Chapter XXII: Act V: SCENE I. Coventry (5)

[daq010] _Lords_] Q1 Q2. _Lord_ Q3. ¶ _theirs_] Q1. _theres_ Q2. _Ther’s_ Q3. ¶ daq010, daq011: _theirs...Smythfield_] As in Q1 Q2. As one line in Q3.

[daq012], daq015: _lets_] Q1 Q2. _let’s_ Q3.

[daq013] _a fire_] Q1 Q3. _on fire_ Q2.

[daq015] Exet] Q1. exeunt Q2. Exit Q3.

[dar001] _some_] Q1 Q2. om. Q3.

[dar002] _the Court_] Q1 Q2. _Court_ Q3.

[dar009] _all things_] Q1 Q3. _al thing_ Q2. ¶ _shall be_] Q1 Q3. _shalbe_ Q2.

[dar012] _should parchment_] Q1 Q2. _parchment should_ Q3.

[dar019]–dar021: _Marry...smocke_] As in Q1 Q2. As prose in Q3.

[dar020] _go with me, and_] Q1 Q2. Omitted in Q3.

[dar024]–dar027: _Come...France?_] As in Q1 Q2. As prose in Q3.

[dar031] _kepst_] Q1. _keepst_ Q2. _keep’st_ Q3.

[dar033] _abhominable_] Q1 Q3. _abominable_ Q2.

[dar034] _that_] Q1 Q2. _this_ Q3. ¶ _peace_] Q1 Q2. _the peace_ Q3.

[dar037], dar038: _Thou...not?_] See note (IV). ¶ _foot-cloth_] Q1 Q3. _foothcloth_ Q2.

[dar045] _bona, terra_] Q1. _terra bona_ Q2. _Bona terra_ Q3.

[dar046] _sounds_] Q1 Q2. _zounds_ Q3. ¶ _whats_] Q1 Q2. _what’s_ Q3.

[dar049] _outtalian_] Q1 Q2. _Outalian_ Q3.

[dar053] _I lost not_] Q1 Q2. _nor lost I_ Q3.

[dar056]–dar058: _Nay...thee_] As in Q1 Q2. As three lines in Q3, ending _say...away...thee._ ¶ dar056: _thy head, as who_] Q1 Q2. _thy head at vs, as who wouldst_ Q3.

[dar057] _the_] Q1. _thee_ Q2 Q3.

[dar058] _chop of_] Q1 Q2. _choppe off_ Q3.

[dar066] _capitie_] Q1. _capite_ Q2 Q3.

[dar070] _squench_] Q1 Q2. _quench_ Q3.

[dar076] _and and_] Q1. _and_ Q2 Q3.

[dar078] _Sargiant youle,_] Q1. _sergeant, youle_ Q2. _Sergeant, you’l_ Q3.

[dar080] _hees_] _he is_ Q3.

[dar081] _of his_] Q1 Q2. _on’s_ Q3.

[dar082] _cut_] Q1 Q2. _and cut_ Q3.

[dar084] _Braue_] Q1 Q2 Q3. _Brain_ Knight. _Brane_ Halliwell.

[dar088] _this_] Q1 Q2. _these_ Q3. ¶ _rebellions_] Q1 Q3. _rebellion_ Q2.

[dar101] _vnder_] Q1 Q3. _unto_ Q2.

[dar102] _straightwaies_] _straightway_ Q3.

[dar106] _a word_] Q1 Q2. om. Q3.

[dar114] _way,_] _way?_ Q3.

[dar115] _want_] Q1. _wants_ Q2 Q3.

[dar117] and flies] Q1 Q2. and then flies Q3.

[dar121] _away_] Q1 Q3. _way_ Q2. ¶ Exet omnes] Omitted in Q2. Exit om. Q3.

[das001] _here_] _heare_ Q2 Q3.

[das004] _must it_] Q1 Q3. _it must_ Q2.

[das005] _be it_] Q1 Q2. _be_ Q3.

[das012] _there_] _their_ Q2 Q3.

[das016] _by that_] Q1 Q2. _by these_ Q3.

[das024] _prosessions_] Q1. _processions_ Q2 Q3.

[das026] Exet] Q1. exeunt Q2. Exit Q3.

[dat001] _life,_] Q1 Q3. _life!_ Q2.

[dat006] _Sounes_] Q1 Q2. _Zounds_ Q3. ¶ _heres_] _heere’s_ Q3.

[dat008] _Astridge_] Q1. _estridge_ Q2 Q3.

[dat012] _my ground_] Q1 Q3. _the ground_ Q2.

[dat014] _too,_] Q1 Q3. _too?_ Q2.

[dat016] _and I do_] Q1 Q2. _if do_ Q3. _if I do_ Steevens.

[dat018]–dat022: _Nay...aside_] As seven lines of verse in Q3, ending _stands,...Kent,...man...thine...hand...weapons...aside._ ¶ dat018: _neuer shall_] Q1 Q2. _shall neuer_ Q3. ¶ _doth stand_] Q1 Q2. _stands_ Q3.

[dat021] _thee_] Q1 Q2. _with thee_ Q3.

[dat022] _weopons_] Q1. _weapons_ Q2 Q3.

[dat023] _doest not hew_] Q1. _hewst not_ Q2. _dost not hew_ Q3.

[dat024] _I beseech God thou maist_] Q1 Q2. _I would thou mightst_ Q3.

[dat025] _hand_] _hands_ Steevens. ¶ _turnd to_] Q1. _turnd into_ Q2. _turn’d to_ Q3.

[dat032] _it_] Q1 Q2. _this_ Q3.

[dat033] _slaine._] Q1 Q2. _slaine?_ Q3. ¶ _ile_] Q1 Q3. _I_ Q2. ¶ dat033–dat036: _Oh sword...beare it._] As five lines of verse in Q3, ending _chamber...age,...me....sword...King._

[dat035], dat036: _his head_] Q1 Q2 (Devonshire and Malone 36) Q3. _head_ Q2 (Malone 867).

[dat036] _it_] Q1. _it with me._ Q2. _it to the King._ Q3. See note (V).

[dau005] _here_] Q1. _here?_ Q2. _heere,_ Q3.

[dau008] _comes_] Q1 Q3. _comest_ Q2.

[dau014] _is._] Q1. _is!_ Q2 Q3.

[dau018] _And not_] Q1 Q3. _And_ Q2.

[dau025] _but so_] Q1 Q2. _then so_ Q3.

[dau026] _granst_] Q1 Q3. _grants_ Q2.

[dau032] Exet] Q1. exeunt Q2. Exit Q3.

[dau044] _Henry_] Q1 Q2. _king Henry_ Q3.

[dau057] _whats_] _what’s_ Q3.

[dau060] _sir_] om. Q3.

[dau062] _to maintaine_] Q1 Q3. _for to maintaine_ Q2.

[dau065] _waight_] Q1. _waite_ Q2 Q3.

[dau067] _to my_] Q1 Q3. _vnto my_ Q2. _to the_ Halliwell.

[dau072] _Whose that,_] Q1. _Who’s that?_ Q2. _Who’s that,_ Q3.

[dau086] Yorke.] King. Q3.

[dau087] _dispight_] Q1. _spight_ Q2. _despight_ Q3.

[dav007] _I, a_] Q1 Q3. _Yea, a_ Q2.

[dav008] _leauy_] Q1 Q2. _leuie_ Q3.

