And see, where comes the breeder of my sorrow. Enter Warwick, attended. 'K. Leto. What's he, approacheth boldly to our presence? Q. Mar. Our earl of Warwick, Edward's greatest friend. What K. Leo. Welcome, brave Warwick! brings thee to France? [Descending from his state, Queen Mar. rises. Q. Mar. Ay, now begins a second storm to rise; For this is he that moves both wind and tide. War. From worthy Edward, king of Albion, My lord and sovereign, and thy vowed friend, I come,-in kindness, and unfeigned love,First to do greetings to thy royal person; And, then, to crave a league of amity; And, lastly, to confirm that amity With nuptial knot, if thou vouchsafe to grant That virtuous lady Bona, thy fair sister, To England's king in lawful marriage. 'Q. Mar. If that go forward, Henry's hope is done. War. And, gracious madam, [To Bona.] in our king's behalf, I am commanded, with your leave and favour, Before you answer Warwick. His demand Thou draw not on thy danger and dishonour: For though usurpers sway the rule a while, *Yet heavens are just, and time suppresseth wrongs. War. Injurious Margaret! Prince. And why not queen? War. Because thy father Henry did usurp; And thou no more art prince, than she is queen. Ozf. Then Warwick disannuls great John of Gaunt, Which did subdue the greatest part of Spain; And after John of Gaunt, Henry the Fourth, 'Whose wisdom was a mirror to the wisest; And, after that wise prince, Henry the Fifth, Who by his prowess conquered all France: From these our Henry lineally descends. Oxf. Call him my king, by whose injurious doom 'My elder brother, the lord Aubrey Vere, Was done to death? and more than so, my father, Even in the downfall of his mellow'd years, When nature brought him to the door of death? No, Warwick, no; while life upholds this arm, This arm upholds the house of Lancaster. War. And I the house of York. K. Lew. Queen Margaret, prince Edward, and Oxford, Vouchsafe, at our request, to stand aside, 'While I use further conference with Warwick. *Q. Mar. Heaven grant, that Warwick's words bewitch him not! [Retiring with the Prince and Oxford. 'K. Lew. Now, Warwick, tell me, even upon thy conscience, Is Edward your true king? for I were loath, 'To link with him that were not lawful chosen. War. Thereon I pawn my credit and mine honour. K. Lew. But is he gracious in the people's eye? War. The more, that Henry was unfortunate. K. Lew. Then further,-all dissembling set aside, Tell me for truth the measure of his love 'Unto our sister Bona. War. Such it seems, As may beseem a monarch like himself. K. Lew. Now, sister, let us hear your firm resolve. Bona. Your grant, or your denial shall be mine: Yet I confess, [To War.] that often ere this day, When I have heard your king's desert recounted, Mine ear hath tempted judgment to desire. *K. Lew. Then, Warwick, thus,—Our sister shall be Edward's: And now forthwith shall articles be drawn Touching the jointure that your king must make, *Which with her dowry shall be counterpois'd:Draw Rear, queen Margaret; and be a witness, That Bona shall be wife to the English king. Prince. To Edward, but not to the English king. *Q. Mar. Deceitful Warwick! it was thy device By this alliance to make void my suit; ✶ Before thy coming, Lewis was Henry's friend. *K. Lew. And still is friend to him and Mar garet: But if your title to the crown be weak,*As may appear by Edward's good success,*Then 'tis but reason, that I be releas'd From giving aid, which late I promised. *Yet shall you have all kindness at my hand, War. Oxford, how haps it, in this smooth dis- That your estate requires, and mine can yield. course, You told not, how Henry the Sixth hath lost 'Whom thou obey'dst thirty and six years, War. Henry now lives in Scotland, at his ease; Where having nothing, nothing he can lose. And as for you yourself, our quondam queen.You have a father able to maintain you; And better 'twere, you troubled him than France. *Q. Mar. Peace, impudent and shameless War wick, peace; Prond setter-up and puller-down of kings! *I will not hence, till with my talk and tears, Both full of truth, I make king Lewis behold Thy sly conveyance, and thy lord's false love; For both of you are birds of self-same feather. [A horn sounded within. K. Lew. Warwick, this is some post to us, or thee. (2) Juggling. Enter a Messenger. K. Lew. And mine, with hers, and thine, and Mess. My lord ambassador, these letters are for Therefore, at last, I firmly am resolv'd, you; Sent from your brother marquis Montague. [To Margaret. 