K. Edw.
Now, brother Richard, Lord ^note Hastings, and the rest,
Yet thus far fortune maketh us amends,
And says that once more I shall interchange
My waned ^note state for Henry's regal crown.
Well have we pass'd and now repass'd the seas
And brought desired help from Burgundy:
What then remains, we being thus arrived
From Ravenspurgh ^note haven ^note before ^note the gates of York,
But that we enter, as into our dukedom?

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

K. Edw.
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.

Hast.
My liege, I'll knock once more to summon them. Enter, on the walls, the Mayor of York and his Brethren. ^note

May.
My lords, we were forewarned of your coming ^note,
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 dukedom,
As being well content with that alone.

Glou. [Aside ^note]
But when the fox hath once got in his nose,
He'll soon find means to make the body follow.

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. [They descend. ^note

Glou.
A wise stout captain ^note, and soon persuaded ^note!

Hast.
The good old man would fain that all were well,
So 'twere not 'long ^note of him; but being enter'd,
I doubt not, I, but we shall soon persuade
Both him and all his brothers unto reason.

Enter the Mayor and two Aldermen, below. ^note

K. Edw.
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; [Takes his keys.
For Edward will defend the town and thee,
And all those friends that deign ^note to follow me. March. Enter Montgomery, with drum and soldiers.

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

K. Edw.
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.

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

Mont.
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. ^note

K. Edw.
Nay, stay, Sir John, awhile, and we'll debate
By what safe means the crown may be recover'd.

Mont.
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 ^note we fight, if you pretend no title?

Glou.
Why, brother, wherefore stand you on nice points?

K. Edw.
When we grow stronger, then we'll make our claim ^note:

Till then, 'tis wisdom to conceal our meaning.

Hast.
Away with scrupulous wit! ^note now arms must rule.

Glou.
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.

Hast.
Sound trumpet; Edward shall be here proclaim'd: ^note
Come, fellow-soldier, make thou proclamation. [Flourish. ^note

Sold. ^note

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 ^{note note}:
If fortune serve me, I'll requite this kindness.
Now, for this night, let's harbour here in ^note 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 ^note 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.

^note

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