ACT I. SCENE L-A Garden in the Tower. Enter LIEUTENANT and OFFICER. Lieut Has King Henry walk'd forth this morning? Lieut. At any time, when you see him here, Let no stranger into the garden; I would not have him stared at--See, who's that, Now ent'ring at the gate. Offi. Sir, the Lord Stanley. Lieut. Leave me→→→ Enter LORD STANLEY. [Knocking within. [Exit Officer. My noble lord, you're welcome to the Tower: Stanley. Yes, sir; and I am proud to be the man, Like bloody brothers, fighting for a birthright, No more shall wound the parent, that would part them: Edward now sits secure on England's throne. Lieut. Near Tewksbury, my lord, I think they fought; Has the enemy lost any men of note? Stanley. Sir, I was posted homie, Ere an account was taken of the slain: From the king, was made in search of Edward, And him his life, if he'd surrender. Lieut. That brave young prince, 1 fear, 's unlike his father, Too high of heart, to brook submissive life: This will be heavy news to Henry's ear, Stanley. King Henry and ill fortune are familiar; He ever threw with an indifferent hand, But never yet was known to lose his patience. How does he pass the time in his confinement? Lieut. As one whose wishes never reach'd a crown. The king seems dead in him-but, as a man, A 2 Stanley. Were it not possible to see this king? They retire. Enter KING HENRY. While the poor peasant, from some distant hill, Stanley. No; nor would I have him. Lieut. We'll show ourselves. [They come forward. K. Hen. Why, there's another check to proud ambition! That man received his charge from me, and now I'm his pris'ner-he locks me to my rest. Such an unlook'd-for change who could suppose, That saw him kneel to kiss the hand that raised him? Since I to that, 'tis possible, may owe His civil treatment of me-'Morrow, Lieutenant; K. Hen. Comes he to me with letters, or advice? sir; Not less because you are King Edward's friend, Could I but once forget I was a king, I might be truly happy, and his subject. You've gain'd a battle: is't not so? Stanley. We have, sir,-how, will reach your ear too soon. K. Hen. If to my loss, it can't too soon-pray, speak; For fear makes mischief greater than it is. My queen? my son? say, sir are they living? Stanley. Since my arrival, sir, another post Came in, which brought us word, your queen and son Were prisoners now at Tewksbury. K. Hen. Heav'n's will be done!-the hunter's have them now, And I have only sighs and prayers to help them! Giving the mind of weak rebellion spirit; Offi. Sir, here's a gentleman brings a warrant, [Exit with Officer. Stanley. His business may require your privacy; I'll leave you, sir, wishing you all the good K. Hen. Farewell! Who can this be? a sudden coldness, Like the damp hand of death, has seized my 1 fear some heavy news! Enter LIEUTENANT. Who is it, good Lieutenant? [Exit. limbs : Lieut. A gentleman, sir, from Tewksbury: he seems A melancholy messenger-for, when I ask'd What news, his answer was a deep-fetch'd sigh: I could not urge him, but I fear 'tis fatal. Enter TRESSEL. K. Hen. Fatal indeed! his brow's the title-page, [Exit. |