Page 555 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

WARWICK

Away even now, or I will drag thee hence:
Unworthy though thou art, I’ll cope with thee [230]
And do some service to Duke Humphrey’s ghost.

Exeunt [Suffolk and Warwick].

KING HENRY

What stronger breast-plate than a heart untainted?
Thrice is he armed that hath his quarrel just,
And he but naked, though locked up in steel,
Whose conscience with injustice is corrupted. [235]

A noise within: [cries of ‘Down with Suffolk!’].

MARGARET

What noise is this?

Enter Suffolk and Warwick with their weapons drawn.

KING HENRY

Why, how now, lords! Your wrathful weapons drawn
Here in our presence? Dare you be so bold?
Why what tumultuous clamour have we here?

SUFFOLK

The traitorous Warwick with the men of Bury [240]
Set all upon me, mighty sovereign.

[The commons again cry, ‘Down with Suffolk! Down with Suffolk!’And
then] enter [from them the Earl of] Salisbury.

SALISBURY

Sirs, stand apart: the king shall know your mind. -
Dread lord, the commons send you word by me,
Unless Lord Suffolk straight be done to death
Or banishèd fair England’s territories, [245]
They will by violence tear him from your palace
And torture him with grievous lingering death.
They say, by him the good Duke Humphrey died;
They say, in him they fear your highness’ death;
And mere instinct of love and loyalty, [250]
Free from a stubborn opposite intent,