Page 1196 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Return, good Catesby, to the gracious Duke;
Tell him myself, the Mayor and aldermen, [65]
In deep designs, in matter of great moment,
No less importing than our general good,
Are come to have some conference with his Grace.

CAT ESBY

I’ll signify so much unto him straight.

Exit.

BUCKINGHAM

Ah ha, my lord, this prince is not an Edward: [70]
He is not lolling on a lewd love-bed,
But on his knees at meditation;
Not dallying with a brace of courtesans,
But meditating with two deep divines;
Not sleeping, to engross his idle body, [75]
But praying, to enrich his watchful soul.
Happy were England, would this virtuous Prince
Take on his Grace the sovereignty thereof.
But sure I fear we shall not win him to it.

MAY OR

Marry, God defend his Grace should say us nay! [80]

BUCKINGHAM

I fear he will.

Enter Catesby.

Here Catesby comes again.
Now, Catesby, what says his Grace?

CAT ESBY

He wonders to what end you have assembled
Such troops of citizens to come to him,
His Grace not being warn’d thereof before. [85]
He fears, my lord, you mean no good to him.

BUCKINGHAM