Chapter 5

King. My Loue, forbeare to fawne vpon their frownes: What danger, or what sorrow can befall thee, So long as Edward is thy constant friend, And their true Soueraigne, whom they must obey? Nay, whom they shall obey, and loue thee too, Vnlesse they seeke for hatred at my hands: Which if they doe, yet will I keepe thee safe, And they shall feele the vengeance of my wrath

Rich. I heare, yet say not much, but thinke the more. Enter a Poste

King. Now Messenger, what Letters, or what Newes from France? Post. My Soueraigne Liege, no Letters, & few words, But such, as I (without your speciall pardon) Dare not relate

King. Goe too, wee pardon thee: Therefore, in briefe, tell me their words, As neere as thou canst guesse them. What answer makes King Lewis vnto our Letters? Post. At my depart, these were his very words: Goe tell false Edward, the supposed King, That Lewis of France is sending ouer Maskers, To reuell it with him, and his new Bride

King. Is Lewis so braue? belike he thinkes me Henry. But what said Lady Bona to my Marriage? Post. These were her words, vtt'red with mild disdaine: Tell him, in hope hee'le proue a Widower shortly, Ile weare the Willow Garland for his sake

King. I blame not her; she could say little lesse: She had the wrong. But what said Henries Queene? For I haue heard, that she was there in place

Post. Tell him (quoth she) My mourning Weedes are done, And I am readie to put Armour on

King. Belike she minds to play the Amazon. But what said Warwicke to these iniuries? Post. He, more incens'd against your Maiestie, Then all the rest, discharg'd me with these words: Tell him from me, that he hath done me wrong, And therefore Ile vncrowne him, er't be long

King. Ha? durst the Traytor breath out so prowd words? Well, I will arme me, being thus fore-warn'd: They shall haue Warres, and pay for their presumption. But say, is Warwicke friends with Margaret? Post. I, gracious Soueraigne, They are so link'd in friendship, That yong Prince Edward marryes Warwicks Daughter

Clarence. Belike, the elder; Clarence will haue the younger. Now Brother King farewell, and sit you fast, For I will hence to Warwickes other Daughter, That though I want a Kingdome, yet in Marriage I may not proue inferior to your selfe. You that loue me, and Warwicke, follow me.

Exit Clarence, and Somerset followes.

Rich. Not I: My thoughts ayme at a further matter: I stay not for the loue of Edward, but the Crowne

King. Clarence and Somerset both gone to Warwicke? Yet am I arm'd against the worst can happen: And haste is needfull in this desp'rate case. Pembrooke and Stafford, you in our behalfe Goe leuie men, and make prepare for Warre; They are alreadie, or quickly will be landed: My selfe in person will straight follow you.

Exeunt. Pembrooke and Stafford.

But ere I goe, Hastings and Mountague Resolue my doubt: you twaine, of all the rest, Are neere to Warwicke, by bloud, and by allyance: Tell me, if you loue Warwicke more then me; If it be so, then both depart to him: I rather wish you foes, then hollow friends. But if you minde to hold your true obedience, Giue me assurance with some friendly Vow, That I may neuer haue you in suspect

Mount. So God helpe Mountague, as hee proues true

Hast. And Hastings, as hee fauours Edwards cause

King. Now, Brother Richard, will you stand by vs? Rich. I, in despight of all that shall withstand you

King. Why so: then am I sure of Victorie. Now therefore let vs hence, and lose no howre, Till wee meet Warwicke, with his forreine powre.

Exeunt.

Enter Warwicke and Oxford in England, with French Souldiors.

Warw. Trust me, my Lord, all hitherto goes well, The common people by numbers swarme to vs. Enter Clarence and Somerset.

