[Re-enter BISHOP OF ELY]
BISHOP OF ELY Where is my lord protector? I have sent for these
strawberries.
HASTINGS His grace looks cheerfully and smooth to-day;
There's some conceit or other likes him well,
When he doth bid good morrow with such a spirit.
I think there's never a man in Christendom
That can less hide his love or hate than he;
For by his face straight shall you know his heart.
DERBY What of his heart perceive you in his face
By any likelihood he show'd to-day?
HASTINGS Marry, that with no man here he is offended;
For, were he, he had shown it in his looks.
DERBY I pray God he be not, I say.
[Re-enter GLOUCESTER and BUCKINGHAM]
GLOUCESTER I pray you all, tell me what they deserve
That do conspire my death with devilish plots
Of damned witchcraft, and that have prevail'd
Upon my body with their hellish charms?
HASTINGS The tender love I bear your grace, my lord,
Makes me most forward in this noble presence
To doom the offenders, whatsoever they be
I say, my lord, they have deserved death.
GLOUCESTER Then be your eyes the witness of this ill:
See how I am bewitch'd; behold mine arm
Is, like a blasted sapling, wither'd up:
And this is Edward's wife, that monstrous witch,
Consorted with that harlot strumpet Shore,
That by their witchcraft thus have marked me.
HASTINGS If they have done this thing, my gracious lord--
GLOUCESTER If I thou protector of this damned strumpet--
Tellest thou me of 'ifs'? Thou art a traitor:
Off with his head! Now, by Saint Paul I swear,
I will not dine until I see the same.
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