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A march. Enter EDWARD, RICHARD, and their power, all wearing the white rose.
A march. Enter EDWARD, RICHARD, and their power, all wearing the white rose.
EDWARD
I wonder how our princely father scaped,
Or whether he be scaped away or no
From Clifford’s and Northumberland’s pursuit.
Had he been ta’en, we should have heard the news;
5
Had he been slain, we should have heard the news;
Or had he scaped, methinks we should have heard
The happy tidings of his good escape.
How fares my brother? Why is he so sad?
EDWARD
I wonder how our princely father scaped,
Or whether he be scaped away or no
From Clifford’s and Northumberland’s pursuit.
Had he been ta’en, we should have heard the news;
5
Had he been slain, we should have heard the news;
Or had he scaped, methinks we should have heard
The happy tidings of his good escape.
How fares my brother? Why is he so sad?
RICHARD
I cannot joy until I be resolved
10
Where our right valiant father is become.
I saw him in the battle range about
And watched him how he singled Clifford forth.
Methought he bore him in the thickest troop
As doth a lion in a herd of neat,
15
Or as a bear encompassed round with dogs,
Who having pinched a few and made them cry,
The rest stand all aloof and bark at him;
So fared our father with his enemies;
So fled his enemies my warlike father.
20
Methinks ’tis prize enough to be his son.
See how the morning opes her golden gates
And takes her farewell of the glorious sun.
How well resembles it the prime of youth,
Trimmed like a younker, prancing to his love!
RICHARD
I can’t be happy until I know where our brave father has gone. I saw him moving around during the battle, and I watched him go after Clifford. Our father prowled among a dense swarm of enemy soldiers, like a lion in a herd of cattle. He was like a bear surrounded by dogs: he bit a few, they yelped, and the rest stood back and barked at him.

Richard is referring to “bear-baiting,” a sport in which dogs are forced to fight with a bear chained to a pole.

 That’s how he was with his enemies, and so they fled from our warlike father. I think it’s enough of a reward to be his son. Look at how the morning is opening its golden gates, wishing the glorious sun a good day. It looks like the prime of youth, dressed up like a youngster, prancing about because he’s in love!
EDWARD
25
Dazzle mine eyes, or do I see three suns?
EDWARD
25
Dazzle mine eyes, or do I see three suns?
RICHARD
Three glorious suns, each one a perfect sun,
Not separated with the racking clouds
But severed in a pale clear-shining sky.
See, see, they join, embrace, and seem to kiss,
30
As if they vowed some league inviolable.
Now are they but one lamp, one light, one sun;
In this, the heaven figures some event.
RICHARD
Three glorious suns, each one a perfect sun,
Not separated with the racking clouds
But severed in a pale clear-shining sky.
See, see, they join, embrace, and seem to kiss,
30
As if they vowed some league inviolable.
Now are they but one lamp, one light, one sun;
In this, the heaven figures some event.
EDWARD
’Tis wondrous strange, the like yet never heard of.
I think it cites us, brother, to the field,
35
That we, the sons of brave Plantagenet,
Each one already blazing by our meeds,
Should notwithstanding join our lights together
And overshine the earth, as this the world.
Whate’er it bodes, henceforward will I bear
40
Upon my target three fair shining suns.
EDWARD
’Tis wondrous strange, the like yet never heard of.
I think it cites us, brother, to the field,
35
That we, the sons of brave Plantagenet,
Each one already blazing by our meeds,
Should notwithstanding join our lights together
And overshine the earth, as this the world.
Whate’er it bodes, henceforward will I bear
40
Upon my target three fair shining suns.
RICHARD
Nay, bear three daughters: by your leave I speak it,
You love the breeder better than the male.
Enter a MESSENGER, blowing.
But what art thou whose heavy looks foretell
Some dreadful story hanging on thy tongue?
RICHARD
Nay, bear three daughters: by your leave I speak it,
You love the breeder better than the male.
Enter a MESSENGER, blowing.
But what art thou whose heavy looks foretell
Some dreadful story hanging on thy tongue?
