Who not contented that he lopp'd the branch, From whence that tender fpray did fweetly fpring; War. From off the gates of York fetch down the head, Edw. Bring forth that fatal fcreech-owl to our house, That nothing fung but death to us and ours. Now death fhall ftop his difmal threat'ning found, And his ill-boding tongue no more fhall speak. War. I think his understanding is bereft. Speak, Clifford, doft thou know who fpeaks to thee? Dark cloudy death o'erfhades his beams of life, And he nor fees nor hears us what we fay. Rich. O would he did! and fo perhaps he doth. 'Tis but his policy to counterfeit ; words. Because he would avoid fuch bitter taunts, wont. Rich. What, not an oath! nay, then the world goes When Clifford cannot spare his friends an oath. [hard, I know by that he's dead; and, by my foul, If this right hand would buy but two hours' life, This hand fhould chop it off; and with the iffuing blood York and young Rutland could not fatisfy. War. Ay, but he's dead. Off with the traitor's head, And rear it in the place your father's stands. And now to London with triumphant march, There to be crowned England's Royal King: From whence fhall Warwick cut the fea to France, So fhalt thou finew both thefe lands together. For though they cannot greatly fting to hurt, And then to Britany I'll cross the fea, Edw. Ev'n as thou wilt, fweet Warwick, let it be ; For on thy fhoulder do I build my feat: And never will I undertake the thing, Wherein thy counsel and confent is wanting.. And George, of Clarence; Warwick as ourfelf Rich. Let me be Duke of Clarence; George, of Glo'fter;: For Glo'fter's dukedom is too ominous. War. Tut, that's a foolish obfervation: Enter Sinklo and Humphry, with cross bows in their hands. Sink. Nder this thick-grown brake we'll shroud ourfelves, Under For through this laund anon the deer will come; Hum. I'll ftay above the hill, fo both may fhoot. Will fcare the herd, and so my fhoot is loft: And, for the time fhall not feem tedious, I'll tell thee what befel me on a day, In this felf-place where now we mean to ftand. Enter King Henry, with a prayer-book. K. Henry. From Scotland am I ftol'n ev'n of pure To greet mine own land with my wifhful fight. [love, No, Harry, Harry, 'tis no land of thine; Thy place is fill'd, thy fceptre wrung from thee; Sink. Ay here's a deer, whose skin's a keeper's fee: This is the quondam King, let's feize upon him. K. Henry. Let me embrace these four adverfities; For wife men fay it is the wifeft course. Hum. Why linger we? let us lay hands upon him. Sink. Forbear a while, we'll hear a little more. K Henry. My Queen and fon are gone to France for And Lewis a prince foon won with moving words. And in conclufion wins the King from her, To strengthen and support King Edward's place. Hum. Say, what art thou that talk'st of Kings and › Queens! K. Henry. More than I feem, and lefs than I was A man at least, for less I fhould not be; [born to; And men may talk of Kings, and why not I? Hum. Ay, but thou talk'it as if thou wert a King. K. Henry. Why, fo I am in mind, and that's enough. Hum. But if thou be a king, where is thy crown? K: Henry. My crown is in my heart, not on my head: Not deck'd with diamonds and Indian stones; Not to be seen my crown is call'd Content; A crown it is that feldom Kings enjoy. Hum. Well, if you be a King crown'd with Content, You are the King, King Edward hath depos'd: K. Henry. But did you never fwear, and break an oath? Hum. Here in this country where we now remain. My mild intreaty fhall not make you guilty. Go where you will, the King fhall be commanded; Sink. We are true fubjects to the King, King Edward.. If he were feated as King Edward is. Sink. We charge you in God's name, and in the King's, To go with us unto the officers. K. Henry, In God's name lead, your King's name be obey'd; And what God will, that let your King perform; [Exeunt, SCENE II: Changes to the palace. Enter King Edward, Gloucester, Clarence, and Lady K. Edw. Brother of Glo'fter, at St Alban's field. Glo.. Your Highness fhall do well to grant her fuit:It were dishonour to deny it her. K. Edw. It were no lefs; but yet I'll make a pause. I fee the lady hath a thing to grant: Before the King will grant her humble fuit. Clar. He knows the game; how true he keeps the Glo. Silence. [wind.. K. Edw. Widow, we will confider of your suit, And come fome other time to know our mind. Gray. Right gracious Lord, I cannot brook delay. May't pleafe your Highnels to refolve me now; And what your pleasure is fhail fatisfy me. Glo. Ay, widow! then I'll warrant you all your lands, An' if what pleafes him fhall plea/ure you: Fight clofer, or, good faith, you'll catch a blow. *Vid. Hall, 3d year of Edw. IV. folio 5. It was hitherto falfe ly printed Richard. Mr Pope. |