it may exactly be said, what Dr. Johnson has said of the play of Richard the Third viz:

"This is one of the most celebrated of our author's performances; yet, I know not, whether it has not happened to him, as to others, to be praised most, when praise is not most deserved."

KING RICHARD III.

ACT THE FIRST.

SCENE I.

A Garden in the Tower.

Enter LIEUTENANT and OFFICER.

Lieut. Has King Henry walk'd forth this morning? Offi. No, sir; but it is near his hour.

Lieut. At any time, when you see him here,

Let no stranger into the garden;

I would not have him star'd at-See, who's that,

Now ent'ring at the gate?

[Knocking within.

[Eril OFFICER.

Enter LORD STANLEY.

My noble lord, you're welcome to the Tower:
I heard last night you late arriv'd with news
Of Edward's victory to his joyful queen.

Stanley. Yes, sir; and I am proud to be the man,

That first brought home the last of civil broils:
The houses now of York and Lancaster,

Like bloody brothers, fighting for a birthright,
No more shall wound the parent, that would part

them:

Edward now sits secure on England's throne.

Lieut. Near Tewksbury, my lord, I think they

fought;

Has the enemy lost any men of note ?
Stanley. Sir, I was posted home,
Ere an account was taken of the slain:
But, as I left the field, a proclamation,
From the king, was made in search of Edward,
Son to your prisoner, King Henry the Sixth,
Which gave reward to those discov'ring him,
And him his life, if he'd surrender.

Lieut. That brave young prince, I fear, 's unlike

his father,

Too high of heart, to brook submissive life:
This will be heavy news to Henry's ear,
For on this battle's cast, his all was set.

Stanley. King Henry and ill fortune are familiar;

He ever threw with an indifferent hand,
But never yet was known to lose his patience:
How does he pass the time in his confinement?

Lieut. As one whose wishes never reach'd a crown;
The king seems dead in him-but, as a man,
He sighs sometimes in want of liberty.
Sometimes he reads, and walks, and wishes,
That fate had bless'd him with an humbler birth,
Not to have felt the falling from a throne.

Stanley. Were it not possible to see this king?
They say, he'll freely talk with Edward's friends,
And even treats them with respect and honour.

Lieut. This is his usual time of walking forth
(For he's allow'd the freedom of the garden)
After his morning prayer; he seldom fails;
Behind this arbour we, unseen, may stand
A while to observe him.

[They retire.

Enter KING HENRY.

K. Hen. By this time the decisive blow is struck; Either my queen and son are bless'd with victory, Or I'm the cause no more of civil broils. 'Would I were dead, if Heav'n's good will were so; For what is in this world but grief and care? What noise and bustle do kings make to find it; When life's but a short chase, our game content, Which, most pursu'd, is most compell'd to fly; And he, that mounts him on the swiftest hope, Shall often run his courser to a stand; While the poor peasant, from some distant hill, Undanger'd and at ease, views all the sport, And sees content take shelter in his cottage. Stanley. He seems extremely mov'd. Lieut. Does he know you? Stanley. No; nor would I have him. Lieut. We'll show ourselves. [They come forward. K. Hen. Why, there's another check to proud am

bition!

That man received his charge from me, and now
I'm his prisoner-he locks me to my rest.
Such an unlook'd-for change who could suppose,
That saw him kneel to kiss the hand that rais'd him ?
But that I should not now complain of,
Since I to that, 'tis possible, may owe
His civil treatment of me-'Morrow, Lieutenant;
Is any news arriv'd?-Who's that with you?

Lieut. A gentleman, that came last night express From Tewksbury-We've had a battle.

K. Hen. Comes he to me with letters, or advice?
Lieut. Sir, he's King Edward's officer, your foe.
K. Hen. Then he won't flatter me-You're wel-

come, sir;

Not less because you are King Edward's friend,
For I have almost learn'd myself to be so;