Edward walked apart, strongly debating within himself. In his
character were great contrasts: no man was more frank in common, no
man more false when it suited; no man had more levity in wanton love,
or more firm affection for those he once thoroughly took to his heart.
He was the reverse of grateful for service yielded, yet he was warm in
protecting those on whom service was conferred. He was resolved not
to give up the Woodvilles, and after a short self-commune, he equally
determined not to risk his crown and life by persevering in resistance
to the demand for their downfall. Inly obstinate, outwardly yielding,
he concealed his falsehood with his usual soldierly grace.

"Warwick," he said, returning to the earl's side, "you cannot advise
me to what is misbeseeming, and therefore in this strait I resign my
conduct to your hands. I will not unsay to yon mutinous gentlemen
what I have already said; but what you judge it right to promise in my
name to them or to the insurgents, I will not suppose that mime honour
will refuse to concede. But go not hence, O noblest friend that ever
stood by a king's throne!--go not hence till the grasp of your hand
assures me that all past unkindness is gone and buried; yea, and by
this hand, and while its pressure is warm in mine, bear not too hard
on thy king's affection for his lady's kindred."

"Sire," said Warwick, though his generous nature well-nigh melted into
weakness, and it was with an effort that he adhered to his purpose,--
"sire, if dismissed for a while, they shall not be degraded. And if
it be, on consideration, wise to recall from the family of Woodville
your grants of lands and lordships, take from your Warwick--who, rich
in his king's love, hath eno' to spare--take the double of what you
would recall. Oh, be frank with me, be true, be steadfast, Edward,
and dispose of my lands, whenever you would content a favourite."