But see where Somerset and Clarence comes: Speake suddenly, my Lords, are wee all friends? Clar. Feare not that, my Lord

Warw. Then gentle Clarence, welcome vnto Warwicke, And welcome Somerset: I hold it cowardize, To rest mistrustfull, where a Noble Heart Hath pawn'd an open Hand, in signe of Loue; Else might I thinke, that Clarence, Edwards Brother, Were but a fained friend to our proceedings: But welcome sweet Clarence, my Daughter shall be thine. And now, what rests? but in Nights Couerture, Thy Brother being carelessely encamp'd, His Souldiors lurking in the Towne about, And but attended by a simple Guard, Wee may surprize and take him at our pleasure, Our Scouts haue found the aduenture very easie: That as Vlysses, and stout Diomede, With sleight and manhood stole to Rhesus Tents, And brought from thence the Thracian fatall Steeds; So wee, well couer'd with the Nights black Mantle, At vnawares may beat downe Edwards Guard, And seize himselfe: I say not, slaughter him, For I intend but onely to surprize him. You that will follow me to this attempt, Applaud the Name of Henry, with your Leader.

They all cry, Henry.

Why then, let's on our way in silent sort, For Warwicke and his friends, God and Saint George.

Exeunt.

Enter three Watchmen to guard the Kings Tent.

1.Watch. Come on my Masters, each man take his stand, The King by this, is set him downe to sleepe

2.Watch. What, will he not to Bed? 1.Watch. Why, no: for he hath made a solemne Vow, Neuer to lye and take his naturall Rest, Till Warwicke, or himselfe, be quite supprest

2.Watch. To morrow then belike shall be the day, If Warwicke be so neere as men report

3.Watch. But say, I pray, what Noble man is that, That with the King here resteth in his Tent? 1.Watch. 'Tis the Lord Hastings, the Kings chiefest friend

3.Watch. O, is it so? but why commands the King, That his chiefe followers lodge in Townes about him, While he himselfe keepes in the cold field? 2.Watch. 'Tis the more honour, because more dangerous

3.Watch. I, but giue me worship, and quietnesse, I like it better then a dangerous honor. If Warwicke knew in what estate he stands, 'Tis to be doubted if he would waken him

1.Watch. Vnlesse our Halberds did shut vp his passage

2.Watch. I: wherefore else guard we his Royall Tent, But to defend his Person from Night-foes? Enter Warwicke, Clarence, Oxford, Somerset, and French Souldiors, silent all.

Warw. This is his Tent, and see where stand his Guard: Courage my Masters: Honor now, or neuer: But follow me, and Edward shall be ours

1.Watch. Who goes there? 2.Watch. Stay, or thou dyest.

Warwicke and the rest cry all, Warwicke, Warwicke, and set vpon the Guard, who flye, crying, Arme, Arme, Warwicke and the rest following them.

The Drumme playing, and Trumpet sounding. Enter Warwicke, Somerset, and the rest, bringing the King out in his Gowne, sitting in a Chaire: Richard and Hastings flyes ouer the Stage

Som. What are they that flye there? Warw. Richard and Hastings: let them goe, heere is the Duke

K.Edw. The Duke? Why Warwicke, when wee parted, Thou call'dst me King

Warw. I, but the case is alter'd. When you disgrac'd me in my Embassade, Then I degraded you from being King, And come now to create you Duke of Yorke. Alas, how should you gouerne any Kingdome, That know not how to vse Embassadors, Nor how to be contented with one Wife, Nor how to vse your Brothers Brotherly, Nor how to studie for the Peoples Welfare, Nor how to shrowd your selfe from Enemies? K.Edw. Yea, Brother of Clarence, Art thou here too? Nay then I see, that Edward needs must downe. Yet Warwicke, in despight of all mischance, Of thee thy selfe, and all thy Complices, Edward will alwayes beare himselfe as King: Though Fortunes mallice ouerthrow my State, My minde exceedes the compasse of her Wheele

Warw. Then for his minde, be Edward Englands King,

Takes off his Crowne.

But Henry now shall weare the English Crowne, And be true King indeede: thou but the shadow. My Lord of Somerset, at my request, See that forthwith Duke Edward be conuey'd Vnto my Brother Arch-Bishop of Yorke: When I haue fought with Pembrooke, and his fellowes, Ile follow you, and tell what answer Lewis and the Lady Bona send to him. Now for a-while farewell good Duke of Yorke.

They leade him out forcibly.

