_Archb. of Cant._ Long live King Edward, by the grace of God King of England and Lord of Ireland! _Cham._ If any Christian, Heathen, Turk, or Jew, Dares but affirm that Edward's not true king, And will avouch his saying with the sword, I am the Champion that will combat him. _Y. Mor._ None comes: sound, trumpets! [_Trumpets._ _K. Edw. Third._ Champion, here's to thee. [_Gives purse._ _Q. Isab._ Lord Mortimer, now take him to your charge. _Enter_ Soldiers _with_ KENT _prisoner._ _Y. Mor._ What traitor have we there with blades and bills? _First Sold._ Edmund the Earl of Kent. _K. Edw. Third._ What hath he done? _First Sold._ 'A would have taken the king away perforce, As we were bringing him to Killingworth. _Y. Mor._ Did you attempt his rescue, Edmund? speak. _Kent._ Mortimer, I did: he is our king, And thou compell'st this prince to wear the crown. _Y. Mor._ Strike off his head: he shall have martial law. _Kent._ Strike off my head! base traitor, I defy thee! _K. Edw. Third._ My lord, he is my uncle, and shall live. _Y. Mor._ My lord, he is your enemy, and shall die. _Kent._ Stay, villains! _K. Edw. Third._ Sweet mother, if I cannot pardon him, Entreat my Lord Protector for his life. _Q. Isab._ Son, be content: I dare not speak a word. _K. Edw. Third._ Nor I; and yet methinks I should command: But, seeing I cannot, I'll entreat for him.-- My lord, if you will let my uncle live, I will requite it when I come to age. _Y. Mor._ 'Tis for your highness' good and for the realm's.-- How often shall I bid you bear him hence? _Kent._ Art thou king? must I die at thy command? _Y. Mor._ At our command.--Once more, away with him! _Kent._ Let me but stay and speak; I will not go: Either my brother or his son is king, And none of both them thirst for Edmund's blood: And therefore, soldiers, whither will you hale me? [_Soldiers hale Kent away, and carry him to be beheaded._ _K. Edw. Third._ What safety may I look for at his hands, If that my uncle shall be murder'd thus? _Q. Isab._ Fear not, sweet boy; I'll guard thee from thy foes: Had Edmund liv'd, he would have sought thy death. Come, son, we'll ride a-hunting in the park. _K. Edw. Third._ And shall my uncle Edmund ride with us? _Q. Isab._ He is a traitor; think not on him: come. [_Exeunt._ _Enter_ MATREVIS _and_ GURNEY.