Page:Henry VI Part 2 (1923) Yale.djvu/32

20  Hum. Now, lords, my choler being over-blown

With walking once about the quadrangle,

I come to talk of commonwealth affairs.

As for your spiteful false objections,

Prove them, and I lie open to the law:

But God in mercy so deal with my soul

As I in duty love my king and country!

But to the matter that we have in hand.

I say, my sovereign, York is meetest man

To be your regent in the realm of France.

Suf. Before we make election, give me leave

To show some reason, of no little force,

That York is most unmeet of any man.

York. I'll tell thee, Suffolk, why I am unmeet:

First, for I cannot flatter thee in pride;

Next, if I be appointed for the place,

My Lord of Somerset will keep me here,

Without discharge, money, or furniture,

Till France be won into the Dauphin's hands.

Last time I danc'd attendance on his will

Till Paris was besieg'd, famish'd, and lost.

War. That can I witness; and a fouler fact

Did never traitor in the land commit.

Suf. Peace, headstrong Warwick!

War. Image of pride, why should I hold my peace?

Suf. Because here is a man accus'd of treason:

Pray God the Duke of York excuse himself!

York. Doth any one accuse York for a traitor?

King. What mean'st thou, Suffolk? tell me, what are these?

 169 for: because

172 discharge: formal license to proceed to France

furniture: equipment

174 Last time; cf. n.

176 fact: misdeed 