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Yet am I armed against the worst can happen, 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
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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
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may never have you in suspect. MONTAGUE. So God help Montague as he proves true! HASTINGS. And Hastings as he favours Edwards cause! KING EDWARD. Now, brother Richard, will you stand by us? RICHARD. Ay, in despite of all that shall withstand you. KING EDWARD. Why, so! Then am I sure of victory. Now, therefore, let us hence, and lose
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no hour Till we meet Warwick with his foreign power. [_Exeunt._] SCENE II. A Plain in Warwickshire Enter Warwick and Oxford in England, with French Soldiers. WARWICK. Trust me, my lord, all hitherto goes well; The common people by numbers swarm to us. Enter George (Duke of Clarence) and Somerset. But see where Somerset and Clarence comes. Speak suddenly, my
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lords: are we all friends? GEORGE. Fear not that, my lord. WARWICK. Then, gentle Clarence, welcome unto Warwick; And welcome, Somerset. I hold it cowardice To rest mistrustful where a noble heart Hath pawned an open hand in sign of love; Else might I think that Clarence, Edwards brother, Were but a feigned friend to our proceedings. But welcome, sweet
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Clarence; my daughter shall be thine. And now what rests but, in nights coverture, Thy brother being carelessly encamped, 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 sleight and manhood
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stole to Rhesus tents, And brought from thence the Thracian fatal steeds, So we, well covered with the nights black mantle, At unawares may beat down Edwards guard, 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.
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[_They all cry Henry!_] Why then, lets on our way in silent sort, For Warwick and his friends, God and Saint George! [_Exeunt._] SCENE III. Edwards Camp near Warwick Enter three Watchmen to guard the Kings tent. WATCHMAN. Come on, my masters, each man take his stand. The King by this is set him down to sleep. WATCHMAN. What, will
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he not to bed? WATCHMAN. Why, no; for he hath made a solemn vow Never to lie and take his natural rest Till Warwick or himself be quite suppressed. WATCHMAN. Tomorrow, then, belike shall be the day, If Warwick be so near as men report. WATCHMAN. But say, I pray, what nobleman is that That with the King here resteth
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in his tent? WATCHMAN. Tis the Lord Hastings, the Kings chiefest friend. WATCHMAN. O, is it so? But why commands the King That his chief followers lodge in towns about him, While he himself keeps in the cold field? WATCHMAN. Tis the more honour, because more dangerous. WATCHMAN. Ay, but give me worship and quietness; I like it better than
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dangerous honour. If Warwick knew in what estate he stands, Tis to be doubted he would waken him. WATCHMAN. Unless our halberds did shut up his passage. WATCHMAN. Ay, wherefore else guard we his royal tent But to defend his person from night-foes? Enter Warwick, George (Duke of Clarence), Oxford, Somerset and French Soldiers, silent all. WARWICK. This is his
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tent; and see where stand his guard. Courage, my masters! Honour now or never! But follow me, and Edward shall be ours. WATCHMAN. Who goes there? WATCHMAN. 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 playing and trumpet
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sounding, enter Warwick, Somerset, and the rest, bringing the King out in his gown, sitting in a chair. Richard (Duke of Gloucester) and Hastings fly over the stage. SOMERSET. What are they that fly there? WARWICK. Richard and Hastings. Let them go. Here is the Duke. KING EDWARD. The Duke? Why, Warwick, when we parted, Thou calldst me king? WARWICK.
