Alarums Enter SUFFOLK, leading in Lady Margaret. Suf. Be what thou wilt, thou art my prisoner. O fairest beauty, do not fear, nor fly; [Gazes on her. For I will touch thee but with reverent hands, And lay them gently on thy tender side. I kiss these fingers [Kissing her hand.] for eternal peace: Who art thou? say, that I may honour thee. Mar. Margaret my name; and daughter to a king, The king of Naples, whosoe'er thou art. Suf. An earl I am, and Suffolk am I call'd. Be not offended, nature's miracle, Thou art allotted to be ta'en by me: So doth the swan her downy cygnets save, Go, and be free again as Suffolk's friend. [She turns away as going Hast not a tongue? is she not here thy prisoner? Confounds the tongue, and makes the senses rough. What ransome must I pay before I pass? Suf. How canst thou tell, she will deny thy suit, [Aside. [Aside. Mar. And yet I would that you would answer me. And peace established between these realms. [Aside. Mar. Hear ye, captain? Are you not at leisure? Madam, I have a secret to reveal. Henry is youthful, and will quickly yield.- Mar. What though I be enthrall'd? he seems a knight, And will not any way dishonour me. [Aside. Suf. Lady, vouchsafe to listen what I say. Mar. Perhaps, I shall be rescu'd by the French; And then I need not crave his courtesy. [Aside. Suf. Sweet madam, give me hearing in a cause-Mar. Tush! women have been captivate ere now. [Aside Suf. Lady, wherefore talk you so? Mar. I cry you mercy, 'tis but quid for quo. Suf. Say, gentle princess, would you not suppose Your bondage happy, to be made a queen? Mar. To be a queen in bondage, is more vile, Than is a slave in base servility; For princes should be free. Suf. And so shall you, If happy England's royal king be free. Mar. Why, what concerns his freedom unto me To put a golden sceptre in thy hand, And set a precious crown upon thy head, If thou wilt condescend to be my Mar. Suf. His love. What? Mar. I am unworthy to be Henry's wife. How say you, madam; are you so content? Suf. Then call our captains, and our colours, forth: And, madam, at your father's castle walls We'll crave a parley, to confer with him. [Troops come forward. A parley sounded. Enter REIGNIER, on the walls. Suf. See, Reignier, see, thy daughter prisoner. Reig. Suffolk, what remedy? I am a soldier; and unapt to weep, Suf. Yes, there is remedy enough, my lord: Hath gain'd thy daughter princely liberty. [Exit, from the walls. Suf. And here I will expect thy coming. Trumpets sounded. Enter REIGNIER, below. What answer makes your grace unto my suit? Reig. Since thou dost deign to woo her little worth, Enjoy mine own, the county Maine, and Anjou, Free from oppression, or the stroke of war, My daughter shall be Henry's, if he please. Reig. And I again,-in Henry's royal namc, As deputy under that gracious king, Give thee her hand, for sign of plighted faith. Suf. Reignier of France, I give thee kingly thanks, Because this is in traffick of a king: And yet, methinks, I could be well content [Aside, Reig. I do embrace thee, as I would embrace The Christian prince, king Henry, were he here. Mar. Farewell, my lord! Good wishes, praise, and prayers, Shall Suffolk ever have of Margaret. [Going. Suf. Farewell, sweet madam! But hark you, Margaret; No princely commendations to my king? Mar. Such commendations as become a maid, A virgin, and his servant, say to him. Suf. Words sweetly plac'd, and modestly directed. But, madam, I must trouble you again,—— No loving token to his majesty? Mar. Yes, my good lord; a pure unspotted heart, Never yet taint with love, I send the king. Suf. And this withal. [Kisses her Mar. That for thyself;-I will not so presume, To send such peevish tokens to a king. [Exeunt REIGNIER and MARGARET Suf. O, wert thou for myself!-But, Suffolk, stay; Thou may'st not wander in that labyrinth; |