GLOU. [Aside] But when the fox hath once got in his nose, He'll soon find means to make the body follow. HAST. Why, master mayor, why stand you in a doubt? Open the gates; we are King Henry's friends. MAY. Ay, say you so? the gates shall then be open'd. [They descend. GLOU. A wise stout captain, and soon persuaded! HAST. The good old man would fain that all were well, So 'twere not 'long of him; but being enter'd, Both him and all his brothers unto reason. Enter the Mayor and two Aldermen, below. K. EDW. 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, GLOU. Brother, this is Sir John Montgomery, Our trusty friend, unless I be deceived. K. Edw. Welcome, Sir John! But why come in arms? you MONT. To help King Edward in his time of storm, As every loyal subject ought to do. K. EDW. Thanks, good Montgomery; but we now forget Our title to the crown and only claim Our dukedom till God please to send the rest. MONT. Then fare you well, for I will hence again: I came to serve a king and not a duke. up, Drummer, strike and let us march away. [The drum begins to march. K. EDW. Nay, stay, Sir John, awhile, and we'll debate By what safe means the crown may be recover'd. K. Edw. When we grow stronger, then we'll make our claim : Till then, 'tis wisdom to conceal our meaning. HAST. Away with scrupulous wit! now arms must rule. GLOU. And fearless minds climb soonest unto crowns. Brother, we will proclaim you out of hand; MONT. Ay, now my sovereign speaketh like himAnd now will I be Edward's champion. [self; HAST. Sound trumpet; Edward shall be here proclaim'd: [Flourish. Come, fellow-soldier, make thou proclamation. SOLD. Edward the Fourth, by the grace of God, king of England and France, and lord of Ireland, etc. MONT. And whosoe'er gainsays King Edward's right, By this I challenge him to single fight. [Throws down his gauntlet. ALL. Long live Edward the Fourth! K. Edw. Thanks, brave Montgomery; and thanks unto you all : If fortune serve me, I'll requite this kindness. We'll forward towards Warwick and his mates; Ah, froward Clarence! how evil it beseems thee, [Exeunt. SCENE VIII. London. The palace. Flourish. Enter KING HENRY, WARWICK, MONTAGUE, CLARENCE, EXETER, and OXFORD. WAR. What counsel, lords? Edward from Belgia, With hasty Germans and blunt Hollanders, Hath pass'd in safety through the narrow seas, And with his troops doth march amain to London; And many giddy people flock to him. K. HEN. Let's levy men, and beat him back again. CLAR. A little fire is quickly trodden out; Which, being suffer'd, rivers cannot quench. WAR. In Warwickshire I have true-hearted friends, Not mutinous in peace, yet bold in war; Those will I muster up: and thou, son Clarence, K. HEN. Farewell, my Hector, and my Troy's true hope. CLAR. In sign of truth, I kiss your highness' hand. K. HEN. Well-minded Clarence, be thou fortunate! MONT. Comfort, my lord; and so I take my leave. OXF. And thus I seal my truth, and bid adieu. K. HEN. Sweet Oxford, and my loving Montague, And all at once, once more a happy farewell. WAR. Farewell, sweet lords: let's meet at Coventry. [Exeunt all but KING HENRY and EXETER. K. HEN. Here at the palace will I rest awhile. Cousin of Exeter, what thinks your lordship? Methinks the power that Edward hath in field Should not be able to encounter mine. EXE. The doubt is that he will seduce the rest. K. HEN. That's not my fear; my meed hath got me fame : I have not stopp'd mine ears to their demands, The lamb will never cease to follow him. [Shout within, A Lancaster! A Lancaster! EXE. Hark, hark, my lord! what shouts are these? Enter KING EDward, GLOUCESTER, and Soldiers. K. Edw. Seize on the shame-faced Henry, bear him hence; And once again proclaim us king of England. |