From the corruption of abusing times,
Unto a lineal true-derived course.
L. May. Do, good my lord; your citizens entreat you. 200
Buck. Refuse not, mighty lord, this proffer'd love.
Cate. O, make them joyful! grant their lawful suit!
Rich. Alas! why would you heap this care on me?
I am unfit for state and majesty: 204
I do beseech you, take it not amiss,
I cannot nor I will not yield to you.
Buck. If you refuse it, as, in love and zeal,
Loath to depose the child, your brother's son; 208
As well we know your tenderness of heart
And gentle, kind, effeminate remorse,
Which we have noted in you to your kindred,
And egally, indeed, to all estates, 212
Yet know whe'r you accept our suit or no,
Your brother's son shall never reign our king;
But we will plant some other in the throne,
To the disgrace and downfall of your house: 216
And in this resolution here we leave you.
Come; citizens, we will entreat no more.
Cate. Call him again, sweet prince; accept their suit:
If you deny them, all the land will rue it. 220
Rich. Will you enforce me to a world of cares?
Call them again: I am not made of stones,
But penetrable to your kind entreaties,
Albeit against my conscience and my soul. 224
[Re-]enter Buckingham and the rest.
Cousin of Buckingham, and sage, grave men,
198 abusing times: i.e. the period following Edward's marriage to Elizabeth
210 effeminate remorse: woman-like pity
212 egally: equally
estates: classes of persons
217 in this resolution: with this resolve