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Ay, but the case is altered. When you disgraced 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
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to study for the peoples welfare, Nor how to shroud yourself from enemies? KING EDWARD. 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 Fortunes malice overthrow my state, My
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mind exceeds the compass of her wheel. WARWICK. Then for his mind be Edward Englands 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 conveyed Unto my brother, Archbishop of York. When I have
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fought with Pembroke and his fellows, Ill follow you and tell what answer Lewis and the Lady Bona send to him. Now, for a while farewell, good Duke of York. [_They begin to lead him out forcibly._] KING EDWARD. What fates impose, that men must needs abide; It boots not to resist both wind and tide. [_Exit King Edward, led
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out; Somerset with him._] OXFORD. What now remains, my lords, for us to do, But march to London with our soldiers? WARWICK. Ay, thats 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. The Palace Enter Queen Elizabeth and Rivers. RIVERS. Madam, what
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makes you in this sudden change? QUEEN ELIZABETH. Why, brother Rivers, are you yet to learn What late misfortune is befalln King Edward? RIVERS. What, loss of some pitched battle against Warwick? QUEEN ELIZABETH. No, but the loss of his own royal person. RIVERS. Then is my sovereign slain? QUEEN ELIZABETH. Ay, almost slain, for he is taken prisoner, Either
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betrayed by falsehood of his guard Or by his foe surprised at unawares; And, as I further have to understand, Is new committed to the Bishop of York, Fell Warwicks brother and by that our foe. RIVERS. These news, I must confess, are full of grief; Yet, gracious madam, bear it as you may. Warwick may lose that now hath
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won the day. QUEEN ELIZABETH. Till then, fair hope must hinder lifes decay; And I the rather wean me from despair For love of Edwards offspring in my womb. This is it that makes me bridle passion And bear with mildness my misfortunes cross, Ay, ay, for this I draw in many a tear And stop the rising of blood-sucking
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sighs, Lest with my sighs or tears I blast or drown King Edwards fruit, true heir to th English crown. RIVERS. But, madam, where is Warwick then become? QUEEN ELIZABETH. I am informed that he comes towards London To set the crown once more on Henrys head. Guess thou the rest: King Edwards friends must down. But to prevent the
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tyrants violence For trust not him that hath once broken faith Ill hence forthwith unto the sanctuary To save at least the heir of Edwards 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
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Castle in Yorkshire Enter Richard (Duke of Gloucester), Lord Hastings, Sir William Stanley and others. RICHARD. 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
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hath good usage and great liberty, And often but attended with weak guard, Comes hunting this way to disport himself. I have advertised 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.
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Enter King Edward and a Huntsman with him. HUNTSMAN. This way, my lord, for this way lies the game. KING EDWARD. Nay, this way, man. See where the huntsmen stand. Now, brother of Gloucester, Lord Hastings, and the rest, Stand you thus close to steal the Bishops deer? RICHARD. Brother, the time and case requireth haste; Your horse stands ready
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at the park corner. KING EDWARD. But whither shall we then? HASTINGS. To Lynn, my lord, and shipped from thence to Flanders. RICHARD. Well guessed, believe me, for that was my meaning. KING EDWARD. Stanley, I will requite thy forwardness. RICHARD. But wherefore stay we? Tis no time to talk. KING EDWARD. Huntsman, what sayst thou? Wilt thou go along?
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HUNTSMAN. Better do so than tarry and be hanged. RICHARD. Come then, away! Lets ha no more ado. KING EDWARD. Bishop, farewell; shield thee from Warwicks frown, And pray that I may repossess the crown. [_Exeunt._] SCENE VI. London. The Tower Enter King Henry, George (Duke of Clarence), Warwick, Somerset, young Richmond, Oxford, Montague, and Lieutenant of the Tower. KING
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HENRY. Master Lieutenant, now that God and friends Have shaken Edward from the regal seat And turned my captive state to liberty, My fear to hope, my sorrows unto joys, At our enlargement what are thy due fees? LIEUTENANT. Subjects may challenge nothing of their sovereigns; But if an humble prayer may prevail, I then crave pardon of your Majesty.
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KING HENRY. For what, lieutenant? For well using me? Nay, be thou sure Ill well requite thy kindness, For that it made my imprisonment a pleasure; 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 settst me
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free, And chiefly therefore I thank God and thee; He was the author, thou the instrument. Therefore, that I may conquer Fortunes spite, By living low where Fortune cannot hurt me, And that the people of this blessed land May not be punished with my thwarting stars, Warwick, although my head still wear the crown, I here resign my government
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to thee, For thou art fortunate in all thy deeds. WARWICK. Your Grace hath still been famed for virtuous, And now may seem as wise as virtuous By spying and avoiding Fortunes malice, For few men rightly temper with the stars; Yet in this one thing let me blame your Grace, For choosing me when Clarence is in place. GEORGE.
