Henry VI Part 3

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Original text
Act IV, Scene I
Enter Richard, Clarence, Somerset, and Mountague.

Rich.
Now tell me Brother Clarence, what thinke you
Of this new Marriage with the Lady Gray?
Hath not our Brother made a worthy choice?

Cla.
Alas, you know, tis farre from hence to France,
How could he stay till Warwicke made returne?

Som.
My Lords, forbeare this talke: heere comes the King.
Flourish. Enter King Edward, Lady Grey,
Penbrooke, Stafford, Hastings:
foure stand on one side, and foure on the
other.

Rich.
And his well-chosen Bride.

Clarence.
I minde to tell him plainly what I thinke.

King.
Now Brother of Clarence, / How like you our Choyce,
That you stand pensiue, as halfe malecontent?

Clarence.
As well as Lewis of France, / Or the Earle of Warwicke,
Which are so weake of courage, and in iudgement,
That they'le take no offence at our abuse.

King.
Suppose they take offence without a cause:
They are but Lewis and Warwicke, I am Edward,
Your King and Warwickes, and must haue my will.

Rich.
And shall haue your will, because our King:
Yet hastie Marriage seldome proueth well.

King.
Yea, Brother Richard, are you offended too?

Rich.
Not I:
no: / God forbid, that I should wish them seuer'd,
Whom God hath ioyn'd together: / I, and 'twere pittie,
to sunder them, / That yoake so well together.

King.
Setting your skornes, and your mislike aside,
Tell me some reason, why the Lady Grey
Should not become my Wife, and Englands Queene?
And you too, Somerset, and Mountague,
Speake freely what you thinke.

Clarence.
Then this is mine opinion: / That King Lewis
becomes your Enemie, / For mocking him
about the Marriage / Of the Lady Bona.

Rich.
And Warwicke, doing what you gaue in charge,
Is now dis-honored by this new Marriage.

King.
What, if both Lewis and Warwick be appeas'd,
By such inuention as I can deuise?

Mount.
Yet, to haue ioyn'd with France in such alliance,
Would more haue strength'ned this our Commonwealth
'Gainst forraine stormes, then any home-bred Marriage.

Hast.
Why, knowes not Mountague, that of it selfe,
England is safe, if true within it selfe?

Mount.
But the safer, when 'tis back'd with France.

Hast.
'Tis better vsing France, then trusting France:
Let vs be back'd with God, and with the Seas,
Which he hath giu'n for fence impregnable,
And with their helpes, onely defend our selues:
In them, and in our selues, our safetie lyes.

Clar.
For this one speech, Lord Hastings well deserues
To haue the Heire of the Lord Hungerford.

King.
I, what of that? it was my will, and graunt,
And for this once, my Will shall stand for Law.

Rich.
And yet me thinks, your Grace hath not done well,
To giue the Heire and Daughter of Lord Scales
Vnto the Brother of your louing Bride;
Shee better would haue fitted me, or Clarence:
But in your Bride you burie Brotherhood.

Clar.
Or else you would not haue bestow'd the Heire
Of the Lord Bonuill on your new Wiues Sonne,
And leaue your Brothers to goe speede elsewhere.

King.
Alas, poore Clarence: is it for a Wife
That thou art malecontent? I will prouide thee.

Clarence.
In chusing for your selfe, / You shew'd your iudgement:
Which being shallow, you shall giue me leaue
To play the Broker in mine owne behalfe;
And to that end, I shortly minde to leaue you.

King.
Leaue me, or tarry, Edward will be King,
And not be ty'd vnto his Brothers will.

Lady Grey.
My Lords, before it pleas'd his Maiestie
To rayse my State to Title of a Queene,
Doe me but right, and you must all confesse,
That I was not ignoble of Descent,
And meaner then my selfe haue had like fortune.
But as this Title honors me and mine,
So your dislikes, to whom I would be pleasing,
Doth cloud my ioyes with danger, and with sorrow.

King.
My Loue, forbeare to fawne vpon their frownes:
What danger, or what sorrow can befall thee,
So long as Edward is thy constant friend,
And their true Soueraigne, whom they must obey?
Nay, whom they shall obey, and loue thee too,
Vnlesse they seeke for hatred at my hands:
Which if they doe, yet will I keepe thee safe,
And they shall feele the vengeance of my wrath.

Rich.
I heare, yet say not much, but thinke the more.
Enter a Poste.

King.
Now Messenger, what Letters, or what Newes
from France?

Post.
My Soueraigne Liege, no Letters, & few words,
But such, as I (without your speciall pardon)
Dare not relate.

King.
Goe too, wee pardon thee: / Therefore, in briefe,
tell me their words, / As neere as thou canst guesse them.
What answer makes King Lewis vnto our Letters?

Post.
At my depart, these were his very words:
Goe tell false Edward, the supposed King,
That Lewis of France is sending ouer Maskers,
To reuell it with him, and his new Bride.

King.
Is Lewis so braue? belike he thinkes me Henry.
But what said Lady Bona to my Marriage?

Post.
These were her words, vtt'red with mild disdaine:
Tell him, in hope hee'le proue a Widower shortly,
Ile weare the Willow Garland for his sake.

King.
I blame not her; she could say little lesse:
She had the wrong. But what said Henries Queene?
For I haue heard, that she was there in place.

Post.
Tell him (quoth she) / My mourning Weedes are done,
And I am readie to put Armour on.

King.
Belike she minds to play the Amazon.
But what said Warwicke to these iniuries?

Post.
He, more incens'd against your Maiestie,
Then all the rest, discharg'd me with these words:
Tell him from me, that he hath done me wrong,
And therefore Ile vncrowne him, er't be long.

King.
Ha? durst the Traytor breath out so prowd words?
Well, I will arme me, being thus fore-warn'd:
They shall haue Warres, and pay for their presumption.
But say, is Warwicke friends with Margaret?