[dav009] _doth_] Q1 Q3. _do_ Q2.

[dav011] _baile_] Q1 Q3. _suertie_ Q2.

[dav018] Earles] Q1 Q3. Earle Q2. ¶ other] other doore Q3.

[dav032] _affright the_] _affright thee_ Q2 Q3.

[dav036] _renowmed_] Q1. _renowned_ Q2 Q3.

[dav037] _compleases_] Q1. _complises_ Q2. _complices_ Q3.

[dav041] Exet] Q1. exeunt Q2. Exit Q3.

[daw001] and Richard kils] Q1 Q3. Richard kills Q2. ¶ _saint_] _S._ Q3. ¶ daw001: _breathe thy last_] Q1 Q2. _tumble in thy blood_ Q3.

[daw002] _whats_] _what’s_ Q3.

[daw007] _saint_] Q1. _S._ Q2 Q3.

[daw008] enter] Q1 Q3. then enter Q2.

[daw029] _fights_] Q1 Q3. _fightst_ Q2.

[daw040] _sinowes_] Q1. _sinewes_ Q2 Q3.

[daw044] _may I_] Q1 Q2. _I may_ Q3.

[daw045] _O! dismall sight,_] Q1. _O dismall sight!_ Q2. _Oh dismall sight,_ Q3.

[daw056] _heres_] _heer’s_ Q3.

[daw057] with him,] him, Steevens.

[daw058] _crooktbacke_] Q1. _croorktback_ Q2. _crook’d-backe_ Q3.

[daw061] _yet_] Q1 Q3. om. Q2.

[daw064] _lets_] _let’s_ Q3.

[daw066] _sommon_] Q1. _summon_ Q2. _summon up_ Q3. ¶ daw066, daw090: _Parlament_] _Parliament_ Q3.

[daw067] Exet] Q1. exeunt Q2. Exit Q3. ¶ and Richard.] Q1 Q2. Edward, and Richard. Q3.

[daw081] _sprited_] Q1 Q2. _spirited_ Q3.

[daw090] _here_] _heare_ Q2. _heere_ Q3.

[daw093] _twas_] _t’ was_ Q3.

[daw095] _eternest_] Q1. _eternizd_ Q2. _eterniz’d_ Q3.

[daw097] Exet] Q1. exeunt Q2. Exit Q3.

NOTES TO THE FIRST PART OF THE CONTENTION, &c.

NOTE I.

I. 66. The Quarto of 1594 has ‘Exet’ throughout this play, which is corrected in the edition of 1619 to ‘Exit,’ and in that of 1600 to ‘Exit’ or ‘exeunt.’ We have only recorded the corrections of ‘Exet’ to ‘Exeunt.’

NOTE II.

II. 45–47. Instead of these lines the Quarto of 1619 has:

‘As long as Gloster beares this base and humble minde:
Were I a man, and Protector as he is,
I’de reach to ’th Crowne, or make some hop headlesse.
And being but a woman, ile not behinde
For playing of my part, in spite of all that seek to crosse me thus:
Who is within there?’

NOTE III.

VI. 11–27. In the edition of 1619 this passage is so much altered that it is necessary to give it at full:

‘The second was _William_ of _Hatfield_,
Who dyed young.
The third was _Lyonell_, Duke of _Clarence_.
The fourth was _Iohn of Gaunt_,
The Duke of _Lancaster_.
The fift was _Edmund of Langley_,
Duke of Yorke.
The sixt was _William of Windsore_,
Who dyed young.
The seauenth and last was Sir _Thomas of Woodstocke_, Duke of _Yorke_.

Now _Edward_ the blacke Prince dyed before his Father, leauing behinde him two sonnes, _Edward_ borne at _Angolesme_, who died young, and _Richard_ that was after crowned King, by the name of _Richard_ the second, who dyed without an heyre.

Lyonell Duke of Clarence dyed, and left him one only daughter, named _Phillip_, who was married to Edmund Mortimer earle of March and Vlster: and so by her I claime the Crowne, as the true heire to Lyonell Duke of Clarence, third sonne to Edward the third.’

NOTE IV.

XVIII. 37, 38. On the line ‘Thou ridest on a foot-cloth doest thou not?’ Mr Halliwell remarks, ‘This passage, though completely necessary for the sense, is entirely omitted in the edition of 1619 and by Mr Knight.’ It is indeed omitted by Mr Knight, who follows Steevens, but it is found in Capell’s copy of the edition of 1619, ‘Thou ridest on a foot-cloth, dost thou not?’ We take this opportunity of remarking that, in all cases where the readings given by us from the edition of 1619 differ from those quoted by Mr Halliwell, we have given them as they stand in Capell’s copy. Mr Halliwell appears to quote from Mr Knight’s reprint. Instances of these variations occur in Scene III. line 6, where Steevens and Mr Knight print ‘They’ for ‘That,’ the reading of all the Quartos: in Scene IV. line 41, where they have ‘treason’ for ‘treasons:’ in Scene VII. line 3, where they have ‘against’ for ‘gainst.’ In Scene X. line 76, Mr Halliwell says the edition of 1619 reads ‘with the vnbloody beake’: in Capell’s copy it is ‘With vnbloody beake.’ In XX. 16 he quotes ‘Yet if I do not’ as the reading of the edition of 1619 where Capell’s copy has ‘Yet if do not,’ the former being the reading of Steevens’s reprint. In XX. 28 ‘hand’ is the reading of all the Quartos, while Steevens has ‘hands.’ It is possible that these variations may be found in other copies of the ed. of 1619.

NOTE V.

XX. 36. In the edition of 1594 the words which follow ‘beare it’ have dropped out.

The true Tragedie of Richard Duke _of Yorke, and the good King_ Henry the Sixt.

Enter _Richard_ Duke of _Yorke_, the Earle of _Warwicke_, _The Duke of Norffolke_, _Marquis Montague_, _Edward Earl of March_, _Crookeback Richard_, and the yong _Earle of Rutland_, with Drumme and Souldiers, with white Roses in their hats.

SCENE I.

_Warwike._
I wonder how the king escapt our hands. [eaa001]

_Yorke._ Whilst we pursude the horsemen of the North, He slilie stole awaie and left his men: Whereat the great Lord of Northumland, Whose warlike eares could neuer brooke retrait, ·eaa005· Chargde our maine battels front, and therewith him [eaa006] Lord _Stafford_ and Lord _Clifford_ all abrest Brake in and were by the hands of common Souldiers (slain. [eaa008]

_Edw._ Lord _Staffords_ father Duke of _Buckhingham_, Is either slaine or wounded dangerouslie, [eaa010] I cleft his Beuer with a downe right blow: Father that this is true behold his bloud.

_Mont._ And brother heeres the Earle of _Wiltshires_ Bloud, whom I encountred as the battailes ioind. [eaa014]

_Rich._ Speake thou for me and tell them what I did. ·eaa015·

_York._ What is your grace dead my L. of _Summerset_? [eaa016]

_Norf._ Such hope haue all the line of _Iohn_ of _Gawnt_.

_Rich._ Thus doe I hope to shape king _Henries_ head.