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 were nettled: * I hope, all's for the best. K. Lew. Warwick, what are thy news? and yours, fair queen? 'Q. Mar. Mine, such as fill my heart with unhop'd joys. War. Mine, full of sorrow and heart's discon tent. And by the hope I have of heavenly bliss,- Q. Mar. Warwick, these words have turn'd And I forgive and quite forget old faults, That, if king Lewis vouchsafe to furnish us For matching more for wanton lust than honour, *Or than for strength and safety of our country. *Bona. Dear brother, how shall Bona be re You shall have aid. * Q. Mar. Let me give humble thanks for all at once. 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. Q. Mar. Tell him, My mourning weeds are laid aside, And I am ready to put armour on. War. Tell him from me, That he hath done me wrong; And therefore I'll uncrown him, ere't be long. [Exit Mess. K. Lew. But, Warwick, thou, And Oxford, with five thousand men, 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? 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 de serves it; * And here, to pledge my vow, I give my hand. (He gives his hand to Warwick. 'K. Lew. Why stav 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 ambassador, 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 raised 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? (3) A stalking-horse, a pretence. *Hath not our brother made a worthy choice? *How could he stay till Warwick made return? Flourish. Enter King Edward, attended; Lady * Glo. And his well-chosen bride. * Clar. I mind to tell him plainly what I think. 'That you stand pensive, as half malcontent? Which are so weak of courage, and in judgment, 'K. Edi. Suppose they take offence without a cause, 'They are but Lewis and Warwick; I am Edward, Your king and Warwick's, and must have iny will. Glo. And you shall have your will, because our king: Yet hasty marriage seldom proveth well. K. Ed. Yea, brother Richard, are you offended too? 'Glo. Not I: No; God forbid, that I should wish them sever'd To sunder them that yoke so well together. Tell me some reason, why the lady Grey 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 yet, methinks, your grace hath not To give the heir and daughter of lord Scales Of the lord Bonville on your new wife's son, 'Which being shallow, you shall give me leave And not be tied unto his brother's will. Q. Eliz. My lords, before it pleas'd his majesty 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. * So your dislikes, to whom I would be pleasing, 'K. Edw. Now, messenger, what letters, oi what news, Glo. And Warwick, doing what you gave in From France? charge, Is now dishonoured by this new marriage. 'K. Edo. 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, Would more have strengthen'd this our commonwealth, '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 Hast. 'Tis better using France, than trusting *Let us be back'd with God, and with the seas, 'To have the heir of the lord Hungerford. K. Edi. Ay, what of that? it was my will, and grant; *And, for this once, my will shall stand for law. (1) The heiress of great estates were in the wardship of the king, who match'd them to his favourites. 'Mess. My sovereign liege, no letters; and few But such as I, without your special pardon, K. Edw. Go to, we pardon thee: therefore, Tell me their words as near as thou canst guess What answer makes king Lewis unto our letters? K. Edw. Is Lewis so brave? belike, he thinks But what said lady Bona to my marriage? Tell him, in hope he'll prove a widower shortly, K. Edw. I blame not her, she could say little less And I am ready to put armour on. 'K. Edw. Belike, she minds to play the Amazon. But what said Warwick to these injuries? (2) Present. (3) Thrown off. 'Mess. He, more incens'd against your majesty K. Edw. Ha! durst the traitor breathe out His soldiers lurking in the towns about, Well, I will arm me, being thus forewarn'd: 'But say, is Warwick friends with Margaret? "That young prince Edward marries Warwick's daughter. Clar. Belike, the elder; Clarence will have the younger. 