Post.
I, gracious Soueraigne, / They are so link'd in friendship,
That yong Prince Edward marryes Warwicks Daughter.

Clarence.
Belike, the elder; / Clarence will haue the younger.
Now Brother King farewell, and sit you fast,
For I will hence to Warwickes other Daughter,
That though I want a Kingdome, yet in Marriage
I may not proue inferior to your selfe.
You that loue me, and Warwicke, follow me.
Exit Clarence, and Somerset followes.

Rich.
Not I: / My thoughts ayme at a further matter:
I stay not for the loue of Edward, but the Crowne.

King.
Clarence and Somerset both gone to Warwicke?
Yet am I arm'd against the worst can happen:
And haste is needfull in this desp'rate case.
Pembrooke and Stafford, you in our behalfe
Goe leuie men, and make prepare for Warre;
They are alreadie, or quickly will be landed:
My selfe in person will straight follow you.
Exeunt Pembrooke and Stafford.
But ere I goe, Hastings and Mountague
Resolue my doubt: you twaine, of all the rest,
Are neere to Warwicke, by bloud, and by allyance:
Tell me, if you loue Warwicke more then me;
If it be so, then both depart to him:
I rather wish you foes, then hollow friends.
But if you minde to hold your true obedience,
Giue me assurance with some friendly Vow,
That I may neuer haue you in suspect.

Mount.
So God helpe Mountague, as hee proues true.

Hast.
And Hastings, as hee fauours Edwards cause.

King.
Now, Brother Richard, will you stand by vs?

Rich.
I, in despight of all that shall withstand you.

King.
Why so: then am I sure of Victorie.
Now therefore let vs hence, and lose no howre,
Till wee meet Warwicke, with his forreine powre.
Exeunt.
Original text
Act IV, Scene II
Enter Warwicke and Oxford in England, with
French Souldiors.

Warw.
Trust me, my Lord, all hitherto goes well,
The common people by numbers swarme to vs.
Enter Clarence and Somerset.
But see where Somerset and Clarence comes:
Speake suddenly, my Lords, are wee all friends?

Clar.
Feare not that, my Lord.

Warw.
Then gentle Clarence, welcome vnto Warwicke,
And welcome Somerset: I hold it cowardize,
To rest mistrustfull, where a Noble Heart
Hath pawn'd an open Hand, in signe of Loue;
Else might I thinke, that Clarence, Edwards Brother,
Were but a fained friend to our proceedings:
But welcome sweet Clarence, my Daughter shall be thine.
And now, what rests? but in Nights Couerture,
Thy Brother being carelessely encamp'd,
His Souldiors lurking in the Towne about,
And but attended by a simple Guard,
Wee may surprize and take him at our pleasure,
Our Scouts haue found the aduenture very easie:
That as Vlysses, and stout Diomede,
With sleight and manhood stole to Rhesus Tents,
And brought from thence the Thracian fatall Steeds;
So wee, well couer'd with the Nights black Mantle,
At vnawares may beat downe Edwards Guard,
And seize himselfe: I say not, slaughter him,
For I intend but onely 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 Warwicke and his friends, God and Saint George.
Exeunt.
Original text
Act IV, Scene III
Enter three Watchmen to guard the Kings Tent.

1. Watch.
Come on my Masters, each man take his stand,
The King by this, is set him downe to sleepe.

2. Watch.
What, will he not to Bed?

1. Watch.
Why, no: for he hath made a solemne Vow,
Neuer to lye and take his naturall Rest,
Till Warwicke, or himselfe, be quite supprest.

2. Watch.
To morrow then belike shall be the day,
If Warwicke be so neere as men report.

3. Watch.
But say, I pray, what Noble man is that,
That with the King here resteth in his Tent?

1. Watch.
'Tis the Lord Hastings, the Kings chiefest friend.

3. Watch.
O, is it so? but why commands the King,
That his chiefe followers lodge in Townes about him,
While he himselfe keepes in the cold field?

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

3. Watch.
I, but giue me worship, and quietnesse,
I like it better then a dangerous honor.
If Warwicke knew in what estate he stands,
'Tis to be doubted he would waken him.

1. Watch.
Vnlesse our Halberds did shut vp his passage.

2. Watch.
I: wherefore else guard we his Royall Tent,
But to defend his Person from Night-foes?
Enter Warwicke, Clarence, Oxford, Somerset, and
French Souldiors, silent all.

Warw.
This is his Tent, and see where stand his Guard:
Courage my Masters: Honor now, or neuer:
But follow me, and Edward shall be ours.

1. Watch.
Who goes there?

2. Watch.
Stay, or thou dyest.
Warwicke and the rest cry all, Warwicke, Warwicke,
and set vpon the Guard, who flye, crying, Arme, Arme,
Warwicke and the rest following them.
The Drumme playing, and Trumpet sounding. Enter
Warwicke, Somerset, and the rest, bringing the King
out in his Gowne, sitting in a Chaire: Richard
and Hastings flyes ouer the Stage.

Som.
What are they that flye there?

Warw.
Richard and Hastings: let them goe, heere is the
Duke.

K.Edw.
The Duke? / Why Warwicke, when wee parted,
Thou call'dst me King.

Warw.
I, 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 Yorke.
Alas, how should you gouerne any Kingdome,
That know not how to vse Embassadors,
Nor how to be contented with one Wife,
Nor how to vse your Brothers Brotherly,
Nor how to studie for the Peoples Welfare,
Nor how to shrowd your selfe from Enemies?

K.Edw.
Yea, Brother of Clarence, / Art thou here too?
Nay then I see, that Edward needs must downe.
Yet Warwicke, in despight of all mischance,
Of thee thy selfe, and all thy Complices,
Edward will alwayes beare himselfe as King:
Though Fortunes mallice ouerthrow my State,
My minde exceedes the compasse of her Wheele.

