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Act 3, Scene 2
Henry VI, Part 3 Translation Act 3, Scene 3
Flourish. Enter KING LEWIS XI, his sister BONA, his Admiral, called BOURBON, PRINCE EDWARD, QUEEN MARGARET, and OXFORD. KING LEWIS XI sits, and riseth up again
KING LEWIS XI
Fair Queen of England, worthy Margaret,Sit down with us: it ill befits thy stateAnd birth, that thou shouldst stand while Lewis doth sit.
KING LEWIS XI
Fair Queen of England, good Margaret: sit down next to us. It doesn't fit your position and birthright that you should stand up while I sit.
QUEEN MARGARET
No, mighty King of France: now Margaret Must strike her sail and learn awhile to serve Where kings command. I was, I must confess, Great Albion's queen in former golden days: But now mischance hath trod my title down, And with dishonour laid me on the ground; Where I must take like seat unto my fortune, And to my humble seat conform myself.
QUEEN MARGARET
No, powerful King of France. Margaret must lower herself now and learn for a while to serve where kings rule. Yes, I was, I must confess, England's queen in golden days of the past. But now misfortune has taken my title, and dishonor has forced me to the ground where I must sit. And so I'll just have to adjust to my new lowly situation.
KING LEWIS XI
Why, say, fair queen, whence springs this deep despair?
KING LEWIS XI
Tell me, fair queen, where does this deep despair come from?
QUEEN MARGARET
From such a cause as fills mine eyes with tearsAnd stops my tongue, while heart is drown'd in cares.
QUEEN MARGARET
From a cause that makes me cry when I think about it. It's hard for me to speak about it because I'm filled to the brim with worries.
KING LEWIS XI
Whate'er it be, be thou still like thyself,And sit thee by our side:
KING LEWIS XI
Whatever it may be, always act like a queen and sit next to me.
Seats her by him
KING LEWIS XI
Yield not thy neck To fortune's yoke, but let thy dauntless mind Still ride in triumph over all mischance. Be plain, Queen Margaret, and tell thy grief; It shall be eased, if France can yield relief.
KING LEWIS XI
Don't let fortune run wildly over you, but let your courageous mind still triumph over the bad things that happen. Be straightforward, Queen Margaret, and tell me about your grief. It shall be made easier to bear if the King of France can offer some help.
QUEEN MARGARET
Those gracious words revive my drooping thoughts And give my tongue-tied sorrows leave to speak. Now, therefore, be it known to noble Lewis, That Henry, sole possessor of my love, Is of a king become a banish'd man, And forced to live in Scotland a forlorn; While proud ambitious Edward Duke of York Usurps the regal title and the seat Of England's true-anointed lawful king. This is the cause that I, poor Margaret, With this my son, Prince Edward, Henry's heir, Am come to crave thy just and lawful aid; And if thou fail us, all our hope is done: Scotland hath will to help, but cannot help; Our people and our peers are both misled, Our treasures seized, our soldiers put to flight, And, as thou seest, ourselves in heavy plight.
QUEEN MARGARET
Those gracious words lift my spirits and make it possible for me to speak my silent sorrows. Now, then, let it be known to noble Lewis that Henry, the only one that has my love, is no longer a king but a banished man and is forced to live as an outcast in Scotland. Meanwhile, arrogant, ambitious Edward, Duke of York has stolen his title and has usurped the throne of England's rightful and lawful king. This is the reason why I, poor Margaret, with my son here, Prince Edward, Henry's heir, have come to ask for your just and fair help. And if you won't help us, all our hope is gone. Scotland wants to help but can't help. Our people and our noble followers are all led astray. Our possessions have been taken, our soldiers forced to flee, and as you can see, we are in a sorrowful situation ourselves.
KING LEWIS XI
Renowned queen, with patience calm the storm,While we bethink a means to break it off.
KING LEWIS XI
Famous queen, calm your grief with patience, while I think of a way to end your sadness.
QUEEN MARGARET
The more we stay, the stronger grows our foe.
QUEEN MARGARET
The longer we wait here, the stronger our enemy grows.
KING LEWIS XI
The more I stay, the more I'll succor thee.
KING LEWIS XI
The longer I pause, the more I can help you.