K.Ed. What Fates impose, that men must needs abide; It boots not to resist both winde and tide.

Exeunt.

Oxf. What now remaines my Lords for vs to do, But march to London with our Soldiers? War. I, that's the first thing that we haue to do, To free King Henry from imprisonment, And see him seated in the Regall Throne. Enter.

Enter Riuers, and Lady Gray.

Riu. Madam, what makes you in this sodain change? Gray. Why Brother Riuers, are you yet to learne What late misfortune is befalne King Edward? Riu. What losse of some pitcht battell Against Warwicke? Gray. No, but the losse of his owne Royall person

Riu. Then is my Soueraigne slaine? Gray. I almost slaine, for he is taken prisoner, Either betrayd by falshood of his Guard, Or by his Foe surpriz'd at vnawares: And as I further haue to vnderstand, Is new committed to the Bishop of Yorke, Fell Warwickes Brother, and by that our Foe

Riu. These Newes I must confesse are full of greefe, Yet gracious Madam, beare it as you may, Warwicke may loose, that now hath wonne the day

Gray. Till then, faire hope must hinder liues decay: And I the rather waine me from dispaire For loue of Edwards Off-spring in my wombe: This is it that makes me bridle passion, And beare with Mildnesse my misfortunes crosse: I, I, for this I draw in many a teare, And stop the rising of blood-sucking sighes, Least with my sighes or teares, I blast or drowne King Edwards Fruite, true heyre to th' English Crowne

Riu. But Madam, Where is Warwicke then become? Gray. I am inform'd that he comes towards London, To set the Crowne once more on Henries head, Guesse thou the rest, King Edwards Friends must downe. But to preuent the Tyrants violence, (For trust not him that hath once broken Faith) Ile hence forthwith vnto the Sanctuary, To saue (at least) the heire of Edwards right: There shall I rest secure from force and fraud: Come therefore let vs flye, while we may flye, If Warwicke take vs, we are sure to dye.

Exeunt.

Enter Richard, Lord Hastings, and Sir William Stanley.

Rich. Now my Lord Hastings, and Sir William Stanley Leaue off to wonder why I drew you hither, Into this cheefest Thicket of the Parke. Thus stand the case: you know our King, my Brother, Is prisoner to the Bishop here, at whose hands He hath good vsage, and great liberty, And often but attended with weake guard, Come hunting this way to disport himselfe. I haue aduertis'd him by secret meanes, That if about this houre he make this way, Vnder the colour of his vsuall game, He shall heere finde his Friends with Horse and Men, To set him free from his Captiuitie. Enter King Edward, and a Huntsman with him.

Huntsman. This way my Lord, For this way lies the Game

King Edw. Nay this way man, See where the Huntsmen stand. Now Brother of Gloster, Lord Hastings, and the rest, Stand you thus close to steale the Bishops Deere? Rich. Brother, the time and case, requireth hast, Your horse stands ready at the Parke-corner

King Ed. But whether shall we then? Hast. To Lyn my Lord, And shipt from thence to Flanders

Rich. Wel guest beleeue me, for that was my meaning K.Ed. Stanley, I will requite thy forwardnesse

Rich. But wherefore stay we? 'tis no time to talke

K.Ed. Huntsman, what say'st thou? Wilt thou go along? Hunts. Better do so, then tarry and be hang'd

Rich. Come then away, lets ha no more adoo

K.Ed. Bishop farwell, Sheeld thee from Warwickes frowne, And pray that I may re-possesse the Crowne.

Exeunt.

Flourish. Enter King Henry the sixt, Clarence, Warwicke, Somerset, young Henry, Oxford, Mountague, and Lieutenant.

