&mast;Glo.
&mast;Not I^{7 note}

K. Edw.
Clarence and Somerset both gone to Warwick!
&mast;Yet am I arm'd against the worst can happen;
&mast;And haste is needful in this desperate case.—
&mlquo;Pembroke, and Stafford^{8 note}










, you in our behalf

&mlquo;Go levy men, and make prepare for war;
&mlquo;They are already, or quickly will be landed:
&mlquo;Myself in person will straight follow you. [Exeunt Pembroke and Stafford.
&mlquo;But, ere I go, Hastings,—and Montague,—
&mlquo;Resolve my doubt. You twain, of all the rest,
&mlquo;Are near to Warwick, by blood, and by alliance:
&mlquo;Tell me if you love Warwick more than me?
&mlquo;If it be so, then both depart to him;
&mlquo;I rather wish you foes, than hollow friends;
&mlquo;But, if you mind to hold your true obedience,
&mlquo;Give me assurance with some friendly vow,
&mlquo;That I may never have you in suspect.

Mont.
So God help Montague, as he proves true!

Hast.
And Hastings, as he favours Edward's cause!

&mlquo;K. Edw.
&mlquo;Now, brother Richard, will you stand by us?

Glo.
Ay, in despite of all that shall withstand you^{9 note}



.

&mlquo;K. Edw.
&mlquo;Why so; then am I sure of victory.
&mlquo;Now therefore let us hence; and lose no hour,
&mlquo;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;—
Speak suddenly, my lords, are we all friends?

Clar.
Fear not that, my lord.

War.
Then, gentle Clarence, welcome unto Warwick;
And welcome, Somerset:—I hold it cowardice,
To rest mistrustful where a noble heart
Hath pawn'd 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^{1 note}; 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^{2 note}

Our scouts have found the adventure very easy^{3 note}

:
&mast;That as Ulysses^{4 note}, and stout Diomede,
&mast;With sleight and manhood stole to Rhesus' tents,
&mast;And brought from thence the Thracian fatal steeds^{5 note};
&mast;So we, well cover'd with the night's black mantle,
&mast;At unawares may beat down Edward's guard,
&mast;And seize himself; I say not—slaughter him,
&mast;For I intend but only to surprise him.—
&mlquo;You, that will follow me to this attempt,
&mlquo;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^{6 note}



! [Exeunt.

SCENE III. Edward's Camp, near Warwick. Enter certain Watchmen, to guard the King's Tent.

&mast;1 Watch.
&mast;Come on, my masters, each man take his stand;
&mast;The king, by this, is set him down to sleep.

&mast;2 Watch.
&mast;What, will he not to bed?

&mast;1 Watch.
&mast;Why, no: for he hath made a solemn vow
&mast;Never to lie and take his natural rest,
&mast;Till Warwick, or himself, be quite suppress'd.

&mast;2 Watch.
&mast;To-morrow then, belike, shall be the day,
&mast;If Warwick be so near as men report.

&mast;3 Watch.
&mast;But say, I pray, what nobleman is that,
&mast;That with the king here resteth in his tent?

&mast;1 Watch.
&mast;'Tis the lord Hastings, the king's chiefest friend.

&mast;3 Watch.
&mast;O, is it so? But why commands the king,
&mast;That his chief followers lodge in towns about him,
&mast;While he himself keepeth in the cold field?

&mast;2 Watch.
&mast;'Tis the more honour, because more dangerous.

&mast;3 Watch.
&mast;Ay; but give me worship and quietness,
&mast;I like it better than a dangerous honour^{7 note}.
&mast;If Warwick knew in what estate he stands,
&mast;'Tis to be doubted, he would waken him.

&mast;1 Watch.
&mast;Unless our halberds did shut up his passage.

&mast;2 Watch.
&mast;Ay; wherefore else guard we his royal tent,
&mast;But to defend his person from night-foes? Enter Warwick, Clarence, Oxford, Somerset, and Forces.

&mlquo;War.
&mlquo;This is his tent; and see, where stand his guard.
&mlquo;Courage, my masters: honour now, or never!
&mlquo;But follow me, and Edward shall be ours.

