Page 501 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

MARGARET

If he be old enough, what needs your grace
To be Protector of his excellence?

GLOUCEST ER

Madam, I am Protector of the realm,
And at his pleasure will resign my place.

SUFFOLK

Resign it then, and leave thine insolence. [120]
Since thou wert king - as who is king, but thou? -
The commonwealth hath daily run to wrack,
The dauphin hath prevailed beyond the seas,
And all the peers and nobles of the realm
Have been as bondmen to thy sovereignty. [125]

WINCHEST ER

The commons hast thou racked: the clergy’s bags
Are lank and lean with thy extortions.

SOMERSET

Thy sumptuous buildings and thy wife’s attire
Have cost a mass of public treasury.

BUCKINGHAM

Thy cruelty in execution [130]
Upon offenders hath exceeded law,
And left thee to the mercy of the law.

MARGARET

Thy sale of offices and towns in France,
If they were known, as the suspect is great,
Would make thee quickly hop without thy head. [135]

Exit Gloucester. [Margaret drops her fan.]
Give me my fan; what, minion, can ye not?

She gives the duchess a box on the ear.
I cry you mercy, madam; was it you?

ELEANOR

Was’t I! Yea, I it was, proud Frenchwoman;