And, madam, these for you; from whom I know

not.

[To the Queen. They all read their letters. Oxf. I like it well, that our fair queen and

mistress Smiles at her news, while Warwick frowns at his. Prince. Nay, mark, how Lewis stamps as he I hope, all's for the best. [were nettled: K. Lew. Warwick, what are thy news? and yours, fair queen? Queen. Mine, such as fills my heart with unhop'd War. Mine, full of sorrow and heart's discontent. K. Lew. What! has your king marry'd the lady Grey?

5

[joys. 10

15

And now, to sooth your forgery and his,
Sends me a paper to persuade me patience?
Is this the alliance that he seeks with France?
Dare he presume to scorn us in this manner?
Queen. I told your majesty as much before:
This proveth Edward's love, and Warwick's ho-20
nesty.
[heaven,

War. King Lewis, I here protest,-in sight of
And by the hope I have of heavenly bliss,-
That I am clear from this misdeed of Edward's;
No more my king, for he dishonours me;
But most himself, if he could see his shame.-
Did I forget, that by the house of York
My father came untimely to his death?
Did I let pass the abuse done to my niece'?
Did I impale him with the regal crown?
Did I put Henry from his native right;
And am I guerdon'd at the last with shame?
Shame on himself! for my desert is honour.
And, to repair my honour lost for him,

Bona. My quarrel and this English queen's are

one.

War. And mine, fair lady Bona, joins with yours.
K. Lett. And mine, with hers, and thine, and
Margaret's.
Therefore, at last, I firmly am resolv'd,
You shall have aid.

[once. Queen. Let me give humble thanks for all at K. Lew. Then, England's messenger, return in

post;

And tell false Edward, thy supposed king,—
That Lewis of France is sending over maskers,
To revel it with him and his new bride:
Thou seest what's past, go fear thy king withal.
Bona. Tell him, in hope he'll prove a widower
shortly,

I'll wear the willow garland for his sake. [aside,
Queen. Tell him, my mourning weeds are laid
And I am ready to put armour on. [wrong;
War. Tell him from me, that he hath done me
And therefore I'll uncrown him ere't be long.
There's thy reward; be gone. [Exit Post.

K. Lew. But, Warwick;
Thyself, and Oxford, with five thousand men,
25 Shall cross the seas, and bid false Edward battle:
And, as occasion serves, this noble queen
And prince shall follow with a fresh supply.
Yet, ere thou go, but answer me one doubt;-
What pledge have we of thy firm loyalty?

30

35

I here renounce him, and return to Henry:-
My noble queen, let former grudges pass,
And henceforth I am thy true servitor;
I will revenge his wrong to lady Bona,
And replant Henry in his former state.
Queen. Warwick, these words have turn'd my 40
hate to love;

And I forgive and quite forget old faults,
And joy that thou becom'st king Henry's friend.
War. So much his friend, ay, his unfeigned

friend,

That, if king Lewis vouchsafe to furnish us
With some few bands of chosen soldiers,
I'll undertake to land them on our coast,
And force the tyrant from his seat by war.
'Tis not his new-made bride shall succour him:
And as for Clarence,-as my letters tell me,
He's very likely now to fall from him;

War. This shall assure my constant loyalty;-
That if our queen and this young prince agree,
I'll join my younger daughter, and my joy,
To him forthwith in holy wedlock bands.

Queen. 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. [it;
Prince. Yes, I accept her, for she well deserves
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 levy'd,

45 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. Manet Warwick,
50 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, 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,

For matching more for wanton lust than honour,
Or than for strength and safety of our country.
Bona. Dear brother, how shall Bona be reveng'd, 55
But by thy help to this distressed queen?
Queen. Renowned prince, how shall poor Henry
live,

Unless thou rescue him from foul despair?

But seek revenge on Edward's mockery. [Exit.

We learn from Holinshed, "That king Edward did attempt a thing once in the earles house which was much against the earles honestie, (whether he would have defloured his daughter or his niece, the certaintie was not for both their honours revealed,) for surely such a thing was attempted by king Edward," 2i. e. fright thy king.