Warw.
Then for his minde, be Edward Englands King,
Takes off his Crowne.
But Henry now shall weare the English Crowne,
And be true King indeede: thou but the shadow.
My Lord of Somerset, at my request,
See that forthwith Duke Edward be conuey'd
Vnto my Brother Arch-Bishop of Yorke:
When I haue fought with Pembrooke, and his fellowes,
Ile follow you, and tell what answer
Lewis and the Lady Bona send to him.
Now for a-while farewell good Duke of Yorke.

K.Ed.
What Fates impose, that men must needs abide;
It boots not to resist both winde and tide.
They leade him out forcibly. Exeunt.

Oxf.
What now remaines my Lords for vs to do,
But march to London with our Soldiers?

War.
I, that's the first thing that we haue to do,
To free King Henry from imprisonment,
And see him seated in the Regall Throne.
exit.
Original text
Act IV, Scene IV
Enter Riuers, and Lady Gray.

Riu.
Madam, what makes you in this sodain change?

Gray.
Why Brother Riuers, are you yet to learne
What late misfortune is befalne King Edward?

Riu.
What losse of some pitcht battell / Against Warwicke?

Gray.
No, but the losse of his owne Royall person.

Riu.
Then is my Soueraigne slaine?

Gray.
I almost slaine, for he is taken prisoner,
Either betrayd by falshood of his Guard,
Or by his Foe surpriz'd at vnawares:
And as I further haue to vnderstand,
Is new committed to the Bishop of Yorke,
Fell Warwickes Brother, and by that our Foe.

Riu.
These Newes I must confesse are full of greefe,
Yet gracious Madam, beare it as you may,
Warwicke may loose, that now hath wonne the day.

Gray.
Till then, faire hope must hinder liues decay:
And I the rather waine me from dispaire
For loue of Edwards Off-spring in my wombe:
This is it that makes me bridle passion,
And beare with Mildnesse my misfortunes crosse:
I, I, for this I draw in many a teare,
And stop the rising of blood-sucking sighes,
Least with my sighes or teares, I blast or drowne
King Edwards Fruite, true heyre to th' English Crowne.

Riu.
But Madam, / Where is Warwicke then become?

Gray.
I am inform'd that he comes towards London,
To set the Crowne once more on Henries head,
Guesse thou the rest, King Edwards Friends must downe.
But to preuent the Tyrants violence,
(For trust not him that hath once broken Faith)
Ile hence forthwith vnto the Sanctuary,
To saue (at least) the heire of Edwards right:
There shall I rest secure from force and fraud:
Come therefore let vs flye, while we may flye,
If Warwicke take vs, we are sure to dye.
exeunt.
Original text
Act IV, Scene V
Enter Richard, Lord Hastings, and Sir William Stanley.

Rich.
Now my Lord Hastings, and Sir William Stanley
Leaue off to wonder why I drew you hither,
Into this cheefest Thicket of the Parke.
Thus stand the case: you know our King, my Brother,
Is prisoner to the Bishop here, at whose hands
He hath good vsage, and great liberty,
And often but attended with weake guard,
Come hunting this way to disport himselfe.
I haue aduertis'd him by secret meanes,
That if about this houre he make this way,
Vnder the colour of his vsuall game,
He shall heere finde his Friends with Horse and Men,
To set him free from his Captiuitie.
Enter King Edward, and a Huntsman with him.

Huntsman.
This way my Lord, / For this way lies the Game.

King Edw.
Nay this way man, / See where the Huntsmen stand.
Now Brother of Gloster, Lord Hastings, and the rest,
Stand you thus close to steale the Bishops Deere?

Rich.
Brother, the time and case, requireth hast,
Your horse stands ready at the Parke-corner.

King Ed.
But whether shall we then?

Hast.
To Lyn my Lord,
And shipt from thence to Flanders.

Rich.
Wel guest beleeue me, for that was my meaning

K.Ed.
Stanley, I will requite thy forwardnesse.

Rich.
But wherefore stay we? 'tis no time to talke.

K.Ed.
Huntsman, what say'st thou? Wilt thou go along?

Hunts.
Better do so, then tarry and be hang'd.

Rich.
Come then away, lets ha no more adoo.

K.Ed.
Bishop farwell, / Sheeld thee from Warwickes frowne,
And pray that I may re-possesse the Crowne.
exeunt.
Original text
Act IV, Scene VI
Flourish. Enter King Henry the sixt, Clarence, Warwicke,
Somerset, young Henry, Oxford,
Mountague, and Lieutenant.

K.Hen.
M. Lieutenant, now that God and Friends
Haue shaken Edward from the Regall seate,
And turn'd my captiue state to libertie,
My feare to hope, my sorrowes vnto ioyes,
At our enlargement what are thy due Fees?

Lieu.
Subiects may challenge nothing of their Sou'rains
But, if an humble prayer may preuaile,
I then craue pardon of your Maiestie.

K.Hen.
For what, Lieutenant? For well vsing me?
Nay, be thou sure, Ile well requite thy kindnesse.
For that it made my imprisonment, a pleasure:
I, such a pleasure, as incaged Birds
Conceiue; when after many moody Thoughts,
At last, by Notes of Houshold harmonie,
They quite forget their losse of Libertie.
But Warwicke, after God, thou set'st me free,
And chiefely therefore, I thanke God, and thee,
He was the Author, thou the Instrument.
Therefore that I may conquer Fortunes spight,
By liuing low, where Fortune cannot hurt me,
And that the people of this blessed Land
May not be punisht with my thwarting starres,
Warwicke, although my Head still weare the Crowne,
I here resigne my Gouernment to thee,
For thou art fortunate in all thy deeds.

Warw.
Your Grace hath still beene fam'd for vertuous,
And now may seeme as wise as vertuous,
By spying and auoiding Fortunes malice,
For few men rightly temper with the Starres:
Yet in this one thing let me blame your Grace,
For chusing me, when Clarence is in place.

