Tell me for truth the measure of his love 120
Unto our sister Bona.
War.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, 124
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. 128
Lew. Now, sister, let us hear your firm resolve.
Bona. Your grant, or your denial, shall be mine:
Yet I confess that often ere this day, Speaks to War.
When I have heard your king's desert recounted, 132
Mine ear hath tempted judgment to desire.
Lew. Then, Warwick, thus: our sister shall be Edward's;
And now forthwith shall articles be drawn
Touching the jointure that your king must make, 136
Which with her dowry shall be counterpois'd.
Draw near, Queen Margaret, and be a witness
That Bona shall be wife to the English king.
Prince. To Edward, but not to the English king. 140
Mar. Deceitful Warwick! it was thy device
By this alliance to make void my suit:
Before thy coming Lewis was Henry's friend.
Lew. And still is friend to him and Margaret: 144
But if your title to the crown be weak,
As may appear by Edward's good success,
Then 'tis but reason that I be releas'd
From giving aid which late I promised. 148
Yet shall you have all kindness at my hand
127 Cf. n.
128 quit his pain: requite his longing
130 grant: assent
132 desert: merit
136 jointure: property settled on wife at marriage
137 counterpois'd: equalled
