Page:Henry VI Part 3 (1923) Yale.djvu/69

King Henry the Sixth, III. ii

And that is, to enjoy thee for my love.

Widow. And that is more than I will yield unto.

I know I am too mean to be your queen,

And yet too good to be your concubine.

K. Edw. You cavil, widow: I did mean, my queen.

Widow. 'Twill grieve your Grace my sons should call you father.

K. Edw. No more than when my daughters call thee mother.

Thou art a widow, and thou hast some children;

And, by God's mother, I, being but a bachelor,

Have other some: why, 'tis a happy thing

To be the father unto many sons.

Answer no more, for thou shalt be my queen.

Rich. [Aside to Clarence.] The ghostly father now hath done his shrift.

Clar. [Aside to Richard.] When he was made a shriver, 'twas for shift.

K. Edw. Brothers, you muse what chat we two have had.

Rich. The widow likes it not, for she looks very sad.

K. Edw. You'd think it strange if I should marry her.

Clar. To whom, my lord?

K. Edw.Why, Clarence, to myself.

Rich. That would be ten days' wonder at the least.

Clar. That's a day longer than a wonder lasts.

Rich. By so much is the wonder in extremes.

K. Edw. Well, jest on, brothers: I can tell you both

Her suit is granted for her husband's lands.

 104 other some: some others

108 for shift: to serve a crafty purpose

109 muse: wonder

114 Cf. n. 