ACT

SCENE I.

The Palace in England.

Enter Gloster, Clarence, Somerset, and Montague.
Glo- NOW tell me, brother Clarence, what thinks

you

Would more have strengthened this our com

mon-wealth

'Gainst foreign storms, than any home-bred marriage..

Hast. Why, knows not Montague, that of itself, England is safe, if true within itself?

Mont. Yes; but the safer, when 'tis back'd with France. [France: Hast. 'Tis better using France, than trusting 10 Let us be back'd with God, and with the seas', Which he hath given for fence impregnable, And with their helps alone defend ourselves; In them, and in ourselves, our safety lies. Clar. For this one speech, lord Hastings well deserves

Flourish. Enter King Edward, Lady Grey, as
Queen; Pembroke, Stafford, and Hastings.15
Four stand on one side, and four on the other.
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 malecontent?
Clar. As well as Lewis of France, or the earl
of Warwick;

Which are so weak of courage, and in judgement,
That they'll take no offence at our abuse.

K. Edw. Suppose they take offence without a

'cause,

[ed too?

20

25

They are but Lewis and Warwick; I am Edward,
Your king and Warwick's, and must have my will.
Glo. And you shall have your will, because our 30
Yet hasty marriage seldom proveth well. [king:
K. Edw. Yea, brother Richard, are you offend-
Glo. Not I:
No; God forbid, that I should wish them sever'd,
Whom God hath join'd together: ay, and 'twere 35
To sunder them that yoke so well together. [pity
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: 40 Queen. My lords, before it pleas'd his majesty

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 dishonour'd 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 alliance,

To raise my state to title of a queen,
Do me but right, and you must all confess
That I was not ignoble of descent,

And meaner than myself have had like fortune. 45 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.
K. Edw. My love, forbear to fawn upon their

frowns:

50 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,

1 Dr. Johnson observes, that this has been the advice of every man who in any age understood and favoured the interest of England. 2 Prior to the Restoration, the heiresses of great estates were in the wardship of the king, who in their minority gave them up to plunder, and afterwards matched them to his favourites.-Dr. Johnson remarks on this passage, that he knows not when liberty gained more than by the abolition of the court of wards.

1

Unless

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. [aside.] I hear, yet say not much, but
think the more.

Enter a Post.

K. Edw. Now, messenger, what letters, or what news,

From France?

5

And haste is needful in this desperate case.-
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:
[words, 10 Tell me, if you love Warwick more than me?.
If it be so, then both depart to him;

Post. My sovereign liege, no letters; and few
But such as I, without your special pardon,
Dare not relate.

[brief,
K. Edw. Go to, we pardon thee: therefore, in
Tell me their words as near as thou canst guess 15

them.

What answer makes king Lewis unto 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, 20

"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 25 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;

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!

[by us? K. Edw. Now, brother Richard, will Glo. Ay, in despight of all that shall withstand stand you

She had the wrong. But what said Henry's queen: 30 Enter Warwick and Orford, with French soldiers.

For I have 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."

War. Trust me, my lord, all hitherto goes well; The common people by numbers swarm to us. Enter Clarence and Somerset.

K. Edw. Belike, she minds to play the Amazon. 35 But, see, where Somerset and Clarence come;

But what said Warwick to these injuries?

46

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." 40
K. Edu. Ha! durst the traitor breathe out sc
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?
Post. Ay, gracious sovereign; they are so link'd
in friendship,
[daughter.

145

That young prince Edward marries Warwick's
Clar. Belike, the younger; Clarence will have 50

the elder.

