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| Character | Edward II?Gaveston??? | |
|---|---|---|
| Scene type / Who are | Lovers, Friends | |
| Type | Dramatic | |
| Year | 1592 | |
| Period | Renaissance | |
| Genre | Historical, Drama | |
| Description | Edward II has to separate from his friend and lover Gaveston | |
| Location | ACT I, Scene 4 | |
Summary
The play focuses on the major events during Edward II's reign (1307-1327). It starts with Edward I's death and subsequent recall of Edward II's friend and favorite (and lover) Piers Gaveston from France. Gaveston is later first exiled and then murdered by other noblemen. Edward II's throne is threatened by the Queen, Isabella of France, who raises an army with the help of her lover Mortimer and defeat the king at Bannockburn. The king is taken prisoner and eventually executed along with his brother Edmund. At the end Edward III revenges his father's death by executing Mortimer and imprisoning his mother.
Under the pressure of various noblemen in the court and forced by the Pope, King Edward has to send his friend and lover in exile to Ireland. In this scene the king parts from his beloved Gaveston.
Under the pressure of various noblemen in the court and forced by the Pope, King Edward has to send his friend and lover in exile to Ireland. In this scene the king parts from his beloved Gaveston.
Written by Administrator
| Excerpt |
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| [Enter Gaveston and King Edward II in a chamber in the castle] Gav. My lord, I hear it whispered everywhere, That I am banish’d, and must fly the land. K. Edw. ’Tis true, sweet Gaveston—O! were it false! The legate of the Pope will have it so, And thou must hence, or I shall be depos’d. But I will reign to be reveng’d of them; And therefore, sweet friend, take it patiently. Live where thou wilt, I’ll send thee gold enough; And long thou shalt not stay, or if thou dost, I’ll come to thee; my love shall ne’er decline. Gav. Is all my hope turn’d to this hell of grief? K. Edw. Rend not my heart with thy too-piercing words: Thou from this land, I from myself am banish’d. Gav. To go from hence grieves not poor Gaveston; But to forsake you, in whose gracious looks The blessedness of Gaveston remains, For nowhere else seeks he felicity. K. Edw. And only this torments my wretched soul That, whether I will or no, thou must depart. Be governor of Ireland in my stead, And there abide till fortune call thee home. Here take my picture, and let me wear thine; [They exchange pictures.] O, might I keep thee here as I do this, Happy were I! but now most miserable! Gav. ’Tis something to be pitied of a king. K. Edw. Thou shalt not hence—I’ll hide thee, Gaveston. Gav. I shall be found, and then ’twill grieve me more. K. Edw. Kind words and mutual talk makes our grief greater; Therefore, with dumb embracement, let us part.— Stay, Gaveston, I cannot leave thee thus. Gav. For every look, my lord drops down a tear. Seeing I must go, do not renew my sorrow. K. Edw. The time is little that thou hast to stay, And, therefore, give me leave to look my fill. But come, sweet friend, I’ll bear thee on thy way. Gav. The peers will frown. K. Edw. I pass not for their anger—Come, let’s go; O that we might as well return as go. |
