YORK
. . .
Thy father bears the type of King of Naples,
Of both the Sicils and Jerusalem,
Yet not so wealthy as an English yeoman.
Hath that poor monarch taught thee to insult?
It needs not, nor it boots thee not, proud Queen,
Unless the adage must be verified,
That beggars mounted run their horse to death.
'Tis beauty that doth oft make women proud,
But God he knows, thy share thereof is small.
'Tis virtue that doth make them most admired,
The contrary doth make thee wondered at.
. . .

In this passage, the Duke of York unleashes a torrent of scorn upon Queen Margaret, challenging her legitimacy and pride. By referencing her father's titles yet mocking his wealth, York belittles the Queen's lineage and questions the lessons she has learned from her father. The adage he cites, "beggars mounted run their horse to death," suggests that those who gain power unexpectedly may misuse it, lacking the wisdom to wield it appropriately. York's comments on beauty and virtue further strip away the Queen's dignity; he implies she lacks both, which are typically sources of pride and admiration for women. His words are sharp and derisive, aiming to undermine her authority and confidence, highlighting the brutal and personal nature of political and familial conflicts during this period.