What danger, or what sorrow, can befall thee,
So long as Edward is thy constant friend,
And their true sovereign, whom they must obey?
Nay, whom they shall obey, and love thee too,
Unless they seek for hatred at my hands:
Which, if they do, yet will I keep thee safe,
And they shall feel the vengeance of my wrath.
Glo. Í hear, yet say not much, but think the
(Aside.)
Enter a Messenger.
K. Edw. Now, messenger, what letters, or what
From France?
[news,
Mess. My sovereign liege, no letters; and few
words,

more.

But such as I, without your special pardon,
Dare not relate.

[brief,

K. Edw. Go to, we pardon thee: therefore, in Tell me their words as near as thon canst guess them. What answer makes king Lewis unto our letters?

Mess. At my depart, these were his very words; Go tell false Edward, thy supposed king,— That Lewis of France is sending over maskers, To revel it with him and his new bride.

K. Edw. Is Lewis so brave? belike, he thinks me Henry.

But what said lady Bona to my marriage? Mess. These were her words, utter'd with mild disdain ;

Tell him, in hope he'll prove a widower shortly,
I'll wear the willow garland for his sake.

K. Edw. I blame not her, she could say little less; She had the wrong. But what said Henry's queen? For I have heard, that she was there in place. Mess. Tell him, quoth she, my mourning weeds are done,

And I am ready to put armour on.
K. Edw. Belike, she minds to play the Amazon.
But what said Warwick to these injuries?

Mess. He, more incens'd against your majesty Than all the rest, discharg'd me with these words; Tell him from me, that he hath done me wrong, And therefore I'll uncrown him, ere't be long.

K. Edw. Ha! durst the traitor breathe out so proud words?

Well, I will arm me, being thus forewarn'd: They shall have wars, and pay for their presumption. But say, is Warwick friends with Margaret? Mess. Ay, gracious sovereign; they are so link'd in friendship, [daughter. That young prince Edward marries Warwick's Clar. Belike, the elder; Clarence will have the younger.

Now, brother king, farewell, and sit you fast,
For I will hence to Warwick's other daughter;
That, though I want a kingdom, yet in marriage
I may not prove inferior to yourself.-
You, that love me and Warwick, follow me.
[Exit Clarence, and Somerset follows.
Glo. Not I:
My thoughts aim at a further matter; I
Stay not for love of Edward, but the crown. (A side.)
K. Edw. Clarence and Somerset both gone to
Warwick!

Pembroke, and Stafford, you in our behalf
Go levy men, and make prepare for war;
They are already, or quickly will be landed :
Myself in person will straight follow you.
[Exeunt Pembroke and Stafford.
But, ere I go, Hastings,-and Montague,-
Resolve my doubt. You twain, of all the rest,
Are near to Warwick, by blood, and by alliance:
Tell me, if you love Warwick more than me?
If it be so, then both depart to him;

I rather wish you foes, than hollow friends:
But if you mind to hold your true obedience,
Give me assurance with some friendly vow,
That I may never have you in suspect.

Mont. So God help Montague, as he proves true!
Hast. And Hastings, as he favours Edward's
cause!
[by us?
K. Edw. Now, brother Richard, will you stand
Glo. Ay, in despite of all that shall withstand you.
K. Edw. Why so; then am I sure of victory.
Now therefore let us hence; and lose no hour,
Till we meet Warwick with his foreign power.

[Exeunt.

Yet am I arm'd against the worst can happen; And haste is needful in this desperate case.-

SCENE II-A Plain in Warwickshire.

Enter WARWICK and OXFORD, with French and other Forces.

War. Trust me, my lord, all hitherto goes well; The common people by numbers swarm to us.

Enter CLARENCE and SOMERSET.

But, see, where Somerset and Clarence come ;-
Speak suddenly, my lords, are we all friends?
Clar. Fear not that, my lord.

