Edward spurned
at this petition with even more acrimony than he had done the prayer
for his victim's life, and Gloucester then starting from his knee, in a
burst of honest indignation exclaimed, "Oh! king, remember what is done
by thee this day. Refusing to give righteous judgment in favor of one
who prefers virtue to a crown and life! As insincere, as secret, have
been your last conditions with him, but they will be revealed when the
great Judge that searcheth all men's hearts shall cause thee to answer
for this matter at the dreadful day of universal doom. Thou has now
given sentence on a patriot and a prince, and then shall judgment be
given on thee!"
"Dangerous indeed is his rebellious spirit," cried Edward, in almost
speechless wrath, "since it affects even the duty of my own house!
Gloucester, leave my presence, and on pain of your own death, dare not
approach me till I send for you, to see this rebel's head on London
Bridge!"
To disappoint the revengeful monarch of at least this object of his
malice, Gloucester was now resolved, and imparting his wishes to the
warden of the Tower, who was his trusty friend, he laid a plan
accordingly.
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