Kudos to the King

"Madame, in this matter
We will employ you and your little son;
You shall go parley with the King of France.--
Boy, see you bear you bravely to the King
And do your message with a majesty." (3.1.70-74)

I know that during Renaissance times, fathers didn't exactly have close relationships with their sons, but this quote stood out to me because of how Edward addresses his son so distantly. Perhaps it is because I know that the relationship between Edward and Isabella is so antipathetic, which would give Edward reason to act so coldly to his son, his heir by blood whom he should cherish with all his heart. He does not call him by some endearing name. In fact, he doesn't even call him by his name; he simply calls him "boy." Also, it seems hypocritical for the king to call anyone "boy" when clearly he acts so immature and adolescent when he should be behaving as a noble king would behave. One more thing, at 3.1.28-31 Baldock says:

"This haught resolve becomes Your Majesty,
Not to be tied to their affection,
As though Your Highness were a schoolboy still
And must be awed and governed like a child."

Note the irony of this statement.

However, I must commend the King for "manning up" in 3.3. It is not surprising to see that it is only when Gaveston is gone for good that the King finally starts to show some authority. Kudos to King Edward. It's about time!