_War._ And so do _I_ victorious prince of Yorke, Before I see thee seated in that throne ·eaa020· Which now the house of _Lancaster_ vsurpes, I vow by heauens these eies shal neuer close. [eaa022] This is the pallace of that fearefull king, And that the regall chaire? Possesse it Yorke: [eaa024] For this is thine and not king _Henries_ heires. ·eaa025·

_York._ Assist me then sweet _Warwike_, and I wil: For hither are we broken in by force.

_Norf._ Weele all assist thee, and he that flies shall die.

_York._ Thanks gentle _Norffolke_. Staie by me my Lords, and souldiers staie you heere and lodge this night: ·eaa030·

_War._ And when the king comes offer him no Violence, vnlesse he seek to put vs out by force. [eaa032]

_Rich._ Armde as we be, lets staie within this house? [eaa033]

_War._ The bloudie parlement shall this be calde, Vnlesse _Plantagenet_ Duke of Yorke be king ·eaa035· And bashfull _Henrie_ be deposde, whose cowardise Hath made vs by-words to our enemies.

_York._ Then leaue me not my Lords: for now I meane To take possession of my right.

_War._ Neither the king, nor him that loues him best, ·eaa040· The proudest burd that holds vp _Lancaster_. [eaa041] Dares stirre a wing if _Warwike_ shake his bels. [eaa042] Ile plant _Plantagenet_: and root him out who dares? Resolue thee _Richard_: Claime the English crowne.

Enter king _Henrie_ the sixt, with the Duke of _Excester_,
The Earle of _Northumberland_, the Earle of _Westmerland_ and
_Clifford_, the Earle of _Cumberland_ with red Roses in their hats.

_King._ Looke Lordings where the sturdy rebel sits, ·eaa045· Euen in the chaire of state: belike he meanes Backt by the power of _Warwike_ that false peere, To aspire vnto the crowne, and raigne as king. Earle of _Northumberland_, he slew thy father. And thine _Clifford_: and you both haue vow’d reuenge, ·eaa050· On him, his sonnes, his fauorites, and his friends.

_Northu._ And if I be not, heauens be reuengd on me.

_Clif._ The hope thereof, makes _Clifford_ mourn in steel.

_West._ What? shall we suffer this, lets pull him downe. [eaa054] My hart for anger breakes, I cannot speake. ·eaa055·

_King._ Be patient gentle Earle of _Westmerland_.

_Clif._ Patience is for pultrouns such as he He durst not sit there had your father liu’d? My gratious Lord: here in the Parlement, Let vs assaile the familie of Yorke. ·eaa060·

_North._ Well hast thou spoken cosen, be it so.

_King._ O know you not the Cittie fauours them, And they haue troopes of soldiers at their becke? [eaa063]

_Exet._ But when the D. is slaine, theile quicklie flie. [eaa064]

_King._ Far be it from the thoughtes of _Henries_ hart, ·eaa065· To make a shambles of the parlement house. Cosen of _Exeter_, words, frownes, and threats, Shall be the warres that Henrie meanes to vse. Thou factious duke of Yorke, descend my throne, I am thy soueraigne. ·eaa070·

_York._ Thou art deceiu’d: I am thine.

_Exet._ For shame come downe he made thee D. of (_York_.

_York._ Twas mine inheritance as the kingdome is. [eaa073]

_Exet._ Thy father was a traytor to the crowne.

_War._ _Exeter_ thou art a traitor to the crowne. ·eaa075· In following this vsurping _Henry_.

_Clif._ Whom should he follow but his naturall king.

_War._ True _Clif._ and that is _Richard_ Duke of Yorke. [eaa078]

_King._ And shall I stande while thou sittest in my [eaa079]
throne? ·eaa080·

_York._ Content thy selfe it must and shall be so.

_War._ Be Duke of _Lancaster_, let him be king. [eaa082]

_West._ Why? he is both king & Duke of _Lancaster_, And that the Earle of _Westmerland_ shall mainetaine.

_War._ And _Warwike_ shall disproue it. You forget ·eaa085· That we are those that chaste you from the field And slew your father, and with colours spred, Marcht through the Cittie to the pallas gates.

_Nor._ No _Warwike_ I remember it to my griefe, [eaa089] And by his soule thou and thy house shall rew it. ·eaa090·

_West._ _Plantagenet_ of thee and of thy sonnes, Thy kinsmen and thy friendes, Ile haue more liues, Then drops of bloud were in my fathers vaines.

_Clif._ Vrge it no more, least in reuenge thereof, I send thee _Warwike_ such a messenger, As shall reueng his death before I stirre. ·eaa095·

_War._ Poore _Clifford_, how I skorn thy worthles threats

_York._ Wil ye we shew our title to the crowne, Or else our swords shall plead it in the field?

_King._ What title haste thou traitor to the Crowne? Thy father was as thou art Duke of _Yorke_, ·eaa100· Thy grandfather _Roger Mortimer_ earle of _March_, I am the sonne of Henrie the Fift who tamde the _French_, And made the Dolphin stoope, and seazd vpon their [eaa103] Townes and prouinces.

_War._ Talke not of _France_ since thou hast lost it all. ·eaa105·

_King._ The Lord protector lost it and not I, When I was crownd I was but nine months old.

_Rich._ You are olde enough now and yet me thinkes you lose, [eaa108] Father teare the Crowne from the Vsurpers head.

_Edw._ Do so sweet father, set it on your head. ·eaa110·

_Mont._ Good brother as thou lou’st & honorst armes, Lets fight it out and not stand cauilling thus. [eaa112]

_Rich._ Sound drums and trumpets & the king will fly.

_York._ Peace sonnes:

_Northum._ Peace thou and giue king Henry leauē to speake. [eaa115]

_King._ Ah _Plantagenet_, why seekest thou to depose (me? [eaa116] Are we not both both _Plantagenets_ by birth, [eaa117] And from two brothers lineallie discent? [eaa118] Suppose by right and equitie thou be king, Thinkst thou that I will leaue my kinglie seate ·eaa120· Wherein my father and my grandsire sat? No, first shall warre vnpeople this my realme, I and our colours often borne in _France_, And now in _England_ to our harts great sorrow Shall be my winding sheete, why faint you Lords? ·eaa125· My titles better farre than his. [eaa126]

_War._ Proue it _Henrie_ and thou shalt be king?

_King._ Why _Henrie_ the fourth by conquest got the Crowne.

_York._ T‛was by rebellion gainst his soueraigne. [eaa129]

_King._ I know not what to saie my titles weake, Tell me maie not a king adopt an heire?

_War._ What then?

_King._ Then am I lawfull king For _Richard_ The second in the view of manie Lords Resignde the Crowne to _Henrie_ the fourth, [eaa135] Whose heire my Father was, and I am his.

_York._ I tell thee he rose against him being his Soueraigne, & made him to resigne the crown perforce. [eaa138]

_War._ Suppose my Lord he did it vnconstrainde, Thinke you that were preiudiciall to the Crowne? ·eaa140·

_Exet._ No, for he could not resigne the Crowne, But that the next heire must succeed and raigne.

_King._ Art thou against vs, Duke of _Exceter_?

_Exet._ His is the right, and therefore pardon me.

_King._ All will reuolt from me and turne to him. ·eaa145·

_Northum._ _Plantagenet_ for all the claime thou laist, [eaa146] Thinke not king _Henry_ shall be thus deposde?

_War._ Deposde he shall be in despight of thee.