K.Hen. M[aster]. Lieutenant, now that God and Friends Haue shaken Edward from the Regall seate, And turn'd my captiue state to libertie, My feare to hope, my sorrowes vnto ioyes, At our enlargement what are thy due Fees? Lieu. Subiects may challenge nothing of their Sou'rains But, if an humble prayer may preuaile, I then craue pardon of your Maiestie

K.Hen. For what, Lieutenant? For well vsing me? Nay, be thou sure, Ile well requite thy kindnesse. For that it made my imprisonment, a pleasure: I, such a pleasure, as incaged Birds Conceiue; when after many moody Thoughts, At last, by Notes of Houshold harmonie, They quite forget their losse of Libertie. But Warwicke, after God, thou set'st me free, And chiefely therefore, I thanke God, and thee, He was the Author, thou the Instrument. Therefore that I may conquer Fortunes spight, By liuing low, where Fortune cannot hurt me, And that the people of this blessed Land May not be punisht with my thwarting starres, Warwicke, although my Head still weare the Crowne, I here resigne my Gouernment to thee, For thou art fortunate in all thy deeds

Warw. Your Grace hath still beene fam'd for vertuous, And now may seeme as wise as vertuous, By spying and auoiding Fortunes malice, For few men rightly temper with the Starres: Yet in this one thing let me blame your Grace, For chusing me, when Clarence is in place

Clar. No Warwicke, thou art worthy of the sway, To whom the Heau'ns in thy Natiuitie, Adiudg'd an Oliue Branch, and Lawrell Crowne, As likely to be blest in Peace and Warre: And therefore I yeeld thee my free consent

Warw. And I chuse Clarence onely for Protector

King. Warwick and Clarence, giue me both your Hands: Now ioyne your Hands, & with your Hands your Hearts, That no dissention hinder Gouernment: I make you both Protectors of this Land, While I my selfe will lead a priuate Life, And in deuotion spend my latter dayes, To sinnes rebuke, and my Creators prayse

Warw. What answeres Clarence to his Soueraignes will? Clar. That he consents, if Warwicke yeeld consent, For on thy fortune I repose my selfe

Warw. Why then, though loth, yet must I be content: Wee'le yoake together, like a double shadow To Henries Body, and supply his place; I meane, in bearing weight of Gouernment, While he enioyes the Honor, and his ease. And Clarence, now then it is more then needfull, Forthwith that Edward be pronounc'd a Traytor, And all his Lands and Goods confiscate

Clar. What else? and that Succession be determined

Warw. I, therein Clarence shall not want his part

King. But with the first, of all your chiefe affaires, Let me entreat (for I command no more) That Margaret your Queene, and my Sonne Edward, Be sent for, to returne from France with speed: For till I see them here, by doubtfull feare, My ioy of libertie is halfe eclips'd

Clar. It shall bee done, my Soueraigne, with all speede

King. My Lord of Somerset, what Youth is that, Of whom you seeme to haue so tender care? Somers. My Liege, it is young Henry, Earle of Richmond

King. Come hither, Englands Hope:

Layes his Hand on his Head.

If secret Powers suggest but truth To my diuining thoughts, This prettie Lad will proue our Countries blisse. His Lookes are full of peacefull Maiestie, His Head by nature fram'd to weare a Crowne, His Hand to wield a Scepter, and himselfe Likely in time to blesse a Regall Throne: Make much of him, my Lords; for this is hee Must helpe you more, then you are hurt by mee. Enter a Poste.

Warw. What newes, my friend? Poste. That Edward is escaped from your Brother, And fled (as hee heares since) to Burgundie

Warw. Vnsauorie newes: but how made he escape? Poste. He was conuey'd by Richard, Duke of Gloster, And the Lord Hastings, who attended him In secret ambush, on the Forrest side, And from the Bishops Huntsmen rescu'd him: For Hunting was his dayly Exercise

Warw. My Brother was too carelesse of his charge. But let vs hence, my Soueraigne, to prouide A salue for any sore, that may betide.

Exeunt.

Manet Somerset, Richmond, and Oxford.

Som. My Lord, I like not of this flight of Edwards: For doubtlesse, Burgundie will yeeld him helpe, And we shall haue more Warres befor't be long. As Henries late presaging Prophecie Did glad my heart, with hope of this young Richmond: So doth my heart mis-giue me, in these Conflicts, What may befall him, to his harme and ours. Therefore, Lord Oxford, to preuent the worst, Forthwith wee'le send him hence to Brittanie, Till stormes be past of Ciuill Enmitie

Oxf. I: for if Edward re-possesse the Crowne, 'Tis like that Richmond, with the rest, shall downe

Som. It shall be so: he shall to Brittanie. Come therefore, let's about it speedily.

