Page 1185 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

I have not sounded him, nor he deliver’d Exit.
His gracious pleasure any way therein.
But you, my honourable lords, may name the time,
And in the Duke’s behalf I’ll give my voice,
Which I presume he’ll take in gentle part. [20]

Enter Richard.

ELY

In happy time, here comes the Duke himself.

RICHARD

My noble lords and cousins all, good morrow:
I have been long a sleeper, but I trust
My absence doth neglect no great design
Which by my presence might have been concluded. [25]

BUCKINGHAM

Had you not come upon your cue, my lord,
William Lord Hastings had pronounc’d your part -
I mean your voice for crowning of the King.

RICHARD

Than my Lord Hastings no man might be bolder:
His lordship knows me well, and loves me well. [30]
My Lord of Ely, when I was last in Holborn
I saw good strawberries in your garden there;
I do beseech you, send for some of them.

ELY

Marry, and will, my lord, with all my heart.

RICHARD

Cousin of Buckingham, a word with you. [35]
Catesby hath sounded Hastings in our business,
And finds the testy gentleman so hot
That he will lose his head ere give consent
His master’s child (as worshipfully he terms it)
Shall lose the royalty of England’s throne. [40]