1 KING HENRY VI, Act V

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Scene I London. The palace.

	[Sennet. Enter KING HENRY VI, GLOUCESTER, and EXETER]
KING HENRY VI	Have you perused the letters from the pope, The emperor and the Earl of Armagnac?
GLOUCESTER	I have, my lord: and their intent is this: They humbly sue unto your excellence To have a godly peace concluded of Between the realms of England and of France.
KING HENRY VI	How doth your grace affect their motion?
GLOUCESTER	Well, my good lord; and as the only means To stop effusion of our Christian blood And 'stablish quietness on every side.
KING HENRY VI	Ay, marry, uncle; for I always thought It was both impious and unnatural That such immanity and bloody strife Should reign among professors of one faith.
GLOUCESTER	Beside, my lord, the sooner to effect And surer bind this knot of amity, The Earl of Armagnac, near knit to Charles, A man of great authority in France, Proffers his only daughter to your grace In marriage, with a large and sumptuous dowry.
KING HENRY VI	Marriage, uncle! alas, my years are young! And fitter is my study and my books Than wanton dalliance with a paramour. Yet call the ambassador; and, as you please, So let them have their answers every one: I shall be well content with any choice Tends to God's glory and my country's weal.
	[Enter CARDINAL OF WINCHESTER in Cardinal's habit, a Legate and two Ambassadors]
EXETER	What! is my Lord of Winchester install'd, And call'd unto a cardinal's degree? Then I perceive that will be verified Henry the Fifth did sometime prophesy, 'If once he come to be a cardinal, He'll make his cap co-equal with the crown.'
KING HENRY VI	My lords ambassadors, your several suits Have been consider'd and debated on. And therefore are we certainly resolved To draw conditions of a friendly peace; Which by my Lord of Winchester we mean Shall be transported presently to France.
GLOUCESTER	And for the proffer of my lord your master, I have inform'd his highness so at large As liking of the lady's virtuous gifts, Her beauty and the value of her dower, He doth intend she shall be England's queen.
KING HENRY VI	In argument and proof of which contract, Bear her this jewel, pledge of my affection. And so, my lord protector, see them guarded And safely brought to Dover; where inshipp'd Commit them to the fortune of the sea.
	[Exeunt all but CARDINAL OF WINCHESTER and Legate]
CARDINAL OF WINCHESTER	Stay, my lord legate: you shall first receive The sum of money which I promised Should be deliver'd to his holiness For clothing me in these grave ornaments.
Legate	I will attend upon your lordship's leisure.
CARDINAL OF WINCHESTER	[Aside] Now Winchester will not submit, I trow, Or be inferior to the proudest peer. Humphrey of Gloucester, thou shalt well perceive That, neither in birth or for authority, The bishop will be overborne by thee: I'll either make thee stoop and bend thy knee, Or sack this country with a mutiny.
	[Exeunt]

Scene II France. Plains in Anjou.

	[Enter CHARLES, BURGUNDY, ALENCON, BASTARD OF ORLEANS, REIGNIER, JOAN LA PUCELLE, and forces]
CHARLES	These news, my lord, may cheer our drooping spirits: 'Tis said the stout Parisians do revolt And turn again unto the warlike French.
ALENCON	Then march to Paris, royal Charles of France, And keep not back your powers in dalliance.
JOAN LA PUCELLE	Peace be amongst them, if they turn to us; Else, ruin combat with their palaces!
	[Enter Scout]
Scout	Success unto our valiant general, And happiness to his accomplices!
CHARLES	What tidings send our scouts? I prithee, speak.
Scout	The English army, that divided was Into two parties, is now conjoined in one, And means to give you battle presently.
CHARLES	Somewhat too sudden, sirs, the warning is; But we will presently provide for them.
BURGUNDY	I trust the ghost of Talbot is not there: Now he is gone, my lord, you need not fear.
JOAN LA PUCELLE	Of all base passions, fear is most accursed. Command the conquest, Charles, it shall be thine, Let Henry fret and all the world repine.
CHARLES	Then on, my lords; and France be fortunate!
	[Exeunt]

Scene III Before Angiers.

	[Alarum. Excursions. Enter JOAN LA PUCELLE]
JOAN LA PUCELLE	The regent conquers, and the Frenchmen fly. Now help, ye charming spells and periapts; And ye choice spirits that admonish me And give me signs of future accidents.