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No, Warwick, thou art worthy of the sway, To whom the heavens in thy nativity Adjudged an olive branch and laurel crown, As likely to be blest in peace and war; And therefore I yield thee my free consent. WARWICK. And I choose Clarence only for Protector. KING HENRY. Warwick and Clarence, give me both your hands. Now join your
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hands, and with your hands your hearts, That no dissension 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 sins rebuke and my Creators praise. WARWICK. What answers Clarence to his sovereigns will? GEORGE. That he consents, if Warwick yield consent, For on
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thy fortune I repose myself. WARWICK. Why, then, though loath, yet I must be content. Well yoke together, like a double shadow To Henrys 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 Forthwith that Edward be pronounced a traitor
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And all his lands and goods be confiscate. GEORGE. What else? And that succession be determined. WARWICK. Ay, therein Clarence shall not want his part. KING HENRY. But with the first of all your chief affairs Let me entreatfor I command no more That Margaret your Queen and my son Edward Be sent for to return from France with speed;
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For till I see them here, by doubtful fear My joy of liberty is half eclipsed. GEORGE. It shall be done, my sovereign, with all speed. KING HENRY. My Lord of Somerset, what youth is that Of whom you seem to have so tender care? SOMERSET. My liege, it is young Henry, Earl of Richmond. KING HENRY. Come hither, Englands
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hope. If secret powers [_Lays his hand on his head._] Suggest but truth to my divining thoughts, This pretty lad will prove our countrys bliss. His looks are full of peaceful majesty, His head by nature framed to wear a crown, His hand to wield a sceptre, and himself Likely in time to bless a regal throne. Make much of
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him, my lords, for this is he Must help you more than you are hurt by me. Enter a Post. WARWICK. What news, my friend? POST. That Edward is escaped from your brother And fled, as he hears since, to Burgundy. WARWICK. Unsavoury news! But how made he escape? POST. He was conveyed by Richard, Duke of Gloucester And the
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Lord Hastings, who attended him In secret ambush on the forest side And from the Bishops huntsmen rescued him, For hunting was his daily exercise. WARWICK. My brother was too careless of his charge. But let us hence, my sovereign, to provide A salve for any sore that may betide. [_Exeunt all but Somerset, Richmond and Oxford._] SOMERSET. My lord,
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I like not of this flight of Edwards, For doubtless Burgundy will yield him help, And we shall have more wars before t be long. As Henrys 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
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Oxford, to prevent the worst, Forthwith well send him hence to Brittany Till storms be past of civil enmity. OXFORD. Ay, for if Edward repossess the crown, Tis like that Richmond with the rest shall down. SOMERSET. It shall be so. He shall to Brittany. Come therefore, lets about it speedily. [_Exeunt._] SCENE VII. Before York Flourish. Enter King Edward,
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Richard (Duke of Gloucester), Hastings and Soldiers. KING EDWARD. 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 Henrys regal crown. Well have we passed and now repassed the seas, And brought desired help from Burgundy. What then remains, we being thus
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arrived From Ravenspurgh haven before the gates of York, But that we enter as into our dukedom? RICHARD. The gates made fast! Brother, I like not this; For many men that stumble at the threshold Are well foretold that danger lurks within. KING EDWARD. Tush, man, abodements must not now affright us. By fair or foul means we must enter
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in, For hither will our friends repair to us. HASTINGS. My liege, Ill knock once more to summon them. Enter on the walls, the Mayor of York and his Brethren. MAYOR. My lords, we were forewarned of your coming And shut the gates for safety of ourselves, For now we owe allegiance unto Henry. KING EDWARD. But, master Mayor, if
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Henry be your king, Yet Edward, at the least, is Duke of York. MAYOR. True, my good lord, I know you for no less. KING EDWARD. Why, and I challenge nothing but my dukedom, As being well content with that alone. RICHARD. [_Aside_.] But when the fox hath once got in his nose, Hell soon find means to make the
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body follow. HASTINGS. Why, master Mayor, why stand you in a doubt? Open the gates; we are King Henrys friends. MAYOR. Ay, say you so? The gates shall then be opened. [_He descends._] RICHARD. A wise, stout captain, and soon persuaded. HASTINGS. The good old man would fain that all were well, So twere not long of him; but, being
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entered, I doubt not, I, but we shall soon persuade Both him and all his brothers unto reason. Enter the Mayor and two Aldermen below. KING EDWARD. 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
