University of Virginia Library

SCENE II. The Same.

To Gloster enter The Corpse of Henry VI and Lady Anne.
Lady Anne.
Rest you while I lament my Henry's corpse,
While I adore my Henry's holy shade!

Gloster.
I did not kill your husband; on the day
Of our late king's deplorable demise
I was not in the Tower—was out of town:
At Sandwich—Mr. Clements Markham proves—
Was I: perchance pursued the devious ball,
And in the Maiden bunker came to grief.
Or if not so, I know not what I did,
Or what foul fiend could take a man to Sandwich.

Lady Anne.
Never hung poison on a fouler toad!

Gloster.
Nay, hear me swear a good mouth-filling oath
That I can prove a perfect alibi.
Listen, from this ‘Historical Review’,
Put forth by Master Longman, in the Row,
I'll prove me sackless of that monstrous deed!

Lady Anne.
A monstrous deal of sack!

Gloster.
Nay, mock me not!
For Mr. Clements Markham makes it plain
That on the fatal day I was afar
From Towers of Julius, London's lasting shame.
'Tis true that Mr. Samuel Gardiner
Has put the matter in another light:
A question 'tis of dates, but what are they?
Myself am strong on Clements Markham's side;
(aside) Yet Mrs.
Markham tells another tale!

Lady Anne.
‘Samivel, a halibi.’ This likes me well!

Gloster.
Then, then we may consider ourselves engaged?

Lady Anne.
Perdition catch my soul, but I do love thee!

[Exit Lady Anne and Corpse.