Clar.
No Warwicke, thou art worthy of the sway,
To whom the Heau'ns in thy Natiuitie,
Adiudg'd an Oliue Branch, and Lawrell Crowne,
As likely to be blest in Peace and Warre:
And therefore I yeeld thee my free consent.

Warw.
And I chuse Clarence onely for Protector.

King.
Warwick and Clarence, giue me both your Hands:
Now ioyne your Hands, & with your Hands your Hearts,
That no dissention hinder Gouernment:
I make you both Protectors of this Land,
While I my selfe will lead a priuate Life,
And in deuotion spend my latter dayes,
To sinnes rebuke, and my Creators prayse.

Warw.
What answeres Clarence to his Soueraignes will?

Clar.
That he consents, if Warwicke yeeld consent,
For on thy fortune I repose my selfe.

Warw.
Why then, though loth, yet must I be content:
Wee'le yoake together, like a double shadow
To Henries Body, and supply his place;
I meane, in bearing weight of Gouernment,
While he enioyes the Honor, and his ease.
And Clarence, now then it is more then needfull,
Forthwith that Edward be pronounc'd a Traytor,
And all his Lands and Goods confiscate.

Clar.
What else? and that Succession be determined.

Warw.
I, therein Clarence shall not want his part.

King.
But with the first, of all your chiefe affaires,
Let me entreat (for I command no more)
That Margaret your Queene, and my Sonne Edward,
Be sent for, to returne from France with speed:
For till I see them here, by doubtfull feare,
My ioy of libertie is halfe eclips'd.

Clar.
It shall bee done, my Soueraigne, with all speede.

King.
My Lord of Somerset, what Youth is that,
Of whom you seeme to haue so tender care?

Somers.
My Liege, it is young Henry, Earle of Rich-

mond.
King. Come hither, Englands Hope:
Layes his Hand on his Head.
If secret Powers
suggest but truth / To my diuining thoughts,
This prettie Lad will proue our Countries blisse.
His Lookes are full of peacefull Maiestie,
His Head by nature fram'd to weare a Crowne,
His Hand to wield a Scepter, and himselfe
Likely in time to blesse a Regall Throne:
Make much of him, my Lords; for this is hee
Must helpe you more, then you are hurt by mee.
Enter a Poste.

Warw.
What newes, my friend?

Poste.
That Edward is escaped from your Brother,
And fled (as hee heares since) to Burgundie.

Warw.
Vnsauorie newes: but how made he escape?

Poste.
He was conuey'd by Richard, Duke of Gloster,
And the Lord Hastings, who attended him
In secret ambush, on the Forrest side,
And from the Bishops Huntsmen rescu'd him:
For Hunting was his dayly Exercise.

Warw.
My Brother was too carelesse of his charge.
But let vs hence, my Soueraigne, to prouide
A salue for any sore, that may betide.
Exeunt. Manet Somerset, Richmond,
and Oxford.

Som.
My Lord, I like not of this flight of Edwards:
For doubtlesse, Burgundie will yeeld him helpe,
And we shall haue more Warres befor't be long.
As Henries late presaging Prophecie
Did glad my heart, with hope of this young Richmond:
So doth my heart mis-giue me, in these Conflicts,
What may befall him, to his harme and ours.
Therefore, Lord Oxford, to preuent the worst,
Forthwith wee'le send him hence to Brittanie,
Till stormes be past of Ciuill Enmitie.

Oxf.
I: for if Edward re-possesse the Crowne,
'Tis like that Richmond, with the rest, shall downe.

Som.
It shall be so: he shall to Brittanie.
Come therefore, let's about it speedily.
Exeunt.
Original text
Act IV, Scene VII
Flourish. Enter Edward, Richard, Hastings, and
Souldiers.

Edw.
Now Brother Richard, Lord Hastings, and the rest,
Yet thus farre Fortune maketh vs amends,
And sayes, that once more I shall enterchange
My wained state, for Henries Regall Crowne.
Well haue we pass'd, and now re-pass'd the Seas,
And brought desired helpe from Burgundie.
What then remaines, we being thus arriu'd
From Rauenspurre Hauen, before the Gates of Yorke,
But that we enter, as into our Dukedome?

Rich.
The Gates made fast? / Brother, I like not this.
For many men that stumble at the Threshold,
Are well fore-told, that danger lurkes within.

Edw.
Tush man, aboadments must not now affright vs:
By faire or foule meanes we must enter in,
For hither will our friends repaire to vs.

Hast.
My Liege, Ile knocke once more, to summon them.
Enter on the Walls, the Maior of Yorke, and his
Brethren.

Maior.
My Lords, We were fore-warned of your comming,
And shut the Gates, for safetie of our selues;
For now we owe allegeance vnto Henry.

Edw.
But, Master Maior, if Henry be your King,
Yet Edward, at the least, is Duke of Yorke.

Maior.
True, my good Lord, I know you for no lesse.

Edw.
Why, and I challenge nothing but my Dukedome,
As being well content with that alone.

Rich.
But when the Fox hath once got in his Nose,
Hee'le soone finde meanes to make the Body follow.

Hast.
Why, Master Maior, why stand you in a doubt?
Open the Gates, we are King Henries friends.

Maior.
I, say you so? the Gates shall then be opened.
He descends.

Rich.
A wise stout Captaine, and soone perswaded.

Hast.
The good old man would faine that all were wel,
So 'twere not long of him: but being entred,
I doubt not I, but we shall soone perswade
Both him, and all his Brothers, vnto reason.
Enter the Maior, and two Aldermen.

Edw.
So, Master Maior: these Gates must not be shut,
But in the Night, or in the time of Warre.
What, feare not man, but yeeld me vp the Keyes,
Takes his Keyes.
For Edward will defend the Towne, and thee,
And all those friends, that deine to follow mee.
March. Enter Mountgomerie, with Drummeand
Souldiers.