1 Watch.
Who goes there?

&mast;2 Watch.
&mast;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, Re-enter Warwick, and the rest, bringing the King out in a Gown, sitting in a Chair: Gloster and Hastings fly.

&mlquo;Som.
&mlquo;What are they that fly there?

&mlquo;War.
&mlquo;Richard, and Hastings: let them go, here's the duke.

K. Edw.
The duke! why, Warwick, when we parted last^{8 note},
Thou call'dst me king!

War.
Ay, but the case is alter'd:
&mlquo;When you disgrac'd me in my embassade* ^note,
&mlquo;Then I degraded you from being king,
And come now to create you duke of York^{9 note}
.

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;
&mast;Nor how to study for the people's welfare;
Nor how to shrowd yourself from enemies?

&mast;K. Edw.
&mast;Yea, brother^{1 note}

War.
Then, for his mind, be Edward England's king^{2 note}: [Takes off his Crown.
But Henry now shall wear the English crown,
&mast;And be true king indeed; thou but the shadow.—
&mlquo;My lord of Somerset, at my request,
&mlquo;See that forthwith duke Edward be convey'd
&mlquo;Unto my brother, archbishop of York.
&mlquo;When I have fought with Pembroke and his fellows,
&mlquo;I'll follow you, and tell what answer
&mlquo;Lewis, and the lady Bona, send to him:—
Now, for a while, farewell, good duke of York.

&mast;K. Edw.
&mast;What fates impose, that men must needs abide;
&mast;It boots not to resist both wind and tide. [Exit King Edward, led out; Somerset with him.

&mast;Oxf.
&mast;What now remains^{3 note}








, my lords, for us to do,
&mast;But march to London with our soldiers?

War.
Ay, that's the first thing that we have to do;
&mlquo;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^{4 note}

&mlquo;Riv.
&mlquo;Madam, what makes you in this sudden change?

&mlquo;Q. Eliz.
&mlquo;Why, brother Rivers, are you yet to learn,
&mlquo;What late misfortune is befall'n king Edward?

Riv.
What, loss of some pitch'd battle against Warwick?

&mlquo;Q. Eliz.
&mlquo;No, but the loss of his own royal person.

&mlquo;Riv.
&mlquo;Then is my sovereign slain?

&mlquo;Q. Eliz.
&mlquo;Ay, almost slain, for he is taken prisoner?
&mlquo;Either betray'd by falsehood of his guard,
&mlquo;Or by his foe surpris'd at unawares:
&mlquo;And, as I further have to understand,
&mlquo;Is new committed to the bishop of York,
&mlquo;Fell Warwick's brother, and by that our foe.

&mlquo;Riv.
&mlquo;These news, I must confess, are full of grief:
&mlquo;Yet, gracious madam, bear it as you may;
&mlquo;Warwick may lose, that now hath won the day.

&mast;Q. Eliz.
&mast;Till then, fair hope must hinder life's decay.
&mast;And I the rather wean me from despair,
&mast;For love of Edward's offspring in my womb:
&mast;This is it that makes me bridle passion,
&mast;And bear with mildness my misfortune's cross;
&mast;Ay, ay, for this I draw in many a tear,
&mast;And stop the rising of blood-sucking sighs,
&mast;Lest with my sighs or tears I blast or drown
&mlquo;King Edward's fruit, true heir to the English crown.

&mast;Riv.
&mast;But, madam, where is Warwick then become?

&mlquo;Q. Eliz.
&mlquo;I am informed, that he comes towards London,

&mast;To set the crown once more on Henry's head:
&mast;Guess thou the rest; king Edward's friends must down.
&mlquo;But to prevent the tyrant's violence,
&mlquo;(For trust not him that hath once broken faith,)
&mlquo;I'll hence forthwith unto the sanctuary,
&mlquo;To save at least the heir of Edward's right;
&mlquo;There shall I rest secure from force, and fraud.
&mlquo;Come therefore, let us fly, while we may fly;
&mlquo;If Warwick take us, we are sure to die. [Exeunt. 5 ^note. SCENE V A Park near Middleham^{6 note} Castle in Yorkshire. Enter Gloster, Hastings, Sir William Stanley, and Others.