MESSENGER
45
Ah, one that was a woeful looker-on
Whenas the noble Duke of York was slain,
Your princely father and my loving lord.
MESSENGER
45
Ah, one that was a woeful looker-on
Whenas the noble Duke of York was slain,
Your princely father and my loving lord.
EDWARD
O, speak no more, for I have heard too much!
EDWARD
O, speak no more, for I have heard too much!
RICHARD
Say how he died, for I will hear it all.
RICHARD
Say how he died, for I will hear it all.
MESSENGER
50
Environèd he was with many foes,
And stood against them, as the hope of Troy
Against the Greeks that would have entered Troy.
But Hercules himself must yield to odds;
And many strokes, though with a little axe,
55
Hews down and fells the hardest-timbered oak.
By many hands your father was subdued,
But only slaughtered by the ireful arm
Of unrelenting Clifford and the Queen,
Who crowned the gracious duke in high despite,
60
Laughed in his face; and when with grief he wept,
The ruthless queen gave him to dry his cheeks
A napkin steepèd in the harmless blood
Of sweet young Rutland, by rough Clifford slain.
And after many scorns, many foul taunts,
65
They took his head and on the gates of York
They set the same, and there it doth remain,
The saddest spectacle that e’er I viewed.
He exits.
MESSENGER
50
Environèd he was with many foes,
And stood against them, as the hope of Troy
Against the Greeks that would have entered Troy.
But Hercules himself must yield to odds;
And many strokes, though with a little axe,
55
Hews down and fells the hardest-timbered oak.
By many hands your father was subdued,
But only slaughtered by the ireful arm
Of unrelenting Clifford and the Queen,
Who crowned the gracious duke in high despite,
60
Laughed in his face; and when with grief he wept,
The ruthless queen gave him to dry his cheeks
A napkin steepèd in the harmless blood
Of sweet young Rutland, by rough Clifford slain.
And after many scorns, many foul taunts,
65
They took his head and on the gates of York
They set the same, and there it doth remain,
The saddest spectacle that e’er I viewed.
He exits.
EDWARD
Sweet Duke of York, our prop to lean upon,
Now thou art gone, we have no staff, no stay.
70
O Clifford, boist’rous Clifford, thou hast slain            
The flower of Europe for his chivalry;
And treacherously hast thou vanquished him,
For hand to hand he would have vanquished thee.
Now my soul’s palace is become a prison;
75
Ah, would she break from hence, that this my body
Might in the ground be closèd up in rest,
For never henceforth shall I joy again.
Never, O never, shall I see more joy!
He weeps.
EDWARD
Sweet Duke of York, our prop to lean upon,
Now thou art gone, we have no staff, no stay.
70
O Clifford, boist’rous Clifford, thou hast slain            
The flower of Europe for his chivalry;
And treacherously hast thou vanquished him,
For hand to hand he would have vanquished thee.
Now my soul’s palace is become a prison;
75
Ah, would she break from hence, that this my body
Might in the ground be closèd up in rest,
For never henceforth shall I joy again.
Never, O never, shall I see more joy!
He weeps.
RICHARD
I cannot weep, for all my body’s moisture
80
Scarce serves to quench my furnace-burning heart;
Nor can my tongue unload my heart’s great burden,
For selfsame wind that I should speak withal
Is kindling coals that fires all my breast
And burns me up with flames that tears would
85
quench.
To weep is to make less the depth of grief:
Tears, then, for babes; blows and revenge for me.
Richard, I bear thy name. I’ll venge thy death
Or die renownèd by attempting it.
RICHARD
I cannot weep, for all my body’s moisture
80
Scarce serves to quench my furnace-burning heart;
Nor can my tongue unload my heart’s great burden,
For selfsame wind that I should speak withal
Is kindling coals that fires all my breast
And burns me up with flames that tears would
85
quench.
To weep is to make less the depth of grief:
Tears, then, for babes; blows and revenge for me.
Richard, I bear thy name. I’ll venge thy death
Or die renownèd by attempting it.
EDWARD
90
His name that valiant duke hath left with thee;
His dukedom and his chair with me is left.
EDWARD
90
His name that valiant duke hath left with thee;
His dukedom and his chair with me is left.