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. [Exit Clarence, and Somerset follows. Glo. Not I: *With sleight and manhood stole to Rhesus' tents, *And brought from thence the Thracian fatal steeds; *So we, well cover'd with the night's black mantle, * For I intend but only to surprise him.- My thoughts aim at a further matter; I *Yet am I arm'd against the worst can happen; [Exeunt Pembroke and Stafford. But, ere I go, Hastings,-and Montague,- "I rather wish you foes, than hollow friends; Mont. So God help Montague, as he proves true! *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 VOW * Never to lie and take his natural rest, * If Warwick be so near as men report. * 3 Watch. But say, I pray, what nobleman is *That with the king here resteth in his tent? * 3 Watch. O, is it so? But why commands the *That his chief followers lodge in towns about him, 'K. Edw. Now, brother Richard, will you stand* Glo. Ay, in despite of all that shall withstand you. War. Trust me, my lord, all hitherto goes well; But see, where Somerset and Clarence come ;- War. Then, gentle Clarence, welcome unto And welcome, Somerset :-I hold it cowardice, *3 Watch. Ay; but give me worship and quiet ness, 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. *2 Watch. Ay; wherefore else guard we his *But to defend his person from night-foes? 'War. This is his tent; and see, where stand 'Courage, my masters: honour now, or never! 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. Reenter Warwick, and the rest, bringing the King out in a gown, sitting in a chair; Gloster and Hastings fly. What are they that fly there? War. Richard, and Hastings: let them go, here's the duke. K. Edu. The duke! why, Warwick, when we And stop the rising of blood-sucking sighs, Thou call'dst me king! * *K. Edo. Yea, brother of Clarence, art thou here too? *Lest with my sighs or tears I blast or drown 'Q. Eliz. 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 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. 'If Warwick take us, we are sure to die. Exe. SCENE V.-A Park near Middleham Castle, in Yorkshire. Enter Gloster, Hastings, Sir William Stanley, and others. Nay, then I see, that Edward needs must down.-Come therefore, let us fly, while we may fly; 'Glo. Now, my lord Hastings, and sir William Stanley, 'Yet, Warwick, in despite of all mischance, When I have fought with Pembroke and his fellows, *It boots not to resist both wind and tide. [Exit King Edw. led out; Som. with him. Orf. What now remains, my lords, for us to do, But march to London with our soldiers? 'To free king Henry from imprisonment, 'Q. Eliz. 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? Q. Eliz. No, but the loss of his own royal person. 'Riv. Then is iny sovereign slain ? 'Q. Eliz. Ay, almost slain, for he is taken pris oner; Either betray'd by falsehood of his guard, 'Or by his foe surpris'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. * Q. Eliz. Till then, fair hope must hinder life's decay. 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, And bear with mildness my misfortune's cross; *Ay, ay, for this I draw in many a tear, (1) i. e. In his mind; as far as his own mind goes. VOL. II. 'Leave off to wonder why I drew you hither, '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 advértis'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. Enter King Edward, and a Huntsman. 'Hunt. This way, my lord; for this way lies the game. 'K. Edw. Nay, this way, man; see, where the huntsmen stand. rest, Now, brother of Gloster, lord Hastings, and the Stand you thus close, to steal the bishop's deer? Glo. Brother, the time and case requireth haste; 'Your horse stands ready at the park corner. 'K. Edhe. But whither shall we then? 'Hast. To Lynn, my lord; and ship from thence to Flanders. 'Glo. Well guess'd, believe me; for that was my meaning. '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. *Glo. Come then, away; let's have no more ado. 'K. Edw. Bishop, farewell: shield thee from Warwick's frown; And pray that I may repossess the crown. [Exe. Enter SCENE VI-A room in the Tower. *K. Hen. Master lieutenant, now that God and 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? * Lieut. Subjects may challenge nothing of their sovereigns; Z |