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Edward will defend the town and thee And all those friends that deign to follow me. March. Enter Montgomery with drum and Soldiers. RICHARD. Brother, this is Sir John Montgomery, Our trusty friend unless I be deceived. KING EDWARD. Welcome, Sir John! But why come you in arms? MONTGOMERY. To help King Edward in his time of storm, As every
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loyal subject ought to do. KING EDWARD. Thanks, good Montgomery; but we now forget Our title to the crown, and only claim Our dukedom till God please to send the rest. MONTGOMERY. 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
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drum begins to march._] KING EDWARD. Nay, stay, Sir John, a while, and well debate By what safe means the crown may be recovered. MONTGOMERY. What talk you of debating? In few words, If youll not here proclaim yourself our king, Ill leave you to your fortune and be gone To keep them back that come to succour you. Why
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shall we fight if you pretend no title? RICHARD. Why, brother, wherefore stand you on nice points? KING EDWARD. When we grow stronger, then well make our claim. Till then tis wisdom to conceal our meaning. HASTINGS. Away with scrupulous wit! Now arms must rule. RICHARD. And fearless minds climb soonest unto crowns. Brother, we will proclaim you out of
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hand; The bruit thereof will bring you many friends. KING EDWARD. Then be it as you will; for tis my right, And Henry but usurps the diadem. MONTGOMERY. Ay, now my sovereign speaketh like himself, And now will I be Edwards champion. HASTINGS. Sound, trumpet; Edward shall be here proclaimed. Come, fellow soldier, make thou proclamation. [_Gives him a paper.
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Flourish._] SOLDIER. [_Reads_.] _Edward the Fourth, by the Grace of God, King of England and France, and Lord of Ireland, etc._ MONTGOMERY. And whosoer gainsays King Edwards right, By this I challenge him to single fight. [_Throws down his gauntlet._] ALL. Long live Edward the Fourth! KING EDWARD. Thanks, brave Montgomery, and thanks unto you all. If Fortune serve me,
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Ill requite this kindness. Now for this night lets harbour here in York, And when the morning sun shall raise his car Above the border of this horizon Well forward towards Warwick and his mates; For well I wot that Henry is no soldier. Ah, froward Clarence, how evil it beseems thee To flatter Henry and forsake thy brother! Yet,
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as we may, well meet both thee and Warwick. Come on, brave soldiers; doubt not of the day, And, that once gotten, doubt not of large pay. [_Exeunt._] SCENE VIII. London. The Palace Flourish. Enter King Henry, Warwick, Montague, George (Duke of Clarence), Oxford and Exeter. WARWICK. What counsel, lords? Edward from Belgia, With hasty Germans and blunt Hollanders, Hath
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passed in safety through the Narrow Seas, And with his troops doth march amain to London; And many giddy people flock to him. KING HENRY. Lets levy men and beat him back again. GEORGE. A little fire is quickly trodden out, Which, being suffered, rivers cannot quench. WARWICK. In Warwickshire I have true-hearted friends, Not mutinous in peace, yet bold
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in war. Those will I muster up; and thou, son Clarence, Shalt stir up in Suffolk, Norfolk, and in Kent The knights and gentlemen to come with thee. Thou, brother Montague, in Buckingham, Northampton, and in Leicestershire shalt find Men well inclined to hear what thou commandst. And thou, brave Oxford, wondrous well beloved, In Oxfordshire shalt muster up thy
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friends. My sovereign, with the loving citizens, Like to his island girt in with the ocean, Or modest Dian circled with her nymphs, Shall rest in London till we come to him. Fair lords, take leave and stand not to reply. Farewell, my sovereign. KING HENRY. Farewell, my Hector, and my Troys true hope. GEORGE. In sign of truth, I
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kiss your Highness hand. KING HENRY. Well-minded Clarence, be thou fortunate. MONTAGUE. Comfort, my lord; and so I take my leave. OXFORD. And thus [_kissing Henrys hand_] I seal my truth, and bid adieu. KING HENRY. Sweet Oxford, and my loving Montague, And all at once, once more a happy farewell. WARWICK. Farewell, sweet lords; lets meet at Coventry. [_Exeunt
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all but King Henry and Exeter._] KING HENRY. Here at the palace will I rest a while. Cousin of Exeter, what thinks your lordship? Methinks the power that Edward hath in field Should not be able to encounter mine. EXETER. The doubt is that he will seduce the rest. KING HENRY. Thats not my fear; my meed hath got me
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fame. I have not stopped mine ears to their demands, Nor posted off their suits with slow delays; My pity hath been balm to heal their wounds, My mildness hath allayed their swelling griefs, My mercy dried their water-flowing tears. I have not been desirous of their wealth Nor much oppressed them with great subsidies, Nor forward of revenge, though
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they much erred. Then why should they love Edward more than me? No, Exeter, these graces challenge grace; And when the lion fawns upon the lamb, The lamb will never cease to follow him. [_Shout within A York! A York!_] EXETER. Hark, hark, my lord, what shouts are these? Enter King Edward, Richard (Duke of Gloucester) and Soldiers. KING EDWARD.