[wick;
War. Then, gentle Clarence, welcome unto War-
And welcome, Somerset :-I hold it cowardice
To rest mistrustful, where a noble heart
Hath pawn'd an open hand in sign of love;
Else might I think, that Clarence, Edward's brother,
Were but a feigned friend to our proceedings:
But welcome, Clarence; my daughter shall be thine.
And now what rests, but, in night's coverture,
Thy brother being carelessly encamp'd,
His soldiers lurking in the towns about,
And but attended by a simple guard,
We may surprise and take him at our pleasure?
Our scouts have found the adventure very easy:
That as Ulysses, and stout Diomede,
With slight and manhood stole to Rhesus' tents,
And brought from thence the Thracian fatal steeds;
So we, well cover'd with the night's black mantle,
At unawares may beat down Edward's guard,
And seize himself; I say not-slaughter him,
For I intend but only to surprise him.—
You, that will follow me to this attempt,
Applaud the name of Henry, with your leader.
(They all cry, Henry!)
Why, then, let's on our way in silent sort:
For Warwick and his friends, God and Saint
George!
[Exeunt.
SCENE III.-Edward's Camp, near Warwick.
Enter certain Watchmen, to guard the King's tent.
1 Watch. Come on, my masters, each man take
his stand;
The king, by this, is set him down to sleep.
2 Watch. What, will he not to bed?

1 Watch. Why, no: for he hath made a solemn vow, Nev to lie and take his natural rest, Till Warwick, or himself, be quite suppress'd. 2 Watch. To-morrow then, belike, shall be the day, If Warwick be so near as men report.

3 Watch. But say, I pray, what nobleman is that, That with the king here resteth in his tent?

1 Watch. "Tis the lord Hastings, the king's chiefest friend. [king, 3 Watch. O, is it so? But why commands the That his chief followers lodge in towns about him, While he himself keepeth in the cold field?

2 Watch. 'Tis the more honour, because more dangerous.

3 Watch. Ay; but give me worship and quietness, I like it better than a dangerous honour. If Warwick knew in what estate he stands, "Tis to be doubted, he would waken him,

1 Watch. Unless our halberds did shut up his passage.

[tent,

2 Watch. Ay; wherefore else guard we his royal But to defend his person from night-foes? Enter WARWICK, Clarence, OxforD, SOMERSET, and Forces.

War. This is his tent; and see, where stand his guard. Courage, my masters: honour now, or never! But follow me, and Edward shall be ours. 1 Watch. Who goes there? 2 Watch. Stay, or thou diest.

[Warwick, and the rest, cry all-Warwick! Warwick! and set upon the Guard; who fly, crying-Arm! arm! Warwick, and the rest, following them.)

The drum beating, and trumpets sounding, re-enter WARWICK, and the rest, bringing the King out in a gown, sitting in a chair: Gloster and Hastings fly.

Som.

What are they that fly there? War. Richard and Hastings: let them go, here's the duke,

K. Edw. The duke! why, Warwick, when we parted last, Thou call'dst me king? War. Ay, but the case is alter'd: When you disgrac'd me in my embassade, Then I degraded you from being king, And come now to create you duke of York. Alas! how should you govern any kingdom, That know not how to use ambassadors; Nor how to be contented with one wife; Nor know not how to use your brothers brotherly; Nor how to study for the people's welfare; Nor how to shrowd yourself from enemies?

K. Edw. Yea, brother of Clarence, art thou here too?

Nay, then I see, that Edward needs must down.-
Yet, Warwick, in despite of all mischance,
Of thee thyself, and all thy complices,
Edward will always bear himself as king:
Though fortune's malice overthrow my state,
My mind exceeds the compass of her wheel.
War. Then, for his mind, be Edward England's
king:
(Takes off his crown.)
But Henry now shall wear the English crown,
And be true king indeed; thou but the shadow.-
My lord of Somerset, at my request,
See that forthwith duke Edward be convey'd
Unto my brother, archbishop of York.
When I have fought with Pembroke and his fellows,
I'll follow you, and tell what answer
Lewis, and the lady Bona, send to him:
Now, for a while, farewell, good duke of York.
K. Edw. What fates impose, that men must needs
abide;

It boots not to resist both wind and tide.
[Exit King Edward, led out; Somerset with him.
Oxf. What now remains, my lords, for us to do;
But march to London with our soldiers?

[do;

War. Ay, that's the first thing that we have to To free king Henry from imprisonment, And see him seated in the regal throne. [Exeunt. SCENE IV.-London. A Room in the Palace. Enter Queen ELIZABETH and RIVERS.

Riv. Madam, what makes you in this sudden change? [learn,

Q. Eliz. Why, brother Rivers, are you yet to What late misfortune is befall'n king Edward?

Riv. What, loss of some pitch'd battle against Warwick?

Q. Eliz. No, but the loss of his own royal person. Riv. Then is my sovereign slain?

Q. Eliz. Ay, almost slain, for he is taken prisoner; Either betray'd by falsehood of his guard, Or by his foe surpris'd at unawares: And, as I further have to understand, Is new committed to the bishop of York, Fell Warwick's brother, and by that our foe.