&mlquo;Glo.
&mlquo;Now, my lord Hastings^{7 note}








, and sir William Stanley,

&mlquo;Leave off to wonder why I drew you hither,
&mlquo;Into this chiefest thicket of the park.
&mlquo;Thus stands the case: You know, our king, my brother,
&mlquo;Is prisoner to the bishop here, at whose hands
&mlquo;He hath good usage and great liberty;
&mlquo;And often, but attended with weak guard,
&mlquo;Comes hunting this way to disport himself.
&mlquo;I have advértis'd him by secret means,
&mlquo;That if about this hour, he make his way,
&mlquo;Under the colour of his usual game,
&mlquo;He shall here find his friends, with horse and men,
&mlquo;To set him free from his captivity. Enter King Edward, and a Huntsman.

&mlquo;Hunt.
&mlquo;This way, my lord: for this way lies the game.

K. Edw.
Nay, this way, man; see, where the huntsmen stand.—
&mlquo;Now, brother of Gloster, lord Hastings, and the rest,
&mlquo;Stand you thus close, to steal the bishop's deer?

&mlquo;Glo.
&mlquo;Brother, the time and case requireth haste?
&mlquo;Your horse stands ready at the park corner.

&mlquo;K. Edw.
&mlquo;But whither shall we then?

&mlquo;Hast.
&mlquo;To Lynn, my lord; and ship^{8 note} from thence to Flanders.

&mlquo;Glo.
&mlquo;Well guess'd, believe me; for that was my meaning.

&mlquo;K. Edw.
&mlquo;Stanley, I will requite thy forwardness.

&mast;Glo.
&mast;But wherefore stay we? 'tis no time to talk.

K. Edw.
Huntsman, what say'st thou? wilt thou go along?

&mlquo;Hunt.
&mlquo;Better do so than tarry and be hang'd.

&mast;Glo.
&mast;Come then, away; let's have no more ado.

&mlquo;K. Edw.
&mlquo;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, Somerset, young Richmond, Oxford, Montague, Lieutenant of the Tower, and Attendants.

&mast;K. Hen.
&mast;Master lieutenant, now that God and friends
&mast;Have shaken Edward from the regal seat;
&mast;And turn'd my captive state to liberty,
&mast;My fear to hope, my sorrows unto joys;
&mast;At our enlargement what are thy due fees?

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

&mast;K. Hen.
&mast;For what, lieutenant? for well using me?
&mast;Nay, be thou sure, I'll well requite thy kindness,
&mast;For that it made my imprisonment a pleasure:
&mast;Ay, such a pleasure as incaged birds
&mast;Conceive, when, after many moody thoughts,
&mast;At last, by notes of household harmony,
&mast;They quite forget their loss of liberty.—
&mast;But, Warwick, after God, thou set'st me free,
&mast;And chiefly therefore I thank God, and thee;

&mast;He was the author, thou the instrument.
&mast;Therefore, that I may conquer fortune's spite,
&mast;By living low, where fortune cannot hurt me;
&mast;And that the people of this blessed land
&mast;May not be punish'd with my thwarting stars;
&mlquo;Warwick, although my head still wear the crown,
&mlquo;I here resign my government to thee,
&mlquo;For thou art fortunate in all thy deeds.

&mast;War.
&mast;Your grace hath still been fam'd for virtuous;
&mast;And now may seem as wise as virtuous,
&mast;By spying, and avoiding, fortune's malice,
&mast;For few men rightly temper with the stars^{9 note}:
&mast;Yet in this one thing let me blame your grace,
&mast;For choosing me when Clarence is in place^{1 note}.

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

&mast;War.
&mast;And I choose Clarence only for protector.

&mast;K. Hen.
&mast;Warwick, and Clarence, give me both your hands;
&mast;Now join your hands, and, with your hands, your hearts,
&mast;That no dissention hinder government:
&mlquo;I make you both protectors of this land;
&mlquo;While I myself will lead a private life,
&mlquo;And in devotion spend my latter days,
To sin's rebuke, and my Creator's praise.

