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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. [aside.] I hear, yet say not much, but
think the more.

Enter a Post.

5

And haste is needful in this desperate case.-
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:
[words, 10 Tell me, if you love Warwick more than me?
If it be so, then both depart to him ;

K. Edw. Now, messenger, what letters, or what news,

From France?

Post. My sovereign liege, no letters; and few But such as I, without your special pardon,

Dare not relate.

[brief,
K. Edu. Go to, we pardon thee: therefore, in
Tell me their words as near as thou canst guess 15
them.

What answer makes king Lewis unto our letters?
Post. At my depart, these were his very words:
"Go tell false Edward, thy supposed king,—
"That Lewis of France is sending over maskers, 20
"To revel it with him and his new bride."

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

But what said lady Bona to my marriage?

Post. These were her words, utter'd with mild 25 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: 30 For I have heard, that she was there in place.

Post. "Tell him," quoth she, “my mourning weeds are done,

"And I am ready to put armour on."

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.
Mon. So God help Montague, as he proves true!
Hust. And Hastings, as he favours Edward's
[by us?
K. Edw. Now, brother Richard, will you stand
Glo. Ay, in despight of all that shall withstand

cause!

you.

K. Edu. 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.
Warwickshire.

Enter Warwick and Oxford, with French soldiers.
War. Trust me, my lord, all hitherto goes well;
The common people by numbers swarm to us.
Enter Clarence and Somerset.

K. Edw. Belike, she minds to play the Amazon. 35 But, see, where Somerset and Clarence come;

But what said Warwick to these injuries?

Post. 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." 40
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 presump-

tion.

45

But say, is Warwick friends with Margaret?
Post. Ay, gracious sovereign; they are so link'd
[daughter.
in friendship,
That young prince Edward marries Warwick's
Clar. Belike, the younger; Clarence will have 50
the elder.

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 1:

My thoughts aim at a further matter; I
Stay not for love of Edward, but the crown.
[Aside.

K. Edw. Clarence and Somerset both gone
Warwick!

Yet am I arm'd against the worst can happen;

Speak suddenly, my lords, are we all friends?
Cla. Fear not that, my lord. [Warwick;
War. Then, gentle Clarence, welcome unto
And welcome, Somerset:-I hold it cowardice,
To rest mistrustful where a noble heart
Hath pawn'd an open hand in sign of love; [ther,
Else might I think, that Clarence, Edward's bro-
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;
55 Sowe, 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 surprize 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
[Exeunt

60

to

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SCENE III.

Edward's Camp.

Enter the Watchmen to guard his tent.

Nay, then I see, that Edward needs must down.
Yet, Warwick, in despight of all mischance,
Of thee thyself, and all thy complices,
Edward will always bear himself as king:

1 Watch. Come on, my masters, each man take 5 Though fortune's malice overthrow my state,

his stand;

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king:

My mind exceeds the compass of her wheel.
Wur. Then, for his mind, be Edward England's
[Takes of his crown.
But Henry now shall wear the English crown,
10 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.

15

3 Watch. O, is it so? But why commands the 20 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.

[ness, 3 Watch. Ay; but give me worship and quiet-25 I like it better than a dangerous honour. If Warwick knew in what estate he stands, 'Tis to be doubted, he would waken him.

Watch. Unless our halberds did shut up his

passage.

[tent, 30 2 Watch. Ay; wherefore else guard we his royal But to defend his person from night foes? Enter Warwick, Clarence, Oxford, Somerset, and French soldiers, silent all.

War. This is his tent; and see, where stand 35
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. Enter Warwick, Somerset, and the rest, bringing the King out in a gown, sitting in a chair: Gloster and Hastings fly over the stage. Som. What are they that fly there? War. Richard and Hastings: let them go, here's the duke. [parted last,

K. Edw. The duke! why, Warwick, when we Thou calld'st me king?

40

1451

50

[lows,

When Ihave fought with Pembroke and his fel-
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.
Orf. What now remains, my lords, for us to do,
But march to London with our soldiers?
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.

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[do;

Riv. Madam, what makes you in this sudden

change?

[learn, Queen. 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?

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

Queen. Ay, almost slain, for he is taken prisoner;
Either betray'd by falsehood of his guard,
Or by his foe surpriz'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.