RICHARD
Nay, if thou be that princely eagle’s bird,
Show thy descent by gazing ’gainst the sun;
For “chair” and “dukedom,” “throne” and
95
“kingdom” say;
Either that is thine or else thou wert not his.
RICHARD
Nay, if thou be that princely eagle’s bird,
Show thy descent by gazing ’gainst the sun;
For “chair” and “dukedom,” “throne” and
95
“kingdom” say;
Either that is thine or else thou wert not his.
March. Enter WARWICK, MARQUESS MONTAGUE, and their ARMY, all wearing the white rose.
March. Enter WARWICK, MARQUESS MONTAGUE, and their ARMY, all wearing the white rose.
WARWICK
How now, fair lords? What fare, what news abroad?
WARWICK
How now, fair lords? What fare, what news abroad?
RICHARD
Great lord of Warwick, if we should recount
Our baleful news, and at each word’s deliverance
100
Stab poniards in our flesh till all were told,
The words would add more anguish than the wounds.
O valiant lord, the Duke of York is slain.
RICHARD
Great lord of Warwick, if we should recount
Our baleful news, and at each word’s deliverance
100
Stab poniards in our flesh till all were told,
The words would add more anguish than the wounds.
O valiant lord, the Duke of York is slain.
EDWARD
O Warwick, Warwick, that Plantagenet
Which held thee dearly as his soul’s redemption
105
Is by the stern Lord Clifford done to death.
EDWARD
O Warwick, Warwick, that Plantagenet
Which held thee dearly as his soul’s redemption
105
Is by the stern Lord Clifford done to death.
WARWICK
Ten days ago I drowned these news in tears.
And now to add more measure to your woes,
I come to tell you things sith then befall’n.
After the bloody fray at Wakefield fought,
110
Where your brave father breathed his latest gasp,
Tidings, as swiftly as the posts could run,
Were brought me of your loss and his depart.
I, then in London, keeper of the King,
Mustered my soldiers, gathered flocks of friends,
115
Marched toward Saint Albans to intercept the
Queen,
Bearing the King in my behalf along;
For by my scouts I was advertisèd
That she was coming with a full intent
120
To dash our late decree in Parliament
Touching King Henry’s oath and your succession.
Short tale to make, we at Saint Albans met,
Our battles joined, and both sides fiercely fought.
But whether ’twas the coldness of the King,
125
Who looked full gently on his warlike queen,  
That robbed my soldiers of their heated spleen,
Or whether ’twas report of her success
Or more than common fear of Clifford’s rigor,
Who thunders to his captives blood and death,
130
I cannot judge; but to conclude with truth,
Their weapons like to lightning came and went;
Our soldiers’, like the night owl’s lazy flight
Or like an idle thresher with a flail,
Fell gently down, as if they struck their friends.
135
I cheered them up with justice of our cause,
With promise of high pay and great rewards,
But all in vain; they had no heart to fight,
And we, in them, no hope to win the day,
So that we fled: the King unto the Queen;
140
Lord George your brother, Norfolk, and myself
In haste, posthaste, are come to join with you;
For in the Marches here we heard you were,
Making another head to fight again.
WARWICK
Ten days ago I drowned these news in tears.
And now to add more measure to your woes,
I come to tell you things sith then befall’n.
After the bloody fray at Wakefield fought,
110
Where your brave father breathed his latest gasp,
Tidings, as swiftly as the posts could run,
Were brought me of your loss and his depart.
I, then in London, keeper of the King,
Mustered my soldiers, gathered flocks of friends,
115
Marched toward Saint Albans to intercept the
Queen,
Bearing the King in my behalf along;
For by my scouts I was advertisèd
That she was coming with a full intent
120
To dash our late decree in Parliament
Touching King Henry’s oath and your succession.
Short tale to make, we at Saint Albans met,
Our battles joined, and both sides fiercely fought.
