To play the broker in mine own behalf; Q. Eliz. My lords, before it pleas'd his majesty And meaner than myself have had like fortune. So your dislikes, to whom I would be pleasing, What danger, or what sorrow, can befall thee, And their true sovereign, whom they must obey? more. Enter a Messenger. But such as I, without your special pardon, [brief, K. Edw. Is Lewis so brave? belike, he thinks me Henry. But what said lady Bona to my marriage? Tell him, in hope he'll prove a widower shortly, 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: Pembroke, and Stafford, you in our behalf [Exeunt Pembroke and Stafford. I rather wish you foes, than hollow friends: 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 ;- 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 Courage, my masters: honour now, or never! 2 Watch. Stay, or thou diest. The drum beating, and trumpets sounding, re-enter K. Edw. The duke! why, Warwick, when we Thou call'dst me king? K. Edw. Yea, brother of Clarence, art thou Nay, then I see, that Edward needs must down.- It boots not to resist both wind and tide. [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; Yet, gracious madam, bear it as you may; And I the rather wean me from despair, come? To set the crown once more on Henry's head: But, to prevent the tyrant's violence, Enter GLOSTER, HASTINGS, Sir WILLIAM STAN- Glo. Now, my lord Hastings, and sir William Leave off to wonder why I drew you hither, brother, Is prisoner to the bishop here, at whose hands Enter King EDWARD, and a Huntsman. Hunt. This way, my lord; for this way lies the 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- Have shaken Edward from the regal seat; But, if an humble prayer may prevail, K.Hen. For what, lieutenant? for well using me? [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, Now join your hands, and, with your hands, your content: We'll yoke together, like a double shadow 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? And the lord Hastings, who attended him War. My brother was too careless of his charge.- [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, Glo. The gates made fast!-Brother, I like not this; For many men, that stumble at the threshold, By fair or foul means we must enter in, 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; 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. So 'twere not 'long of him: but, being enter'd, Re-enter the Mayor, and two Aldermen, below. But in the night, or in the time of war. 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 (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. We'll forward towards Warwick, and his mates; 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. Not mutinous in peace, yet bold in war; K. Hen. Farewell, my Hector, and my Troy's K. Hen. Sweet Oxford, and my loving Montague, 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.— 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?- 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,- Glo. Alas, that Warwick had no more forecast, 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. 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. Enter SOMERSET, with drum and colours. (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. Of force enough to bid his brother battle; 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? |