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London. Printed for J Bell British Library Strand May 9.1786.

SCENE IV.

London. The Palace. Enter the Queen, and RIVERS.

Rio. Madam, what makes you in this sudden change ?

Queen. Why, brother Rivers, are you yet to learn, What late misfortune is befall'n king Edward?

Riv. What, loss of some pitch'd battle against
Warwick?

Queen. No, but the loss of his own royal person.
Riv. Then is my sovereign slain ?

Queen. Ay, almost slain, for he is taken prisoner;

Either betray'd by falsehood of his guard,

Or by his foe surpris'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.

251

Riv. These news, I must confess are full of grief: Yet, gracious madam, bear it as you may;

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Warwick may lose, that now hath won the day.
Queen. '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 :
This is it that makes me bridle my passion,
And bear with mildness my misfortune's cross;
Ay, ay, for this I draw in many a tear,
And stop the rising of blood-sucking sighs,
Lest with my sighs or tears I blast or drown

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