Page 523 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

To Roger, Earl of March, who was the son
Of Edmund Mortimer, who married Philippe,
Sole daughter unto Lionel, Duke of Clarence. [50]
So, if the issue of the elder son
Succeed before the younger, I am king.

WARWICK

What plain proceedings is more plain than this?
Henry doth claim the crown from John of Gaunt,
The fourth son; York claims it from the third. [55]
Till Lionel’s issue fails, his should not reign;
It fails not yet, but flourishes in thee
And in thy sons, fair slips of such a stock.
Then, father Salisbury, kneel we together,
And in this private plot be we the first [60]
That shall salute our rightful sovereign
With honour of his birthright to the crown.

BOT H

Long live our sovereign Richard, England’s king!

Y ORK

We thank you, lords; but I am not your king
Till I be crowned and that my sword be stained [65]
With heart-blood of the house of Lancaster;
And that’s not suddenly to be performed
But with advice and silent secrecy.
Do you as I do in these dangerous days:
Wink at the Duke of Suffolk’s insolence, [70]
At Beaufort’s pride, at Somerset’s ambition,
At Buckingham, and all the crew of them,
Till they have snared the shepherd of the flock,
That virtuous prince, the good Duke Humphrey:
’Tis that they seek; and they, in seeking that, [75]
Shall find their deaths, if York can prophesy.

SALISBURY

My lord, break we off; we know your mind at full.

WARWICK