[_Exeunt all except King Edward, Kent, Gaveston, and attendants._ _K. Edw._ I cannot brook these haughty menaces: Am I a king, and must be over-rul'd!-- Brother, display my ensigns in the field: I'll bandy with the barons and the earls, And either die or live with Gaveston. _Gav._ I can no longer keep me from my lord. [_Comes forward._ _K. Edw._ What, Gaveston! welcome! Kiss not my hand: Embrace me, Gaveston, as I do thee. Why shouldst thou kneel? know'st thou not who I am? Thy friend, thyself, another Gaveston: Not Hylas was more mourned for of Hercules Than thou hast been of me since thy exile. _Gav._ And, since I went from hence, no soul in hell Hath felt more torment than poor Gaveston. _K. Edw._ I know it.--Brother, welcome home my friend.-- Now let the treacherous Mortimers conspire, And that high-minded Earl of Lancaster: I have my wish, in that I joy thy sight; And sooner shall the sea o'erwhelm my land Than bear the ship that shall transport thee hence. I here create thee Lord High-chamberlain, Chief Secretary to the state and me, Earl of Cornwall, King and Lord of Man. _Gav._ My lord, these titles far exceed my worth. _Kent._ Brother, the least of these may well suffice For one of greater birth than Gaveston. _K. Edw._ Cease, brother, for I cannot brook these words.-- Thy worth, sweet friend, is far above my gifts: Therefore, to equal it, receive my heart. If for these dignities thou be envied, I'll give thee more; for, but to honour thee, Is Edward pleas'd with kingly regiment. Fear'st thou thy person? thou shalt have a guard: Wantest thou gold? go to my treasury: Wouldst thou be lov'd and fear'd? receive my seal, Save or condemn, and in our name command What so thy mind affects, or fancy likes. _Gav._ It shall suffice me to enjoy your love; Which whiles I have, I think myself as great As Caesar riding in the Roman street, With captive kings at his triumphant car. _Enter the_ BISHOP OF COVENTRY.