Brak. What one, my lord?
Rich. Her husband, knave. Wouldst thou betray me?
Brak. I do beseech your Grace to pardon me; and withal
Forbear your conference with the noble duke. 104
Clar. We know thy charge, Brakenbury, and will obey.
Rich. We are the queen's abjects, and must obey.
Brother, farewell: I will unto the king;
And whatsoe'er you will employ me in, 108
Were it to call King Edward's widow sister,
I will perform it to enfranchise you.
Meantime, this deep disgrace in brotherhood
Touches me deeper than you can imagine. 112
Clar. I know it pleaseth neither of us well.
Rich. Well, your imprisonment shall not be long;
I will deliver you, or else lie for you:
Meantime, have patience.
Clar. I must perforce: farewell. 116
Exit Clarence [with Brakenbury, and Guard].
Rich. Go, tread the path that thou shalt ne'er return,
Simple, plain Clarence! I do love thee so
That I will shortly send thy soul to heaven,
If heaven will take the present at our hands. 120
But who comes here? the new-deliver'd Hastings!
Enter Lord Hastings.
Hast. Good time of day unto my gracious lord!
Rich. As much unto my good lord chamberlain!
Well are you welcome to this open air. 124
102 betray: i.e. trap me into speaking treason
106 abjects: i.e. the most servile of her subjects; cf. n.
109 widow; cf. n.
110 enfranchise: set free
115 lie for you: be imprisoned in your stead; cf. n.
