Page 230 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

From envious malice of thy swelling heart.

WINCHEST ER

Gloucester, I do defy thee. - Lords, vouchsafe
To give me hearing what I shall reply.
If I were covetous, ambitious, or perverse,
As he will have me, how am I so poor? [30]
Or how haps it I seek not to advance
Or raise myself, but keep my wonted calling?
And for dissension, who preferreth peace
More than I do? - except I be provoked.
No, my good lords, it is not that offends, [35]
It is not that that hath incensed the duke:
It is because no one should sway but he,
No one but he should be about the king,
And that engenders thunder in his breast
And makes him roar these accusations forth. [40]
But he shall know I am as good -

GLOUCEST ER

As good!
Thou bastard of my grandfather!

WINCHEST ER

Ay, lordly sir; for what are you, I pray,
But one imperious in another’s throne?

GLOUCEST ER

Am I not Protector, saucy priest? [45]

WINCHEST ER

And am not I a prelate of the church?

GLOUCEST ER

Yes, as an outlaw in a castle keeps,
And useth it to patronage his theft.

WINCHEST ER

Unreverent Gloucester!