Speak suddenly, my lords, are we all friends?
Cla. Fear not that, my lord. [Warwick;
War. Then, gentle Clarence, welcome unto
And welcome, Somerset:-I hold it cowardice,
To rest mistrustful where a noble heart
Hath pawn'd an open hand in sign of love; [ther,
Else might I think, that Clarence, Edward's bro-
Were but a feigned friend to our proceedings:
But welcome, Clarence; 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,
And but attended by a simple guard,
We may surprise and take him at our pleasure?
Our scouts have found the adventure very easy:
That as Ulysses, and stout Diomede,

With slight and manhood stole to Rhesus' tents,
And brought from thence the Thracian fatal steeds;
55 So we, well cover'd with the night's black mantle,
At unawares may beat down Edward's guard,
And seize himself; I say not-slaughter him,
For I intend but only to surprize him.
You, that will follow me to this attempt,
60 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

SCENE III.

Edward's Camp.

Enter the Watchmen to guard his tent.

Nay, then I see, that Edward needs must down,
Yet, Warwick, in despight of all mischance,
Of thee thyself, and all thy complices,
Edward will always bear himself as king:

1 Watch. Come on, my masters, each man take 5 Though fortune's malice overthrow my state,

his stand;

[king,

king:

My mind exceeds the compass of her wheel. Wur. Then, for his mind, be Edward England's [Takes of his crown. But Henry now shall wear the English crown, 10 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 fel15 I'll follow you, and tell what answer [lows, Lewis, and the lady Bona, send to him:Now, for a while, farewell, good duke of York. K. Edw. What fates impose, that men must needs abide;

3 Watch. O, is it so? But why commands the 20 That his chief followers lodge in towns about him, While he himself keepeth in the cold field?

2 Watch. 'Tis the more honour, because more
dangerous.
[ness,

3 Watch. Ay; but give me worship and quiet-25
I like it better than a dangerous honour.
If Warwick knew in what estate he stands,
'Tis to be doubted, he would waken him.

1 Watch. Unless our halberds did shut up his passage.

[tent, 30 2 Watch. Ay; wherefore else guard we his royal But to defend his person from night foes? Enter Warwick, Clarence, Oxford, Somerset, and French soldiers, silent all.

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.

The drum beating, and trumpets sounding.
Enter Warwick, Somerset, and the rest, bringing
the King out in a gown, sitting in a chair: Glos-
ter and Hastings fly over the stage.
Som. What are they that fly there?
War. Richard and Hastings: let them go,
here's the duke.
[parted last,
K. Edw. The duke! why, Warwick, when we
Thou calld'st me king?

War. Ay, but the case is alter'd:
When you disgrac'd me in my embassage,
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 embassadors;
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? [too?

1351

London. The Palace.
Enter the Queen, and Rivers.

[do;

Riv. Madam, what makes you in this sudden

change?
[learn,
Queen. Why, brother Rivers, are you yet to
What late misfortune is befall'n king Edward?
Riv. What, loss of some pitch'd 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;
40 Either betray'd by falsehood of his guard,
Or by his foe surpriz'd at unawares:
And, as I further have to understand,
Is new 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.

45

50 And I the rather wean me from despair,
For love of Edward's offspring in my womb:
This is it that makes me bridle my passion,
And bear with mildness my misfortune's cross;
Ay, ay, for this I draw in many a tear,
55 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 crown.
Riv. But, madam, where is Warwick then be-
come?
[London,
Queen. I am informed, that he comes towards
To set the crown once more on Henry's head:
Guess thou the rest; king Edward's friends must
But, to prevent the tyrant's violence, [down.
(For trust not him that once hath broken faith)

60

K. Edw. Yea, brother of Clarence, art thou here|63|I'll hence forthwith unto the sanctuary,

Τρ

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 takes us, we are sure to die. [Exeunt.
SCENE V.

A Park near Middleham Castle in Yorkshire.

Enter Gloster, Hastings, and Sir William Stanley.

5

Ay, such a pleasure as incaged birds
Conceive, when, after many moody thoughts,
At last, by notes of household harmony,
They quite forget their loss of liberty.
But, Warwick, after God, thou sett'st me free,
And chiefly therefore I thank God and thee;
He was the author, thou the instrument.
Therefore, that I may conquer fortune's spight,
By living low, where fortune cannot hurt me;

Glo. Now, my lord Hastings, and Sir William 10 And that the people of this blessed land

Stanley,

Leave off to wonder why I drew you hither,
Into this chiefest thicket of the park. [brother,
Thus stands the case: You know, our king, my
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 this 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.