Riv. These news, I must confess, are full of grief: Yet, gracious madam, bear it as you may; Warwick may lose, that now hath won the day. Q. Eliz. Till then, fair hope must hinder life's decay.

And I the rather wean me from despair,
For love of Edward's offspring in my womb:
This is it that makes me bridle passion,
And bear with mildness my misfortune's cross;
Ay, ay, for this I draw in many a tear,
And stop the rising of blood-sucking sighs,
Lest with my sighs or tears I blast or drown
King Edward's fruit, true heir to the English crown.
Riv. But, madam, where is Warwick then be-
come?
[London,
To set the crown once more on Henry's head:
Q. Eliz. I am informed, that he comes towards
Guess thou the rest; king Edward's friends must
down.

But, to prevent the tyrant's violence,
(For trust not him, that hath once broken faith,)
I'll hence forthwith unto the sanctuary,
To save at least the heir of Edward's right;
There shall I rest secure from force, and fraud.
Come therefore, let us fly, while we may fly;
If Warwick take us, we are sure to die. [Exeunt.
SCENE V.-A Park near Middleham Castle, in
Yorkshire.

Enter GLOSTER, HASTINGS, Sir WILLIAM STANLEY, and others.

Glo. Now, my lord Hastings, and sir William
Stanley,

Leave off to wonder why I drew you hither,
Into this chiefest thicket of the park.

Thus stands the case: You know, our king, my brother,

Is prisoner to the bishop here, at whose hands
He hath good usage and great liberty;
And often, but attended with weak guard,
Comes hunting this way to disport himself.
I have advértis'd him by secret means,
That if about this hour he make this way,
Under the colour of his usual game,
He shall here find his friends, with horse and men,
To set him free from his captivity.

SCENE VI.-A Room in the Tower. Enter King HENRY, CLARENCE, WARWICK, SoMERSET, young RICHMOND, OXFORD, MONTAGUE, Lieutenant of the Tower, and Attendants. K. Hen, Master lieutenant, now that God and friends

Have shaken Edward from the regal seat;
And turn'd my captive state to liberty,
My fear to hope, my sorrows unto joys;
At our enlargement what are thy due fees?
Lieu. Subjects may challenge nothing of their
sovereigns;
But, if an humble prayer may prevail,
I then crave pardon of your majesty.

K.Hen. For what, lieutenant? for well using me?
Nay, be thou sure, I'll well requite thy kindness,
For that it made my imprisonment a pleasure:
Ay, such a pleasure as incaged birds
Conceive, when, after many moody thoughts,
At last, by notes of household harmony,
They quite forget their loss of liberty.-
But, Warwick, after God, thou set'st me free,
And chiefly therefore I thank God, and thee;
He was the author, thou the instrument.
Therefore, that I may conquer fortune's spite,
By living low, where fortune cannot hurt me;
And that the people of this blessed land
May not be punish'd with my thwarting stars;
Warwick, although my head still wear the crown,
I here resign my government to thee,
For thou art fortunate in all thy deeds.

[ous;

War. Your grace hath still been fam'd for virtuAnd now may seem as wise as virtuous, By spying, and avoiding, fortune's malice, For few men rightly temper with the stars: Yet in this one thing let me blame your grace, For choosing me, when Clarence is in place.

Cla. No, Warwick, thou art worthy of the sway, To whom the heavens, in thy nativity, Adjudg'd an olive branch, and laurel crown, As likely to be blest in peace, and war; And therefore I yield thee my free consent.

War. And I choose Clarence only for protector. K. Hen. Warwick, and Clarence, give me both your hands; [hearts, Now join your hands, and, with your hands, your That no dissention hinder government: I make you both protectors of this land; While I myself will lead a private life, And in devotion spend my latter days, To sin's rebuke, and my Creator's praise. War. What answers Clarence to his sovereign's will? [sent;

Clar. That he consents, if Warwick yield conFor on thy fortune I repose myself.

War. Why then, though loath, yet must I be

content:

K. Hen. Come hither, England's hope: If secret powers (Lays his hand on his head.) Suggest but truth to my divining thoughts, This pretty lad will prove our country's bliss. His looks are full of peaceful majesty; His head by nature fram'd to wear a crown, His hand to wield a sceptre; and himself Likely, in time, to bless a regal throne. Make much of him, my lords; for this is he, Must help you more than you are hurt by me. Enter a Messenger.