Rit. 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.
Queen. 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 my passion,
And bear with mildness my misfortune's cross;
Ay, ay, for this I draw in many a tear,

55 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,

War. Ay, but the case is alter'd:
When you disgrac'd me in my embassage,
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 embassadors;
Nor how to be contented with one wife;
Nor how to use your brothers brotherly;
Nor how to study for the people's welfare;
Nor how to shrowd yourself from enemies? [too?
K. Edw. Yea, brother of Clarence, art thou here 65

come? 60 Queen. I am informed, that he comes towards To set the crown once more on Henry's head: Guess thou the rest; king Edward's friends must But, to prevent the tyrant's violence, [down. (For trust not him that once hath broken faith) I'll hence forthwith unto the sanctuary,

Το

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 takes us, we are sure to die. [Exeunt.

SCENE V.

A Park near Middleham Castle in Yorkshire.
Enter Gloster, Hastings, and Sir William Stanley.
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. [brother,
Thus stands the case: You know, our king, my
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 trom his captivity.

5

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 sett'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 spight,
By living low, where fortune cannot hurt me;
10 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.
15 War. Yourgrace hath still been fam'd for virtuous;
And now may seem as wise as virtuous,
By spying, and avoiding, fortune's malice,
For few men rightly temper with the stars 1:
Yet in this one thing let me blame your grace,
20 For chusing me, when Clarence is in place.

Enter King Edward, and a Huntsman. Hunt. This way, my lord; for this way lies the 25 [huntsmen stand.

game.

K. Edw. Nay, this way, man; see, where 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; 30
Your horse stands ready at the park-corner.
K. Ed:. 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 35
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. 4c
Glo. Come then, away; let's ha' no more ado.
K. Edw. Bishop, farewell; shield thee from
Warwick's frown;

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

The Tower in London.
Enter King Henry, Clarence, Warwick, Somerset,
Young Richmond, Oxford, Montague, and
Lieutenant of the Tower.

K. Henry. Master lieutenant, now that God and
Haveshaken Edward from the regal seat; [friends
And turn'd my captive state to liberty,
My fear to hope, my sorrows unto joys;
At our enlargement what are thy due fees?
Lieut. Subjects may challenge nothing of their
sovereigns;

Clar. 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 chuse Clarence only for protector.
K.Henry. 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. [will?
War. What answers Clarence to his sovereign's
Clar. That he consents, if Warwick yield con-
For on thy fortune I repose myself. [sent;
War. Why then, though loth, yet must I be

I

content;

We'll yoke together, like a double shadow
To Henry's body, and supply his place;
mean, in bearing weight of government,
While he enjoys the honour, and his case.
And, Clarence, now then it is more than needful,
45 Forthwith that Edward be pronounc'd a tra.tor,
And all his lands and goods confiscated. [min'd.
Clar. What else? and that succession be deter-
War. Ay, therein Clarence shall not want his
part.
[fairs,
K.Henry. But, with the first of all our chief at-
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. Henry. My lord of Somerset, what youth is

1501

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But, if an humble prayer may prevail,
I then crave pardon of your majesty.
K.Hen. For what, lieutenant? for well using me: 60
Nay, be thou sure, I'll well requite thy kindness,
For that it made my imprisonment a pleasure:

that,

Of whom you seem to have so tender care? [mond.
Som. My lege, it is young Henry, earl of Rich-
K. Henry. Come hither, England's hope: If se-
cret powers [Lays his hand on his head.

The meaning is, that few men conform their temper to their destiny.
S s

Suggest

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 Post.

War. What news, my friend?

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

War. Unsavoury news: But how made he escape?
Post. He was convey'd by RicharddukeofGloster,
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. Mybrotherwas too careless of his charge.-
But let us hence, my sovereign, to provide
A salve for any sore that may betide [Exeunt.
Manent Somerset, Richmond, and Oxford.
Som. My lord,. I like not this flight of Ed-
ward'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 Rich-
So 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.

5

10

15

20

25

And shut the gates for safety of ourselves;
For now we owe allegiance unto Henry. [king,
K. Edw. But, master mayor, if Henry be your
Yet Edward, at the least, is duke of York.
Mayor. True, my good lord; I know you for
no less.

K. Edw. Why, and I challenge nothing but my
dukedom;

As being well content with that alone.

Glo. But, when the fox has 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.
Mayɔr. Ay, say you so? the gates shall then
be open'd.
[He descends.
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! tear not, man, but yield me up the keys;
[Takes his keys.

30 For Edward will defend the town, and thee,
And all those friends that deign to follow me.
March. Enter Montgomery, with a Drum and
Soldiers.

Orf. Ay: for, if Edward re-possess the crown,
'Tis like, that Richmond with the rest shall down. 35
Som. It shall be so; he shall to Britany.
Come, therefore, let's about it speedily. [Exeunt.
SCENE VII.
York.

