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To play the broker in mine own behalf;
And, to that end, I shortly mind to leave you.
K. Edw. Leave me, or tarry, Edward will be king,
And not be tied unto his brother's will.

Q. Eliz. My lords, before it pleas'd his majesty
To raise my state to title of a queen,
Do me but right, and you must all confess
That I was not ignoble of descent,

And meaner than myself have had like fortune.
But as this title honours me and mine,

So your dislikes, to whom I would be pleasing,
Do cloud my joys with danger and with sorrow.
K. Edw. My love, forbear to fawn upon their
frowns:

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. I hear, yet say not much, but think the
(Aside.)
K. Edw. Now, messenger, what letters, or what
From France?
[news,
Mess. My sovereign liege, no letters; and few
words,

more.

Enter a Messenger.

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 thou 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

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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.

cause!

Mont. So God help Montague, as he proves true! Hast. And Hastings, as he favours Edward's [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.

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, Never to lie and take his natural rest, Till Warwick, or himself, be quite suppress'd. 2Watch. 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? Bat 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.

Yet, gracious madam, bear it as you may;
Riv. These news, I must confess, are full of grief:
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-
[London,

come?

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 STAN-
LEY, 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 advertis'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.

Enter King EDWARD, and a Huntsman. Hunt. This way, my lord; for this way lies the

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Now, brother of Gloster, lord Hastings, and the rest, Stand you thus close to steal the bishop's deer?

Glo. Brother, the time and case requireth haste; Your horse stands ready at the park corner. K. Edw. But whither shall we then? Hast. To Lynn, my lord; and ship from thence to Flanders. [meaning.

Glo. Well guess'd, believe me; for that was my K. Edw. Stanley, I will requite thy forwardness. Glo. But wherefore stay we? 'tis no time to talk. K. Edw. Huntsman, what say'st thou wilt thou go along?

Hunt. Better do so, than tarry and be hang'd. Glo. Come then, away; let's have no more ado. K. Edw. Bishop, farewell: shield thee from Warwick's frown;

And pray that I may repossess the crown. [Exeunt.

SCENE VI.-A Room in the Tower.

Enter King HENRY, CLARENCE, WARWICK, SO-
MERSET, young RICHMOND, OXFORD, MON-
TAGUE, 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 con-
For on thy fortune I repose myself.
War. Why then, though loath, yet must I be

content:

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 determin'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.

K. Hen. Come hither, England's hope: If secret Suggest but truth to my divining thoughts, powers (Lays his hand on his head.) 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.

War. What news, my friend?

Mess. That Edward is escaped from your brother, And fled, as he hears since, to Burgundy.

War. Unsavoury news: But how made he escape?
Mess. He was convey'd by Richard duke of
Gloster,

And the lord Hastings, who attended him
In secret ambush on the forest side,
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.

SCENE VII.-Before York.

[Exeunt.

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.
May. True, my good lord; I know you for no
less.
[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,

He'll soon find means to make the body follow. (Aside.) Hast. Why, master mayor, why stand you in a doubt?

Open the gates, we are king Henry's friends.
May. Ay, say you so? the gates shall then be
open'd.
[Exeunt from above.
Glo. A wise stout captain, and persuaded soon!
Hast. The good old man would fain that all
were well,

So 'twere not 'long of him: but, being enter'd,
I doubt not, I, but we shall soon persuade
Both him, and all his brothers, unto reason.

Re-enter the Mayor, and two Aldermen, below.
K. Edw. So, master mayor: these gates must
not be shut,

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 meaus 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,

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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, bark, 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,

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Enter, upon the walls, WARWICK, the Mayor of Coventry, two Messengers, and others.

War. Where is the post that came from valiant Oxford?

How far hence is thy lord, mine honest fellow? 1 Mess. By this at Dunsmore, marching hitherward.

War. How far off is our brother Montague?Where is the post that came from Montague? 2 Mess. By this at Daintry, with a puissant troop. Enter Sir JOHN SOMERVILLE.

War. Say, Somerville, what says my loving son? And, by the guess, how nigh is Clarence now? Som. At Southam, I did leave him with his forces, And do expect him here some two hours hence. (Drum heard.) War. Then Clarence is at hand, I hear his drum. Som. It is not his, my lord; here Southam lies; The drum, your honour hears, marcheth from War[friends.

wick.

War. Who should that be? belike, unlook'd-for Som. They are at hand, and you shall quickly know.

Drums. Enter King EDWARD, GLOSTER, and Forces, marching.

K. Edw. Go, trumpet, to the walls, and sound a parle.

Glo. See how the surly Warwick mans the wall. War. O, unbid spite! is sportful Edward come? Where slept our scouts, or how are they seduc'd, That we could hear no news of his repair?

