From meaning treason to our royal person,
As is the sucking lamb or harmless dove.
The duke is virtuous, mild, and too well given 72
To dream on evil, or to work my downfall.
Queen. Ah! what's more dangerous than this fond affiance!
Seems he a dove? his feathers are but borrow'd,
For he's disposed as the hateful raven: 76
Is he a lamb; his skin is surely lent him,
For he's inclin'd as is the ravenous wolf.
Who cannot steal a shape that means deceit?
Take heed, my lord; the welfare of us all 80
Hangs on the cutting short that fraudful man.
Enter Somerset.
Som. All health unto my gracious sovereign!
King. Welcome, Lord Somerset. What news from France?
Som. That all your interest in those territories 84
Is utterly bereft you: all is lost.
King. Cold news, Lord Somerset: but God's will be done!
York. [Aside.] Cold news for me; for I had hope of France,
As firmly as I hope for fertile England. 88
Thus are my blossoms blasted in the bud,
And caterpillars eat my leaves away;
But I will remedy this gear ere long,
Or sell my title for a glorious grave. 92
Enter Gloucester.
Glo. All happiness unto my lord the king!
72 too well given: of too good character
74 fond affiance; foolish trust
77 lent him: i.e. not his own, false
79 What intending deceiver cannot assume a false appearance?
83-85 Cf. n.
87 Cold news for me; cf. n.