We'll yoke together, like a double shadow
To Henry's body, and supply his place;
I mean, in bearing weight of government,
While he enjoys the honour, and his ease.
And, Clarence, now then it is more than needful,
Forthwith that Edward be pronounc'd a traitor,
And all his lands and goods be confiscate.

Clar. What else? and that succession be deter-
min'd.
[part.
War Ay, therein Clarence shall not want his
K. Hen. But, with the first of all your chief affairs,
Let me entreat, (for I command no more,)
That Margaret your queen, and my son Edward,
Be sent for, to return from France with speed:
For, till I see them here, by doubtful fear
My joy of liberty is half eclips'd.

[speed.

Clar. It shall be done, my sovereign, with all K. Hen. My lord of Somerset, what youth is that, Of whom you seem to have so tender care? Som. My liege, it is young Henry, earl of Richmond.

And from the bishop's huntsmen rescued him;
For hunting was his daily exercise.

War. My brother was too careless of his charge.-
But let us hence, my sovereign, to provide
A salve for any sore that may betide.

[Exeunt King Henry, War. Clar. Lieut. and Attendants.

Som. My lord, I like not of this flight of Edward's: For, doubtless, Burgundy will yield him help; And we shall have more wars, before't be long. As Henry's late presaging prophecy [mond; Did glad my heart, with hope of this young RichSo doth my heart misgive me, in these conflicts What may befall him, to his harm and ours: Therefore, lord Oxford, to prevent the worst, Forthwith we'll send him hence to Britany, Till storms be past of civil enmity.

Oxf. Ay; for, if Edward repossess the crown, 'Tis like, that Richmond with the rest shall down. Som. It shall be so; he shall to Britany. Come therefore, let's about it speedily. [Exeunt.

SCENE VII.-Before York. Enter King EDWARD, GLOSTER, HASTINGS, and Forces.

K. Edw. Now, brother Richard, lord Hastings, and the rest; Yet thus far fortune maketh us amends, And says that once more I shall interchange My waned state for Henry's regal crown. Well have we pass'd, and now repass'd the seas, And brought desired help from Burgundy: What then remains, we being thus arriv'd From Ravenspurg haven before the gates of York, But that we enter, as into our dukedom?

Glo. The gates made fast!-Brother, I like not this;

For many men, that stumble at the threshold,
Are well foretold-that danger lurks within.

K. Edw. Tush man! abodements must not now affright us:

By fair or foul means we must enter in,
For hither will our friends repair to us.

Hast. My liege, I'll knock once more, to summon them.

Enter on the walls, the Mayor of York, and his Brethren.

May. My lords, we were forewarned of your coming,

And shut the gates for safety of ourselves;
For now we owe allegiance unto Henry.

K.Edw. But,master mayor, if Henry be your king, Yet Edward, at the least, is duke of York.

less.

May. True, my good lord; I know you for no [dukedom; K. Edw. Why, and I challenge nothing but my As being well content with that alone.

Glo. But, when the fox hath once got in his nose,

But in the night, or in the time of war.
What! fear not, man, but yield me up the keys;
(Takes his keys.)
For Edward will defend the town, and thee,
And all those friends that deign to follow me.
Drum. Enter MONTGOMERY, and Forces, marching.

Glo. Brother, this is sir John Montgomery, Our trusty friend, unless I be deceiv'd.

K. Edw. Welcome, sir John! But why come you in arms?

Mont. To help king Edward in his time of storm, As every loyal subject ought to do.

K. Edw. Thanks, good Montgomery: But we now forget

Our title to the crown; and only claim
Our dukedom, till God please to send the rest.
Mont. Then fare you well, for I will hence again;
I came to serve a king, and not a duke.-
Drummer, strike up, and let us march away.
(A march begun.)
K. Edw. Nay, stay, sir John, awhile; and we'll
debate,

By what safe means the crown may be recover'd.
Mont. What talk you of debating? in few words,
If you'll not here proclaim yourself our king,
I'll leave you to your fortune; and be gone
To keep them back, that come to succour you:
Why should we fight, if you pretend no title?
Glo. Why, brother, wherefore stand you on nice
points?

