The Lord keep him from the title of king! Richard has set boundaries between my love and theirs? I am their mother. Who's going to keep me from them?
DUCHESS
I am their father's mother. I will see them.
DUCHESS
I am their father's mother. I will see them.
ANNE
Their aunt I am in law, in love their mother.
Then bring me to their sights. I'll bear thy blame
25
And take thy office from thee, on my peril.
ANNE
I am their aunt, and I love them like a mother. So take me to see them. Officer, I'll take the responsibility from you, and the blame too.
BRAKENBURY
No, madam, no. I may not leave it so.
I am bound by oath, and therefore pardon me.
BRAKENBURY
No, madam, no. I can't do this. I am bound by oath, so please forgive me.
Exit
He exits.
Enter Lord STANLEY, earl of Derby
Lord STANLEY, earl of Derby, enters.
STANLEY
Let me but meet you ladies one hour hence,
And I'll salute your Grace of York as mother
30
And reverend looker-on, of two fair queens.
(to ANNE)
Come, madam, you must straight to Westminster,
There to be crownèd Richard's royal queen.
STANLEY
In just an hour from now, Duchess of York, I'll be saluting you as the mother of two beautiful queens. (to ANNE) Come, madam, you must go straight to Westminster Abbey, where you will be crowned Richard's queen.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Ah, cut my lace asunder,
35
That my pent heart may have some scope to beat,
Or else I swoon with this dead-killing news!
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Oh, cut my bodice-staps so that my pent-up heart can have some room to breathe, or I'll faint from this deadly news!
ANNE
Despiteful tidings! O, unpleasing news!
ANNE
Cruel, cruel news!
DORSET
(to QUEEN ELIZABETH) Be of good cheer, mother. How fares
your Grace?
DORSET
(to QUEEN ELIZABETH) Cheer up, mother. How are you feeling?
