War. This shall assure my constant loyalty:That if our queen and this young prince agree, I'll join mine eldest daughter, and my joy, To him forthwith in holy wedlock bands. 'Q. Mar. Yes, I agree, and thank you for your motion: Son Edward, she is fair and virtuous, 'Therefore delay not, give thy hand to Warwick; And, with thy hand, thy faith irrevocable, 'That only Warwick's daughter shall be thine. * Prince. Yes, I accept her, for she well deserves it; * And here, to pledge my vow, I give my hand. [He gives his hand to WARWICK. 'K. Lew. Why stay we now? These soldiers shall be levied, 'And thou, Lord Bourbon, our high admiral, 'Shall waft them over with our royal fleet.'I long, till Edward fall by war's mischance, 'For mocking marriage with a dame of France. Exeunt all but WARWICK. War. I came from Edward as embassador, But I return his sworn and mortal foe: Matter of marriage was the charge he gave me, But dreadful war shall answer his demand. Had he none else to make a stale,2 but me? Then none but I shall turn his jest to sorrow. I was the chief that rais'd him to the crown, And I'll be chief to bring him down again : Not that I pity Henry's misery, But seek revenge on Edward's mockery. ACT IV. [Exit. SCENE I. London. A Room in the Palace. Enter GLOSTER, CLARENCE, SOMERSET, MONTAGUE, and others. 'Glo. Now tell me, brother Clarence, what think you Of this new marriage with the Lady Grey? * Hath not our brother made a worthy choice? * Clar. Alas, you know, 'tis far from hence to France; * How could he stay till Warwick made return? * Som. My lords, forbear this talk; here comes the king. Flourish. Enter KING EDWARD, attended; LADY GREY, as Queen; PEMBROKE, STAFFORD, HASTINGS, and others. * Glo. And his well chosen bride. * Clar. I mind to tell him plainly what I think. 'K. Edw. Now, brother of Clarence, how like you our choice, That you stand pensive, as half malcontent? 'Clar. As well as Lewis of France, or the earl of Warwick No; God forbid, that I should wish them sever'd 1 This is a departure from the truth of history, for Edward prince of Wales was married to Anne, second daughter of the earl of Warwick. In fact Isabella, his eldest daughter, was married to Clarence in 1468. There is, however, no inconsistence in the present proposal; for at the time represented, when Warwick was in France, neither of his daughters were married. Shakspeare has here again followed the old play. In King Richard III. he has properly represented Lady Anne, the widow of Edward prince of Wales, as the youngest daughter of Warwick. 2 A stale here means a stalking horse, a pretence. 3 See King John, note on the final speech. 'Whom God hath join'd together: ay, and 'twere pity, To sunder them that yoke so well together. K. Edw. Setting your scorns, and your mislike, aside, 'Tell me some reason, why the Lady Grey 'Should not become my wife, and England's queen : • And you, too, Somerset, and Montague, 'Speak freely what you think. "Clar. Then this is my opinion, that king Lewis 'Becomes your enemy, for mocking him 'About the marriage of the Lady Bona. 'Glo. And Warwick, doing what you gave in charge, 'Is now dishonoured by this new marriage. 'K. Edw. What, if both Lewis and Warwick be appeas'd, By such invention as I can devise? Mont. Yet to have join'd with France in such To give the heir and daughter of Lord Scales Unto the brother of your loving bride; 'She better would have fitted me, or Clarence: • But in your bride you bury brotherhood. 'Clar. Or else you would not have bestow'd the heirs • Of the Lord Bonville on your new wife's son, And leave your brothers to go speed elsewhere. K. Edw. Alas, poor Clarence! is it for a wife, 'That thou art malcontent? I will provide thee. • Clar. In choosing for yourself, you show'd your judgment; Which being shallow, you shall give me leave To play the broker in mine own behalf; And to that end, I shortly mind to leave you. 'K. Edw. Leave me, or tarry, Edward will be king, And not be tied unto his brother's will. 'Q. Eliz. My lords, before it pleased his majesty • To raise my state to title of a queen, Do me but right, and you must all confess 6 * And meaner than myself have had like fortune. * But as this title honours me and mine, * So your dislikes, to whom I would be pleasing, * Do cloud my joys with danger and with sorrow 4 This has been the advice of every man who in any age understood and favoured the interest of England. Johnson. 5 Until the Restoration minors coming into possession of great estates were in the wardship of the king, who bestowed them on his favourites, or in other words gave them up to plunder, and afterwards disposed of them in marriage as he pleased. I know not (says Johnson) when liberty gained more than by the abolition of the court of wards. 