QUEEN MARGARET
O, but impatience waiteth on true sorrow.And see where comes the breeder of my sorrow!
QUEEN MARGARET
Oh, but impatience is part of real sorrow. And look, here comes the creator of all my sorrow!
Enter WARWICK
KING LEWIS XI
What's he approacheth boldly to our presence?
KING LEWIS XI
Who is it that comes in such a bold way into the kingly presence?
QUEEN MARGARET
Our Earl of Warwick, Edward's greatest friend.
QUEEN MARGARET
Our Earl of Warwick, Edward's best friend.
KING LEWIS XI
Welcome, brave Warwick! What brings thee to France?
KING LEWIS XI
Welcome, brave Warwick! What brings you to France?
He descends. She ariseth
QUEEN MARGARET
Ay, now begins a second storm to rise;For this is he that moves both wind and tide.
QUEEN MARGARET
Yes, now a second storm begins to rise, since this is the man who is so powerful that he can move both the wind and the tide.
WARWICK
From worthy Edward, King of Albion, My lord and sovereign, and thy vowed friend, I come, in kindness and unfeigned love, First, to do greetings to thy royal person; And then to crave a league of amity; And lastly, to confirm that amity With a nuptial knot, if thou vouchsafe to grant That virtuous Lady Bona, thy fair sister, To England's king in lawful marriage.
WARWICK
I come from the great Edward, King of England, my lord and ruler, and your sworn friend. I come in kindness and genuine love. First, I want to greet your royal highness. Then, I want to ask to form an alliance of friendship. Lastly, I want to confirm that friendship with a marriage contract, if you agree to give your sister-in-law, the virtuous Lady Bona, to the King of England as his wife.
QUEEN MARGARET
[Aside] If that go forward, Henry's hope is done.
QUEEN MARGARET
[To herself]
If that happens, there is no hope for Henry left.
WARWICK
[To BONA] A nd, gracious madam, in our king's behalf, I am commanded, with your leave and favour, Humbly to kiss your hand, and with my tongue To tell the passion of my sovereign's heart; Where fame, late entering at his heedful ears, Hath placed thy beauty's image and thy virtue.
WARWICK
[To LADY BONA]
And, gracious madam, in the name of our king, I am ordered, if you'll let me, to kiss your hand and speak to you about the passion of my king's heart. Recently, reports of you that were brought to him have created an image of your beauty and your virtue in that very heart.
QUEEN MARGARET
King Lewis and Lady Bona, hear me speak, Before you answer Warwick. His demand Springs not from Edward's well-meant honest love, But from deceit bred by necessity; For how can tyrants safely govern home, Unless abroad they purchase great alliance? To prove him tyrant this reason may suffice, That Henry liveth still: but were he dead, Yet here Prince Edward stands, King Henry's son. Look, therefore, Lewis, that by this league and marriage Thou draw not on thy danger and dishonour; For though usurpers sway the rule awhile, Yet heavens are just, and time suppresseth wrongs.
QUEEN MARGARET
King Lewis and Lady Bona, listen to what I have to say before you give an answer to Warwick. His request doesn't come from Edward's honest love. He's just trying to trick you because they have no other choice. How can usurpers safely rule at home unless they make a great alliance abroad? I can prove that he's a usurper simply by one reason: Henry still lives. But, even if he were dead, here stands Prince Edward, King Henry's son. Beware, Lewis, that you won't endanger and dishonor yourself by this union and marriage. Even though usurpers may be in power for a while, the heavens are fair, and wrongdoers will be punished in time.
WARWICK
Injurious Margaret!
WARWICK
Offensive Margaret!
PRINCE EDWARD
And why not queen?
PRINCE EDWARD
And why not "queen"?
WARWICK
Because thy father Henry did usurp;And thou no more are prince than she is queen.
WARWICK
Because your father Henry usurped the throne, so you are no more a prince than she is a queen.
OXFORD
Then Warwick disannuls great John of Gaunt, Which did subdue the greatest part of Spain; And, after John of Gaunt, Henry the Fourth, Whose wisdom was a mirror to the wisest; And, after that wise prince, Henry the Fifth, Who by his prowess conquered all France: From these our Henry lineally descends.
