Page 580 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Scene IV IT

Enter the King [reading] a supplication, and the Queen with Suffolk’s
head, the Duke of Buckingham, and the Lord Say [with others].

MARGARET

[aside]
Oft have I heard that grief softens the mind
And makes it fearful and degenerate;
Think therefore on revenge and cease to weep.
But who can cease to weep and look on this?
Here may his head lie on my throbbing breast: [5]
But where’s the body that I should embrace?

BUCKINGHAM

What answer makes your grace to the rebels’ supplication?

KING HENRY

I’ll send some holy bishop to entreat:
For God forbid so many simple souls [10]
Should perish by the sword. And I myself,
Rather than bloody war shall cut them short,
Will parley with Jack Cade their general.
But stay, I’ll read it over once again.

MARGARET

[aside]
Ah, barbarous villains! Hath this lovely face [15]
Ruled, like a wandering planet, over me,
And could it not enforce them to relent,
That were unworthy to behold the same?

KING HENRY

Lord Say, Jack Cade hath sworn to have thy head.

SAY

Ay, but I hope your highness shall have his. [20]

KING HENRY

How now, madam!