Page 236 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

WINCHEST ER

As will the rest, so willeth Winchester. [160]

KING HENRY

If Richard will be true, not that alone
But all the whole inheritance I give
That doth belong unto the house of York,
From whence you spring by lineal descent.

PLANT AGENET

Thy humble servant vows obedience [165]
And humble service till the point of death.

KING HENRY [Plantagenet kneels.]

Stoop then, and set your knee against my foot;

And in reguerdon of that duty done,
I girt thee with the valiant sword of York:
Rise, Richard, like a true Plantagenet, [170]
And rise created princely Duke of York.

Y ORK

And so thrive Richard as thy foes may fall!
And as my duty springs, [rising] so perish they
That grudge one thought against your majesty!

ALL

Welcome, high prince, the mighty Duke of York! [175]

SOMERSET

[aside]
Perish, base prince, ignoble Duke of York!

GLOUCEST ER

Now will it best avail your majesty
To cross the seas and to be crowned in France.
The presence of a king engenders love
Amongst his subjects and his loyal friends, [180]
As it disanimates his enemies.