Rich.
Brother, this is Sir Iohn Mountgomerie,
Our trustie friend, vnlesse I be deceiu'd.

Edw.
Welcome Sir Iohn: but why come you in Armes?

Mount.
To helpe King Edward in his time of storme,
As euery loyall Subiect ought to doe.

Edw.
Thankes good Mountgomerie: / But we now forget
our Title to the Crowne, / And onely clayme
our Dukedome, / Till God please to send the rest.

Mount.
Then fare you well, for I will hence againe,
I came to serue a King, and not a Duke:
Drummer strike vp, and let vs march away.
The Drumme begins to march.

Edw.
Nay stay, Sir Iohn, a while, and wee'le debate
By what safe meanes the Crowne may be recouer'd.

Mount.
What talke you of debating? in few words,
If you'le not here proclaime your selfe our King,
Ile leaue you to your fortune, and be gone,
To keepe them back, that come to succour you.
Why shall we fight, if you pretend no Title?

Rich.
Why Brother, wherefore stand you on nice points?

Edw.
When wee grow stronger, / Then wee'le make our Clayme:
Till then, 'tis wisdome to conceale our meaning.

Hast.
Away with scrupulous Wit, now Armes must rule.

Rich.
And fearelesse minds clyme soonest vnto Crowns.
Brother, we will proclaime you out of hand,
The bruit thereof will bring you many friends.

Edw.
Then be it as you will: for 'tis my right,
And Henry but vsurpes the Diademe.

Mount.
I, now my Soueraigne speaketh like himselfe,
And now will I be Edwards Champion.

Hast.
Sound Trumpet, Edward shal be here proclaim'd:
Come, fellow Souldior, make thou proclamation.
Flourish. Sound.

Soul.
Edward the Fourth, by the Grace of God,
King of England and France, and Lord of Ireland, &c.

Mount.
And whosoe're gainsayes King Edwards right,
By this I challenge him to single fight.
Throwes downe his Gauntlet.

All.
Long liue Edward the Fourth.

Edw.
Thankes braue Mountgomery, / And thankes vnto you all:
If fortune serue me, Ile requite this kindnesse.
Now for this Night, let's harbor here in Yorke:
And when the Morning Sunne shall rayse his Carre
Aboue the Border of this Horizon,
Wee'le forward towards Warwicke, and his Mates;
For well I wot, that Henry is no Souldier.
Ah froward Clarence, how euill it beseemes thee,
To flatter Henry, and forsake thy Brother?
Yet as wee may, wee'le meet both thee and Warwicke.
Come on braue Souldiors: doubt not of the Day,
And that once gotten, doubt not of large Pay.
Exeunt.
Original text
Act IV, Scene VIII
Flourish. Enter the King, Warwicke, Mountague,
Clarence, Oxford, and Somerset.

War.
What counsaile, Lords? Edward from Belgia,
With hastie Germanes, and blunt Hollanders,
Hath pass'd in safetie through the Narrow Seas,
And with his troupes doth march amaine to London,
And many giddie people flock to him.

King.
Let's leuie men, and beat him backe againe.

Clar.
A little fire is quickly trodden out,
Which being suffer'd, Riuers cannot quench.

War.
In Warwickshire I haue true-hearted friends,
Not mutinous in peace, yet bold in Warre,
Those will I muster vp: and thou Sonne Clarence
Shalt stirre vp in Suffolke, Norfolke, and in Kent,
The Knights and Gentlemen, to come with thee.
Thou Brother Mountague, in Buckingham,
Northampton, and in Leicestershire, shalt find
Men well enclin'd to heare what thou command'st.
And thou, braue Oxford, wondrous well belou'd,
In Oxfordshire shalt muster vp thy friends.
My Soueraigne, with the louing Citizens,
Like to his Iland, gyrt in with the Ocean,
Or modest Dyan, circled with her Nymphs,
Shall rest in London, till we come to him:
Faire Lords take leaue, and stand not to reply.
Farewell my Soueraigne.

King.
Farewell my Hector, and my Troyes true hope.

Clar.
In signe of truth, I kisse your Highnesse Hand.

King.
Well-minded Clarence, be thou fortunate.

Mount.
Comfort, my Lord, and so I take my leaue.

Oxf.
And thus I seale my truth, and bid adieu.

King.
Sweet Oxford, and my louing Mountague,
And all at once, once more a happy farewell.

War.
Farewell, sweet Lords, let's meet at Couentry.
Exeunt.

King.
Here at the Pallace will I rest a while.
Cousin of Exeter, what thinkes your Lordship?
Me thinkes, the Power that Edward hath in field,
Should not be able to encounter mine.

Exet.
The doubt is, that he will seduce the rest.

King.
That's not my feare, my meed hath got me fame:
I haue not stopt mine eares to their demands,
Nor posted off their suites with slow delayes,
My pittie hath beene balme to heale their wounds,
My mildnesse hath allay'd their swelling griefes,
My mercie dry'd their water-flowing teares.
I haue not been desirous of their wealth,
Nor much opprest them with great Subsidies,
Nor forward of reuenge, though they much err'd.
Then why should they loue Edward more then me?
No Exeter, these Graces challenge Grace:
And when the Lyon fawnes vpon the Lambe,
The Lambe will neuer cease to follow him.
Shout within, A Lancaster, A Lancaster.

Exet.
Hearke, hearke, my Lord, what Shouts are these?
Enter Edward and his Souldiers.

Edw.
Seize on the shamefac'd Henry, beare him hence,
And once againe proclaime vs King of England.
You are the Fount, that makes small Brookes to flow,
Now stops thy Spring, my Sea shall suck them dry,
And swell so much the higher, by their ebbe.
Hence with him to the Tower, let him not speake.
Exit with King Henry.
And Lords, towards Couentry bend we our course,
Where peremptorie Warwicke now remaines:
The Sunne shines hot, and if we vse delay,
Cold biting Winter marres our hop'd-for Hay.