_North._ Tush _Warwike_, Thou art deceiued? tis not thy [eaa149] Southerne powers of _Essex_, _Suffolk_, _Norffolke_, and of [eaa150]

_Kent_. that makes thee thus presumptuous and proud, Can set the Duke vp in despight of me.

_Cliff._ King _Henrie_ be thy title right or wrong, Lord _Clifford_ vowes to fight in thy defence. Maie that ground gape and swallow me aliue, ·eaa155· Where I do kneele to him that slew my father.

_King._ O _Clifford_, how thy words reuiue my soule.

_York._ _Henry_ of _Lancaster_ resigne thy crowne. What mutter you? or what conspire you Lords? [eaa159]

_War._ Doe right vnto this princelie Duke of _Yorke_, ·eaa160· Or I will fill the house with armed men,

Enter Souldiers.

And ouer the chaire of state where now he sits, Wright vp his title with thy vsurping bloud. [eaa163]

_King._ O _Warwike_, heare me speake. Let me but raigne in quiet whilst I liue. [eaa165]

_York._ Confirme the crowne to me and to mine heires And thou shalt raigne in quiet whilst thou liu’st.

_King._ Conuey the souldiers hence, and then I will.

_War._ Captaine conduct them into _Tuthill_ fieldes.

_Clif._ What wrong is this vnto the Prince your son? ·eaa170·

_War._ What good is this for _England_ and himselfe?

_Northum._ Base, fearefull, and despairing _Henry_.

_Clif._ How hast thou wronged both thy selfe and vs?

_West._ I cannot staie to heare these Articles. _Exit._ [eaa174]

_Clif._ Nor I, Come cosen lets go tell the Queene. [eaa175]

_Northum._ Be thou a praie vnto the house of _Yorke_, And die in bands for this vnkingly deed. _Exit._ [eaa177]

_Clif._ In dreadfull warre maist thou be ouercome, Or liue in peace abandon’d and despisde. _Exit._

_Exet._ They seeke reuenge, and therefore will not yeeld my
Lord. [eaa180]

_King._ Ah _Exeter_?

_War._ Why should you sigh my Lord?

_King._ Not for my selfe Lord _Warwike_, but my sonne, Whom I vnnaturallie shall disinherit. But be it as it maie: I heere intaile the Crowne ·eaa185· To thee and to thine heires, conditionallie, That here thou take thine oath, to cease these ciuill [eaa187] Broiles, and whilst I liue to honour me as thy king and Soueraigne.

_York._ That oath I willinglie take and will performe.

_War._ Long liue king _Henry_. _Plantagenet_ embrace him? [eaa190]

_King._ And long liue thou and all thy forward sonnes.

_York._ Now _Yorke_ and _Lancaster_ are reconcilde.

_Exet._ Accurst be he that seekes to make them foes,

Sound trumpets.

_York._ My Lord Ile take my leaue, for Ile to _Wakefield_, [eaa194] To my castell. _Exit Yorke_ and his sonnes. [eaa195]

_War._ And Ile keepe _London_ with my souldiers. _Exit._

_Norf._ And _I_le to _Norffolke_ with my followers. _Exit._

_Mont._ And I to the sea from whence I came. _Exit._

Enter the _Queene_ and the _Prince_.

_Exet._ My Lord here comes the Queen, Ile steale away.

_King._ And so will _I_. ·eaa200·

_Queene._ Naie staie, or else I follow thee. [eaa201]

_King._ Be patient gentle _Queene_, and then Ile staie.

_Quee._ What patience can there? ah timerous man, [eaa203] Thou hast vndoone thy selfe, thy sonne, and me, And giuen our rights vnto the house of _Yorke_. [eaa205] Art thou a king and wilt be forst to yeeld? Had I beene there, the souldiers should haue tost Me on their launces points, before I would haue Granted to their wils. The Duke is made Protector of the land: Sterne _Fawconbridge_ ·eaa210· Commands the narrow seas. And thinkst thou then To sseepe secure? I heere diuorce me _Henry_ [eaa212] From thy bed, vntill that Act of Parlement Be recalde, wherein thou yeeldest to the house of _Yorke_. The Northen Lords that haue forsworne thy colours, [eaa215] Will follow mine if once they see them spred, And spread they shall vnto thy deepe disgrace. Come sonne, lets awaie and leaue him heere alone. [eaa218]

_King._ Staie gentle _Margaret_, and here me speake.

_Queene._ Thou hast spoke too much alreadie, therefore be
still. ·eaa220·

_King._ Gentle sonne _Edwarde_, wilt thou staie with me?

_Quee._ I, to be murdred by his enemies. _Exit._ [eaa222]

_Prin._ When I returne with victorie from the field, Ile see your Grace, till then Ile follow her. _Exit._

_King._ Poore _Queene_, her loue to me and to the prince Her sonne, ·eaa225· Makes hir in furie thus forget hir selfe. [eaa226] Reuenged maie shee be on that accursed Duke. Come cosen of _Exeter_, staie thou here, For _Clifford_ and those Northern Lords be gone I feare towards _Wakefield_, to disturbe the Duke. ·eaa230·

SCENE II.

Enter _Edward_, and _Richard_, and _Montague_.

_Edw._ Brother, and cosen Montague, giue mee leaue to speake.

_Rich._ Nay, I can better plaie the Orator.

_Mont._ But I haue reasons strong and forceable.

Enter the Duke of _Yorke_.

_York._ Howe nowe sonnes what at a iarre amongst your selues?

_Rich._ No father, but a sweete contention, about that [eab005] which concernes your selfe and vs, The crowne of England father.

_York._ The crowne boy, why _Henries_ yet aliue, [eab008] And I haue sworne that he shall raigne in quiet till [eab009] His death. ·eab010·

_Edw._ But I would breake an hundred othes to raigne [eab011] one yeare.

_Rich._ And if it please your grace to giue me leaue, Ile shew your grace the waie to saue your oath, And dispossesse king _Henrie_ from the crowne. ·eab015·

_Yorke_ I prethe _Dicke_ let me heare thy deuise.

_Rich._ Then thus my Lord. An oath is of no moment [eab017] Being not sworne before a lawfull magistrate. _Henry_ is none but doth vsurpe your right. And yet your grace stands bound to him by oath. ·eab020· Then noble father resolue your selfe, And once more claime the crowne.

_Yorke_ _I_, saist thou so boie? why then it shall be so. _I_ am resolude to win the crowne, or die. Edward, rhou shalt to _Edmund Brooke_ Lord _Cobham_, [eab025] With whom the _Kentishmen_ will willinglie rise: Thou cosen _Montague_, shalt to _Norffolke_ straight, And bid the Duke to muster vppe his souldiers, And come to me to _Wakefield_ presentlie. And _Richard_ thou to _London_ strait shalt post, ·eab030· And bid _Richard Neuill_ Earle of _Warwike_ To leaue the cittie, and with his men of warre, To meet me at Saint _Albons_ ten daies hence. [eab033] My selfe heere in _Sandall_ castell will prouide Both men and monie to furder our attempts. ·eab035· Now, what newes? Enter a Messenger.

_Mes._ My Lord, the _Queene_ with thirtie thousand men, Accompanied with the Earles of _Cumberland_, _Nurthumberland_ and _Westmerland_, and others of the [eab039] House of _Lancaster_, are marching towards _Wakefield_, ·eab040· To besiedge you in your castell heere.

Enter sir _Iohn_ and sir _Hugh Mortimer_.