But whether ’twas the coldness of the King,
125
Who looked full gently on his warlike queen,  
That robbed my soldiers of their heated spleen,
Or whether ’twas report of her success
Or more than common fear of Clifford’s rigor,
Who thunders to his captives blood and death,
130
I cannot judge; but to conclude with truth,
Their weapons like to lightning came and went;
Our soldiers’, like the night owl’s lazy flight
Or like an idle thresher with a flail,
Fell gently down, as if they struck their friends.
135
I cheered them up with justice of our cause,
With promise of high pay and great rewards,
But all in vain; they had no heart to fight,
And we, in them, no hope to win the day,
So that we fled: the King unto the Queen;
140
Lord George your brother, Norfolk, and myself
In haste, posthaste, are come to join with you;
For in the Marches here we heard you were,
Making another head to fight again.
EDWARD
Where is the Duke of Norfolk, gentle Warwick?
145
And when came George from Burgundy to England?
EDWARD
Where is the Duke of Norfolk, gentle Warwick?
145
And when came George from Burgundy to England?
WARWICK
Some six miles off the Duke is with the soldiers,
And, for your brother, he was lately sent
From your kind aunt, Duchess of Burgundy,
With aid of soldiers to this needful war.
WARWICK
Some six miles off the Duke is with the soldiers,
And, for your brother, he was lately sent
From your kind aunt, Duchess of Burgundy,
With aid of soldiers to this needful war.
RICHARD
150
’Twas odds, belike, when valiant Warwick fled.
Oft have I heard his praises in pursuit,
But ne’er till now his scandal of retire.
RICHARD
150
’Twas odds, belike, when valiant Warwick fled.
Oft have I heard his praises in pursuit,
But ne’er till now his scandal of retire.
WARWICK
Nor now my scandal, Richard, dost thou hear?
For thou shalt know this strong right hand of mine
155
Can pluck the diadem from faint Henry’s head
And wring the awful scepter from his fist,
Were he as famous and as bold in war
As he is famed for mildness, peace, and prayer.
WARWICK
Nor now my scandal, Richard, dost thou hear?
For thou shalt know this strong right hand of mine
155
Can pluck the diadem from faint Henry’s head
And wring the awful scepter from his fist,
Were he as famous and as bold in war
As he is famed for mildness, peace, and prayer.
RICHARD
I know it well, Lord Warwick; blame me not.
160
’Tis love I bear thy glories make me speak.
But in this troublous time, what’s to be done?
Shall we go throw away our coats of steel
And wrap our bodies in black mourning gowns,
Numb’ring our Ave Marys with our beads?
165
Or shall we on the helmets of our foes
Tell our devotion with revengeful arms?
If for the last, say “Ay,” and to it, lords.
RICHARD
I know it well, Lord Warwick; blame me not.
160
’Tis love I bear thy glories make me speak.
But in this troublous time, what’s to be done?
Shall we go throw away our coats of steel
And wrap our bodies in black mourning gowns,
Numb’ring our Ave Marys with our beads?
165
Or shall we on the helmets of our foes
Tell our devotion with revengeful arms?
If for the last, say “Ay,” and to it, lords.
WARWICK
Why, therefore Warwick came to seek you out,
And therefore comes my brother Montague.
170
Attend me, lords: the proud insulting queen,  
With Clifford and the haught Northumberland
And of their feather many more proud birds,
Have wrought the easy-melting king like wax.
He swore consent to your succession,
175
His oath enrollèd in the Parliament.
And now to London all the crew are gone
To frustrate both his oath and what beside
May make against the house of Lancaster.
Their power, I think, is thirty thousand strong.
180
Now, if the help of Norfolk and myself,
With all the friends that thou, brave Earl of March,
Amongst the loving Welshmen canst procure,
Will but amount to five and twenty thousand,
Why, via, to London will we march,
185
And once again bestride our foaming steeds,
And once again cry “Charge!” upon our foes,
But never once again turn back and fly.
WARWICK
Why, therefore Warwick came to seek you out,
And therefore comes my brother Montague.
170
Attend me, lords: the proud insulting queen,  
With Clifford and the haught Northumberland
And of their feather many more proud birds,
Have wrought the easy-melting king like wax.
He swore consent to your succession,
175
His oath enrollèd in the Parliament.
