And, Clarence, now then it is more than needful Forthwith that Edward be pronounced a traitor, And all his lands and goods be confiscate. CLARENCE What else? and that succession be determined. WARWICK Ay, therein Clarence shall not want his part. KING HENRY VI But, with the first of all your chief affairs, Let me entreat, for I command no more, That Margaret your queen and my son Edward Be sent for, to return from France with speed;For, till I see them here, by doubtful fear My joy of liberty is half eclipsed. CLARENCE It shall be done, my sovereign, with all speed. KING HENRY VI My Lord of Somerset, what youth is that, Of whom you seem to have so tender care? SOMERSET My liege, it is young Henry, earl of Richmond. KING HENRY VI Come hither, England's hope.
Lays his hand on his head If secret powers Suggest but truth to my divining thoughts, This pretty lad will prove our country's bliss.
His looks are full of peaceful majesty, His head by nature framed to wear a crown, His hand to wield a sceptre, and himself Likely in time to bless a regal throne.
Make much of him, my lords, for this is he Must help you more than you are hurt by me.
Enter a Post WARWICK What news, my friend? Post That Edward is escaped from your brother, And fled, as he hears since, to Burgundy. WARWICK Unsavoury news! but how made he escape? Post He was convey'd by Richard Duke of Gloucester And the Lord Hastings, who attended him In secret ambush on the forest side And from the bishop's huntsmen rescued him;For hunting was his daily exercise. WARWICK My brother was too careless of his charge.
But let us hence, my sovereign, to provide A salve for any sore that may betide.
Exeunt all but SOMERSET, HENRY OF RICHMOND, and OXFORD SOMERSET My lord, I like not of this flight of Edward's;For doubtless Burgundy will yield him help, And we shall have more wars before 't be long.
As Henry's late presaging prophecy Did glad my heart with hope of this young Richmond, So doth my heart misgive me, in these conflicts What may befall him, to his harm and ours:
Therefore, Lord Oxford, to prevent the worst, Forthwith we'll send him hence to Brittany, Till storms be past of civil enmity. OXFORD Ay, for if Edward repossess the crown, 'Tis like that Richmond with the rest shall down. SOMERSET It shall be so; he shall to Brittany.
Come, therefore, let's about it speedily.
Exeunt SCENE VII. Before York. Flourish. Enter KING EDWARD IV, GLOUCESTER, HASTINGS, and Soldiers KING EDWARD IV Now, brother Richard, Lord Hastings, and the rest, Yet thus far fortune maketh us amends, And says that once more I shall interchange My waned state for Henry's regal crown.
Well have we pass'd and now repass'd the seas And brought desired help from Burgundy:
What then remains, we being thus arrived From Ravenspurgh haven before the gates of York, But that we enter, as into our dukedom? GLOUCESTER The gates made fast! Brother, I like not this;For many men that stumble at the threshold Are well foretold that danger lurks within. KING EDWARD IV Tush, man, abodements must not now affright us:
By fair or foul means we must enter in, For hither will our friends repair to us. HASTINGS My liege, I'll knock once more to summon them.
Enter, on the walls, the Mayor of York, and his Brethren Mayor My lords, we were forewarned of your coming, And shut the gates for safety of ourselves;For now we owe allegiance unto Henry. KING EDWARD IV But, master mayor, if Henry be your king, Yet Edward at the least is Duke of York. Mayor True, my good lord; I know you for no less. KING EDWARD IV Why, and I challenge nothing but my dukedom, As being well content with that alone. GLOUCESTER [Aside] But when the fox hath once got in his nose, He'll soon find means to make the body follow. HASTINGS Why, master mayor, why stand you in a doubt?
Open the gates; we are King Henry's friends. Mayor Ay, say you so? the gates shall then be open'd.
They descend GLOUCESTER A wise stout captain, and soon persuaded! HASTINGS The good old man would fain that all were well, So 'twere not 'long of him; but being enter'd, I doubt not, I, but we shall soon persuade Both him and all his brothers unto reason.
Enter the Mayor and two Aldermen, below KING EDWARD IV So, master mayor: these gates must not be shut But in the night or in the time of war.
What! fear not, man, but yield me up the keys;Takes his keys For Edward will defend the town and thee, And all those friends that deign to follow me.
March. Enter MONTGOMERY, with drum and soldiers GLOUCESTER Brother, this is Sir John Montgomery, Our trusty friend, unless I be deceived. KING EDWARD IV Welcome, Sir John! But why come you in arms? MONTAGUE To help King Edward in his time of storm, As every loyal subject ought to do. KING EDWARD IV Thanks, good Montgomery; but we now forget Our title to the crown and only claim Our dukedom till God please to send the rest. MONTAGUE Then fare you well, for I will hence again:
I came to serve a king and not a duke.
Drummer, strike up, and let us march away.