_Yorke_ A Gods name, let them come. Cosen _Montague_ [eab042] post you hence: and boies staie you with me.

Sir _Iohn_ and sir _Hugh Mortemers_ mine vncles, [eab044] Your welcome to _Sandall_ in an happie houre, [eab045] The armie of the Queene meanes to besiedge vs.

Sir _Iohn_. Shee shall not neede my Lorde, weele meete her in the
field. [eab047]

_York_ What with fiue thousand souldiers vncle? [eab048]

_Rich._ I father, with fiue hundred for a need, A womans generall, what should you feare? [eab050]

_York._ Indeed, manie braue battels haue I woon [eab051] In _Normandie_, when as the enimie Hath bin ten to one, and why should I now doubt Of the like successe? I am resolu’d. Come lets goe.

_Edw._ Lets martch awaie, I heare their drums. _Exit._ [eab055]

SCENE III.

Alarmes, and then enter the yong Earle of _Rutland_ and his Tutor.

_Tutor._ Oh flie my Lord, lets leaue the Castell, And flie to _Wakefield_ straight.

Enter _Clifford_.

_Rut._ O Tutor, looke where bloudie _Clifford_ comes.

_Clif._ Chaplin awaie, thy Priesthood saues thy life, [eac004] As for the brat of that accursed Duke ·eac005· Whose father slew my father, he shall die.

_Tutor_ Oh _Clifford_ spare this tender Lord, least Heauen reuenge it on thy head: Oh saue his life. [eac008]

_Clif._ Soldiers awaie and drag him hence perforce: Awaie with the villaine. _Exit_ the Chaplein. [eac010] How now, what dead alreadie? or is it feare that Makes him close his eies? Ile open them.

_Rut._ So lookes the pent vp Lion on the lambe, And so he walkes insulting ouer his praie, [eac014] And so he turnes againe to rend his limmes in sunder, ·eac015· Oh _Clifford_, kill me with thy sword, and Not with such a cruell threatning looke, I am too meane a subiect for thy wrath, [eac018] Be thou reuengde on men, and let me liue.

_Clif._ In vaine thou speakest poore boy: my fathers ·eac020· Bloud hath stopt the passage where thy words shoulde enter. [eac021]

_Rut._ Then let my fathers blood ope it againe? he is a [eac022] Man, and _Clifford_ cope with him.

_Clif._ Had I thy brethren here, their liues and thine Were not reuenge sufficient for me. ·eac025· Or should _I_ dig vp thy forefathers graues, And hang their rotten coffins vp in chaines, It could not slake mine ire, nor ease my hart. The sight of anie of the house of _Yorke_, Is as a furie to torment my soule. ·eac030· Therefore till _I_ root out that curssed line And leaue not one on earth, _I_le liue in hell therefore.

_Rut._ Oh let me praie, before _I_ take my death. To thee _I_ praie: Sweet _Clifford_ pittie me.

_Clif._ _I_, such pitie as my rapiers point affords. ·eac035·

_Rut._ _I_ neuer did thee hurt, wherefore wilt thou kill mee?

_Clif._ Thy father hath.

_Rut._ But twas ere _I_ was borne: [eac038] Thou hast one sonne, for his sake pittie me, Least in reuenge thereof, sith God is iust, ·eac040· He be as miserablie slaine as _I_. Oh, let me liue in prison all my daies, And when _I_ giue occasion for offence, Then let me die, for now thou hast no cause.

_Clif._ No cause? Thy Father slew my father, therefore Die. ·eac045· _Plantagenet_ I come _Plantagenet_, And this thy sonnes bloud cleauing to my blade, Shall rust vpon my weapon, till thy bloud Congeald with his, doe make me wipe off both. _Exit._

Alarmes, Enter the Duke of _Yorke solus_.

_Yorke_ Ah _Yorke_, post to thy castell, saue thy life, ·eac050· The goale is lost thou house of _Lancaster_, [eac051] Thrise happie chance is it for thee and thine, That heauen abridgde my daies and cals me hence, But God knowes what chance hath betide my sonnes: But this I know they haue demeand themselues, ·eac055· Like men borne to renowne by life or death: _T_hree times this daie came _Richard_ to my sight, And cried courage Father: Victorie or death. And twise so oft came _Edward_ to my view, With purple Faulchen painted to the hilts, ·eac060· In bloud of those whom he had slaughtered. Oh harke, _I_ heare the drums? No waie to flie: [eac062] No waie to saue my life? And heere _I_ staie: And heere my life must end.

Enter the _Queene_, _Clifford_, _Northumberland_, and souldiers.

Come bloudie _Clifford_, rough _Northumberland_, I dare your quenchlesse furie to more bloud: This is the But, and this abides your shot.

_Northum._ Yeeld to our mercies proud _Plantagenet_.

_Clif._ I, to such mercie as his ruthfull arme With downe right paiment lent vnto my father, ·eac070· Now _Phaeton_ hath tumbled from his carre, And made an euening at the noone tide pricke.

_York._ My ashes like the _Phœnix_ maie bring forth A bird that will reuenge it on you all, And in that hope I cast mine eies to heauen, ·eac075· Skorning what ere you can afflict me with: Why staie you Lords? what, multitudes and feare?

_Clif._ So cowards fight when they can flie no longer: So Doues doe pecke the Rauens piersing tallents: So desperate theeues all hopelesse of their liues, ·eac080· Breath out inuectives gainst the officers. [eac081]

_York._ Oh _Clifford_, yet bethinke thee once againe, And in thy minde orerun my former time: And bite thy toung that slaunderst him with cowardise, Whose verie looke hath made thee quake ere this. ·eac085·

_Clif._ I will not bandie with thee word for word, But buckle with thee blowes twise two for one.

_Queene._ Hold valiant _Clifford_ for a thousand causes, I would prolong the traitors life a while. Wrath makes him death, speake thou _Northumberland_. [eac090]

_Nor._ Hold _Clifford_, doe not honour him so much, To pricke thy finger though to wound his hart: What valure were it when a curre doth grin, [eac093] For one to thrust his hand betweene his teeth, When he might spurne him with his foote awaie? ·eac095· Tis warres prise to take all aduantages, And ten to one, is no impeach in warres.

Fight and take him.

_Clif._ I, I, so striues the Woodcocke with the gin.

_North._ So doth the cunnie struggle with the net.

_York._ So triumphs theeues vpon their conquered [eac100] Bootie: So true men yeeld by robbers ouermatcht. [eac101]

_North._ What will your grace haue done with him?