	[Thunder]
	You speedy helpers, that are substitutes Under the lordly monarch of the north, Appear and aid me in this enterprise.
	[Enter Fiends]
	This speedy and quick appearance argues proof Of your accustom'd diligence to me. Now, ye familiar spirits, that are cull'd Out of the powerful regions under earth, Help me this once, that France may get the field.
	[They walk, and speak not]
	O, hold me not with silence over-long! Where I was wont to feed you with my blood, I'll lop a member off and give it you In earnest of further benefit, So you do condescend to help me now.
	[They hang their heads]
	No hope to have redress? My body shall Pay recompense, if you will grant my suit.
	[They shake their heads]
	Cannot my body nor blood-sacrifice Entreat you to your wonted furtherance? Then take my soul, my body, soul and all, Before that England give the French the foil.
	[They depart]
	See, they forsake me! Now the time is come That France must vail her lofty-plumed crest And let her head fall into England's lap. My ancient incantations are too weak, And hell too strong for me to buckle with: Now, France, thy glory droopeth to the dust.
	[Exit]
	[Excursions. Re-enter JOAN LA PUCELLE fighting hand to hand with YORK JOAN LA PUCELLE is taken. The French fly]
YORK	Damsel of France, I think I have you fast: Unchain your spirits now with spelling charms And try if they can gain your liberty. A goodly prize, fit for the devil's grace! See, how the ugly wench doth bend her brows, As if with Circe she would change my shape!
JOAN LA PUCELLE	Changed to a worser shape thou canst not be.
YORK	O, Charles the Dauphin is a proper man; No shape but his can please your dainty eye.
JOAN LA PUCELLE	A plaguing mischief light on Charles and thee! And may ye both be suddenly surprised By bloody hands, in sleeping on your beds!
YORK	Fell banning hag, enchantress, hold thy tongue!
JOAN LA PUCELLE	I prithee, give me leave to curse awhile.
YORK	Curse, miscreant, when thou comest to the stake.
	[Exeunt]
	[Alarum. Enter SUFFOLK with MARGARET in his hand]
SUFFOLK	Be what thou wilt, thou art my prisoner.
	[Gazes on her]
	O fairest beauty, do not fear nor fly! For I will touch thee but with reverent hands; I kiss these fingers for eternal peace, And lay them gently on thy tender side. Who art thou? say, that I may honour thee.
MARGARET	Margaret my name, and daughter to a king, The King of Naples, whosoe'er thou art.
SUFFOLK	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, Keeping them prisoner underneath her wings. Yet, if this servile usage once offend. Go, and be free again, as Suffolk's friend.
	[She is going]
	O, stay! I have no power to let her pass; My hand would free her, but my heart says no As plays the sun upon the glassy streams, Twinkling another counterfeited beam, So seems this gorgeous beauty to mine eyes. Fain would I woo her, yet I dare not speak: I'll call for pen and ink, and write my mind. Fie, de la Pole! disable not thyself; Hast not a tongue? is she not here? Wilt thou be daunted at a woman's sight? Ay, beauty's princely majesty is such, Confounds the tongue and makes the senses rough.
MARGARET	Say, Earl of Suffolk--if thy name be so-- What ransom must I pay before I pass? For I perceive I am thy prisoner.
SUFFOLK	How canst thou tell she will deny thy suit, Before thou make a trial of her love?
MARGARET	Why speak'st thou not? what ransom must I pay?
SUFFOLK	She's beautiful, and therefore to be woo'd; She is a woman, therefore to be won.
MARGARET	Wilt thou accept of ransom? yea, or no.
SUFFOLK	Fond man, remember that thou hast a wife; Then how can Margaret be thy paramour?
MARGARET	I were best to leave him, for he will not hear.
SUFFOLK	There all is marr'd; there lies a cooling card.
MARGARET	He talks at random; sure, the man is mad.
SUFFOLK	And yet a dispensation may be had.
MARGARET	And yet I would that you would answer me.
SUFFOLK	I'll win this Lady Margaret. For whom? Why, for my king: tush, that's a wooden thing!
MARGARET	He talks of wood: it is some carpenter.