6 Her father was Sir Richard Widvil.e, Knight, after wards earl of Rivers; her mother Jaqueline, duchess dowager of Bedford, who was daughter of Peter of Luxemburg, earl of St. Paul, and widow of John dake of Bedford, brother to King Henry V. 1 · K. Edw. My love, forbear to fawn upon their]* And haste is needful in this desperate case. frowns: 'What danger, or what sorrow can befall thee, So long as Edward is thy constant friend, And their true sovereign, whom they must obey? Nay, whom they shall obey, and love thee too, Unless they seek for hatred at my hands: Which if they do, yet will I keep thee safe, And they shall feel the vengeance of my wrath. * Glo. Í hear, yet say not much, but think the [Aside. more. Enter a Messenger. 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 I have heard, that she was there in place.1 Mess. Tell him, quoth she, my mourning weeds are done, 2 And I am ready to put armour on. 'K. Edu. Belike, she minds to play the Amazon. But what said Warwick to these injuries? Mess. 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 forewarn'd: They shall have wars, and pay for their presump tion. 'But say, is Warwick friends with Margaret? Mess. Ay, gracious sovereign; they are so link'd in friendship, 'That young Prince Edward marries Warwick's daughter. Clar. Belike, the elder; Clarence will have the younger.3 * Now, brother king, farewell, 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, that love me and Warwick, follow me.4 [Exit CLARENCE, and SOMERSET follows. * Glo. Not I: K. Edv'. Clarence and Somerset both gone to Warwick! * Yet am I arm'd against the worst can happen; 1 In place signifies there present. The expression is of frequent occurrence in old English writers. It is from the French en place. 2 i. e. my mourning is ended. Pembroke, and Stafford, you in our behalf Go levy men, and make prepare for war; They are already, or quickly will be landed: Myself in person will straight follow you. [Exeunt 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. Mont. So God help Montague, as he proves true. Hast. And Hastings, as he favours Edward's cause! 'K. Edry. Now, brother Richard, will you stand by us? Glo. Ay, in despite of all that shall withstand you. Now therefore let us hence; and lose no hour, 'K. Edw. Why so; then am I sure of victory. C 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; be thine. Thy brother being carelessly encamp'd, Our scouts have found the adventure very easy: We may surprise and take him at our pleasure ? * That as Ulysses," and stout Diomede, And brought from thence the Thracian fatal * With sleight and manhood stole to Rhesus' tents, * * steeds ; At unawares may beat down Edward's guard, * So we, well cover'd with the night's black mantle, * And seize himself; I say not-slaughter him, * For I intend but only to surprise him.'You, that will follow me to this attempt, ' 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 [Exeunt. SCENE III. Edward's Camp, near Warwick. Enter certain Watchmen, to guard the King's Tent. * 1 Watch. Come on my masters, each man take his stand The king, by this, is set him down to sleep. * 2 Watch. What, will he not to bed? * 1 Watch. Why, no: for he hath made a solemn raise a rebellion in the city, with a design, as was sup posed, to storm the queen's palace, he ran about the streets with his sword drawn, crying out, 'They that love me, follow me.' 5 See the tenth book of the Iliad. These circumstances were accessible, however, without reference to 3 This is consonant with the former passage of this play, though at variance with what really happened. 4 Johnson has remarked upon the actual improbabi-Homer in the original. lity of Clarence making this speech in the king's hearing. Shakspeare followed the old play, where this line I also found. When the earl of Essex attempted to 6 We are told by some of the writers of the Trois story, that the capture of these horses was one of the necessary preliminaries of the fate of Troy. ness, * I like it better than a dangerous honour.1 * 1 IVatch. Unless our halberts did shut up his passage. * 2 Watch. Ay; wherefore else guard we his royal tent, * But to defend his person from night foes? Enter WARWICK, CLARENCE, Oxford, SomERSET, and Forces. 'War. This is his tent; and see, where stand his guard. Courage, my masters: honour now, or never! But follow me, and Edward shall be ours. 1 Watch. Who goes there? * 2 Watch. 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. * K. Edw. What fates impose, that men must needs abide ; * It boots not to resist both wind and tide. [Exit KING EDWARD, led out; SOMERSET with him. * Oxf. What now remains, my lords, for us to do, * But march to London with our soldiers? War. Ay, that's the first thing that we have to do; 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. 