Page 597 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1
P. 597
ACT V IT
Scene I IT
Enter York and his Army of Irish, with drum and colours [and
Attendants].
Y ORK
From Ireland thus comes York to claim his right
And pluck the crown from feeble Henry’s head.
Ring, bells, aloud; burn, bonfires, clear and bright
To entertain great England’s lawful king.
Ah, sancta majestas, who would not buy thee dear? [5]
Let them obey that know not how to rule:
This hand was made to handle nought but gold.
I cannot give due action to my words
Except a sword or sceptre balance it:
A sceptre shall it have, have I a soul, [10]
On which I’ll toss the flower-de-luce of France.
Enter Buckingham.
Whom have we here? Buckingham to disturb me?
The king hath sent him, sure: I must dissemble.
BUCKINGHAM
York, if thou meanest well, I greet thee well.
Y ORK
Humphrey of Buckingham, I accept thy greeting. [15]
Art thou a messenger, or come of pleasure?
BUCKINGHAM
A messenger from Henry, our dread liege,
To know the reason of these arms in peace;
Or why thou, being a subject as I am,
Against thy oath and true allegiance sworn, [20]
Should raise so great a power without his leave