_Queen._ Braue warriors, _Clifford_ & _Northumberland_ Come make him stand vpon this molehill here, That aimde at mountaines with outstretched arme, ·eac105· And parted but the shaddow with his hand. Was it you that reuelde in our Parlement, And made a prechment of your high descent? Where are your messe of sonnes to backe you now? The wanton _Edward_, and the lustie _George_? ·eac110· Or where is that valiant _Crookbackt_ prodegie? [eac111] Dickey your boy, that with his grumbling voice, Was wont to cheare his Dad in mutinies? Or amongst the rest, where is your darling _Rutland_? [eac114] Looke _Yorke_? I dipt this napkin in the bloud, ·eac115· That valiant _Clifford_ with his rapiers point, [eac116] Made issue from the bosome of thy boy. And if thine eies can water for his death, I giue thee this to drie thy cheeks withall. Alas poore _Yorke_? But that I hate thee much, ·eac120· _I_ should lament thy miserable state? [eac121] I prethee greeue to make me merrie _Yorke_? [eac122] Stamp, raue and fret, that I maie sing and dance. What? hath thy fierie hart so parcht thine entrailes, [eac124] That not a teare can fall for _Rutlands_ death? ·eac125· Thou wouldst be feede I see to make me sport. _Yorke_ cannot speake, vnlesse he weare a crowne. A crowne for _Yorke_? and Lords bow low to him. [eac128] So: hold you his hands, whilst _I_ doe set it on. [eac129] I, now lookes he like a king? [eac130] This is he that tooke king _Henries_ chaire, And this is he was his adopted aire. [eac132] But how is it that great _Plantagenet_, Is crownd so soone, and broke his holie oath, As I bethinke me you should not be king, ·eac135· Till our _Henry_ had shooke hands with death, And will you impale your head with _Henries_ glorie, And rob his temples of the Diadem Now in his life against your holie oath? Oh, tis a fault too too vnpardonable. ·eac140· Off with the crowne, and with the crowne his head, And whilst we breath, take time to doe him dead.

_Clif._ Thats my office for my fathers death. [eac143]

_Queen._ Yet stay: & lets here the Orisons he makes.

_York._ She wolfe of _France_, but worse than Wolues of _France_: ·eac145· Whose tongue more poison’d than the Adders tooth: [eac146] How ill beseeming is it in thy sexe, To triumph like an _Amazonian_ trull Vpon his woes, whom Fortune captiuates? But that thy face is visard like, vnchanging, [eac150] Made impudent by use of euill deeds: _I_ would assaie, proud Queene, to make thee blush: To tell thee of whence thou art, from whom deriu’de, Twere shame enough to shame thee, wert thou not shamelesse. [eac154] Thy father beares the type of king of _Naples_, [eac155] Of both the _Sissiles_ and _Ierusalem_, [eac156] Yet not so wealthie as an English Yeoman. Hath that poore Monarch taught thee to insult? It needes not, or it bootes thee not proud Queene, Vnlesse the Adage must be verifide: ·eac160· That beggers mounted, run their horse to death. Tis beautie, that oft makes women proud, But God he wots thy share thereof is small. Tis gouernment, that makes them most admirde, The contrarie doth make thee wondred at. ·eac165· Tis vertue that makes them seeme deuine, [eac166] The want thereof makes thee abhominable. Thou art as opposite to euerie good, As the _Antipodes_ are vnto vs, Or as the south to the Septentrion. ·eac170· Oh Tygers hart wrapt in a womans hide? [eac171] How couldst thou draine the life bloud of the childe, To bid the father wipe his eies withall, And yet be seene to beare a womans face? Women are milde, pittifull, and flexible, ·eac175· Thou indurate, sterne, rough, remorcelesse. Bids thou me rage? why now thou hast thy will. Wouldst haue me weepe? why so thou hast thy wish, For raging windes blowes vp a storme of teares, [eac179] And when the rage alaies the raine begins. [eac180] These teares are my sweet _Rutlands_ obsequies, And euerie drop begs vengeance as it fals, On thee fell _Clifford_, and the false French woman. [eac183]

_North._ Beshrew me but his passions moue me so, As hardlie can I checke mine eies from teares. [eac185]

_York._ That face of his the hungrie Cannibals Could not haue tucht, would not haue staind with bloud But you are more inhumaine, more inexorable, O ten times more then Tygers of _Arcadia_. See ruthlesse _Queene_ a haplesse fathers teares. ·eac190· This cloth thou dipts in bloud of my sweet boy, And loe with teares I wash the bloud awaie. Keepe thou the napkin and go boast of that, And if thou tell the heauie storie well, [eac194] Vpon my soule the hearers will sheed teares, [eac195] I, euen my foes will sheed fast falling teares, [eac196] And saie, alas, it was a pitteous deed. Here, take the crowne, and with the crowne my curse, And in thy need such comfort come to thee, As now _I_ reape at thy two cruell hands. [eac200] Hard-harted _Clifford_, take me from the world, [eac201] My soule to heauen, my bloud vpon your heads.

_North._ Had he bin slaughterman of all my kin, _I_ could not chuse but weepe with him to see, How inlie anger gripes his hart. [eac205]

_Quee._ What weeping ripe, my Lorde _Northumberland_? Thinke but vpon the wrong he did vs all, And that will quicklie drie your melting tears.

_Clif._ _T_hears for my oath, thears for my fathers death. [eac209]

_Queene._ And thears to right our gentle harted kind. [eac210]

_York._ Open thy gates of mercie gratious God, My soule flies foorth to meet with thee.

_Queene._ Off with his head and set it on _Yorke_ Gates, So _Yorke_ maie ouerlooke the towne of _Yorke_. _Exeunt omnes._

SCENE IV.

Enter _Edward_ and _Richard_, with drum and Souldiers.

_Edw._ After this dangerous fight and haplesse warre, How doth my noble brother _Richard_ fare?

_Rich._ I cannot ioy vntil I be resolu’de, Where our right valiant father is become. How often did I see him beare himselfe, ·ead005· As doth a lion midst a heard of neat, So fled his enemies our valiant father, [ead007] Me thinkes tis pride enough to be his sonne.

Three sunnes appeare in the aire.

_Edw._ Loe how the morning opes her golden gates, And takes her farewell of the glorious sun, ·ead010· Dasell mine eies or doe I see three suns? [ead011]

_Rich._ Three glorious suns, not seperated by a racking [ead012] Cloud, but seuered in a pale cleere shining skie. See, see, they ioine, embrace, and seeme to kisse, As if they vowde some league inuiolate: ·ead015· Now are they but one lampe, one light, one sun, In this the heauens doth figure some euent.

_Edw._ _I_ thinke it cites vs brother to the field, That we the sonnes of braue _Plantagenet_, Alreadie each one shining by his meed, ·ead020· May ioine in one and ouerpeere the world, As this the earth, and therefore hence forward, Ile beare vpon my Target, three faire shining suns. But what art thou? that lookest so heauilie? [ead024]

_Mes._ Oh one that was a wofull looker on, ·ead025· When as the noble Duke of _Yorke_ was slaine.

_Edw._ O speake no more, for I can heare no more.

_Rich._ Tell on thy tale, for _I_ will heare it all.

_Mes._ When as the noble Duke was put to flight, And then pursu’de by _Clifford_ and the _Queene_, ·ead030· And manie souldiers moe, who all at once Let driue at him and forst the Duke to yeeld: [ead032] And then they set him on a molehill there, And crownd the gratious Duke in high despite, Who then with teares began to waile his fall. ·ead035· The ruthlesse _Queene_ perceiuing he did weepe, Gaue him a handkercher to wipe his eies, Dipt in the bloud of sweet young _Rutland_ By rough _Clifford_ slaine: who weeping tooke it vp. _T_hen through his brest they thrust their bloudy swordes, ·ead040· Who like a lambe fell at the butchers feete. Then on the gates of _Yorke_ they set his head, And there it doth remaine the piteous spectacle That ere mine eies beheld.

_Edw._ Sweet Duke of _Yorke_ our prop to leane vpon, ·ead045· Now thou art gone there is no hope for vs: Now my soules pallace is become a prison. Oh would she breake from compasse of my breast, For neuer shall I haue more ioie.

