Scene Four
[London. The Tower]
Hast. Now noble peers, the cause why we are met
Is to determine of the coronation:
In God's name, speak, when is the royal day?
Buck. Is all things ready for the royal time? 4
Der. It is; and wants but nomination.
Ely. To-morrow then I judge a happy day.
Buck. Who knows the Lord Protector's mind herein?
Who is most inward with the noble duke? 8
Ely. Your Grace, we think, should soonest know his mind.
Buck. We know each other's faces; for our hearts,
He knows no more of mine than I of yours;
Nor I of his, my lord, than you of mine. 12
Lord Hastings, you and he are near in love.
Hast. I thank his Grace, I know he loves me well;
But, for his purpose in the coronation,
I have not sounded him, nor he deliver'd 16
His gracious pleasure any way therein:
But you, my honourable lords, may name the time;
And in the duke's behalf I'll give my voice,
Which, I presume, he'll take in gentle part. 20
Enter Richard.
Ely. In happy time, here comes the duke himself.
Rich. My noble lords and cousins all, good morrow.
I have been long a sleeper; but, I trust,
My absence doth neglect no great design, 24
Scene Four S. d. Derby: i.e. Stanley
5 nomination: appointing
6 happy: suitable
8 inward: familiar, intimate
9 should soonest: is most likely to
21 In happy time: opportunely
