Page 1106 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Of what degree soever - with his brother.

RICHARD

Even so; and please your worship, Brakenbury,
You may partake of any thing we say.
We speak no treason, man: we say the King [90]
Is wise and virtuous, and his noble Queen
Well struck in years, fair, and not jealous.
We say that Shore’s wife hath a pretty foot,
A cherry lip, a bonny eye, a passing pleasing tongue,
And that the Queen’s kindred are made gentlefolks. [95]
How say you, sir? Can you deny all this?

BRAKENBURY

With this, my lord, myself have nought to do.

RICHARD

Naught with Mistress Shore? I tell thee, fellow,
He that doth naught with her (excepting one)
Were best to do it secretly, alone. [100]

BRAKENBURY

What one, my lord?

RICHARD

Her husband, knave! Wouldst thou betray me?

BRAKENBURY

I do beseech your Grace to pardon me, and withal
Forbear your conference with the noble Duke.

CLARENCE

We know thy charge, Brakenbury, and will obey. [105]

RICHARD

We are the Queen’s abjects, and must obey.
Brother, farewell. I will unto the King,
And whatso’er you will employ me in -
Were it to call King Edward’s widow ‘sister’ -
I will perform it to enfranchise you. [110]