_Rich._ I cannot weepe, for all my breasts moisture ·ead050· Scarse serues to quench my furnace burning hart: [ead051] I cannot ioie till this white rose be dide, Euen in the hart bloud of the house of _Lancaster_. _Richard_, I bare thy name, and _I_le reuenge thy death, [ead054] Or die my selfe in seeking of reuenge. ·ead055·

_Edw._ His name that valiant Duke hath left with thee, His chaire and Dukedome that remaines for me.

_Rich._ Nay, if thou be that princely Eagles bird, Shew thy descent by gazing gainst the sunne. [ead059] For chaire, and dukedome, Throne and kingdome saie: ·ead060· For either that is thine, or else thou wert not his? [ead061]

Enter the Earle of _Warwike_, _Montague_, with drum, ancient, and
souldiers.

_War._ How now faire Lords: what fare? what newes abroad?

_Rich._ Ah _Warwike_? should we report the balefull [ead063] Newes, and at each words deliuerance stab poinyardes In our flesh till all were told, the words would adde ·ead065· More anguish then the wounds. Ah valiant Lord the Duke of _Yorke_ is slaine.

_Edw._ Ah _Warwike Warwike_, that _Plantagenet_, Which held thee deere: I, euen as his soules redemption, [ead069] Is by the sterne _L. Clifford_, done to death. [ead070]

_War._ Ten daies a go I drownd those newes in teares. [ead071] And now to adde more measure to your woes, I come to tell you things since then befalne. [ead073] After the bloudie fraie at _Wakefield_ fought, Where your braue father breath’d his latest gaspe, ·ead075· Tidings as swiflie as the post could runne, [ead076] Was brought me of your losse, and his departure. I then in London keeper of the _King_, Mustred my souldiers, gathered flockes of friends, And verie well appointed as I thought, ·ead080· Marcht to saint _Albons_ to entercept the _Queene_, [ead081] Bearing the _King_ in my behalfe along, For by my scoutes I was aduertised, That she was comming, with a full intent _T_o dash your late decree in parliament, Touching king _Henries_ heires and your succession. Short tale to make, we at Saint _Albons_ met, Our battles ioinde, and both sides fiercelie fought: But whether twas the coldnesse of the king, [ead089] He lookt full gentlie on his warlike _Queene_, [ead090] That robde my souldiers of their heated spleene. Or whether twas report of his successe, Or more then common feare of _Cliffords_ rigor, Who thunders to his captaines bloud and death, I cannot tell. But to conclude with truth, ·ead095· Their weapons like to lightnings went and came. Our souldiers like the night Owles lasie flight, [ead097] Or like an idle thresher with a flaile, Fel gentlie downe as if they smote their friends. I cheerd them vp with iustice of the cause, ·ead100· With promise of hie paie and great rewardes, But all in vaine, they had no harts to fight, Nor we in them no hope to win the daie, So that We fled. The king vnto the _Queene_, Lord _George_ your brother, _Norffolke_, and my selfe, ·ead105· In hast, post hast, are come to ioine with you, For in the marches here we heard you were, Making another head to fight againe. [ead108]

_Edw._ Thankes gentle _Warwike_. How farre hence is the Duke with his power? ·ead110· And when came _George_ from _Burgundie_ to _England_?

_War._ Some fiue miles off the Duke is with his power, But as for your brother he was latelie sent From your kind Aunt, Duches of _Burgundie_, With aide of souldiers gainst this needfull warre. [ead115]

_Rich._ Twas ods belike, when valiant _Warwike_ fled. Oft haue I heard thy praises in pursute, But nere till now thy scandall of retire.

_War._ Nor now my scandall _Richard_ dost thou heare, For thou shalt know that this right hand of mine, ·ead120· Can plucke the Diadem from faint _Henries_ head, And wring the awefull scepter from his fist: Were he as famous and as bold in warre, As he is famde for mildnesse, peace and praier.

_Rich._ I know it well Lord _Warwike_ blame me not, ·ead125· Twas loue I bare thy glories made me speake. But in this troublous time, whats to be done? [ead127] Shall we go throw away our coates of steele, And clad our bodies in blacke mourning gownes, Numbring our _Auemaries_ with our beades? ·ead130· Or shall we on the helmets of our foes, Tell our deuotion with reuengefull armes? _I_f for the last, saie _I_, and to it Lords.

_War._ Why therefore _Warwike_ came to find you out, And therefore comes my brother _Montague_. ·ead135· Attend me Lords, the proud insulting Queene, With _Clifford_, and the haught _Northumberland_, And of their feather manie mo proud birdes, [ead138] Haue wrought the easie melting king like waxe. He sware consent to your succession, ·ead140· His oath inrolled in the Parliament. But now to London all the crew are gone, To frustrate his oath or what besides [ead143] May make against the house of _Lancaster_. Their power _I_ gesse them fifty thousand strong. ·ead145· Now if the helpe of _Norffolke_ and my selfe, Can but amount to 48. thousand, [ead147] With all the friendes that thou braue earle of _March_, Among the louing Welshmen canst procure, Why via, To London will we march amaine, ·ead150· And once againe bestride our foming steedes, And once againe crie charge vpon the foe, But neuer once againe turne backe and flie.

_Rich._ I, now me thinkes I heare great _Warwike_ speake: Nere maie he liue to see a sunshine daie, ·ead155· _T_hat cries retire, when _Warwike_ bids him stay.

_Edw._ Lord _Warwike_, on thy shoulder will I leane, And when thou faints, must _Edward_ fall: [ead158] Which perill heauen forefend.

_War._ No longer Earle of _March_, but Duke of _Yorke_, ·ead160· The next degree, is Englands royall king: [ead161] And king of England shalt thou be proclaimde, In euery burrough as we passe along: And he that casts not vp his cap for ioie, Shall for the offence make forfeit of his head. [ead165] King _Edward_, valiant _Richard_, _Montague_, Stay we no longer dreaming of renowne, But forward to effect these resolutions.

Enter a Messenger.

_Mes._ The Duke of _Norffolke_ sends you word by me, The _Queene_ is comming with a puissant power, ·ead170· And craues your companie for speedie councell.

_War._ Why then it sorts braue Lordes. Lets march away. [ead172]
_Exeunt Omnes._

SCENE V.

Enter the _King_ and _Queene_, Prince _Edward_, and the Northerne Earles, with drum and Souldiers.

_Quee._ Welcome my Lord to this braue town of _York_. Yonders the head of that ambitious enemie, [eae002] That sought to be impaled with your crowne. Doth not the obiect please your eie my Lord?

_King._ Euen as the rockes please them that feare their wracke. ·eae005· Withhold reuenge deare God, tis not my fault, Nor wittinglie haue I infringde my vow.