Exeunt.

Flourish. Enter Edward, Richard, Hastings, and Souldiers.

Edw. Now Brother Richard, Lord Hastings, and the rest, Yet thus farre Fortune maketh vs amends, And sayes, that once more I shall enterchange My wained state, for Henries Regall Crowne. Well haue we pass'd, and now re-pass'd the Seas, And brought desired helpe from Burgundie. What then remaines, we being thus arriu'd From Rauenspurre Hauen, before the Gates of Yorke, But that we enter, as into our Dukedome? Rich. The Gates made fast? Brother, I like not this. For many men that stumble at the Threshold, Are well fore-told, that danger lurkes within

Edw. Tush man, aboadments must not now affright vs: By faire or foule meanes we must enter in, For hither will our friends repaire to vs

Hast. My Liege, Ile knocke once more, to summon them. Enter on the Walls, the Maior of Yorke, and his Brethren.

Maior. My Lords, We were fore-warned of your comming, And shut the Gates, for safetie of our selues; For now we owe allegeance vnto Henry

Edw. But, Master Maior, if Henry be your King, Yet Edward, at the least, is Duke of Yorke

Maior. True, my good Lord, I know you for no lesse

Edw. Why, and I challenge nothing but my Dukedome, As being well content with that alone

Rich. But when the Fox hath once got in his Nose, Hee'le soone finde meanes to make the Body follow

Hast. Why, Master Maior, why stand you in a doubt? Open the Gates, we are King Henries friends

Maior. I, say you so? the Gates shall then be opened.

He descends.

Rich. A wise stout Captaine, and soone perswaded

Hast. The good old man would faine that all were wel, So 'twere not long of him: but being entred, I doubt not I, but we shall soone perswade Both him, and all his Brothers, vnto reason. Enter the Maior, and two Aldermen.

Edw. So, Master Maior: these Gates must not be shut, But in the Night, or in the time of Warre. What, feare not man, but yeeld me vp the Keyes,

Takes his Keyes.

For Edward will defend the Towne, and thee, And all those friends, that deine to follow mee.

March. Enter Mountgomerie, with Drumme and Souldiers.

Rich. Brother, this is Sir Iohn Mountgomerie, Our trustie friend, vnlesse I be deceiu'd

Edw. Welcome Sir Iohn: but why come you in Armes? Mount. To helpe King Edward in his time of storme, As euery loyall Subiect ought to doe

Edw. Thankes good Mountgomerie: But we now forget our Title to the Crowne, And onely clayme our Dukedome, Till God please to send the rest

Mount. Then fare you well, for I will hence againe, I came to serue a King, and not a Duke: Drummer strike vp, and let vs march away.

The Drumme begins to march.

Edw. Nay stay, Sir Iohn, a while, and wee'le debate By what safe meanes the Crowne may be recouer'd

Mount. What talke you of debating? in few words, If you'le not here proclaime your selfe our King, Ile leaue you to your fortune, and be gone, To keepe them back, that come to succour you. Why shall we fight, if you pretend no Title? Rich. Why Brother, wherefore stand you on nice points? Edw. When wee grow stronger, Then wee'le make our Clayme: Till then, 'tis wisdome to conceale our meaning

Hast. Away with scrupulous Wit, now Armes must rule

Rich. And fearelesse minds clyme soonest vnto Crowns. Brother, we will proclaime you out of hand, The bruit thereof will bring you many friends

Edw. Then be it as you will: for 'tis my right, And Henry but vsurpes the Diademe

Mount. I, now my Soueraigne speaketh like himselfe, And now will I be Edwards Champion

Hast. Sound Trumpet, Edward shal be here proclaim'd: Come, fellow Souldior, make thou proclamation.

Flourish. Sound.

