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

Queen.
Why brother Rivers, are you yet to learn,
What late misfortune has befaln King Edward?

Riv.
What! loss of some pitcht battle against Warwick?

Queen.
No, but the loss of his own royal person.

Riv.
Then is my sovereign slain?

Queen.
Ay, almost slain, for he is taken prisoner.
Either betray'd by falshood of his guard,
Or by his foe surpriz'd at unawares:
And, as I further have to understand,
Is now committed to the bishop of York,
Fell Warwick's brother, and by that our foe.

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

Queen.
Till then fair hope must hinder life's decay,
And I the rather wean me from despair,
For love of Edward's off-spring in my womb:
This is't, that makes me bridle in my passion,
And bear with mildness my misfortune's cross:
Ay, ay, for this I draw in many a tear,
And stop the rising of blood-sucking sighs,
Lest with my sighs or tears, I blast or drown
King Edward's fruit, true heir to th' English crown.

Riv.
But, Madam, where is Warwick then become?

Queen.
I am informed that he comes towards London,
To set the crown once more on Henry's head:
Guess thou the rest, King Edward's friends must down.

But to prevent the tyrant's violence,
(For trust not him, that once hath broken faith;)
I'll hence forthwith unto the sanctuary,
To save at least the heir of Edward's right.
There shall I rest secure from force and fraud:
Come therefore, let us fly, while we may fly;
If Warwick take us, we are sure to die. [Exeunt.

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