University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Queen. Beaufort.
Queen.
O, Winchester!—I am perplex'd;—I fear!—

Beauf.
Madam, I hasten'd to prevent your Fears.—

Queen.
Why do you quit your Seat?—Say!—What Occasion?—
Has the King spoke?—

Beauf.
Be more compos'd.

Queen.
Resolve me!—

Beauf.
He would have spoke;—when, a surprizing Rumour
Was circled round,—of the Protectour's Death!—

Queen.
Of Gloucester's Death?—It cannot be!—And yet,
I, almost wish it may!—

Beauf.
A frequent Murmur
(As of Bees disturb'd within their Hives) rose
On a suddain!—And the deep Concern,
In all his Friends, gives seeming Credit to it.

Queen.
Some Stratagem!—But, were it true; I dread
This hasty Death!—Who knows what may be said?—

Beauf.
We may expect, our Enemies will cast out
Malicious Whispers.

Queen.
Ay, Beaufort!—And, I wish,
He had not been confin'd.

Beauf.
Thus, human Foresight
Is, ever, blind to the Decrees of Heaven!

Queen.
He is so lov'd!—so much the Worship of the People;
I apprehend a thousand Mischiefs!—

Beauf.
Faction
May rage, a While.—Let Us betray no Fear:
But, bold in Innocence, confront Detraction!

Queen.
Back, to your Seat, my Lord; and watch the Motions—
Yet, stay!—Here, comes the Duke of York.—