SUFFOLK	Yet so my fancy may be satisfied, And peace established between these realms But there remains a scruple in that too; For though her father be the King of Naples, Duke of Anjou and Maine, yet is he poor, And our nobility will scorn the match.
MARGARET	Hear ye, captain, are you not at leisure?
SUFFOLK	It shall be so, disdain they ne'er so much. Henry is youthful and will quickly yield. Madam, I have a secret to reveal.
MARGARET	What though I be enthrall'd? he seems a knight, And will not any way dishonour me.
SUFFOLK	Lady, vouchsafe to listen what I say.
MARGARET	Perhaps I shall be rescued by the French; And then I need not crave his courtesy.
SUFFOLK	Sweet madam, give me a hearing in a cause--
MARGARET	Tush, women have been captivate ere now.
SUFFOLK	Lady, wherefore talk you so?
MARGARET	I cry you mercy, 'tis but Quid for Quo.
SUFFOLK	Say, gentle princess, would you not suppose Your bondage happy, to be made a queen?
MARGARET	To be a queen in bondage is more vile Than is a slave in base servility; For princes should be free.
SUFFOLK	And so shall you, If happy England's royal king be free.
MARGARET	Why, what concerns his freedom unto me?
SUFFOLK	I'll undertake to make thee Henry's queen, To put a golden sceptre in thy hand And set a precious crown upon thy head, If thou wilt condescend to be my--
MARGARET	What?
SUFFOLK	His love.
MARGARET	I am unworthy to be Henry's wife.
SUFFOLK	No, gentle madam; I unworthy am To woo so fair a dame to be his wife, And have no portion in the choice myself. How say you, madam, are ye so content?
MARGARET	An if my father please, I am content.
SUFFOLK	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.
	[A parley sounded. Enter REIGNIER on the walls]
	See, Reignier, see, thy daughter prisoner!
REIGNIER	To whom?
SUFFOLK	To me.
REIGNIER	Suffolk, what remedy? I am a soldier, and unapt to weep, Or to exclaim on fortune's fickleness.
SUFFOLK	Yes, there is remedy enough, my lord: Consent, and for thy honour give consent, Thy daughter shall be wedded to my king; Whom I with pain have woo'd and won thereto; And this her easy-held imprisonment Hath gained thy daughter princely liberty.
REIGNIER	Speaks Suffolk as he thinks?
SUFFOLK	Fair Margaret knows That Suffolk doth not flatter, face, or feign.
REIGNIER	Upon thy princely warrant, I descend To give thee answer of thy just demand.
	[Exit from the walls]
SUFFOLK	And here I will expect thy coming.
	[Trumpets sound. Enter REIGNIER, below]
REIGNIER	Welcome, brave earl, into our territories: Command in Anjou what your honour pleases.
SUFFOLK	Thanks, Reignier, happy for so sweet a child, Fit to be made companion with a king: What answer makes your grace unto my suit?
REIGNIER	Since thou dost deign to woo her little worth To be the princely bride of such a lord; Upon condition I may quietly Enjoy mine own, the country Maine and Anjou, Free from oppression or the stroke of war, My daughter shall be Henry's, if he please.
SUFFOLK	That is her ransom; I deliver her; And those two counties I will undertake Your grace shall well and quietly enjoy.
REIGNIER	And I again, in Henry's royal name, As deputy unto that gracious king, Give thee her hand, for sign of plighted faith.
SUFFOLK	Reignier of France, I give thee kingly thanks, Because this is in traffic of a king.
	[Aside]
	And yet, methinks, I could be well content To be mine own attorney in this case. I'll over then to England with this news, And make this marriage to be solemnized. So farewell, Reignier: set this diamond safe In golden palaces, as it becomes.
REIGNIER	I do embrace thee, as I would embrace The Christian prince, King Henry, were he here.
MARGARET	Farewell, my lord: good wishes, praise and prayers Shall Suffolk ever have of Margaret.
	[Going]
SUFFOLK	Farewell, sweet madam: but hark you, Margaret; No princely commendations to my king?
MARGARET	Such commendations as becomes a maid, A virgin and his servant, say to him.
SUFFOLK	Words sweetly placed and modestly directed. But madam, I must trouble you again; No loving token to his majesty?