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Seize on the shame-faced Henry, bear him hence, And once again proclaim us King of England. You are the fount that makes small brooks to flow. Now stops thy spring; my sea shall suck them dry And swell so much the higher by their ebb. Hence with him to the Tower. Let him not speak. [_Exeunt some with King Henry._]
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And, lords, towards Coventry bend we our course, Where peremptory Warwick now remains. The sun shines hot, and, if we use delay, Cold biting winter mars our hoped-for hay. RICHARD. Away betimes, before his forces join, And take the great-grown traitor unawares. Brave warriors, march amain towards Coventry. [_Exeunt._] ACT V SCENE I. Coventry Enter, Warwick, the Mayor of Coventry,
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two Messengers and others, upon the walls. WARWICK. Where is the post that came from valiant Oxford? How far hence is thy lord, mine honest fellow? MESSENGER. By this at Dunsmore, marching hitherward. WARWICK. How far off is our brother Montague? Where is the post that came from Montague? MESSENGER. By this at Daintry, with a puissant troop. Enter Sir
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John Somerville. WARWICK. Say, Somerville, what says my loving son? And, by thy guess, how nigh is Clarence now? SOMERVILLE. At Southam I did leave him with his forces And do expect him here some two hours hence. [_Drum heard._] WARWICK. Then Clarence is at hand; I hear his drum. SOMERVILLE. It is not his, my lord; here Southam lies.
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The drum your honour hears marcheth from Warwick. WARWICK. Who should that be? Belike, unlooked-for friends. SOMERVILLE. They are at hand, and you shall quickly know. March. Flourish. Enter King Edward, Richard (Duke of Gloucester) and Soldiers. KING EDWARD. Go, trumpet, to the walls and sound a parle. RICHARD. See how the surly Warwick mans the wall. WARWICK. O, unbid
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spite! Is sportful Edward come? Where slept our scouts, or how are they seduced, That we could hear no news of his repair? KING EDWARD. Now, Warwick, wilt thou ope the city gates, Speak gentle words and humbly bend thy knee? Call Edward King and at his hands beg mercy, And he shall pardon thee these outrages. WARWICK. Nay, rather,
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wilt thou draw thy forces hence, Confess who set thee up and plucked thee down, Call Warwick patron and be penitent, And thou shalt still remain the Duke of York. RICHARD. I thought, at least, he would have said the King; Or did he make the jest against his will? WARWICK. Is not a dukedom, sir, a goodly gift? RICHARD.