OXFORD
Then, Warwick, you ignore the great John of Gaunt, who conquered a big part of Spain. After John of Gaunt came Henry the Fourth, who was as wise as the wisest man there is. And, after that wise prince, there was Henry V, who conquered all of France by his power. And these are the kings from whom our Henry descends.
WARWICK
Oxford, how haps it, in this smooth discourse, You told not how Henry the Sixth hath lost All that which Henry Fifth had gotten? Methinks these peers of France should smile at that. But for the rest, you tell a pedigree Of threescore and two years; a silly time To make prescription for a kingdom's worth.
WARWICK
Oxford, how does it happen, in this smooth-talking story, you didn't mention how Henry the Sixth lost everything that Henry the Fifth had won? I think that these noblemen of France would find that amusing. But, as for all the rest, you recount a family tree of sixty-two years, which is not much time to make a long-term claim for a kingdom.
OXFORD
Why, Warwick, canst thou speak against thy liege,Whom thou obeyed'st thirty and six years,And not bewray thy treason with a blush?
OXFORD
Can you speak against your king, Warwick—a king you obeyed for thirty-six years—and not betray your treason by blushing?
WARWICK
Can Oxford, that did ever fence the right,Now buckler falsehood with a pedigree?For shame! Leave Henry, and call Edward king.
WARWICK
Can Oxford, who always fought for justice, now hide lies behind a family tree? Shame on you! Get over Henry and accept Edward as king.
OXFORD
Call him my king by whose injurious doom My elder brother, the Lord Aubrey Vere, Was done to death? And more than so, my father, Even in the downfall of his mellow'd years, When nature brought him to the door of death? No, Warwick, no; while life upholds this arm, This arm upholds the house of Lancaster.
OXFORD
Accept him as my king? The man who wrongfully sentenced my older brother, the Lord Aubrey Vere, to death? And, besides that, sentenced my father to death even though he was nearing the end of his life anyway and was declining towards death already? No, Warwick, no. As long as I'm alive, I'll defend the house of Lancaster.
WARWICK
And I the house of York.
WARWICK
And I will defend the house of York.
KING LEWIS XI
Queen Margaret, Prince Edward, and Oxford,Vouchsafe, at our request, to stand aside,While I use further conference with Warwick.
KING LEWIS XI
Queen Margaret, Prince Edward and Oxford. If you don't mind, at my request, to stand aside while I talk further with Warwick.
They stand aloof
QUEEN MARGARET
Heavens grant that Warwick's words bewitch him not!
QUEEN MARGARET
God forbid that Warwick's words charm him!
KING LEWIS XI
Now Warwick, tell me, even upon thy conscience,Is Edward your true king? For I were loathTo link with him that were not lawful chosen.
KING LEWIS XI
Warwick, tell me now, deep in your heart, is Edward your true king? Because I would hate to join with one who was not rightfully chosen.
WARWICK
Thereon I pawn my credit and mine honour.
WARWICK
I swear it on my reputation and my honor.
KING LEWIS XI
But is he gracious in the people's eye?
KING LEWIS XI
But is he popular with the people?
WARWICK
The more that Henry was unfortunate.
WARWICK
He is, especially because Henry was so unpopular.
KING LEWIS XI
Then further, all dissembling set aside,Tell me for truth the measure of his loveUnto our sister Bona.
KING LEWIS XI
Then, also, just speaking honestly, tell me truthfully how much he really loves my sister-in-law Lady Bona.
WARWICK
Such it seems As may beseem a monarch like himself. Myself have often heard him say and swear That this his love was an eternal plant, Whereof the root was fix'd in virtue's ground, The leaves and fruit maintain'd with beauty's sun, Exempt from envy, but not from disdain, Unless the Lady Bona quit his pain.
WARWICK
He loves her as much as it suits a king like himself. I have often heard him speak and swear that his love was like a plant that will never die. It will never die because the root is buried in the field of virtue and the sun of beauty shines upon the leaves and the fruit. His love is free from jealousy but not from the possibility of being hurt by Lady Bona's scorn, unless she should end his pain by returning his love.
KING LEWIS XI
Now, sister, let us hear your firm resolve.
KING LEWIS XI
Sister, we want to hear your decision now.
BONA
Your grant, or your denial, shall be mine:
[to WARWICK]
Yet I confess that often ere this day,
When I have heard your king's desert recounted,
Mine ear hath tempted judgment to desire.
