Page 880 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1
P. 880
By spying and avoiding fortune’s malice,
For few men rightly temper with the stars.
Yet in this one thing let me blame your grace [30]
For choosing me when Clarence is in place.
CLARENCE
No, Warwick, thou art worthy of the sway,
To whom the heavens in thy nativity
Adjudged an olive branch and laurel crown,
As likely to be blest in peace and war; [35]
And therefore I yield thee my free consent.
WARWICK
And I choose Clarence only for Protector.
KING HENRY
Warwick and Clarence, give me both your hands.
Now join your hands and with your hands your hearts
That no dissension hinder government. [40]
I make you both Protectors of this land
While I myself will lead a private life
And in devotion spend my latter days
To sin’s rebuke and my Creator’s praise.
WARWICK
What answers Clarence to his sovereign’s will? [45]
CLARENCE
That he consent, if Warwick yield consent,
For on thy fortune I repose myself.
WARWICK
Why then, though loath, yet must I be content.
We’ll yoke together, like a double shadow
To Henry’s body, and supply his place - [50]
I mean in bearing weight of government
While he enjoys the honour and his ease;
And, Clarence, now then it is more than needful
Forthwith that Edward be pronounced a traitor
And all his lands and goods be confiscate. [55]