Rich.
Away betimes, before his forces ioyne,
And take the great-growne Traytor vnawares:
Braue Warriors, march amaine towards Couentry.
Exeunt.
Modern text
Act IV, Scene I
Enter Richard, George, Somerset, and Montague

RICHARD
Now tell me, brother Clarence, what think you
Of this new marriage with the Lady Grey?
Hath not our brother made a worthy choice?

GEORGE
Alas, you know, 'tis far from hence to France;
How could he stay till Warwick made return?

SOMERSET
My lords, forbear this talk; here comes the King.
Flourish. Enter Edward, attended; Lady Grey, as
queen; Pembroke, Stafford, Hastings, and other
courtiers. Four stand on one side and four on the
other

RICHARD
And his well-chosen bride.

GEORGE
I mind to tell him plainly what I think.

EDWARD
Now, brother of Clarence, how like you our choice,
That you stand pensive, as half-malcontent?

GEORGE
As well as Lewis of France, or the Earl of Warwick,
Which are so weak of courage and in judgement
That they'll take no offence at our abuse.

EDWARD
Suppose they take offence without a cause,
They are but Lewis and Warwick; I am Edward,
Your King and Warwick's, and must have my will.

RICHARD
And shall have your will, because our king;
Yet hasty marriage seldom proveth well.

EDWARD
Yea, brother Richard, are you offended too?

RICHARD
Not I;
No, God forbid that I should wish them severed
Whom God hath joined together; ay, and 'twere pity
To sunder them that yoke so well together.

EDWARD
Setting your scorns and your mislike aside,
Tell me some reason why the Lady Grey
Should not become my wife and England's queen.
And you too, Somerset and Montague,
Speak freely what you think.

GEORGE
Then this is mine opinion: that King Lewis
Becomes your enemy, for mocking him
About the marriage of the Lady Bona.

RICHARD
And Warwick, doing what you gave in charge,
Is now dishonoured by this new marriage.

EDWARD
What if both Lewis and Warwick be appeased
By such invention as I can devise?

MONTAGUE
Yet, to have joined with France in such alliance
Would more have strengthened this our commonwealth
'Gainst foreign storms than any home-bred marriage.

HASTINGS
Why, knows not Montague that of itself
England is safe, if true within itself?

MONTAGUE
But the safer when 'tis backed with France.

HASTINGS
'Tis better using France than trusting France;
Let us be backed with God and with the seas
Which He hath given for fence impregnable,
And with their helps only defend ourselves;
In them and in ourselves our safety lies.

GEORGE
For this one speech Lord Hastings well deserves
To have the heir of the Lord Hungerford.

EDWARD
Ay, what of that? It was my will and grant;
And for this once my will shall stand for law.

RICHARD
And yet methinks your grace hath not done well
To give the heir and daughter of Lord Scales
Unto the brother of your loving bride.
She better would have fitted me or Clarence;
But in your bride you bury brotherhood.

GEORGE
Or else you would not have bestowed the heir
Of the Lord Bonville on your new wife's son,
And leave your brothers to go speed elsewhere.

EDWARD
Alas, poor Clarence! Is it for a wife
That thou art malcontent? I will provide thee.

GEORGE
In choosing for yourself, you showed your judgement;
Which being shallow, you shall give me leave
To play the broker in mine own behalf;
And to that end I shortly mind to leave you.

EDWARD
Leave me, or tarry. Edward will be king,
And not be tied unto his brother's will.

LADY GREY
My lords, before it pleased 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,
Doth cloud my joys with danger and with sorrow.

EDWARD
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.

RICHARD
(aside)
I hear, yet say not much, but think the more.
Enter a Post

EDWARD
Now, messenger, what letters or what news
From France?

POST
My sovereign liege, no letters; and few words,
But such as I, without your special pardon,
Dare not relate.

EDWARD
Go to, we pardon thee; therefore, in brief,
Tell me their words as near as thou canst guess 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 masquers
To revel it with him and his new bride.’

EDWARD
Is Lewis so brave? Belike he thinks me Henry.
But what said Lady Bona to my marriage?

POST
These were her words, uttered with mild disdain:
‘ Tell him, in hope he'll prove a widower shortly,
I'll wear the willow garland for his sake.’

EDWARD
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.

POST
‘ Tell him,’ quoth she, ‘ my mourning weeds are done,
And I am ready to put armour on.’

EDWARD
Belike she minds to play the Amazon.
But what said Warwick to these injuries?

POST
He, more incensed against your majesty
Than all the rest, discharged me with these words:
‘ Tell him from me that he hath done me wrong,
And therefore I'll uncrown him ere't be long.’

EDWARD
Ha! Durst the traitor breathe out so proud words?
Well, I will arm me, being thus forewarned;
They shall have wars and pay for their presumption.
But say, is Warwick friends with Margaret?

POST
Ay, gracious sovereign; they are so linked in friendship,
That young Prince Edward marries Warwick's daughter.

GEORGE
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 George, and Somerset follows

RICHARD
(aside)
Not I; my thoughts aim at a further matter.
I stay not for the love of Edward, but the crown.

EDWARD
Clarence and Somerset both gone to Warwick!
Yet am I armed against the worst can happen;
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;
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.

MONTAGUE
So God help Montague as he proves true!

HASTINGS
And Hastings as he favours Edward's cause!

EDWARD
Now, brother Richard, will you stand by us?

RICHARD
Ay, in despite of all that shall withstand you.

EDWARD
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
Modern text
Act IV, Scene II
Enter Warwick and Oxford in England, with
French soldiers

WARWICK
Trust me, my lord, all hitherto goes well;
The common people by numbers swarm to us.
Enter George and Somerset
But see where Somerset and Clarence comes!
Speak suddenly, my lords, are we all friends?

GEORGE
Fear not that, my lord.

