Page 541 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

This Gloucester should be quickly rid the world
To rid us from the fear we have of him.

WINCHEST ER

That he should die is worthy policy; [235]
But yet we want a colour for his death:
’Tis meet he be condemned by course of law.

SUFFOLK

But, in my mind, that were no policy:
The king will labour still to save his life;
The commons haply rise to save his life; [240]
And yet we have but trivial argument,
More than mistrust, that shows him worthy death.

Y ORK

So that, by this, you would not have him die.

SUFFOLK

Ah, York, no man alive so fain as I.

Y ORK

’Tis York that hath more reason for his death. - [245]
But, my Lord Cardinal - and you, my Lord of Suffolk,
Say as you think, and speak it from your souls:
Were’t not all one an empty eagle were set
To guard the chicken from a hungry kite,
As place Duke Humphrey for the king’s Protector? [250]

MARGARET

So, the poor chicken should be sure of death.

SUFFOLK

Madam, ’tis true: and were’t not madness then
To make the fox surveyor of the fold
Who, being accused a crafty murderer,
His guilt should be but idly posted over [255]
Because his purpose is not executed?
No: let him die, in that he is a fox
[By nature proved an enemy to the flock]