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Ay, by my faith, for a poor earl to give; Ill do thee service for so good a gift. WARWICK. Twas I that gave the kingdom to thy brother. KING EDWARD. Why, then, tis mine, if but by Warwicks gift. WARWICK. Thou art no Atlas for so great a weight; And, weakling, Warwick takes his gift again; And Henry is
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my King, Warwick his subject. KING EDWARD. But Warwicks king is Edwards prisoner; And, gallant Warwick, do but answer this: What is the body when the head is off? RICHARD. Alas, that Warwick had no more forecast, But, whiles he thought to steal the single ten, The king was slily fingered from the deck! You left poor Henry at the
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Bishops palace, And ten to one youll meet him in the Tower. KING EDWARD. Tis even so; yet you are Warwick still. RICHARD. Come, Warwick, take the time; kneel down, kneel down. Nay, when? Strike now, or else the iron cools. WARWICK. I had rather chop this hand off at a blow And with the other fling it at thy
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face, Than bear so low a sail to strike to thee. KING EDWARD. Sail how thou canst, have wind and tide thy friend, This hand, fast wound about thy coal-black hair, Shall, whiles thy head is warm and new cut off, Write in the dust this sentence with thy blood: Wind-changing Warwick now can change no more. Enter Oxford with
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drum and colours. WARWICK. O cheerful colours! See where Oxford comes! OXFORD. Oxford, Oxford, for Lancaster! [_He and his forces enter the city._] RICHARD. The gates are open; let us enter too. KING EDWARD. So other foes may set upon our backs. Stand we in good array, for they no doubt Will issue out again and bid us battle; If
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not, the city being but of small defence, Well quietly rouse the traitors in the same. WARWICK. O, welcome, Oxford, for we want thy help. Enter Montague with drum and colours. MONTAGUE. Montague, Montague, for Lancaster! [_He and his forces enter the city._] RICHARD. Thou and thy brother both shall buy this treason Even with the dearest blood your bodies
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bear. KING EDWARD. The harder matched, the greater victory. My mind presageth happy gain and conquest. Enter Somerset with drum and colours. SOMERSET. Somerset, Somerset, for Lancaster! [_He and his forces enter the city._] RICHARD. Two of thy name, both Dukes of Somerset, Have sold their lives unto the House of York; And thou shalt be the third if this
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sword hold. Enter George (Duke of Clarence) with drum and colours. WARWICK. And lo, where George of Clarence sweeps along, Of force enough to bid his brother battle; With whom an upright zeal to right prevails More than the nature of a brothers love. [_Richard and George whisper._] Come, Clarence, come; thou wilt if Warwick call. GEORGE. Father of Warwick,
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know you what this means? [_Taking the red rose from his hat and throws the rose at Warwick._] Look here, I throw my infamy at thee. I will not ruinate my fathers house, Who gave his blood to lime the stones together, And set up Lancaster. Why, trowest thou, Warwick, That Clarence is so harsh, so blunt, unnatural, To bend
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the fatal instruments of war Against his brother and his lawful King? Perhaps thou wilt object my holy oath. To keep that oath were more impiety Than Jephthahs when he sacrificed his daughter. I am so sorry for my trespass made That, to deserve well at my brothers hands, I here proclaim myself thy mortal foe, With resolution, wheresoer I
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meet thee As I will meet thee if thou stir abroad To plague thee for thy foul misleading me. And so, proud-hearted Warwick, I defy thee, And to my brother turn my blushing cheeks. Pardon me, Edward, I will make amends. And, Richard, do not frown upon my faults, For I will henceforth be no more unconstant. KING EDWARD. Now,
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welcome more, and ten times more beloved, Than if thou never hadst deserved our hate. RICHARD. Welcome, good Clarence; this is brother-like. WARWICK. O passing traitor, perjured and unjust! KING EDWARD. What, Warwick, wilt thou leave the town and fight? Or shall we beat the stones about thine ears? WARWICK. Alas! I am not cooped here for defence! I will
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away towards Barnet presently And bid thee battle, Edward, if thou darst. KING EDWARD. Yes, Warwick, Edward dares, and leads the way. Lords, to the field! Saint George and victory! [_Exeunt. March. Warwick and his company follows._] SCENE II. A Field of Battle near Barnet Alarum and excursions. Enter King Edward bringing forth Warwick wounded. KING EDWARD. So, lie thou
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there. Die thou, and die our fear, For Warwick was a bug that feared us all. Now, Montague, sit fast; I seek for thee, That Warwicks bones may keep thine company. [_Exit._] WARWICK. Ah, who is nigh? Come to me, friend or foe, And tell me who is victor, York or Warwick? Why ask I that? My mangled body shows,
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My blood, my want of strength, my sick heart shows That I must yield my body to the earth And, by my fall, the conquest to my foe. Thus yields the cedar to the axes edge, Whose arms gave shelter to the princely eagle, Under whose shade the ramping lion slept, Whose top branch overpeered Joves spreading tree, And kept