WARWICK
Then, gentle Clarence, welcome unto Warwick;
And welcome, Somerset. I hold it cowardice
To rest mistrustful where a noble heart
Hath pawned 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, sweet Clarence; my daughter shall be thine.
And now what rests but, in night's coverture,
Thy brother being carelessly encamped,
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 sleight and manhood stole to Rhesus' tents,
And brought from thence the Thracian fatal steeds,
So we, well covered 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
Modern text
Act IV, Scene III
Enter three Watchmen, to guard King Edward's
tent

FIRST WATCHMAN
Come on, my masters; each man take his stand.
The King by this is set him down to sleep.

SECOND WATCHMAN
What, will he not to bed?

FIRST WATCHMAN
Why, no; for he hath made a solemn vow
Never to lie and take his natural rest
Till Warwick or himself be quite suppressed.

SECOND WATCHMAN
Tomorrow then belike shall be the day,
If Warwick be so near as men report.

THIRD WATCHMAN
But say, I pray, what nobleman is that
That with the King here resteth in his tent?

FIRST WATCHMAN
'Tis the Lord Hastings, the King's chiefest friend.

THIRD WATCHMAN
O, is it so? But why commands the King
That his chief followers lodge in towns about him,
While he himself keeps in the cold field?

SECOND WATCHMAN
'Tis the more honour, because more dangerous.

THIRD WATCHMAN
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.

FIRST WATCHMAN
Unless our halberds did shut up his passage.

SECOND WATCHMAN
Ay, wherefore else guard we his royal tent,
But to defend his person from night-foes?
Enter Warwick, George, Oxford, Somerset, and
French soldiers, silent all

WARWICK
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.

FIRST WATCHMAN
Who goes there?

SECOND WATCHMAN
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 playing and trumpet sounding, enter
Warwick, Somerset, and the rest, bringing King
Edward out in his gown, sitting in a chair. Richard
and Hastings fly over the stage

SOMERSET
What are they that fly there?

WARWICK
Richard and Hastings; let them go. Here is the
Duke.

EDWARD
‘ The Duke ’! Why, Warwick, when we parted,
Thou called'st me king.

WARWICK
Ay, but the case is altered:
When you disgraced 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 how to use your brothers brotherly,
Nor how to study for the people's welfare,
Nor how to shroud yourself from enemies?

EDWARD
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.

WARWICK
Then, for his mind, be Edward England's king.
He takes off Edward's 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 conveyed
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.

EDWARD
What fates impose, that men must needs abide;
It boots not to resist both wind and tide.
They lead him out forcibly

OXFORD
What now remains, my lords, for us to do
But march to London with our soldiers?

WARWICK
Ay, that's the first thing that we have to do;
To free King Henry from imprisonment
And see him seated in the regal throne.
Exeunt
Modern text
Act IV, Scene IV
Enter Rivers and Lady Grey

RIVERS
Madam, what makes you in this sudden change?

LADY GREY
Why, brother Rivers, are you yet to learn
What late misfortune is befallen King Edward?

RIVERS
What! Loss of some pitched battle against Warwick?

LADY GREY
No, but the loss of his own royal person.

RIVERS
Then is my sovereign slain?

LADY GREY
Ay, almost slain, for he is taken prisoner,
Either betrayed by falsehood of his guard
Or by his foe surprised 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.

RIVERS
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.

LADY GREY
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 th' English crown.

RIVERS
But, madam, where is Warwick then become?

LADY GREY
I am informed that he comes towards London,
To set the crown once more on Henry's head.
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
Modern text
Act IV, Scene V
Enter Richard, Hastings, and Sir William Stanley

RICHARD
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 advertised 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 with him

HUNTSMAN
This way, my lord; for this way lies the game.

EDWARD
Nay, this way, man; see where the huntsmen stand.
Now, brother of Gloucester, Lord Hastings, and the rest,
Stand you thus close to steal the Bishop's deer?

RICHARD
Brother, the time and case requireth haste;
Your horse stands ready at the park corner.

EDWARD
But whither shall we then?

HASTINGS
To Lynn, my lord.
And ship from thence to Flanders?

RICHARD
Well guessed, believe me; for that was my meaning.

EDWARD
Stanley, I will requite thy forwardness.

RICHARD
But wherefore stay we? 'Tis no time to talk.

EDWARD
Huntsman, what sayst thou? Wilt thou go along?

HUNTSMAN
Better do so than tarry and be hanged.

RICHARD
Come then, away; let's ha' no more ado.

EDWARD
Bishop, farewell; shield thee from Warwick's frown;
And pray that I may repossess the crown.
Exeunt
Modern text
Act IV, Scene VI
Flourish. Enter King Henry the Sixth, George, Warwick,
Somerset, young Henry Richmond, Oxford,
Montague, and the Lieutenant of the Tower

KING
Master Lieutenant, now that God and friends
Have shaken Edward from the regal seat,
And turned my captive state to liberty,
My fear to hope, my sorrows unto joys,
At our enlargement what are thy due fees?

LIEUTENANT
Subjects may challenge nothing of their sovereigns;
But if an humble prayer may prevail,
I then crave pardon of your majesty.

KING
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 settest 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 punished 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.

WARWICK
Your grace hath still been famed 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.
Yet in this one thing let me blame your grace,
For choosing me when Clarence is in place.

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

WARWICK
And I choose Clarence only for Protector.

KING
Warwick and Clarence, give me both your hands.
Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts,
That no dissension 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.

WARWICK
What answers Clarence to his sovereign's will?

GEORGE
That he consents, if Warwick yield consent;
For on thy fortune I repose myself.

WARWICK
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 pronounced a traitor,
And all his lands and goods be confiscate.

GEORGE
What else? And that succession be determined.

WARWICK
Ay, therein Clarence shall not want his part.

KING
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 eclipsed.

GEORGE
It shall be done, my sovereign, with all speed.