BONA
Whether you agree to this, or refuse it, I'll go along with whatever you say.
[To WARWICK]
But I confess that often before today, whenever I heard your king's virtue being talked about, I was tempted to desire him.
KING LEWIS XI
Then, Warwick, thus: our sister shall be Edward's; And now forthwith shall articles be drawn Touching the jointure that your king must make, Which with her dowry shall be counterpoised. Draw near, Queen Margaret, and be a witness That Bona shall be wife to the English king.
KING LEWIS XI
Then, Warwick, here's my decision: my sister-in-law will be Edward's wife. Now conditions must be drawn up to determine what your king must give us as part of the marriage settlement. Her dowry shall be equal to whatever he pays us. Come close, Queen Margaret, and act as a witness to the agreement that Lady Bona shall become the wife of the English king.
PRINCE EDWARD
To Edward, but not to the English king.
PRINCE EDWARD
A wife to Edward but not to the English king.
QUEEN MARGARET
Deceitful Warwick! It was thy deviceBy this alliance to make void my suit:Before thy coming Lewis was Henry's friend.
QUEEN MARGARET
You deceitful Warwick! It was your plan to nullify my plea to King Lewis with this marriage alliance. Lewis was Henry's friend before you came here.
KING LEWIS XI
And still is friend to him and Margaret: But if your title to the crown be weak, As may appear by Edward's good success, Then 'tis but reason that I be released From giving aid which late I promised. Yet shall you have all kindness at my hand That your estate requires and mine can yield.
KING LEWIS XI
And he is still a friend to Henry and Margaret. But if your claim to the throne is weak, as it seems to be judging from Edward's success, then it makes sense that I shouldn't have to give the help that I had recently promised. Yet you will have all the kindness you deserve from me, whatever kindness is appropriate for your position and whatever kindness I'm able to give.
WARWICK
Henry now lives in Scotland at his ease, Where having nothing, nothing can he lose. And as for you yourself, our quondam queen, You have a father able to maintain you; And better 'twere you troubled him than France.
WARWICK
Henry now lives in Scotland peacefully, and since he has nothing there, he has nothing to lose. And as for you, our former queen, you have a father that is able to take care of you and it would be better if you went over to him and troubled him than troubled the King of France.
QUEEN MARGARET
Peace, impudent and shameless Warwick, peace, Proud setter up and puller down of kings! I will not hence, till, with my talk and tears, Both full of truth, I make King Lewis behold Thy sly conveyance and thy lord's false love; For both of you are birds of selfsame feather.
QUEEN MARGARET
Shut up, you insolent, shameless Warwick, be quiet, proud man who establishes and removes kings! I won't leave this place until with my words and tears, both of which are real, I make King Lewis recognize your cunning trickery and the falseness of your lord's love for Lady Bona. Both you and the king are made of the same stuff.
Post blows a horn within
KING LEWIS XI
Warwick, this is some post to us or thee.
KING LEWIS XI
Warwick, there is some letter for us or for you.
Enter a Post
POST
[To WARWICK] My lord ambassador, these letters are foryou,Sent from your brother, Marquess Montague.
MESSENGER
[To WARWICK] My lord ambassador, these letters are for you. They are from your brother, Marquess Montague.
To KING LEWIS XI
POST
These from our king unto your majesty.
MESSENGER
These are from our king to your king.
To QUEEN MARGARET
POST
And, madam, these for you; from whom I know not.
MESSENGER
And madam, these are for you. I don't know who sent them.
They all read their letters
OXFORD
I like it well that our fair queen and mistressSmiles at her news, while Warwick frowns at his.
OXFORD
I like that our queen is smiling at the news she's received while Warwick is frowning at the news he's received.
PRINCE EDWARD
Nay, mark how Lewis stamps, as he were nettled:I hope all's for the best.
PRINCE EDWARD
No, look at how Lewis stamps his foot, as if he was irritated by something. I hope all's going to turn out well.
KING LEWIS XI
Warwick, what are thy news? And yours, fair queen?
KING LEWIS XI
What is your news, Warwick? And yours, fair queen?
QUEEN MARGARET
Mine, such as fill my heart with unhoped joys.