'Riv. Madam, what makes you in this sudden change? ' Q. Eliz. Why, brother Rivers, are you yet .0 learn, 'What late misfortune is befall'n King Edward ? Riv. What, loss of some pitch'd battle against Warwick? And I the rather wean me from despair, * For love of Edward's offspring in my womb. *This is it that makes me bridle passion, Re-*And bear with mildness my misfortune's cross, Ay, ay, for this I draw in many a tear, The Drum beating, and Trumpets sounding. enter WARWICK, and the rest, bringing the King out in a Gown, sitting in a Chair; GLOSTER and HASTINGS Ay. Som. What are they that fly there? War. Richard, and Hastings: let them go, here's the duke. K. Edw. The duke! why, Warwick, when we parted last, Thou call'dst me king? War. Ay, but the case is alter'd: 'When you disgrac'd me in my embassade, Then I degraded you from being king, And come now to create you duke of York. 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; * Nor how to study for the people's welfare Nor how to shrowd yourself from enemies? * K. Edw. Yea, brother of Clarence, art thou here too? ; * Nay, then I see, that Edward needs must down.Yet, Warwick, in despite of all mischance, Of thee thyself, and all thy complices, 'Edward will always bear himself as king : * Though fortune's malice overthrow my state, * My mind exceeds the compass of her wheel. War. Then, for his mind, be Edward England's king: [Takes off his Crown. But Henry now shall wear the English crown, * And be true king indeed; thou but the shadow. My lord of Somerset, at my request, See that forthwith Duke Edward be convey'd Unto my brother, archbishop of York. When I have fought with Pembroke and his fellows, I'll follow you, and tell what answer 'Lewis, and the Lady Bona, send to him: Now, for a while, farewell, good duke of York. 1 This honest watchman's opinion coincides with that * 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 the English 'But to prevent the tyrant's violence (For trust not him that hath once 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. SCENE V. A Park near Middleham Castle in Yorkshire.3 Enter GLOSTER, HASTINGS, SIR WILLIAM STANLEY, and others. 'Glo. Now, my Lord Hastings, and Sir William Stanley, Leave off to wonder why I drew you hither, "Into this chiefest thicket of the park. Thus stands the case: You know, our king, my brother, Is prisoner to the bishop here, at whose hands 'He hath good usage and great liberty; And often, but attended with weak guard, 'Comes hunting this way to disport himself. 'I have advertis'd him by secret means, That if, about this hour, he make his way, Under the colour of his usual game, 'He shall here find his friends, with horse and men, To set him free from his captivity. 2 i. e. in his mind; as far as his own mind goes. 3 Shakspeare follows Holinshed in the representation here given of King Edward's capture and imprison of Falstaff. See the First Part of King Henry IV Actment. The whole, however, is untrue. Edward was - v Sc. 3. never in the hands of Warwick. talk. We'll yoke together, like a double shadow 'K. Edw. Huntsman, what say'st thou ? wilt thou*I mean, in bearing weight of government, go along? 'Hunt. Better do so, than tarry and be hang'd. And pray that I may repossess the crown. [Exeunt. * K. Hen. Master lieutenant, now that God and friends * Have shaken Edward from the regal seat; * And turn'd my captive state to liberty, * My fear to hope, my sorrows unto joys; * At our enlargement what are thy due fees? * Lieu. Subjects may challenge nothing of their * But, if an humble prayer may prevail, * Nay, be thou sure, I'll well requite thy kindness, * War. Your grace hath still been fam'd for vir tuous; * And now may seem as wise as virtuous, sway, To whom the heavens, in thy nativity, * Adjudg'd an olive branch, and laurel crown, * As likely to be blest in peace, and war; *And therefore I yield thee my free consent. *War. And I choose Clarence only for protector. 1 Few men accommodate themselves to their destiny, or adapt themselves to circumstance. 2 See note 1, p. 78. * While he enjoys the honour, and his ease. And, Clarence, now then it is more than needful, * Forthwith that Edward be pronounced a traitor, * And all his lands and goods be confiscate. Clar. What else? and that succession be determin'd. *War. Ay, therein Clarence shall not want his speed, 'K. Hen. My lord of Somerset, what youth is that, 'Of whom you seem to have so tender care? 'Som. My liege, it is young Henry, earl of Richmond. 'K. Hen. Come hither, England's hope: If secret powers [Lays his Hand on his Head. 'Suggest but truth to my divining thoughts, This pretty lad3 will prove our country's bliss. 