K. Edw. When we grow stronger, then we'll make our claim:

Till then, 'tis wisdom to conceal our meaning. Hast. Away with scrupulous wit! now arms must rule. [crowns. Glo. And fearless minds climb soonest unto Brother, we will proclaim you out of hand; The bruit thereof will bring you many friends. K. Edw. Then be it as you will; for 'tis my right, And Henry but usurps the diadem. [self; Mont. Ay, now my sovereign speaketh like himAnd now will I be Edward's champion. Hast. Sound, trumpet; Edward shall be here proclaim'd:Come, fellow-soldier, make thou proclamation. (Gives him a paper. Flourish.) Sold. (Reads.) Edward the Fourth, by the grace of God, king of England and France, and lord of Ireland, &c.

Mont. And whosoe'er gainsays king Edward's By this I challenge him to single fight. [right, (Throws down his gauntlet.) All. Long live Edward the Fourth! K. Edw. Thanks, brave Montgomery ;— and thanks unto you all.

If fortune serve me, I'll requite this kindness.
Now, for this night, let's harbour here in York:
And, when the morning sun shall raise his car
Above the border of this horizon,
We'll forward towards Warwick, and his mates;
For, well I wot, that Henry is no soldier.-
Ab, froward Clarence!-how evil it beseems thee,

To flatter Henry, and forsake thy brother! Yet, as we may, we'll meet both thee and Warwick.

Come on, brave soldiers; doubt not of the day; And, that once gotten, doubt not of large pay.

[Exeunt.

SCENE VIII.-London. A Room in the Palace. Enter King HENRY, WARWICK, CLARENCE, MONTAGUE, EXETER, and OXFOrd.

War. What counsel, lords? Edward from Belgia, With hasty Germans, and blunt Hollanders, Hath pass'd in safety through the narrow seas, And with his troops doth march amain to London; And many giddy people flock to him.

Oxf. Let's levy men, and beat him back again. Clar. A little fire is quickly trodden out; Which, being suffer'd, rivers cannot quench. War. In Warwickshire I have true-hearted friends,

Not mutinous in peace, yet bold in war;
Those will I muster up-and thou, son Clarence,
Shalt stir, in Suffolk, Norfolk, and in Kent,
The knights and gentlemen to come with thee:-
Thou, brother Montague, in Buckingham,
Northampton, and in Leicestershire, shalt find
Men well inclin'd to hear what thou command'st:-
And thou, brave Oxford, wondrous well belov'd,
In Oxfordshire shalt muster up thy friends.-
My sovereign, with the loving citizens,-
Like to his island, girt in with the ocean,
Or modest Dian, circled with her nymphs,-
Shall rest in London, till we come to him.
Fair lords, take leave, and stand not to reply.-
Farewell, my sovereign.
[true hope.
K. Hen. Farewell, my Hector, and my Troy's
Clar. In sign of truth I kiss your highness' hand.
K. Hen. Well-minded Clarence, be thou fortu-
nate!
[leave.
Mont. Comfort, my lord!-and so I take my
Oxf. And thus (Kissing Henry's hand.) I seal
my truth, and bid adieu.

K. Hen. Sweet Oxford, and my loving Montague,
And all at once, once more a happy farewell.
War. Farewell, sweet lords; let's meet at Co-
ventry. [Exeunt War. Clar. Oxf. and Mont.
K. Hen. Here at the palace will I rest a while.
Cousin of Exeter, what thinks your lordship?
Methinks, the power, that Edward hath in field,
Should not be able to encounter mine.

Exe. The doubt is, that he will seduce the rest. K. Hen. That's not my fear, my meed hath got me fame.

I have not stopp'd mine ears to their demands,
Nor posted off their suits with slow delays;
My pity hath been balm to heal their wounds,
My mildness hath allay'd their swelling griefs,
My mercy dry'd their water-flowing tears:
I have not been desirous of their wealth,
Nor much oppress'd them with great subsidies,
Nor forward of revenge, though they much err'd;
Then why should they love Edward more than me?
No, Exeter, these graces challenge grace;
And, when the lion fawns upon the lamb,
The lamb will never cease to follow him.

[Shout within. A Lancaster! A Lancaster! Exe. Hark, hark, my lord! what shouts are these? Enter King EDWARD, GLOSTER, and Soldiers. Edw. Seize on the shame-fac'd Henry, bear him hence,

And once again proclaim us king of England.—
You are the fount, that makes small brooks to flow;
Now stops thy spring; my sea shall suck them dry,
And swell so much the higher by their ebb.-
Hence with him to the Tower; let him not speak.
[Exeunt some with King Henry.
And, lords, towards Coventry bend we our course,