Enter King Edward,Gloster, Høstings,andSoldiers. 40
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 wained 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. Brother, this is Sir John Montgomery,
Our trusty triend, unless I be deceiv'd. [in arms?
K.Edw. Welcome, Sir John! But why come you
Montg.To help king Edwardin his time of storm,
As every loyal subject ought to do. [now forget
K. Edw.. Thanks, good Montgomery: But we
Our title to the crown; and only claim
Our dukedom, 'till God please to send the rest..
Monty. Then fare you well, for I will hence
again;

I came to serve a king, and not a duke.—
45 Drummer, strike up, and let us march away.
[The drum begins a march.
K..Edw. Nay, stay, Sir John, a while; and
we'll debate,

[this; 50

By what safe means the crown may be recover'd.. Montg. What talk you of debating? in few words, Glo. The gates made fast!-Brother, I like not If you'll not here proclaim yourself our king, For many men, that stumble at the threshold, I'll leave you to your fortune; and be gone, Are well foretold-that danger lurks within. To keep them back that come to succour you: K.Edw.Tush, man! abodements must not now Why should we fight, if you pretend no title? affright us: 55 Glo. Why, brother, wherefore stand you on nice points? [inake our claim ♬ K. Edw. When we grow stronger, then we'll 'Till then, 'tis wisdom to conceal our meaning. Hast. Away with scrupulous wit! now arms must rule. [crowns.

By fair or foul means we must enter in,
For hither will our friends repair to us. [non them.
Hast. My liege, I'll knock once more, to sum-
Enter, on the walls, the Mayor of York, and his
Brethren.

Mayor. My lords, we were forewarned of your

coming,

60

Glo. And fearless minds climb soonest unto Brother, we will proclaim you out of hand;

'He was afterwards Henry VII. a man who put an end to the civil war of the two Houses. He was grandfather to queen Elizabeth, and the king from whom James inherited..

The

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Sold. [reads] Edward the fourth, by the grace 10 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. 15 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.

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.Henry. Farewell, my Hector, and my Troy's
Clar. In sign of truth, I kiss your highness' hand.
K. Henry. Well-minded Clarence, be thou for-
[leave.
Mont. Comfort, my lord;-and so I take my
Oxf.[Kissing Henry's hand.] And thus I seal my
truth, and bid adieu.
[tague,

tunate!

K. Henry. Sweet Oxford, and my loving Mon-
And all at once, once more a happy farewell.
War. Farewell, sweet lords; let's meet at Co-
ventry.

[Exeunt Warwick, Clarence, Oxford,and Montague.
K. Henry. Here at the palace will I rest a while.
Cousin of Exeter, what thinks your lordship?
Methinks, the power, that Edward hath in field,

Now, for this night, let's harbour here in York; 20 Should not be able to encounter mine.

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.—
Ah, froward Clarence!-how evil it beseems thee, 25
To flatter Henry, and forsake thy brother! [wick.
Yet, as we may, we'll meet both thee and War-
Come on, brave soldiers; doubt not of the day;
And, that once gotten, doubt not of large pay.

SCENE VIII.
London.

[Exeunt.

Enter King Henry, Warwick, Clarence, Montague, Exeter, and Oxford.

30

War. What counsel, lords? Edward from Belgia, 35
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. [again.

K. Henry. Let's levy men, and beat him back 40
Clar. A little fire is quickly trodden out;
Which, being suffer'd, rivers cannot quench.

War. In Warwickshire I have true-hearted
Not mutinous in peace, yet bold in war; [friends,
Those will I muster up-and thou, son Clarence, 45
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
Menwellinclin'dtohear what thou command'st:-50
And thou, brave Oxford, wond'rous well belov'd,
In Oxfordshire shalt muster up thy friends.-
My sovereign, with the loving citizens,-
Like to nis island, girt in with the ocean,

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

got me fame:

2

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.

i.e. noise or report.

[Shout within. A Lancaster! a Lancaster !
Exe.Hark,hark,my lord! what shouts are these?
Enter King Edward, Gloster, and Soldiers.
K. 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, towardsCoventry bend we our course,
Where peremptory Warwick now remains ;
The sun shines hot, and, if we use delay,
Cold biting winter mars our hop'd-for hay.
Glo. Away betimes, before his forces join,
And take the great-grown traitor unawares:
Brave warriors, march amain towards Coventry.
[Exeunt.

V.

1Mes.Bythisat Dunsmore,marchinghitherward. War. How far off is our brother Montague?-Where is the post that came from Montague? 2 Mes. By this at Daintry, with a puissant troop. Enter Sir John Somerville. War. Say, Somerville, what says my loving son? And, by thy guess, how nigh is Clarence now?

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Ss 2

Somers.

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