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low shrubs from winters powrful wind. These eyes, that now are dimmed with deaths black veil, Have been as piercing as the midday sun, To search the secret treasons of the world; The wrinkles in my brows, now filled with blood, Were likened oft to kingly sepulchres, For who lived King but I could dig his grave? And who durst
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smile when Warwick bent his brow? Lo, now my glory smeared in dust and blood! My parks, my walks, my manors that I had, Even now forsake me; and of all my lands Is nothing left me but my bodys length. Why, what is pomp, rule, reign, but earth and dust? And live we how we can, yet die we
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must. Enter Oxford and Somerset. SOMERSET. Ah, Warwick, Warwick, wert thou as we are, We might recover all our loss again. The Queen from France hath brought a puissant power; Even now we heard the news. Ah, couldst thou fly! WARWICK. Why, then I would not fly. Ah, Montague! If thou be there, sweet brother, take my hand And with
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thy lips keep in my soul awhile. Thou lovst me not; for, brother, if thou didst, Thy tears would wash this cold congealed blood That glues my lips and will not let me speak. Come quickly, Montague, or I am dead. SOMERSET. Ah, Warwick, Montague hath breathed his last, And to the latest gasp cried out for Warwick, And said
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Commend me to my valiant brother. And more he would have said, and more he spoke, Which sounded like a cannon in a vault, That mought not be distinguished; but at last I well might hear, delivered with a groan, O farewell, Warwick! WARWICK. Sweet rest his soul! Fly, lords, and save yourselves, For Warwick bids you all farewell, to
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meet in heaven. [_He dies._] OXFORD. Away, away, to meet the Queens great power! [_Here they bear away his body. Exeunt._] SCENE III. Another Part of the Field Flourish. Enter King Edward in triumph, with Richard, George and the rest. KING EDWARD. Thus far our fortune keeps an upward course, And we are graced with wreaths of victory. But in
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the midst of this bright-shining day, I spy a black, suspicious, threatning cloud That will encounter with our glorious sun Ere he attain his easeful western bed. I mean, my lords, those powers that the Queen Hath raised in Gallia have arrived our coast And, as we hear, march on to fight with us. GEORGE. A little gale will soon
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disperse that cloud And blow it to the source from whence it came; Thy very beams will dry those vapours up, For every cloud engenders not a storm. RICHARD. The Queen is valued thirty thousand strong, And Somerset, with Oxford, fled to her. If she have time to breathe, be well assured Her faction will be full as strong as
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ours. KING EDWARD. We are advertised by our loving friends That they do hold their course toward Tewkesbury. We, having now the best at Barnet field, Will thither straight, for willingness rids way; And, as we march, our strength will be augmented In every county as we go along. Strike up the drum! cry Courage! and away. [_Exeunt._] SCENE IV.
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Plains near Tewkesbury Flourish. March. Enter Queen Margaret, Prince Edward, Somerset, Oxford and Soldiers. QUEEN MARGARET. Great lords, wise men neer sit and wail their loss, But cheerly seek how to redress their harms. What though the mast be now blown overboard, The cable broke, the holding-anchor lost, And half our sailors swallowed in the flood? Yet lives our pilot
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still. Is t meet that he Should leave the helm and, like a fearful lad, With tearful eyes add water to the sea And give more strength to that which hath too much, Whiles in his moan the ship splits on the rock, Which industry and courage might have saved? Ah, what a shame, ah, what a fault were this!
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Say Warwick was our anchor; what of that? And Montague our topmast; what of him? Our slaughtered friends the tackles; what of these? Why, is not Oxford here another anchor? And Somerset another goodly mast? The friends of France our shrouds and tacklings? And, though unskilful, why not Ned and I For once allowed the skilful pilots charge? We will
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not from the helm to sit and weep, But keep our course, though the rough wind say no, From shelves and rocks that threaten us with wrack. As good to chide the waves as speak them fair. And what is Edward but a ruthless sea? What Clarence but a quicksand of deceit? And Richard but a ragged fatal rock? All
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these the enemies to our poor bark? Say you can swim: alas, tis but a while! Tread on the sand: why, there you quickly sink; Bestride the rock: the tide will wash you off, Or else you famish; thats a threefold death. This speak I, lords, to let you understand, If case some one of you would fly from us,
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That theres no hoped-for mercy with the brothers More than with ruthless waves, with sands, and rocks. Why, courage then! What cannot be avoided Twere childish weakness to lament or fear. PRINCE EDWARD. Methinks a woman of this valiant spirit Should, if a coward heard her speak these words, Infuse his breast with magnanimity And make him, naked, foil a
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