_Clif._ My gratious Lord, this too much lenitie, And harmefull pittie must be laid aside, To whom do Lyons cast their gentle lookes? ·eae010· Not to the beast that would vsurpe his den. Whose hand is that the sauage Beare doth licke? Not his that spoiles his young before his face. Whose scapes the lurking serpentes mortall sting? [eae014] Not he that sets his foot vpon her backe. ·eae015· The smallest worme will turne being troden on, And Doues will pecke, in rescue of their broode. Ambitious _Yorke_ did leuell at thy Crowne, Thou smiling, while he knit his angrie browes. He but a Duke, would haue his sonne a king, ·eae020· And raise his issue like a louing sire. Thou being a king blest with a goodlie sonne, Didst giue consent to disinherit him, Which argude thee a most vnnaturall father. Vnreasonable creatures feed their yong, ·eae025· And though mans face be fearefull to their eies, Yet in protection of their tender ones, Who hath not seene them euen with those same wings Which they haue sometime vsde in fearefull flight, Make warre with him, that climes vnto their nest, ·eae030· Offring their owne liues in their yongs defence? For shame my Lord, make them your president, Were it not pittie that this goodlie boy, should lose his birth right through his fathers fault? [eae034] And long hereafter saie vnto his child, ·eae035· What my great grandfather and grandsire got, My carelesse father fondlie gaue awaie? Looke on the boy and let his manlie face, Which promiseth successefull fortune to vs all, Steele thy melting thoughtes, ·eae040· To keepe thine owne, and leaue thine owne with him.

_King._ Full wel hath _Clifford_ plaid the Orator, Inferring arguments of mighty force. But tell me, didst thou neuer yet heare tell, That things euill got had euer bad successe, [eae045] And happie euer was it for that sonne, Whose father for his hoording went to hell? I leaue my sonne my vertuous deedes behind, And would my father had left me no more, For all the rest is held at such a rate, ·eae050· As askes a thousand times more care to keepe, Then maie the present profit counteruaile. Ah cosen _Yorke_, would thy best friendes did know, How it doth greeue me that thy head stands there.

_Quee._ My Lord, this harmefull pittie makes your followers faint. ·eae055· You promisde knighthood to your princelie sonne. Vnsheath your sword and straight doe dub him knight. [eae057] Kneele downe _Edward_.

_King._ _Edward Plantagenet_, arise a knight, And learne this lesson boy, draw thy sword in right [eae060]

_Prince._ My gratious father by your kingly leaue, Ile draw it as apparant to the crowne, And in that quarrel vse it to the death.

_Northum._ Why that is spoken like a toward prince.

Enter a Messenger.

_Mes._ Royall commaunders be in readinesse, ·eae065· For with a band of fiftie thousand men, Comes _Warwike_ backing of the Duke of _Yorke_. And in the townes whereas they passe along, Proclaimes him king, and manie flies to him, Prepare your battels, for they be at hand. ·eae070·

_Clif._ I would your highnesse would depart the field, The _Queene_ hath best successe when you are absent.

_Quee._ Do good my Lord, and leaue vs to our fortunes.

_King._ Why thats my fortune, therefore Ile stay still. [eae074]

_Clif._ Be it with resolution then to fight. ·eae075·

_Prince._ Good father cheere these noble Lords, Vnsheath your sword, sweet father crie Saint _George_.

_Clif._ Pitch we our battell heere, for hence wee will not moue.

Enter the house of _Yorke_.

_Edward._ Now periurde _Henrie_ wilt thou yeelde thy crowne, [eae079] And kneele for mercie at thy soueraignes feete? ·eae080·

_Queen._ Go rate thy minions proud insulting boy, Becomes it thee to be thus malepert, Before thy king and lawfull soueraigne?

_Edw._ _I_ am his king, and he should bend his knee, I was adopted heire by his consent. ·eae085·

_George._ Since when he hath broke his oath. For as we heare you that are king Though he doe weare the Crowne, Haue causde him by new act of Parlement [eae089] To blot our brother out, and put his owne son in. ·eae090·

_Clif._ And reason _George_. Who should succeede the father but the
son? [eae091]

_Rich._ Are you their butcher? [eae092]

_Clif._ _I Crookbacke_, here I stand to answere thee, or any [eae093] of your sort.

_Rich._ Twas you that kild yong _Rutland_, was it not?

_Clif._ Yes, and old _Yorke_ too, and yet not satisfide. ·eae095·

_Rich._ For Gods sake Lords giue synald to the fight. [eae096]

_War._ What saiest thou _Henry_? wilt thou yeelde thy crowne?

_Queen._ What, long tongde _War._ dare you speake? [eae098] When you and _I_ met at saint _Albones_ last, Your legs did better seruice than your hands. ·eae100·

_War._ I, then twas my turne to flee, but now tis thine. [eae101]

_Clif._ You said so much before, and yet you fled. [eae102]

_War._ Twas not your valour _Clifford_, that droue mee
thence. [eae103]

_Northum._ No, nor your manhood _Warwike_, that could make you
staie. [eae104]

_Rich._ _Northumberland_, _Northumberland_, wee holde [eae105] Thee reuerentlie. Breake off the parlie, for scarse I can refraine the execution of my big swolne Hart, against that _Clifford_ there, that Cruell child-killer.

_Clif._ Why I kild thy father, calst thou him a child? ·eae110·

_Rich._ I like a villaine, and a trecherous coward, As thou didst kill our tender brother _Rutland_. But ere sunne set Ile make thee curse the deed. [eae113]

_King._ Haue doone with wordes great Lordes, and [eae114] Heare me speake.

_Queen._ Defie them then, or else hold close thy lips. ·eae115·

_King._ I prethe giue no limits to my tongue, I am a king and priuiledge to speake. [eae117]

_Clif._ My Lord the wound that bred this meeting here Cannot be cru’d with words, therefore be still. [eae119]

_Rich._ Then executioner vnsheath thy sword, ·eae120· By him that made vs all I am resolu’de, That _Cliffords_ manhood hangs vpon his tongue.

_Edw._ What saist thou _Henry_, shall _I_ haue my right or no? A thousand men haue broke their fast to daie, That nere shall dine, vnlesse thou yeeld the crowne. ·eae125·

_War._ If thou denie their blouds be on thy head, For _Yorke_ in iustice puts his armour on.

_Prin._ If all be right that _Warwike_ saies is right, There is no wrong but all things must be right.

_Rich._ Whosoeuer got thee, there thy mother stands, ·eae130· For well I wot thou hast thy mothers tongue.

_Queen._ But thou art neither like thy sire nor dam. But like a foule mishapen stygmaticke Markt by the destinies to be auoided, As venome Todes, or Lizards fainting lookes. [eae135]

_Rich._ Iron of _Naples_, hid with English gilt, Thy father beares the title of a king, As if a channell should be calde the Sea; Shames thou not, knowing from whence thou art de- [eae139] Riu’de, to parlie thus with Englands lawfull heires? ·eae140·

_Edw._ A wispe of straw were worth a thousand crowns, _T_o make that shamelesse callet know her selfe, Thy husbands father reueld in the hart of _France_, And tam’de the French, and made the Dolphin stoope: And had he macht according to his state, [eae145] He might haue kept that glorie till this daie. But when he tooke a begger to his bed, And gracst thy poore sire with his bridall daie, [eae148] Then that sun-shine bred a showre for him Which washt his fathers fortunes out of France, ·eae150· And heapt seditions on his crowne at home. For what hath mou’d these tumults but thy pride? Hadst thou beene meeke, our title yet had slept? [eae153] And we in pittie of the gentle king, Had slipt our claime vntill an other age. [eae155]

_George._ But when we saw our summer brought the gaine, [eae156] And that the haruest brought vs no increase, We set the axe to thy vsurping root, And though the edge haue something hit our selues, Yet know thou we will neuer cease to strike, ·eae160· Till we haue hewne thee downe, Or bath’d thy growing with our heated blouds.