MARGARET	Yes, my good lord, a pure unspotted heart, Never yet taint with love, I send the king.
SUFFOLK	And this withal.
	[Kisses her]
MARGARET	That for thyself: I will not so presume To send such peevish tokens to a king.
	[Exeunt REIGNIER and MARGARET]
SUFFOLK	O, wert thou for myself! But, Suffolk, stay; Thou mayst not wander in that labyrinth; There Minotaurs and ugly treasons lurk. Solicit Henry with her wondrous praise: Bethink thee on her virtues that surmount, And natural graces that extinguish art; Repeat their semblance often on the seas, That, when thou comest to kneel at Henry's feet, Thou mayst bereave him of his wits with wonder.
	[Exit]

Scene IV Camp of the YORK in Anjou.

	[Enter YORK, WARWICK, and others]
YORK	Bring forth that sorceress condemn'd to burn.
	[Enter JOAN LA PUCELLE, guarded, and a Shepherd]
Shepherd	Ah, Joan, this kills thy father's heart outright! Have I sought every country far and near, And, now it is my chance to find thee out, Must I behold thy timeless cruel death? Ah, Joan, sweet daughter Joan, I'll die with thee!
JOAN LA PUCELLE	Decrepit miser! base ignoble wretch! I am descended of a gentler blood: Thou art no father nor no friend of mine.
Shepherd	Out, out! My lords, an please you, 'tis not so; I did beget her, all the parish knows: Her mother liveth yet, can testify She was the first fruit of my bachelorship.
WARWICK	Graceless! wilt thou deny thy parentage?
YORK	This argues what her kind of life hath been, Wicked and vile; and so her death concludes.
Shepherd	Fie, Joan, that thou wilt be so obstacle! God knows thou art a collop of my flesh; And for thy sake have I shed many a tear: Deny me not, I prithee, gentle Joan.
JOAN LA PUCELLE	Peasant, avaunt! You have suborn'd this man, Of purpose to obscure my noble birth.
Shepherd	'Tis true, I gave a noble to the priest The morn that I was wedded to her mother. Kneel down and take my blessing, good my girl. Wilt thou not stoop? Now cursed be the time Of thy nativity! I would the milk Thy mother gave thee when thou suck'dst her breast, Had been a little ratsbane for thy sake! Or else, when thou didst keep my lambs a-field, I wish some ravenous wolf had eaten thee! Dost thou deny thy father, cursed drab? O, burn her, burn her! hanging is too good.
	[Exit]
YORK	Take her away; for she hath lived too long, To fill the world with vicious qualities.
JOAN LA PUCELLE	First, let me tell you whom you have condemn'd: Not me begotten of a shepherd swain, But issued from the progeny of kings; Virtuous and holy; chosen from above, By inspiration of celestial grace, To work exceeding miracles on earth. I never had to do with wicked spirits: But you, that are polluted with your lusts, Stain'd with the guiltless blood of innocents, Corrupt and tainted with a thousand vices, Because you want the grace that others have, You judge it straight a thing impossible To compass wonders but by help of devils. No, misconceived! Joan of Arc hath been A virgin from her tender infancy, Chaste and immaculate in very thought; Whose maiden blood, thus rigorously effused, Will cry for vengeance at the gates of heaven.
YORK	Ay, ay: away with her to execution!
WARWICK	And hark ye, sirs; because she is a maid, Spare for no faggots, let there be enow: Place barrels of pitch upon the fatal stake, That so her torture may be shortened.
JOAN LA PUCELLE	Will nothing turn your unrelenting hearts? Then, Joan, discover thine infirmity, That warranteth by law to be thy privilege. I am with child, ye bloody homicides: Murder not then the fruit within my womb, Although ye hale me to a violent death.
YORK	Now heaven forfend! the holy maid with child!
WARWICK	The greatest miracle that e'er ye wrought: Is all your strict preciseness come to this?
YORK	She and the Dauphin have been juggling: I did imagine what would be her refuge.
WARWICK	Well, go to; we'll have no bastards live; Especially since Charles must father it.
JOAN LA PUCELLE	You are deceived; my child is none of his: It was Alencon that enjoy'd my love.
YORK	Alencon! that notorious Machiavel! It dies, an if it had a thousand lives.