QUEEN MARGARET
Mine fill my heart with happiness I did not hope for.
WARWICK
Mine, full of sorrow and heart's discontent.
WARWICK
Mine is full of sorrow and makes my heart heavy.
KING LEWIS XI
What! Has your king married the Lady Grey! And now, to soothe your forgery and his, Sends me a paper to persuade me patience? Is this the alliance that he seeks with France? Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner?
KING LEWIS XI
Madness! Has your king married the Lady Grey? And now, to smooth over your lies and his lies, he sends me a note to tell me to be calm? Is this the alliance that he wants to make with France? How can he dare to insult us in this way?
QUEEN MARGARET
I told your majesty as much before:This proveth Edward's love and Warwick's honesty.
QUEEN MARGARET
I warned your majesty about this before. It proves the falseness of Edward's love and Warwick's honesty.
WARWICK
King Lewis, I here protest, in sight of heaven, And by the hope I have of heavenly bliss, That I am clear from this misdeed of Edward's, No more my king, for he dishonours me, But most himself, if he could see his shame. Did I forget that by the house of York My father came untimely to his death? Did I let pass the abuse done to my niece? Did I impale him with the regal crown? Did I put Henry from his native right? And am I guerdon'd at the last with shame? Shame on himself! For my desert is honour: And to repair my honour lost for him, I here renounce him and return to Henry. My noble queen, let former grudges pass, And henceforth I am thy true servitor: I will revenge his wrong to Lady Bona, And replant Henry in his former state.
WARWICK
King Lewis, I swear, in front of heaven, and by the hope that I have of going to heaven, that I am innocent when it comes to Edward's crime. He is no longer my king because he dishonors me but he dishonors himself more, if he could only see how ashamed he should be. Did I forget that my father died prematurely because of the house of York? Did I forget about what Edward tried to do to my niece? Did I put the royal crown on his head? Did I tear Henry off his rightful throne? And am I ultimately rewarded with shame? Shame on him! I wanted to follow an honorable king. And to repair my honor that I lost because of him, I will abandon him and return to Henry's service.
(to QUEEN MARGARET)
My noble queen, let us forget our old disagreements, and let me be your true servant from now on. I will revenge the harm he did to Lady Bona and I will put Henry back on the throne.
QUEEN MARGARET
Warwick, these words have turn'd my hate to love;And I forgive and quite forget old faults,And joy that thou becomest King Henry's friend.
QUEEN MARGARET
Warwick, your words have turned my hate to love. I forgive and completely forget your old mistakes, and I am happy that you have returned to be King Henry's friend.
WARWICK
So much his friend, ay, his unfeigned friend, That, if King Lewis vouchsafe to furnish us With some few bands of chosen soldiers, I'll undertake to land them on our coast And force the tyrant from his seat by war. 'Tis not his new-made bride shall succor him: And as for Clarence, as my letters tell me, He's very likely now to fall from him, For matching more for wanton lust than honour, Or than for strength and safety of our country.
WARWICK
Yes, I am so much his friend, his genuine friend, that, if King Lewis will be willing to send us with some troops of selected soldiers, I'll take them to our coast and try to force the tyrant out of his throne through war. His new bride won't be able to help him. And, when it comes to Clarence, my letters tell me that he's very likely to abandon him, because he married Lady Gray for lust and for honor or the strength and safety of our country.
BONA
Dear brother, how shall Bona be revengedBut by thy help to this distressed queen?
BONA
Dear brother, how else can I be revenged except by your helping this distressed queen?
QUEEN MARGARET
Renowned prince, how shall poor Henry live,Unless thou rescue him from foul despair?
QUEEN MARGARET
Famous prince, how can poor Henry live if you don't save him from his miserable situation?
BONA
My quarrel and this English queen's are one.
BONA
My argument and the English queen's argument are one and the same.
WARWICK
And mine, fair lady Bona, joins with yours.
WARWICK
And my argument, fair Lady Bona, is the same as yours too.
KING LEWIS XI
And mine with hers, and thine, and Margaret's.Therefore at last I firmly am resolvedYou shall have aid.
KING LEWIS XI
And mine is the same as hers and yours and Margaret's. And so I have definitely decided to offer you help.
QUEEN MARGARET
Let me give humble thanks for all at once.