Soul. Edward the Fourth, by the Grace of God, King of England and France, and Lord of Ireland, &c

Mount. And whosoe're gainsayes King Edwards right, By this I challenge him to single fight.

Throwes downe his Gauntlet.

All. Long liue Edward the Fourth

Edw. Thankes braue Mountgomery, And thankes vnto you all: If fortune serue me, Ile requite this kindnesse. Now for this Night, let's harbor here in Yorke: And when the Morning Sunne shall rayse his Carre Aboue the Border of this Horizon, Wee'le forward towards Warwicke, and his Mates; For well I wot, that Henry is no Souldier. Ah froward Clarence, how euill it beseemes thee, To flatter Henry, and forsake thy Brother? Yet as wee may, wee'le meet both thee and Warwicke. Come on braue Souldiors: doubt not of the Day, And that once gotten, doubt not of large Pay.

Exeunt.

Flourish. Enter the King, Warwicke, Mountague, Clarence, Oxford, and Somerset.

War. What counsaile, Lords? Edward from Belgia, With hastie Germanes, and blunt Hollanders, Hath pass'd in safetie through the Narrow Seas, And with his troupes doth march amaine to London, And many giddie people flock to him

King. Let's leuie men, and beat him backe againe

Clar. A little fire is quickly trodden out, Which being suffer'd, Riuers cannot quench

War. In Warwickshire I haue true-hearted friends, Not mutinous in peace, yet bold in Warre, Those will I muster vp: and thou Sonne Clarence Shalt stirre vp in Suffolke, Norfolke, and in Kent, The Knights and Gentlemen, to come with thee. Thou Brother Mountague, in Buckingham, Northampton, and in Leicestershire, shalt find Men well enclin'd to heare what thou command'st. And thou, braue Oxford, wondrous well belou'd, In Oxfordshire shalt muster vp thy friends. My Soueraigne, with the louing Citizens, Like to his Iland, gyrt in with the Ocean, Or modest Dyan, circled with her Nymphs, Shall rest in London, till we come to him: Faire Lords take leaue, and stand not to reply. Farewell my Soueraigne

King. Farewell my Hector, and my Troyes true hope

Clar. In signe of truth, I kisse your Highnesse Hand

King. Well-minded Clarence, be thou fortunate

Mount. Comfort, my Lord, and so I take my leaue

Oxf. And thus I seale my truth, and bid adieu

King. Sweet Oxford, and my louing Mountague, And all at once, once more a happy farewell

War. Farewell, sweet Lords, let's meet at Couentry.

Exeunt.

King. Here at the Pallace will I rest a while. Cousin of Exeter, what thinkes your Lordship? Me thinkes, the Power that Edward hath in field, Should not be able to encounter mine

Exet. The doubt is, that he will seduce the rest

King. That's not my feare, my meed hath got me fame: I haue not stopt mine eares to their demands, Nor posted off their suites with slow delayes, My pittie hath beene balme to heale their wounds, My mildnesse hath allay'd their swelling griefes, My mercie dry'd their water-flowing teares. I haue not been desirous of their wealth, Nor much opprest them with great Subsidies, Nor forward of reuenge, though they much err'd. Then why should they loue Edward more then me? No Exeter, these Graces challenge Grace: And when the Lyon fawnes vpon the Lambe, The Lambe will neuer cease to follow him.

Shout within, A Lancaster, A Lancaster.

Exet. Hearke, hearke, my Lord, what Shouts are these? Enter Edward and his Souldiers.

Edw. Seize on the shamefac'd Henry, beare him hence, And once againe proclaime vs King of England. You are the Fount, that makes small Brookes to flow, Now stops thy Spring, my Sea shall suck them dry, And swell so much the higher, by their ebbe. Hence with him to the Tower, let him not speake.

Exit with King Henry.

And Lords, towards Couentry bend we our course, Where peremptorie Warwicke now remaines: The Sunne shines hot, and if we vse delay, Cold biting Winter marres our hop'd-for Hay

Rich. Away betimes, before his forces ioyne, And take the great-growne Traytor vnawares: Braue Warriors, march amaine towards Couentry.

Exeunt.