York. So that, by this, you would not have him die.
Suf. Ah, York, no man alive so fain as I. 244
York. 'Tis York that hath more reason for his death.
But, my Lord Cardinal, and you, my Lord of Suffolk,
Say as you think, and speak it from your souls,
Were 't not all one an empty eagle were set 248
To guard the chicken from a hungry kite,
As place Duke Humphrey for the king's protector?
Queen. So the poor chicken should be sure of death.
Suf. Madam, 'tis true: and were 't not madness, then, 252
To make the fox surveyor of the fold?
Who, being accus'd a crafty murtherer,
His guilt should be but idly posted over
Because his purpose is not executed. 256
No; let him die, in that he is a fox,
By nature prov'd an enemy to the flock,
Before his chaps be stain'd with crimson blood,
As Humphrey, prov'd by reasons, to my liege. 260
And do not stand on quillets how to slay him:
Be it by gins, by snares, by subtilty,
Sleeping or waking, 'tis no matter how,
So he be dead; for that is good deceit 264
Which mates him first that first intends deceit.
Queen. Thrice noble Suffolk, 'tis resolutely spoke.
Suf. Not resolute, except so much were done,
For things are often spoke and seldom meant; 268
But, that my heart accordeth with my tongue,
Seeing the deed is meritorious,
And to preserve my sovereign from his foe,
244 fain: gladly
248 empty: i.e. starving
255 idly: foolishly
posted over: passed over hastily, ignored
260 prov’d: i.e. proved an enemy
261 stand on quillets: waste time with subtle distinctions
262 gins: traps
265 mates: confounds, overwhelms
269 that: to prove that