War.
What answers Clarence to his sovereign's will?

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

&mast;War.
&mast;Why then, though loath, yet must I be content:
&mast;We'll yoke together, like a double shadow
&mast;To Henry's body, and supply his place;
&mast;I mean, in bearing weight of government,
&mast;While he enjoys the honour, and his ease.
&mast;And, Clarence, now then it is more than needful,
&mast;Forthwith that Edward be pronounc'd a traitor,
&mast;And all his lands and goods be confiscate^{2 note}

Clar.
What else? and that succession be determin'd.

&mast;War.
&mast;Ay, therein Clarence shall not want his part.

&mast;K. Hen.
&mast;But, with the first of all your chief affairs,
&mast;Let me entreat, (for I command no more,)
&mast;That Margaret your queen, and my son Edward,
&mast;Be sent for, to return from France with speed:
&mast;For, till I see them here, by doubtful fear
&mast;My joy of liberty is half eclips'd.

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

&mlquo;K. Hen.
&mlquo;My lord of Somerset, what youth is that,

&mlquo;Of whom you seem to have so tender care?

&mlquo;Som.
&mlquo;My liege, it is young Henry, earl of Richmond.

&mlquo;K. Hen.
&mlquo;Come hither, England's hope: If secret powers [Lays his Hand on his Head.
&mlquo;Suggest but truth to my divining thoughts,
&mlquo;This pretty lad^{3 note}

&mlquo;His looks are full of peaceful majesty;
&mlquo;His head by nature fram'd to wear a crown,
&mlquo;His hand to wield a scepter; and himself
&mlquo;Likely, in time, to bless a regal throne.
Make much of him, my lords; for this is he,
&mlquo;Must help you more than you are hurt by me. Enter a Messenger.
&mast;What news, my friend?

&mast;Mess.
&mast;That Edward is escaped from your brother,
&mast;And fled, as he hears since, to Burgundy.

&mast;War.
&mast;Unsavoury news: But how made he escape?

&mast;Mess.
&mast;He was convey'd by Richard duke of Gloster,
&mast;And the lord Hastings, who attended him^{4 note}

&mast;In secret ambush on the forest side,
&mast;And from the bishop's huntsmen rescued him;
&mast;For hunting was his daily exercise.

&mast;War.
&mast;My brother was too careless of his charge.—
&mast;But let us hence, my sovereign, to provide
&mast;A salve for any sore that may betide. [Exeunt King Henry, Warwick, Clarence, Lieutenant, and Attendants.

&mast;Som.
&mast;My lord, I like not of this flight of Edward's:
&mast;For, doubtless, Burgundy will yield him help;
&mast;And we shall have more wars, before't be long.
&mast;As Henry's late presaging prophecy
&mast;Did glad my heart, with hope of this young Richmond;
&mast;So doth my heart misgive me, in these conflicts
&mast;What may befall him, to his harm, and ours:

&mast;Therefore, lord Oxford, to prevent the worst,
&mast;Forthwith we'll send him hence to Brittany,
&mast;Till storms be past of civil enmity.

&mast;Oxf.
&mast;Ay; for, if Edward repossess the crown,
&mast;'Tis like, that Richmond with the rest shall down.

&mast;Som.
&mast;It shall be so; he shall to Brittany.
&mast;Come therefore, let's about it speedily. [Exeunt. 5 ^note. SCENE VII Before York. Enter King Edward, Gloster, Hastings, and Forces.

&mlquo;K. Edw.
&mlquo;Now, brother Richard^{6 note}



, lord^{7 note}

&mlquo;Yet thus far fortune maketh us amends,
&mlquo;And says—that once more I shall interchange
&mlquo;My waned state for Henry's regal crown.
&mlquo;Well have we pass'd, and now repass'd the seas,
&mlquo;And brought desired help from Burgundy:
&mlquo;What then remains, we being thus arriv'd
&mlquo;From Ravenspurg haven before the gates of York^{8 note}

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

&mast;K. Edw.
&mast;Tush, man! abodements must not now affright us:
&mast;By fair or foul means we must enter in,
&mast;For hither will our friends repair to us.

