_Hen._ Here come the lords. But first I'll speak with Gualo. [_Exeunt Henry and friar Sebastian, left. At right, enter Albemarle, Winchester and Pembroke_] _Pem._ [_To Albemarle_] He has not yet confirmed you chancellor? _Alb._ No need, so short his reign. _Win._ We should have news. By this the battle's done. I wonder now How far is Hubert's head on its long journey To ocean's bottom? _Alb._ May it please your grace, We think 'tis best that you stay with the king. If all desert him 'twill look foul in us, And it will take an honest English face To keep the people with us. _Win._ True, my lord. And I will stay with him, for I have gone A little deeper in his heart than you, And can best turn him to advance our plot. _Pem._ While we ride forth to call men to defence-- In truth to give them hand and foot to Louis-- You wait here with the king---- _Win._ I understand. And you not coming up, perforce be taken. Then Henry may lay by his crown, or keep 't To please his jailer's peeping mammets, or bribe His turnkey for a slug of meat. _Alb._ The jail Where he must lie is small and needs no keeper; For who go in so well contented are They're never known to set foot forth again. _Win._ Must go so far? Well, as you please, my lords. [_Re-enter Henry, with Cardinal Gualo and attendants_] _Alb._ God save your majesty! _Hen._ My faithful friends, Well met. _Win._ Ah, still in black, my liege? _Hen._ Why not, My lord? When my poor father in the flesh Was struck by death they dressed me in this hue; And heavier cause have I to wear it now, When he who gave my soul its dearest light-- My father in nobility above The blood or happy chance of birth--is gone To come no more. _Win._ But, good, my liege, am I So little worth that with a strange misfit I wear his dignity? _Hen._ The worthier You are to wear 't you'll teach me to regret His goodness lost, and be more pleased to see How I prize virtue dead, guessing thereby How dear is living virtue to my soul. _Pem._ [_Aside to Albemarle_] Does he suspect? _Alb._ 'Twould trouble us. There are Some captains in the fort would make a way For his escape. _Hen._ You've had no news, my lords? _Alb._ We yet wait word, but rest you easy, sire. Our fleet is safe and proudly bearing home. _Hen._ Your faith is strong. _Alb._ I have no doubt, my lord. _Hen._ Were it not well to take this time to plan De Burgh's reward? _Alb._ Ay, 'twere, your majesty. _Hen._ What say you, my lord cardinal? You first. How should we grace his triumph? With what honor?