_Gualo._ None is too great. I'd place him next the throne. What think your lordships? _Alb._ As yourself, my lord. [_Aside to Pembroke_] Best humor him. _Gualo._ Then further I may speak. The earl of Kent, who lately met his death, Has left no heir to his vast lands and name. I think that God did so provide this place For honor of De Burgh. And more than this, Let him be made the great lord chancellor, And chief justiciary of this troubled realm. _Alb._ [_Aside to Pembroke_] Agree. No matter. Gualo's eye is on us. _Win._ You speak in happy time, lord cardinal, And we embrace your meaning heartily. _Hen._ This easy payment of so great a debt Inclines me to forget the dangerous way De Burgh comes by his honor. We must keep That ever in our hearts, my worthy lords, Lest we grow jealous of his climbing fortune. _Alb._ I hope we've memories, sire, and honest ones. _Hen._ Well, to forfend the bating of his praise In my poor mind, I'll give a lasting proof Of how I hold him, and here forfeit right To Margaret's hand in favor of De Burgh. _Alb._ My liege! The princess? _Hen._ He is now an earl; And if I not complain, should any here? _Alb._ But, sire---- _Pem._ [_Aside to Albemarle_] Submit! 'Tis only for an hour. _Alb._ Pardon me that I thought to save you, sire From such dear sacrifice. _Hen._ 'Tis fit we make it, And ask your fair approval, Albemarle. _Alb._ And here I give it, my too gracious king. [_To an attendant_] Whist! Are the horses saddled? _Att._ Ready, sir. [_Enter Gregory_] _Hen._ Well, captain, well? _Greg._ The princess Margaret And lady Albemarle are at the gates. _Alb._ My countess gads for news of her brave brother. _Hen._ A worthy quest. [_To Gregory_] See them refreshed and lodged, But bid them keep their chamber for a time. [_Exit Gregory_] _Alb._ [_To Pembroke_] Where are our messengers? Can they be lost? _Pem._ We should have heard by now. There's something wrong. [_Enter an attendant_] _Att._ Your majesty, a messenger! _Hen._ From sea? [_Enter Gersa_] _Ger._ The king! Where is the king? _Alb._ Pray use your eyes. _Ger._ [_Kneeling_] Your majesty. _Hen._ Arise. Your message? _Ger._ Sire, Hubert de Burgh is at the port. _Alb._ [_Aside_] How now? _Ger._ With all his ships but five. _Pem._ [_To Winchester_] But five? What's here? _Win._ A witch i' the pot, your lordships. _Ger._ For those five There's fifty of the French gone to the bottom. The rest are scattered wide, with crippled sails Begging the winds for mercy.