queen.I feard as much, murther cannot be hid.
wln 2831Mort. iu.Tis my hand, what gather you by this.
wln 2832King.That thither thou didst send a murtherer.
wln 2833Mort. iu.What murtherer? bring foorth the man I
wln 2834 sent.
wln 2835King.A Mortimer, thou knowest that he is slaine,
wln 2836And so shalt thou be too: why staies he heere?
wln 2837Bring him vnto a hurdle, drag him foorth,
wln 2838Hang him I say, and set his quarters vp,
wln 2839But bring his head back presently to me.
wln 2840Queen.For my sake sweete sonne pittie Mortimer.
wln 2841Mort. iu.Madam, intreat not, I will rather die,
wln 2842Then sue for life vnto a paltrie boye.
wln 2843King.Hence with the traitor, with the murderer.
wln 2844Mort. iu.Base fortune, now I see, that in thy wheele
wln 2845There is a point, to which when men aspire,
wln 2846They tumble hedlong downe, that point I touchte,
wln 2847And seeing there was no place to mount vp higher,
wln 2848Why should I greeue at my declining fall,
wln 2849Farewell faire Queene, weepe not for Mortimer,
wln 2850That scornes the world, and as a traueller,
wln 2851Goes to discouer countries yet vnknowne.
wln 2852King.What, suffer you the traitor to delay?
wln 2853Queen.As thou receiuedst thy life from me,

Spill

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The Tragedie

wln 2854Spill not the bloud of gentle Mortimer.
wln 2855King.This argues, that you spilt my fathers bloud,
wln 2856Els would you not intreate for Mortimer.
wln 2857Queen.I spill his bloud? no.
wln 2858King.I madam you, for so the rumor runnes.
wln 2859Queen.That rumor is vntrue, for louing thee,
wln 2860Is this report raisde on poore Isabell.
wln 2861King.I doe not thinke her so vnnaturall.
wln 2862Lords.My lord, I feare me it will prooue too true.
wln 2863King.Mother, you are suspected for his death,
wln 2864And therefore we commit you to the Tower,
wln 2865Till further triall may be made thereof,
wln 2866If you be guiltie, though I be your sonne,
wln 2867Thinke not to finde me slack or pitifull.
wln 2868QuNay, to my death, for too long haue I liued,
wln 2869when as my sonne thinkes to abridge my daies.
wln 2870King.Awaye with her, her wordes inforce these
wln 2871 teares,
wln 2872And I shall pitie her if she speake againe.
wln 2873Queen.Shall I not moorne for my beloued lord?
wln 2874And with the rest accompanie him to his graue.
wln 2875Lords.Thus madam, tis the kings will you shall
wln 2876 hence.
wln 2877Quee.He hath forgotten me, stay, I am his mother.
wln 2878Lords.That bootes not, therefore gentle madam
wln 2879 goe.
wln 2880Queen.Then come sweete death, and rid me of this
wln 2881 greefe.
wln 2882Lords.My lord, here is the head of Mortimer.
wln 2883King.Goe fetche my fathers hearse, where it shall
wln 2884 lie,
wln 2885And bring my funerall robes: accursed head,

Could

img: 47-b
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of Edward the second.

wln 2886Could I haue rulde thee then, as I do now,
wln 2887Thou hadst not hatcht this monstrous treacherie?
wln 2888Heere comes the hearse, helpe me to moorne my lords,
wln 2889Sweete father heere, vnto thy murdered ghost,
wln 2890I offer vp this wicked traitors head,
wln 2891And let these teares distilling from mine eyes,
wln 2892Be witnesse of my greefe and innocencie.

wln 2893FINIS.

ln 0001Imprinted at London for William
ln 0002Ihones, and are to be solde at his
ln 0003shop, neere vnto Houlburne
ln 0004Conduit. 1594.