_Queen._ Something he whispers in his childish ears.

_Y. Mor._ If he have such access unto the prince, Our plots and stratagems will soon be dashed.

_Queen._ Use Edmund friendly as if all were well.

_Y. Mor._ How fares my honourable lord of Kent? 80

_Kent._ In health, sweet Mortimer: how fares your grace?

_Queen._ Well, if my lord your brother were enlarged.

_Kent._ I hear of late he hath deposed himself.

_Queen._ The more my grief.

_Y. Mor._ And mine.

_Kent._ Ah, they do dissemble? [_Aside._

_Queen._ Sweet son, come hither, I must talk with thee.

_Y. Mor._ You being his uncle, and the next of blood, Do look to be protector o'er the prince.

_Kent._ Not I, my lord; who should protect the son, 90 But she that gave him life? I mean the queen.

_Prince._ Mother, persuade me not to wear the crown: Let him be king--I am too young to reign.

_Queen._ But be content, seeing 'tis[318] his highness' pleasure.

_Prince._ Let me but see him first, and then I will.

_Kent._ I, do, sweet nephew.

_Queen._ Brother, you know it is impossible.

_Prince._ Why, is he dead?

_Queen._ No, G.o.d forbid.

_Kent._ I would those words proceeded from your heart. 100

_Y. Mor._ Inconstant Edmund, dost thou favour him, That wast a cause of his imprisonment?

_Kent._ The more cause have I now to make amends.

_Y. Mor._ I tell thee, 'tis not meet that one so false Should come about the person of a prince.

My lord, he hath betrayed the king his brother, And therefore trust him not.

_Prince._ But he repents, and sorrows for it now.

_Queen._ Come, son, and go with this gentle lord and me.

_Prince._ With you I will, but not with Mortimer. 110

_Y. Mor._ Why, youngling, 'sdain'st thou so of Mortimer?

Then I will carry thee by force away.

_Prince._ Help, uncle Kent, Mortimer will wrong me.

_Queen._ Brother Edmund, strive not; we are his friends; Isabel is nearer than the Earl of Kent.

_Kent._ Sister, Edward is my charge, redeem him.

_Queen._ Edward is my son, and I will keep him.

_Kent._ Mortimer shall know that he hath wronged me!-- Hence will I haste to Killingworth Castle, And rescue aged Edward from his foes, 120 To be revenged on Mortimer and thee.

[_Aside. Exeunt omnes._

SCENE III.

_Enter_[319] MATREVIS _and_ GURNEY _with the_ KING.

_Mat._ My lord, be not pensive, we are your friends; Men are ordained to live in misery, Therefore come,--dalliance dangereth our lives.

_Edw._ Friends, whither must unhappy Edward go?

Will hateful Mortimer appoint no rest?

Must I be vexed like the nightly bird, Whose sight is loathsome to all winged fowls?

When will the fury of his mind a.s.suage?

When will his heart be satisfied with blood?

If mine will serve, unbowel straight this breast, 10 And give my heart to Isabel and him; It is the chiefest mark they level at.

_Gur._ Not so, my liege, the queen hath given this charge To keep your grace in safety; Your pa.s.sions make your dolours to increase.

_Edw._ This usage makes my misery to increase.

But can my air[320] of life continue long When all my senses are annoyed with stench?

Within a dungeon England's king is kept, Where I am starved for want of sustenance. 20 My daily diet is heart-breaking sobs, That almost rent the closet of my heart; Thus lives old[321] Edward not relieved by any, And so must die, though pitied by many.

O, water, gentle friends, to cool my thirst, And clear my body from foul excrements!

_Mat._ Here's channel water, as your charge is given; Sit down, for we'll be barbers to your grace.

_Edw._ Traitors, away! what, will you murder me, Or choke your sovereign with puddle water? 30

_Gur._ No; But wash your face, and shave away your beard, Lest you be known and so be rescued.

_Mat._ Why strive you thus? your labour is in vain?

_Edw._ The wren may strive against the lion's strength, But all in vain: so vainly do I strive To seek for mercy at a tyrant's hand.