The foe is merciless, and will not pity; And much effuse of blood doth make me faint. Come, York, and Richard, Warwick, and the rest; [He faints. Alarum and Retreat. Enter EDWARD, GEORGE, RICHARD, MONTAGUE, WARWICK, and Soldiers. Edw. Now breathe we, lords: good fortune bids us pause, But think you, lords, that Clifford fled with them? [CLIFFORD groans and dies. Rich. Whose soul is that which takes her heavy leave? A deadly groan, like life and death's departing: See who it is. And, now the battle 's ended, If friend, or foe, let him be gently used. Rich. Revoke that doom of mercy, for 't is Clifford; Who not contented that he lopp'd the branch In hewing Rutland when his leaves put forth, But set his murdering knife unto the root From whence that tender spray did sweetly spring; I mean, our princely father, duke of York. War. From off the gates of York fetch down the head, Your father's head, which Clifford placed there; Instead whereof, let this supply the room: Measure for measure must be answered. Edw. Bring forth that fatal screech-owl to our house, That nothing sung but death to us and ours: [Attendants bring the Body forward. War. I think his understanding is bereft. Rich. O, would he did! and so, perhaps, he doth: 'Tis but his policy to counterfeit, Because he would avoid such bitter taunts Which in the time of death he gave our father. Geo. If so thou think'st, vex him with eager words. Geo. Where's captain Margaret to fence you now? I know by that, he's dead; and, by my soul, That I in all despite might rail at him, - This hand should chop it off; and with the issuing blood York and young Rutland could not satisfy. War. Ay, but he's dead. Off with the traitor's head, So shalt thou sinew both these lands together; The scatter'd foe that hopes to rise again; For though they cannot greatly sting to hurt, And then to Brittany I'll cross the sea, To effect this marriage, so it please my lord. Edw. Even as thou wilt, sweet Warwick, let it be; For in thy shoulder do I build my seat, And never will I undertake the thing, Wherein thy counsel and consent is wanting. - - Warwick, as ourself, Shall do, and undo, as him pleaseth best. Rich. Let me be duke of Clarence, George of Gloster, For Gloster's dukedom is too ominous. War. Tut! that's a foolish observation: Richard, be duke of Gloster. Now to London, To see these honours in possession. ACT III. SCENE I. A Chace in the North of England. [Exeunt. Enter Two Keepers, with Cross-bows in their Hands. 1 Keep. Under this thick-grown brake we 'll shroud our- For through this lawn anon the deer will come, Culling the principal of all the deer. 2 Keep. I'll stay above the hill, so both may shoot. Will scare the herd, and so my shoot is lost. In this self-place where now we mean to stand. 2 Keep. Here comes a man, let's stay till he be past. Enter King HENRY, disguised, with a Prayer-book. K. Hen. From Scotland am I stol'n, even of pure love, To greet mine own land with my wishful sight. No, Harry, Harry, 't is no land of thine; Thy balm wash'd off wherewith thou wast anointed: 1 Keep. Ay, here's a deer whose skin 's a keeper's fee. This is the quondam king: let's seize upon him. K. Hen. Let me embrace the sour adversaries; For wise men say, it is the wisest course. 2 Keep. Why linger we? let us lay hands upon him. 1 Keep. Forbear a while; we'll hear a little more. K. Hen. My queen and son are gone to France for aid; And, as I hear, the great commanding Warwick Is thither gone, to crave the French king's sister And Lewis a prince soon won with moving words. Her sighs will make a battery in his breast, To hear, and see, her plaints, her brinish tears. He on his right asking a wife for Edward. She weeps, That she, poor wretch, for grief can speak no more, Inferreth arguments of mighty strength; 2 Keep. Say, what art thou talkest of kings and queens? K. Hen. More than I seem, and less than I was born to: A man at least, for less I should not be; And men may talk of kings, and why not I? 2 Кеер. Ay, but thou talk'st as if thou wert a king. 2 Keep. 2 Keep. Well, if you be a king crown'd with content, You are the king, king Edward hath depos'd; And we his subjects, sworn in all allegiance, K. Hen. 2 Keep. K. Hen. 2 Keep. But did you never swear, and break an oath? K. Hen. I was anointed king at nine months old, And you were sworn true subjects unto me; And tell me, then, have you not broke your oaths? 1 Keep. No; For we were subjects, but while you were king. K. Hen. Why, am I dead? do I not breathe a man? Look, as I blow this feather from my face, |