Q. Eliz. Ay, almost slain, for he is taken prisoner; Either betray'd by falsehood of his guard, Or by his foes surpriz'd at unawares : And, as I further have to understand, Is new committed to the bishop of York, Fell Warwick's brother, and by that our foe. Riv. 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. Eliz. 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: don, 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,) To save at least the heir of Edward's right; [Exeunt. SCENE V.-A Park near Middleham Castle in Yorkshire. Enter GLOSTER, HASTINGS, Sir WILLIAM STANLEY, and Others. Glo. 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, And often, but attended with weak guard, He shall here find his friends, with horse and men, Enter King EDWARD, and a Huntsman. Hunt. This way, my lord; for this way lies the game. K. Edw. Nay, this way, man; see, where the hunts men stand.— Now, brother of Gloster, lord Hastings, and the rest, Stand you thus close to steal the bishop's deer? Glo. Brother, the time and case requireth haste; Your horse stands ready at the park corner. K. Edw. But whither shall we then? Hast. To Lynn, my lord; and ship from thence to Flanders. Glo. Well guess'd, believe me; for that was my mean ing. K. Edw. Stanley, I will requite thy forwardness. Hunt. Better do so, than tarry and be hang'd. K. Edw. Bishop, farewell; shield thee from Warwick's frown; And pray that I may repossess the crown. [Exeunt. SCENE VI.-A Room in the Tower. Enter King HENRY, CLARENCE, WARWICK, SOMERSET, young RICHMOND, OXFORD, MONTAGUE, Lieutenant of the Tower, and Attendants. K. Hen. Master lieutenant, now that God and friends Have shaken Edward from the regal seat; And turn'd my captive state to liberty, My fear to hope, my sorrows unto joys; At our enlargement what are thy due fees? Lieu. Subjects may challenge nothing of their sove reigns; But, if an humble prayer may prevail, I then crave pardon of your majesty. K. Hen. For what, lieutenant? for well using me? Nay, be thou sure, I'll well requite thy kindness, For that it made my imprisonment a pleasure: Ay, such a pleasure as incaged birds Conceive, when, after many moody thoughts, At last, by notes of household harmony, War. Your grace hath still been fam'd for virtuous; Clar. No, Warwick, thou art worthy of the sway, And therefore I yield thee my free consent. War. And I choose Clarence only for protector. K. Hen. Warwick, and Clarence, give me both your hands; Now join your hands, and, with your hands, your hearts, I make you both protectors of this land; War. What answers Clarence to his sovereign's will? Clar. That he consents, if Warwick yield consent; For on thy fortune I repose myself. War. Why then, though loath, yet must I be content: We'll yoke together, like a double shadow To Henry's body, and supply his place; Clar. What else? and that succession be determin'd. Clar. It shall be done, my sovereign, with all speed. K. Hen. My lord of Somerset, what youth is that, Of whom you seem to have so tender care? powers Som. My liege, it is young Henry, earl of Richmond. K. Hen. Come hither, England's hope: If secret [Lays his Hand on his Head. 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 fram'd to wear a crown, His hand to wield a sceptre; and himself Likely, in time, to bless a regal throne. |