War. Ay, therein Clarence shall not want his part. 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, Clar. It shall be done, my sovereign, with all speed. K. Hen. My lord of Somerset, what youth is that, Of whom you seem to have so tender care? powers Som. My liege, it is young Henry, earl of Richmond. K. Hen. Come hither, England's hope: If secret [Lays his Hand on his Head. Suggest but truth to my divining thoughts, This pretty lad will prove our country's bliss. His looks are full of peaceful majesty; His head by nature fram'd to wear a crown, His hand to wield a sceptre; and himself Likely, in time, to bless a regal throne. Make much of him, my lords; for this is he, Must help you more than you are hurt by me. Enter a Messenger. War. What news, my friend? Mess. That Edward is escaped from your brother, And fled, as he hears since, to Burgundy. War. Unsavory news: But how made he escape? Mess. He was convey'd by Richard, duke of Gloster, And the lord Hastings, who attended him In secret ambush on the forest side, And from the bishop's huntsmen rescued him; War. My brother was too careless of his charge.— But let us hence, my sovereign, to provide A salve for any sore that may betide. [Exeunt K. Hen. 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 mere wars before't be long. As Henry's late presaging prophecy Did glad my heart, with hope of this young Richmond; Oxf. Ay; for, if Edward repossess the crown, SCENE VII. Before YORK. [Exeunt. Enter KING EDWARD, GLOSTER, HASTINGS, and Forces. K. Edw. Now, brother Richard, lord Hastings, and the rest; Yet thus far fortune maketh us amends, And says-that once more I shall interchange Well have we pass'd, and now repass'd the seas, Glo. The gates made fast!-Brother, I like not this; For many men, that stumble at the threshold, Are well foretold- that danger lurks within. K. Edw. Tush, man! abodements must not now affright By fair or foul means we must enter in, For hither will our friends repair to us. [us: Hast. My liege, I'll knock once more to summon them. Enter, on the Walls, the Mayor of York, and his Brethren. May. My lords, we were forewarned of your coming, And shut the gates for safety of ourselves; For now we owe allegiance unto Henry. K. Edw. But, master mayor, if Henry be your king, Yet Edward, at the least, is duke of York. May. True, my good lord; I know you for no less. K. Edw. Why, and I challenge nothing but my dukeAs being well content with that alone. [dom; Glo. But when the fox hath once got in his nose, He'll soon find means to make the body follow. [Aside. Hast. Why, master mayor, why stand you in a doubt? Open the gates, we are king Henry's friends. May. Ay, say you so? the gates shall then be open'd. [Exeunt from above. Glo. A wise stout captain, and persuaded soon! Hast. The good old man would fain that all were well, So 'twere not 'long of him: but, being enter'd, I doubt not, I, but we shall soon persuade Both him, and all his brothers, unto reason. Re-enter the Mayor and two Aldermen, below. K. Edw. So, master mayor: these gates must not be But in the night, or in the time of war. What! fear not, man, but yield me up the keys; [Takes the Keys. [shut, For Edward will defend the town, and thee, [arms? K. Edw. Welcome, sir John! But why come you in Mont. To help king Edward in his time of storm, As every loyal subject ought to do. [forget K. Edw. Thanks, good Montgomery: But we now Our title to the crown; and only claim Our dukedom, till God please to send the rest. If you'll not here proclaim yourself our king, Till then, 'tis wisdom to conceal our meaning. Hast. Away with scrupulous wit! now arms must rule. Glo. And fearless minds climb soonest unto crowns. 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. Mont. Ay, now my sovereign speaketh like himself; And now will I be Edward's champion. [claim'd:Hast. Sound, trumpet; Edward shall be here proCome, 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 right, By this I challenge him to single fight. [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; [Exeunt. SCENE VIll. 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. Orf. Let's levy men, and beat him back again. Clar. A little fire is quickly trodden out; Which, being suffer'd, rivers cannot quench. War. In Warwickshire I have true-hearted friends, Not mutinous in peace, yet bold in war; Those will I muster up-and thou, son Clarence, K. Hen. Farewell, my Hector, and my Troy's true hope. Clar. In sign of truth, I kiss your highness' hand. K. Hen. Well-minded Clarence, be thou fortunate! Mont. Comfort, my lord;—and so I take my leave. Oxf. And thus Kissing Henry's Hand] Iˇseal my truth, and bid adieu. K. Hen. Sweet Oxford, and my loving Montague, And all at once, once more a happy farewell. War. Farewell, sweet lords; let's meet at Coventry. [Exeunt War. Clar. Oxf, and Mont. |