JOAN LA PUCELLE	O, give me leave, I have deluded you: 'Twas neither Charles nor yet the duke I named, But Reignier, king of Naples, that prevail'd.
WARWICK	A married man! that's most intolerable.
YORK	Why, here's a girl! I think she knows not well, There were so many, whom she may accuse.
WARWICK	It's sign she hath been liberal and free.
YORK	And yet, forsooth, she is a virgin pure. Strumpet, thy words condemn thy brat and thee: Use no entreaty, for it is in vain.
JOAN LA PUCELLE	Then lead me hence; with whom I leave my curse: May never glorious sun reflex his beams Upon the country where you make abode; But darkness and the gloomy shade of death Environ you, till mischief and despair Drive you to break your necks or hang yourselves!
	[Exit, guarded]
YORK	Break thou in pieces and consume to ashes, Thou foul accursed minister of hell!
	[Enter CARDINAL OF WINCHESTER, attended]
CARDINAL OF WINCHESTER	Lord regent, I do greet your excellence With letters of commission from the king. For know, my lords, the states of Christendom, Moved with remorse of these outrageous broils, Have earnestly implored a general peace Betwixt our nation and the aspiring French; And here at hand the Dauphin and his train Approacheth, to confer about some matter.
YORK	Is all our travail turn'd to this effect? After the slaughter of so many peers, So many captains, gentlemen and soldiers, That in this quarrel have been overthrown And sold their bodies for their country's benefit, Shall we at last conclude effeminate peace? Have we not lost most part of all the towns, By treason, falsehood and by treachery, Our great progenitors had conquered? O Warwick, Warwick! I foresee with grief The utter loss of all the realm of France.
WARWICK	Be patient, York: if we conclude a peace, It shall be with such strict and severe covenants As little shall the Frenchmen gain thereby.
	[Enter CHARLES, ALENCON, BASTARD OF ORLEANS, REIGNIER, and others]
CHARLES	Since, lords of England, it is thus agreed That peaceful truce shall be proclaim'd in France, We come to be informed by yourselves What the conditions of that league must be.
YORK	Speak, Winchester; for boiling choler chokes The hollow passage of my poison'd voice, By sight of these our baleful enemies.
CARDINAL OF WINCHESTER	Charles, and the rest, it is enacted thus: That, in regard King Henry gives consent, Of mere compassion and of lenity, To ease your country of distressful war, And suffer you to breathe in fruitful peace, You shall become true liegemen to his crown: And Charles, upon condition thou wilt swear To pay him tribute, submit thyself, Thou shalt be placed as viceroy under him, And still enjoy thy regal dignity.
ALENCON	Must he be then as shadow of himself? Adorn his temples with a coronet, And yet, in substance and authority, Retain but privilege of a private man? This proffer is absurd and reasonless.
CHARLES	'Tis known already that I am possess'd With more than half the Gallian territories, And therein reverenced for their lawful king: Shall I, for lucre of the rest unvanquish'd, Detract so much from that prerogative, As to be call'd but viceroy of the whole? No, lord ambassador, I'll rather keep That which I have than, coveting for more, Be cast from possibility of all.
YORK	Insulting Charles! hast thou by secret means Used intercession to obtain a league, And, now the matter grows to compromise, Stand'st thou aloof upon comparison? Either accept the title thou usurp'st, Of benefit proceeding from our king And not of any challenge of desert, Or we will plague thee with incessant wars.
REIGNIER	My lord, you do not well in obstinacy To cavil in the course of this contract: If once it be neglected, ten to one We shall not find like opportunity.
ALENCON	To say the truth, it is your policy To save your subjects from such massacre And ruthless slaughters as are daily seen By our proceeding in hostility; And therefore take this compact of a truce, Although you break it when your pleasure serves.
WARWICK	How say'st thou, Charles? shall our condition stand?
CHARLES	It shall; Only reserved, you claim no interest In any of our towns of garrison.
YORK	Then swear allegiance to his majesty, As thou art knight, never to disobey Nor be rebellious to the crown of England, Thou, nor thy nobles, to the crown of England. So, now dismiss your army when ye please: Hang up your ensign, let your drums be still, For here we entertain a solemn peace.
	[Exeunt]

Scene V London. The palace.

