Page 557 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Yet did I purpose as they do entreat:
For, sure, my thoughts do hourly prophesy
Mischance unto my state by Suffolk’s means;
And therefore, by His Majesty I swear, [285]
Whose far unworthy deputy I am,
He shall not breathe infection in this air
But three days longer, on the pain of death.

[Exit Salisbury.]

MARGARET

O Henry, let me plead for gentle Suffolk.

KING HENRY

Ungentle queen to call him gentle Suffolk. [290]
No more I say: if thou dost plead for him,
Thou wilt but add increase unto my wrath.
Had I but said, I would have kept my word;
But when I swear, it is irrevocable. -
If after three days’ space thou here be’st found [295]
On any ground that I am ruler of,
The world shall not be ransom for thy life. -
Come, Warwick, come, good Warwick, go with me;
I have great matters to impart to thee.

[Exeunt all but Margaret and Suffolk.]

MARGARET

Mischance and sorrow go along with you! [300]
Heart’s discontent and sour affliction
Be playfellows to keep you company!
There’s two of you, the devil make a third,
And threefold vengeance tend upon your steps!

SUFFOLK

Cease, gentle queen, these execrations [305]
And let thy Suffolk take his heavy leave.

MARGARET

Fie, coward woman and soft-hearted wretch!
Hast thou not spirit to curse thine enemies?