Page 293 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1
P. 293
How shall we then dispense with that contract
And not deface your honour with reproach?
SUFFOLK
As doth a ruler with unlawful oaths; [30]
Or one that, at a triumph, having vowed
To try his strength, forsaketh yet the lists
By reason of his adversary’s odds:
A poor earl’s daughter is unequal odds,
And therefore may be broke without offence. [35]
GLOUCEST ER
Why, what, I pray, is Margaret more than that?
Her father is no better than an earl,
Although in glorious titles he excel.
SUFFOLK
Yes, my lord; her father is a king,
The King of Naples and Jerusalem, [40]
And of such great authority in France
As his alliance will confirm our peace,
And keep the Frenchmen in allegiance.
GLOUCEST ER
And so the Earl of Armagnac may do,
Because he is near kinsman unto Charles. [45]
EXET ER
Beside, his wealth doth warrant a liberal dower,
Where Reignier sooner will receive than give.
SUFFOLK
A dower, my lords! Disgrace not so your king,
That he should be so abject, base, and poor,
To choose for wealth and not for perfect love. [50]
Henry is able to enrich his queen,
And not to seek a queen to make him rich:
So worthless peasants bargain for their wives,
As market-men for oxen, sheep, or horse.
Marriage is a matter of more worth [55]
