• Either betray'd by falsehood of his guard, 'Or by his foe surprised at unawares ; And, as I farther have to understand, 'Is new committed to the bishop of York, Fell Warwick's brother, and by that our foe. 'Ri. 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. Eli. 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, "And stop the rising of bloodsucking sighs, "Lest with my sighs or tears I blast or drown 'King Edward's fruit, true heir to the English crown. "Ri. But, madam, where is Warwick then be come? Q. Eli. 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. 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 castle in Yorkshire. Enter GLOSTER, HASTINGS, SIR WILLIAM STANLEY, and others. 'Glos. 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 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 color 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. Hunts. This way, my lord; for this way lies the game. K. Ed. Nay, this way, man: see, where the huntsmen stand. |