KING
My Lord of Somerset, what youth is that,
Of whom you seem to have so tender care?

SOMERSET
My liege, it is young Henry Earl of Richmond.

KING
Come hither, England's hope.
He lays his hand on his head
If secret powers
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 framed 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

WARWICK
What news, my friend?

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

WARWICK
Unsavoury news! But how made he escape?

POST
He was conveyed by Richard Duke of Gloucester
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.

WARWICK
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 all but Somerset, Richmond,
and Oxford

SOMERSET
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
Did glad my heart with hope of this young Richmond,
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 Brittany,
Till storms be past of civil enmity.

OXFORD
Ay, for if Edward repossess the crown,
'Tis like that Richmond with the rest shall down.

SOMERSET
It shall be so; he shall to Brittany.
Come, therefore, let's about it speedily.
Exeunt
Modern text
Act IV, Scene VII
Flourish. Enter Edward, Richard, Hastings, and
soldiers

EDWARD
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 passed and now repassed the seas
And brought desired help from Burgundy.
What then remains, we being thus arrived
From Ravenspurgh haven before the gates of York,
But that we enter, as into our dukedom?

RICHARD
The gates made fast! Brother, I like not this;
For many men that stumble at the threshold
Are well foretold that danger lurks within.

EDWARD
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.

HASTINGS
My liege, I'll knock once more to summon them.
Enter, on the walls, the Mayor of York and his
brethren

MAYOR
My lords, we were forewarned of your coming,
And shut the gates for safety of ourselves;
For now we owe allegiance unto Henry.

EDWARD
But, master Mayor, if Henry be your king,
Yet Edward at the least is Duke of York.

MAYOR
True, my good lord, I know you for no less.

EDWARD
Why, and I challenge nothing but my dukedom,
As being well content with that alone.

RICHARD
(aside)
But when the fox hath once got in his nose,
He'll soon find means to make the body follow.

HASTINGS
Why, master Mayor, why stand you in a doubt?
Open the gates; we are King Henry's friends.

MAYOR
Ay, say you so? The gates shall then be opened.
He descends

RICHARD
A wise stout captain, and soon persuaded!

HASTINGS
The good old man would fain that all were well,
So 'twere not 'long of him; but being entered,
I doubt not, I, but we shall soon persuade
Both him and all his brothers unto reason.
Enter the Mayor and two aldermen, below

EDWARD
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;
(He takes his keys)
For Edward will defend the town and thee,
And all those friends that deign to follow me.
March. Enter Sir John Montgomery with drum and
soldiers

RICHARD
Brother, this is Sir John Montgomery,
Our trusty friend, unless I be deceived.

EDWARD
Welcome, Sir John! But why come you in arms?

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

EDWARD
Thanks, good Montgomery; but we now forget
Our title to the crown, and only claim
Our dukedom till God please to send the rest.

MONTGOMERY
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.
The drum begins to march

EDWARD
Nay, stay, Sir John, a while, and we'll debate
By what safe means the crown may be recovered.

MONTGOMERY
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 shall we fight, if you pretend no title?

RICHARD
Why, brother, wherefore stand you on nice points?

EDWARD
When we grow stronger, then we'll make our claim;
Till then, 'tis wisdom to conceal our meaning.

HASTINGS
Away with scrupulous wit! Now arms must rule.

RICHARD
And fearless minds climb soonest unto crowns.
Brother, we will proclaim you out of hand;
The bruit thereof will bring you many friends.

EDWARD
Then be it as you will; for 'tis my right,
And Henry but usurps the diadem.

MONTGOMERY
Ay, now my sovereign speaketh like himself;
And now will I be Edward's champion.

HASTINGS
Sound trumpet; Edward shall be here proclaimed.
Come, fellow soldier, make thou proclamation.
Flourish. Sound

SOLDIER
Edward the Fourth, by the grace of God,
King of England and France, and Lord of Ireland, etc.

MONTGOMERY
And whosoe'er gainsays King Edward's right,
By this I challenge him to single fight.
He throws down his gauntlet

ALL
Long live Edward the Fourth!

EDWARD
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.
Ah, 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
Modern text
Act IV, Scene VIII
Flourish. Enter King Henry, Warwick, Montague,
George, and Oxford

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

KING
Let's levy men and beat him back again.

GEORGE
A little fire is quickly trodden out;
Which, being suffered, rivers cannot quench.

WARWICK
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 up 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 inclined to hear what thou commandest.
And thou, brave Oxford, wondrous well-beloved
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.

KING
Farewell, my Hector and my Troy's true hope.

GEORGE
In sign of truth, I kiss your highness' hand.

KING
Well-minded Clarence, be thou fortunate!

MONTAGUE
Comfort, my lord; and so I take my leave.

OXFORD
And thus I seal my truth and bid adieu.

KING
Sweet Oxford, and my loving Montague,
And all at once, once more a happy farewell.

WARWICK
Farewell, sweet lords; let's meet at Coventry.
Exeunt
Enter King Henry and Exeter

KING
Here at the palace I will 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.

EXETER
The doubt is that he will seduce the rest.

KING
That's not my fear. My meed hath got me fame;
I have not stopped 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 allayed their swelling griefs,
My mercy dried their water-flowing tears;
I have not been desirous of their wealth,
Nor much oppressed them with great subsidies,
Nor forward of revenge, though they much erred.
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. ‘ À York! À York!’

EXETER
Hark, hark, my lord! What shouts are these?
Enter Edward, Richard, and their soldiers

EDWARD
Seize on the shamefaced 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 soldiers with King Henry
And, lords, towards Coventry bend we our course,
Where peremptory Warwick now remains.
The sun shines hot; and, if we use delay,
Cold biting winter mars our hoped-for hay.

RICHARD
Away betimes, before his forces join,
And take the great-grown traitor unawares.
Brave warriors, march amain towards Coventry.
Exeunt
x

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