&mast;Hast.
&mast;My liege, I'll knock once more, to summon them. Enter, on the Walls, the Mayor of York, and his Brethren.

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

&mlquo;K. Edw.
&mlquo;But, master mayor, if Henry be your king,
&mlquo;Yet Edward, at the least, is duke of York.

&mlquo;May.
&mlquo;True, my good lord; I know you for no less.

&mlquo;K. Edw.
&mlquo;Why, and I challenge nothing but my dukedom;
&mast;As being well content with that alone.

&mlquo;Glo.
&mlquo;But, when the fox hath once got in his nose,
&mlquo;He'll soon find means to make the body follow. [Aside.

&mlquo;Hast.
&mlquo;Why, master mayor, why stand you in a doubt?
Open the gates, we are king Henry's friends.

&mlquo;May.
&mlquo;Ay, say you so? the gates shall then be open'd. [Exeunt from above.

&mlquo;Glo.
&mlquo;A wise stout captain, and persuaded soon^{9 note}!

&mast;Hast.
&mast;The good old man would fain that all were well^{1 note},
&mast;So 'twere not 'long of him: but, being enter'd,
&mast;I doubt not, I, but we shall soon persuade

&mast;Both him, and all his brothers, unto reason. Re-enter the Mayor, and Two Aldermen, below.

&mlquo;K. Edw.
&mlquo;So, master mayor: these gates must not be shut,
&mlquo;But in the night, or in the time of war.
&mlquo;What! fear not, man, but yield me up the keys; [Takes his Keys.
&mlquo;For Edward will defend the town, and thee,
&mlquo;And all those friends that deign to follow me. Drum. Enter Montgomery, and Forces, marching.

Glo.
Brother, this is sir John Montgomery,
Our trusty friend, unless I be deceiv'd.

&mlquo;K. Edw.
&mlquo;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.

&mlquo;K. Edw.
&mlquo;Thanks, good Montgomery: But we now forget
&mlquo;Our title to the crown; and only claim
&mlquo;Our dukedom, till God please to send the rest.

&mlquo;Mont.
&mlquo;Then fare you well, for I will hence again;
I came to serve a king, and not a duke,—
&mlquo;Drummer, strike up, and let us march away. [A March begun.

&mlquo;K. Edw.
&mlquo;Nay, stay, sir John, a while; and we'll debate,
&mlquo;By what safe means the crown may be recover'd.

&mlquo;Mont.
&mlquo;What talk you of debating? in few words:
&mlquo;If you'll not here proclaim yourself our king,
&mlquo;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?

&mlquo;Glo.
&mlquo;Why, brother, wherefore stand you on nice points?

&mast;K. Edw.
&mast;When we grow stronger, then we'll make our claim:
&mast;Till then, 'tis wisdom to conceal our meaning.

&mast;Hast.
&mast;Away with scrupulous wit! now arms must rule.

&mast;Glo.
&mast;And fearless minds climb soonest unto crowns.
&mast;Brother, we will proclaim you out of hand;
&mast;The bruit^{2 note}

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

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

Hast.
Sound, trumpet; Edward shall be here proclaim'd:—
&mast;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 right,
By this I challenge him to single fight. [Throws down his Gauntlet.

All.
Long live Edward the fourth!

&mlquo;K. Edw.
&mlquo;Thanks, brave Montgomery;—and thanks unto you all^{3 note}

&mlquo;If fortune serve me, I'll requite this kindness.
&mlquo;Now, for this night, let's harbour here in York:
&mlquo;And, when the morning sun shall raise his car
&mlquo;Above the border of this horizon,
&mlquo;We'll forward towards Warwick, and his mates:
&mlquo;For, well I wot, that Henry is no soldier.—
&mast;Ah, froward Clarence!—how evil it beseems thee,
&mast;To flatter Henry, and forsake thy brother!
&mast;Yet, as we may, we'll meet both thee and Warwick.—
&mast;Come on, brave soldiers; doubt not of the day;
&mast;And, that once gotten, doubt not of large pay. [Exeunt. 4 ^note