QUEEN MARGARET
Let me thank you for all you'll do for us at once.
KING LEWIS XI
Then, England's messenger, return in post,And tell false Edward, thy supposed king,That Lewis of France is sending over masquersTo revel it with him and his new bride:Thou seest what's past, go fear thy king withal.
KING LEWIS XI
[To the messenger]
Then return quickly, English messenger, and tell false Edward, your so-called king, that Lewis of France is sending over performers to stage a masque and celebrate with him and his new bride. You see what's happened here so now go frighten your king with the news.
BONA
Tell him, in hope he'll prove a widower shortly,I'll wear the willow garland for his sake.
BONA
[To the messenger]
Tell him I'll wear a willow garland, the sign of a lover who's been thrown aside, in hopes that he'll soon be widowed.
QUEEN MARGARET
Tell him, my mourning weeds are laid aside,And I am ready to put armour on.
QUEEN MARGARET
[To the messenger]
Tell him that my mourning clothes have been cast aside and I am ready to put on my armor.
WARWICK
Tell him from me that he hath done me wrong,And therefore I'll uncrown him ere't be long.There's thy reward: be gone.
WARWICK
[To the messenger]
Tell him from me that he has wronged me and that's why I'll take away his crown before too long. There's your payment. Go!
Exit Post
KING LEWIS XI
But, Warwick, Thou and Oxford, with five thousand men, Shall cross the seas, and bid false Edward battle; And, as occasion serves, this noble queen And prince shall follow with a fresh supply. Yet, ere thou go, but answer me one doubt, What pledge have we of thy firm loyalty?
KING LEWIS XI
Warwick, you and Oxford will cross the sea with five thousand men and challenge the false Edward to fight. And, when it makes sense, this noble queen and prince will follow with more reinforcements. But, before you go, answer one question: how can we be sure of your unwavering loyalty?
WARWICK
This shall assure my constant loyalty,That if our queen and this young prince agree,I'll join mine eldest daughter and my joyTo him forthwith in holy wedlock bands.
WARWICK
This will prove my eternal loyalty: if our queen and this young prince agree, I joyfully offer my eldest daughter to the prince for holy marriage.
QUEEN MARGARET
Yes, I agree, and thank you for your motion. Son Edward, she is fair and virtuous, Therefore delay not, give thy hand to Warwick; And, with thy hand, thy faith irrevocable, That only Warwick's daughter shall be thine.
QUEEN MARGARET
Yes, I agree and I thank you for that suggestion. Edward, my son, she is beautiful and virtuous. Therefore, don't hesitate, and give your hand to Warwick. Clasping hands, swear that you'll be constant forever and you'll be faithful to Warwick's daughter.
PRINCE EDWARD
Yes, I accept her, for she well deserves it;And here, to pledge my vow, I give my hand.
PRINCE EDWARD
Yes, I accept her because she deserves it. And here, as part of my vow, I give you my hand.
He gives his hand to WARWICK
KING LEWIS XI
Why stay we now? These soldiers shall be levied, And thou, Lord Bourbon, our high admiral, Shalt waft them over with our royal fleet. I long till Edward fall by war's mischance, For mocking marriage with a dame of France.
KING LEWIS XI
What are we waiting for? These soldiers will be recruited, and you, Lord Bourbon, our High Admiral, shall convey them over the sea with our royal navy. I can't wait until Edward falls to bad fortune in this war as punishment for toying with marriage with a French lady.
Exeunt all but WARWICK
WARWICK
I came from Edward as ambassador, But I return his sworn and mortal foe: Matter of marriage was the charge he gave me, But dreadful war shall answer his demand. Had he none else to make a stale but me? Then none but I shall turn his jest to sorrow. I was the chief that raised him to the crown, And I'll be chief to bring him down again: Not that I pity Henry's misery, But seek revenge on Edward's mockery.
WARWICK
I came as an ambassador from Edward, but I return as his sworn and deadly enemy. He told me to take care of his marriage, but he'll have war instead. Didn't he have someone other than me to make into a laughingstock? Well, then no one but me will turn his joke into sorrow. I was the most effective in raising him up to get the crown and I'll be the most effective in bringing him down again. I don't particularly feel bad for Henry's misery, but I must seek revenge for Edward's mockery of me.
Exit