'His looks are full of peaceful majesty; His head by nature fram'd to wear a crown, 'His hand to wield a sceptre; and himself 'Likely, in time, to bless a regal throne. Make much of him, my lords; for this is he, 'Must help you more than you are hurt by me. Enter a Messenger. *War. What news, my friend? * Mess. That Edward is escaped from your bro ther, * And fled, as he hears since, to Burgundy. * Mess. He was convey'd by Richard duke of *And the Lord Hastings, who attended him * In secret ambush on the forest side, * And from the bishop's huntsmen rescued him. * For hunting was his daily exercise. [Exeunt KING HENRY, WAR. CLAR. Lieut. * Som. My lord, I like not of this flight of Edward's: * For, doubtless, Burgundy will yield him help; first duke of Somerset. Edmond was half brother to King Henry VI. being the son of that king's mother, Queen Catharine, by her second husband, Owen Tudor. Henry the Seventh, to show his gratitude to Henry VI. for this 3 This was adopted from Hall by the author of the old early presage in his favour, solicited Pope Julius to caplay; Holinshed also copies Hall almost verbatim :-nonize him a saint; but either would not pay the price Whorn when the king had a good while beheld, he said or, as Bacon supposes, the pope refused lestas Henry to such princes as were with him, Lo, surelie this is he, to was reputed in the world abroad but for a simple man whom both we and our adversaries, leaving the posses- the estimation of that kind of honour might be dimin sion of all things, shail hereafter give roome and place.' ished if there were not a distance kept between inno p. 678. Henry earl of Richmond, was the son of Edmond cents and saints.' earl of Richmond, and Margaret, daughter to John the 4 i. e. waited for him * And we shall have more wars, before't be long. * As Henry's late presaging prophecy * Did glad my heart, with hope of this young Richmond; *So doth my heart misgive me, in these conflicts *What may befall him, to his harm, and ours: * Therefore, Lord Oxford, to prevent the worst, * Forthwith we'll send him hence to Britany, * Till storms be past of civil enmity. * Oxf. Ay; for if Edward repossess the crown, * "Tis like, that Richmond with the rest shall down. * Som. It shall be so; he shall to Britany. * Come, therefore, let's about it speedily. [Exeunt. SCENE VII. Before York. Enter KINg EdWARD, GLOSTER, HASTINGS, and Forces. K. Edw. Now, brother Richard, Lord Hastings, and the rest; Yet thus far fortune maketh us amends, 'And says-that once more I shall interchange 'My waned state for Henry's regal crown. 'Well have we pass'd, and now repass the seas, And brought desired help from Burgundy: 'What then remains, we being thus arriv'd From Ravenspurg haven1 before the gates of York, 'But that we enter, as into our dukedom? 'Glo. The gates made fast!-Brother, I like not this; * For many men, that stumble at the threshold, By fair or foul means we must enter in, * Hast. My liege, I'll knock once more, to summon them. Enter, on the Walls, the Mayor of York, and his Brethren. May. My lords, we were forewarned of your And shut the gates for safety of ourselves; '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. 'Glo. But, when the fox hath once got in his nose, 'He'll soon find means to make the body follow. [Aside. '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. [Exeunt from above. Glo. A wise stout captain, and persuaded soon * Hast. The good old man would fain that all were well, * So 'twere not 'long of him:2 but, being enter'd, *I doubt not, I, but we shall soon persuade * Both him, and all his brothers, unto reason. Re-enter the Mayor, and Two Aldermen, below. '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 to follow me. 1 In the old play this is written Raunspurhaven, we may therefore infer that such was the pronunciation. 2 The mayor is willing we should enter, so he may not be blamed. 3 Report. Vide Macbeth, Act v. Sc. 7. 4. Know. Drum. Enter MONTGOMERY, and Forces, marchung. '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. I came to serve a king, and not a duke,— 'Mont. Then fare you well, for I will hence again; Drummer, strike up, and let us march away. [A March begun K. Edw. Nay, stay, Sir John, a while; ano 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 should we fight, if you pretend no title? Glo. Why, brother, wherefore stand you on nice points? * K. Edw. When we grow stronger, then we" make our claim; * Till then, 'tis wisdom to conceal our meaning. *Hast. Away with scrupulous wit! now arms must rule. *Glo. And fearless minds climb soonest unto crowns. * Brother, we will proclaim you out of hand; * The bruit3 thereof will bring you many friends. * K. Edw. Then he 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. Hust. Sound, trumpet; Edward shall be here proclaim'd : * 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! 'K. Edw. Thanks, brave Montgomery ; and thanks unto you all. 'If fortune serve me, I'll requite this kindness. Now, for this night, let's harbour here in 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,4 that Henry is no soldier.Ah, froward Clarence!-how evil it beseems thee. * To flatter Henry, and forsake thy brother! Yet, as we may, we'll meet both thee and War wick. these plays Warwick has but just gone off the stage, when Edward says: 'And, lords, towards Coventry bend we our course, In the original play this scene follows immediately after 5 This scer e is perhaps the worst contrived of any in ❘ sixth scene of the present plav. |