Page:The religious life of King Henry VI.djvu/35

saying, and was ferried into the Abbey of Chertsey in Surrey, and there without pompe interred."^[1]

Shakespeare represents the universal opinion of the time regarding Henry's murder.

Gloucester. Clarence, excuse me to the King my brother

I'll hence to London, on a serious matter

Ere ye come there, be sure to hear some news.

Clarence. What? What?

then in the prison:

Enter Gloucester.

Gloucester. Good day, my lord! What at your book so hard?

Then when Gloucester had dismissed the lieutenant King Henry says:

So flies the reckless shepherd from the wolf:

So first the harmless sheep doth yield his fleece,

And next his throat unto the butcher's knife.

What scene of death hath Roscius now to act?

Then, after some words, Henry asks:

But wherefore dost thou come? Is't for my life?

Gloucester. Think'st thou, I am an executioner?

1. Speed, The Historie of Great Britaine.