15

May not be punish'd with my thwarting stars;
Warwick, although my head still wear the crown,
I here resign my government to thee,
For thou art fortunate in all thy deeds.
War.Yourgrace hath still been fam'd for virtuous;
And now may seem as wise as virtuous,
By spying, and avoiding, fortune's malice,
For few men rightly temper with the stars':
Yet in this one thing let me blame your grace,
20 For chusing me, when Clarence is in place.

Enter King Edward, and a Huntsman. Hunt. This way, my lord; for this way lies the 25 [huntsmen stand.—

game.

K. Edw. Nay, this way, man; see, where the
Now, brother of Gloster, lord Hastings, and the rest,
Stand you thus close to steal the bishop's deer?
Glo. Brother, the time and case requireth haste; 30
Your horse stands ready at the park-corner.
K. Edw. But whither shall we then?
Hast. To Lynn, my lord; and ship from thence
to Flanders.
[meaning.
Glo. Well guess'd, believe me; for that was my 35
K.Edw. Stanley, I will requite thy forwardness.
Glo. But wherefore stay we? 'tis no time to talk.
K. Edw. Huntsman, what say'st thou? wilt thou
go along?

Hunt. Better do so, than tarry and be hang'd. 40
Glo. Come then, away; let's ha' no more ado.
K. Edw. Bishop, farewell; shield thee from
Warwick's frown;

And pray that I may repossess the crown. [Exeunt.
SCENE VI.

The Tower in London.

and war;

Clar.No, Warwick, thou art worthy of the sway,
To whom the heavens, in thy nativity,
Adjudg'd an olive branch, and laurel crown,
As likely to be blest in peace,
And therefore I yield thee my free consent.
War. And I chuse Clarence only for protector.
K.Henry. Warwick, and Clarence, give me both

your hands;
[hearts,
Now join your hands, and, with your hands, your
That no dissention hinder government:
I make you both protectors of this land;
While I'myself will lead a private life,
And in devotion spend my latter days,
To sin's rebuke, and my Creator's praise. [will?
War. What answers Clarence to his sovereign's
Clar. That he consents, if Warwick yield con-
For on thy fortune I repose myself. [sent;
War. Why then, though loth, yet must I be

content;

We'll yoke together, like a double shadow
To Henry's body, and supply his place;

I

mean, in bearing weight of government, While he enjoys the honour, and his ease. And, Clarence, now then it is more than needful, 45 Forthwith that Edward be pronounc'd a traitor, And all his lands and goods confiscated. [min'd. Clar. What else? and that succession be deterWar. Ay, therein Clarence shall not want his part. [fairs, K.Henry. But, with the first of all our chief atLet me entreat, (for I command no more,) That Margaret your queen, and my son Edward, Be sent for, to return from France with speed: For, till I see them here, by doubtful fear My joy of liberty is half eclips'd.

Enter King Henry, Clarence, Warwick, Somerset,
Young Richmond, Oxford, Montague, and
Lieutenant of the Tower.
50

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

Lieut. Subjects may challenge nothing of their
sovereigns;

But, if an humble prayer may prevail,
I then crave pardon of your majesty.

55

K.Hen. For what, lieutenant? for well using me? 60 Nay, be thou sure, I'll well requite thy kindness, For that it made my imprisonment a pleasure:

[specd. Clar. It shall be done, my sovereign, with all K. Henry. My lord of Somerset, what youth is

that,

Of whom you seem to have so tender care? [mond.
Som. My liege, it is young Henry, earl of Rich-
K. Henry. Come hither, England's hope: If se-
cret powers [Lays his hand on his head.

The meaning is, that few men conform their temper to their destiny.

S s

Suggest