	[Enter SUFFOLK in conference with KING HENRY VI, GLOUCESTER and EXETER]
KING HENRY VI	Your wondrous rare description, noble earl, Of beauteous Margaret hath astonish'd me: Her virtues graced with external gifts Do breed love's settled passions in my heart: And like as rigor of tempestuous gusts Provokes the mightiest hulk against the tide, So am I driven by breath of her renown Either to suffer shipwreck or arrive Where I may have fruition of her love.
SUFFOLK	Tush, my good lord, this superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise; The chief perfections of that lovely dame Had I sufficient skill to utter them, Would make a volume of enticing lines, Able to ravish any dull conceit: And, which is more, she is not so divine, So full-replete with choice of all delights, But with as humble lowliness of mind She is content to be at your command; Command, I mean, of virtuous chaste intents, To love and honour Henry as her lord.
KING HENRY VI	And otherwise will Henry ne'er presume. Therefore, my lord protector, give consent That Margaret may be England's royal queen.
GLOUCESTER	So should I give consent to flatter sin. You know, my lord, your highness is betroth'd Unto another lady of esteem: How shall we then dispense with that contract, And not deface your honour with reproach?
SUFFOLK	As doth a ruler with unlawful oaths; Or one that, at a triumph having vow'd To try his strength, forsaketh yet the lists By reason of his adversary's odds: A poor earl's daughter is unequal odds, And therefore may be broke without offence.
GLOUCESTER	Why, what, I pray, is Margaret more than that? Her father is no better than an earl, Although in glorious titles he excel.
SUFFOLK	Yes, lord, her father is a king, The King of Naples and Jerusalem; And of such great authority in France As his alliance will confirm our peace And keep the Frenchmen in allegiance.
GLOUCESTER	And so the Earl of Armagnac may do, Because he is near kinsman unto Charles.
EXETER	Beside, his wealth doth warrant a liberal dower, Where Reignier sooner will receive than give.
SUFFOLK	A dower, my lords! disgrace not so your king, That he should be so abject, base and poor, To choose for wealth and not for perfect love. Henry is able to enrich his queen And not seek a queen to make him rich: So worthless peasants bargain for their wives, As market-men for oxen, sheep, or horse. Marriage is a matter of more worth Than to be dealt in by attorneyship; Not whom we will, but whom his grace affects, Must be companion of his nuptial bed: And therefore, lords, since he affects her most, It most of all these reasons bindeth us, In our opinions she should be preferr'd. For what is wedlock forced but a hell, An age of discord and continual strife? Whereas the contrary bringeth bliss, And is a pattern of celestial peace. Whom should we match with Henry, being a king, But Margaret, that is daughter to a king? Her peerless feature, joined with her birth, Approves her fit for none but for a king: Her valiant courage and undaunted spirit, More than in women commonly is seen, Will answer our hope in issue of a king; For Henry, son unto a conqueror, Is likely to beget more conquerors, If with a lady of so high resolve As is fair Margaret he be link'd in love. Then yield, my lords; and here conclude with me That Margaret shall be queen, and none but she.
KING HENRY VI	Whether it be through force of your report, My noble Lord of Suffolk, or for that My tender youth was never yet attaint With any passion of inflaming love, I cannot tell; but this I am assured, I feel such sharp dissension in my breast, Such fierce alarums both of hope and fear, As I am sick with working of my thoughts. Take, therefore, shipping; post, my lord, to France; Agree to any covenants, and procure That Lady Margaret do vouchsafe to come To cross the seas to England and be crown'd King Henry's faithful and anointed queen: For your expenses and sufficient charge, Among the people gather up a tenth. Be gone, I say; for, till you do return, I rest perplexed with a thousand cares. And you, good uncle, banish all offence: If you do censure me by what you were, Not what you are, I know it will excuse This sudden execution of my will. And so, conduct me where, from company, I may revolve and ruminate my grief.
	[Exit]
GLOUCESTER	Ay, grief, I fear me, both at first and last.
	[Exeunt GLOUCESTER and EXETER]
SUFFOLK	Thus Suffolk hath prevail'd; and thus he goes, As did the youthful Paris once to Greece, With hope to find the like event in love, But prosper better than the Trojan did. Margaret shall now be queen, and rule the king; But I will rule both her, the king and realm.
	[Exit]