K. Edw. Now, Warwick, wilt thou ope the city gates,

Speak gentle words, and humbly bend thy knee?-
Call Edward-king, and at his hands beg mercy,
And he shall pardon thee these outrages. [hence,
War. Nay, rather, wilt thou draw thy forces
Confess who set thee up and pluck'd thee down?-
Call Warwick-patron, and be penitent,
And thou shalt still remain the duke of York.

Glo. I thought, at least, he would have saidthe king;

Or did he make the jest against his will?

brother.

War. Is not a dukedom, sir, a goodly gift? Glo. Ay, by my faith, for a poor earl to give; I'll do thee service for so good a gift. War. 'Twas I that gave the kingdom to thy [wick's gift. K. Edw. Why, then 'tis mine, if but by WarWar. Thou art no Atlas for so great a weight: And, weakling, Warwick takes his gift again; And Henry is my king, Warwick his subject. K. Hen. But Warwick's king is Edward's pri

soner:

And, gallant Warwick, do but answer this,-
What is the body, when the head is off?

Glo. Alas, that Warwick had no more forecast,
But, whiles he thought to steal the single ten,
The king was slily finger'd from the deck!
You left poor Henry at the bishop's palace,
And, ten to one, you'll meet him in the Tower.

K. Edw. 'Tis even so; yet you are Warwick still. Glo. Come, Warwick, take the time, kneel down, kneel down:

Nay, when? strike now, or else the iron cools.
War. I had rather chop this hand off at a blow,
And with the other fling it at thy face,
Than bear so low a sail to strike to thee.

K. Edw. Sail how thou canst, have wind and tide thy friend;

This hand, fast wound about thy coal-black hair, Shall, whiles the head is warm, and new cut off, Write in the dust this sentence with thy blood,— Wind-changing Warwick now can change no more.

Enter OXFORD, with drum and colours.

War. O cheerful colours! see, where Oxford comes!

Oxf. Oxford, Oxford, for Lancaster!

(Oxford and his Forces enter the City.) Glo. The gates are open, let us enter too. K. Edw. So other foes may set upon our backs: Stand we in good array; for they, no doubt, Will issue out again, and bid us battle: If not, the city being of small defence, We'll quickly rouse the traitors in the same. War. O, welcome, Oxford! for we want thy help. Enter MONTAGUE, with drum and colours. Mont. Montague, Montague, for Lancaster!

(He and his Forces enter the City.) Glo. Thou and thy brother both shall buy this

treason,

Even with the dearest blood your bodies bear.
K. Edw. The harder match'd, the greater victory;
My mind presageth happy gain, and conquest.

Enter SOMERSET, with drum and colours.
Som. Somerset, Somerset, for Lancaster!

(He and his Forces enter the City.) Glo. Two of thy name, both dukes of Somerset, Have sold their lives unto the house of York; And thou shalt be the third, if this sword hold.

Enter CLARENCE, with drum and colours.
War. And lo, where George of Clarence sweeps
along,

Of force enough to bid his brother battle;
With whom an upright zeal to right prevails,
More than the nature of a brother's love;-
Come, Clarence, come; thou wilt, if Warwick calls.
Clar. Father of Warwick, know you what this
means? (Taking the red rose out of his cap.)
Look here, I throw my infamy at thee:
I will not ruinate my father's house,
Who gave his blood to lime the stones together,
And set up Lancaster. Why, trow'st thou, Warwick,
That Clarence is so harsh, so blunt, unnatural,
To bend the fatal instruments of war
Against his brother, and his lawful king?
Perhaps, thou wilt object my holy oath:
To keep that oath, were more impiety
Than Jephtha's, when he sacrific'd his daughter.
I am so sorry for my trespass made,
That, to deserve well at my brother's hands,
I here proclaim myself thy mortal foe;
With resolution, wheresoe'er I meet thee,
(As I will meet thee, if thou stir abroad,)
To plague thee for thy foul misleading me.
And so, proud-hearted Warwick, I defy thee,
And to my brother turn my blushing cheeks.-
Pardon me, Edward, I will make amends;
And, Richard, do not frown upon my faults,
For I will henceforth be no more unconstant.

K. Edw. Now welcome more, and ten times more belov'd,

Than if thou never hadst deserv'd our hate. [like. Glo. Welcome, good Clarence; this is brotherWar. O passing traitor, perjur'd, and unjust! K. Edw. What, Warwick, wilt thou leave the

town, and fight?

Or shall we beat the stones about thine ears?
War. Alas, I am not coop'd here for defence:
I will away towards Barnet presently,
And bid thee battle, Edward, if thou dar'st.
K. Edw. Yes, Warwick, Edward dares, and leads
the way :-

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