The Works of Christopher Marlowe Volume II Part 33

_Edw._ Nay, all of them conspire to cross me thus; But if I live, I'll tread upon their heads That think with high looks thus to tread me down.

Come, Edmund, let's away and levy men, 'Tis war that must abate these barons' pride.

[_Exeunt the_ KING, QUEEN, _and_ KENT.

_War._ Let's to our castles, for the king is moved. 100

_Y. Mor._ Moved may he be, and perish in his wrath!

_Lan._ Cousin, it is no dealing with him now, He means to make us stoop by force of arms; And therefore let us jointly here protest, To prosecute that Gaveston to the death.

_Y. Mor._ By heaven, the abject villain shall not live!

_War._ I'll have his blood, or die in seeking it.

_Pem._ The like oath Pembroke takes.

_Lan._ And so doth Lancaster.

Now send our heralds to defy the king; And make the people swear to put him down. 110

_Enter_ Messenger.

_Y. Mor._ Letters! from whence?

_Mess._ From Scotland, My lord.

[_Giving letters to_ MORTIMER.

_Lan._ Why, how now, cousin, how fares all our friends?

_Y. Mor._ My uncle's taken prisoner by the Scots.

_Lan._ We'll have him ransomed, man; be of good cheer.

_Y. Mor._ They rate his ransom at five thousand pound.

Who should defray the money but the king, Seeing he is taken prisoner in his wars?

I'll to the king.

_Lan._ Do, cousin, and I'll bear thee company.

_War._ Meantime, my lord of Pembroke and myself 120 Will to Newcastle here, and gather head.

_Y. Mor._ About it then, and we will follow you.

_Lan._ Be resolute and full of secrecy.

_War._ I warrant you. [_Exit with_ PEMBROKE.

_Y. Mor._ Cousin, and if he will not ransom him, I'll thunder such a peal into his ears, As never subject did unto his king.[223]

_Lan._ Content, I'll bear my part--Holla! whose there?

[Guard _appears._ _Enter_ Guard.

_Y. Mor._ I, marry, such a guard as thus doth well.

_Lan._ Lead on the way. 130

_Guard._ Whither will your lords.h.i.+ps?

_Y. Mor._ Whither else but to the king.

_Guard._ His highness is disposed to be alone.

_Lan._ Why, so he may, but we will speak to him.

_Guard._ You may not in, my lord.

_Y. Mor._ May we not?

_Enter_[224] EDWARD _and_ KENT.

_Edw._ How now! what noise is this?

Who have we there, is't you? [_Going._

_Y. Mor._ Nay, stay, my lord, I come to bring you news; Mine uncle's taken prisoner by the Scots. 140

_Edw._ Then ransom him.

_Lan._ 'Twas in your wars; you should ransom him.

_Y. Mor._ And you shall ransom him, or else----

_Kent._ What! Mortimer, you will not threaten him?

_Edw._ Quiet yourself, you shall have the broad seal, To gather for him th[o]roughout the realm.

_Lan._ Your minion Gaveston hath taught you this.

_Y. Mor._ My lord, the family of the Mortimers Are not so poor, but, would they sell their land, 'Twould[225] levy men enough to anger you. 150 We never beg, but use such prayers as these.

_Edw._ Shall I still be haunted thus?

_Y. Mor._ Nay, now you're here alone, I'll speak my mind.

_Lan._ And so will I, and then, my lord, farewell.

_Y. Mor._ The idle triumphs, masks, lascivious shows, And prodigal gifts bestowed on Gaveston, Have drawn thy treasury[226] dry, and made thee weak; The murmuring commons, overstretched, break.[227]

_Lan._ Look for rebellion, look to be deposed; Thy garrisons are beaten out of France, 160 And, lame and poor, lie groaning at the gates.

The wild Oneyl, with swarms of Irish kerns,[228]

Lives uncontrolled within the English pale.