K. Edw.
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.

K. Edw.
Go to, we pardon thee.
So tell their words, as near as thou canst guess them.
What answer makes King Lewis to 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
To revel it with him and his new bride.

K. Edw.
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 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?
For so I 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.

K. Edw.
Belike, she means to play the Amazon.
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.

K. Edw.
Ha! durst the Traitor breathe out so proud words?
Well, I will arm me, being thus fore-warn'd:
They shall have wars, and pay for their presumption.
But say, is Warwick friends with Margaret?

Post.
Ay, gracious Sov'reign, they're so link'd in friendship,
That young Prince Edward marries Warwick's daughter. [Exit.

Clar.
Belike the younger; Clarence will have the elder.^{5 note}
—Now, brother King, farewel, 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, * ^notethat love me and Warwick, follow me. [Exit Clarence, and Somerset follows.

Glo.
Not I: 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 to Warwick?
Yet am I arm'd against the worst can happen;
And haste is needful in this desp'rate case.
Pembroke and Stafford, you in our behalf
Go levy men, and make prepare for war;
They are already, or will soon be landed;
Myself in person will strait follow you. [Exe. 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.

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

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

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

Glo.
Ay, in despight of all that shall withstand you.

K. Edw.
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. [Exe.

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