Page 485 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

MARGARET

Great King of England, and my gracious lord,
The mutual conference that my mind hath had [25]
By day, by night, waking, and in my dreams,
In courtly company, or at my beads,
With you, mine alder-liefest sovereign,
Makes me the bolder to salute my king
With ruder terms, such as my wit affords [30]
And over-joy of heart doth minister.

KING HENRY

Her sight did ravish, but her grace in speech,
Her words yclad with wisdom’s majesty,
Makes me from wond’ring fall to weeping joys,
Such is the fullness of my heart’s content. - [35]
Lords, with one cheerful voice welcome my love.

LORDS

[kneeling]
Long live Queen Margaret, England’s happiness.

MARGARET

We thank you all.

Flourish. [They rise].

SUFFOLK

My Lord Protector, so it please your grace,
Here are the articles of contracted peace [40]
Between our sovereign and the French King Charles,
For eighteen months concluded by consent.

GLOUCEST ER

[reads]
‘Inprimis, It is agreed between the French King Charles and William de la
Pole, Marquess of Suffolk, Ambassador for Henry King of England, [45]
That the said Henry shall espouse the Lady Margaret, daughter unto
Reignier King of Naples, Sicilia, and Jerusalem, and crown her Queen of
England, ere the thirtieth of May next ensuing. Item... That the duchy of
Anjou and the county of Maine [50] shall be released and delivered to the
king her father -’