Suggest but truth to my divining thoughts, Enter a Post. War. What news, my friend? 880 Post. That Edward is escaped from your brother, And fled, as he hears since, to Burgundy. War. Unsavoury news: But how made he escape? Post. He was convey'd by Richard duke of Gloster, And the lord Hastings, who attended him In secret ambush on the forest side, 390 And from the bishop's huntsmen rescued him; War. 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. Manent SOMERSET, RICHMOND, and OXFORD. Som. 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 Rich mond; So doth my heart misgive me, in these conflicts 400 Oxf. Ay; for, if Edward re-possess the crown, 'Tis like, that Richmond with the rest shall down. Som. It shall be so; he shall to Britany. Come, therefore, let's about it speedily. [Exeunt. SCENE VII. York. Enter King EDWARD, GLOSTER, HASTINGS, and Soldiers. K. Edw. Now, brother Richard, lord Hastings, and the rest; Yet thus far fortune maketh us amends, And says-that once more I shall enterchange 410 : What then remains, we being thus arriv'd From Ravenspurg haven before the gates of York, But that we enter, as into our dukedom? Glo. The gates made fast!-Brother, I like not this; For For many men, that stumble at the threshold, 420 Are well foretold-that danger lurks within. K. Edw. 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. Hast. 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 fore-warned of your coming, And shut the gates for safety of ourselves; For now we owe allegiance unto Henry. K. Edw. But, master mayor, if Henry be your king, Yet Edward, at the least, is duke of York. 430 Mayor. True, my good lord; I know you for no K. Edw. Why, and I challenge nothing but my dukedom; As being well content with that alone. Glo. But, when the fox has once got in his nose, He'll soon find means to make the body follow. [Aside. Hast. 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. [He descends. Glo. -Glo. A wise stout captain, and persuaded soon! Hast. The good old man would fain that all were well, So 'twere not 'long of him: but, being enter'd, Re-enter the Mayor, and two Aldermen, below. 440 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, And all those friends that deign to follow me. March. Enter MONTGOMERY, with a Drum and Soldiers. Glo. Brother, this is Sir John Montgomery, Our trusty friend, unless I be deceiv'd. 450 K. Edw. Welcome, Sir John! But why come you in arms? Montg. To help king Edward in his time of storm, As every loyal subject ought to do. 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. Montg. 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. [The Drum begins a March. K. Edw. Nay, stay, Sir John, a while; and we'll debate, 460 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. Glo. 470 And fearless minds climb soonest unto crowns. Brother, we will proclaim you out of hand; The bruit thereof will bring you many friends. Montg. Ay, now my sovereign speaketh like himself; And now will I be Edward's champion. Hast. Sound, trumpet; Edward shall be here pro claim'd: K Come, |