And now to London all the crew are gone
To frustrate both his oath and what beside
May make against the house of Lancaster.
Their power, I think, is thirty thousand strong.
180
Now, if the help of Norfolk and myself,
With all the friends that thou, brave Earl of March,
Amongst the loving Welshmen canst procure,
Will but amount to five and twenty thousand,
Why, via, to London will we march,
185
And once again bestride our foaming steeds,
And once again cry “Charge!” upon our foes,
But never once again turn back and fly.
RICHARD
Ay, now methinks I hear great Warwick speak.
Ne’er may he live to see a sunshine day
190
That cries “Retire!” if Warwick bid him stay.
RICHARD
Ay, now methinks I hear great Warwick speak.
Ne’er may he live to see a sunshine day
190
That cries “Retire!” if Warwick bid him stay.
EDWARD
Lord Warwick, on thy shoulder will I lean,
And when thou fail’st—as God forbid the hour!—
Must Edward fall, which peril heaven forfend.
EDWARD
Lord Warwick, on thy shoulder will I lean,
And when thou fail’st—as God forbid the hour!—
Must Edward fall, which peril heaven forfend.
WARWICK
No longer Earl of March, but Duke of York;
195
The next degree is England’s royal throne:
For King of England shalt thou be proclaimed
In every borough as we pass along,
And he that throws not up his cap for joy
Shall for the fault make forfeit of his head.
200
King Edward, valiant Richard, Montague,
Stay we no longer dreaming of renown,
But sound the trumpets and about our task.
WARWICK
No longer Earl of March, but Duke of York;
195
The next degree is England’s royal throne:
For King of England shalt thou be proclaimed
In every borough as we pass along,
And he that throws not up his cap for joy
Shall for the fault make forfeit of his head.
200
King Edward, valiant Richard, Montague,
Stay we no longer dreaming of renown,
But sound the trumpets and about our task.
RICHARD
Then, Clifford, were thy heart as hard as steel,
As thou hast shown it flinty by thy deeds,
205
I come to pierce it or to give thee mine.
RICHARD
Then, Clifford, were thy heart as hard as steel,
As thou hast shown it flinty by thy deeds,
205
I come to pierce it or to give thee mine.
EDWARD
Then strike up drums! God and Saint George for us!
EDWARD
Then strike up drums! God and Saint George for us!
Enter a MESSENGER.
Enter a MESSENGER.
WARWICK
How now, what news?
WARWICK
How now, what news?
MESSENGER
The Duke of Norfolk sends you word by me,
The Queen is coming with a puissant host,
210
And craves your company for speedy counsel.
MESSENGER
The Duke of Norfolk sends you word by me,
The Queen is coming with a puissant host,
210
And craves your company for speedy counsel.
WARWICK
Why, then it sorts. Brave warriors, let’s away!
They all exit.
WARWICK
Why, then it sorts. Brave warriors, let’s away!
They all exit.

Original Text

Modern Text
A march. Enter EDWARD, RICHARD, and their power, all wearing the white rose.
A march. Enter EDWARD, RICHARD, and their power, all wearing the white rose.
EDWARD
I wonder how our princely father scaped,
Or whether he be scaped away or no
From Clifford’s and Northumberland’s pursuit.
Had he been ta’en, we should have heard the news;
5
Had he been slain, we should have heard the news;
Or had he scaped, methinks we should have heard
The happy tidings of his good escape.
How fares my brother? Why is he so sad?
EDWARD
I wonder how our princely father scaped,
Or whether he be scaped away or no
From Clifford’s and Northumberland’s pursuit.
Had he been ta’en, we should have heard the news;
5
Had he been slain, we should have heard the news;
Or had he scaped, methinks we should have heard
The happy tidings of his good escape.
How fares my brother? Why is he so sad?
RICHARD
I cannot joy until I be resolved
10
Where our right valiant father is become.
I saw him in the battle range about
And watched him how he singled Clifford forth.
Methought he bore him in the thickest troop
As doth a lion in a herd of neat,
15
Or as a bear encompassed round with dogs,
Who having pinched a few and made them cry,
The rest stand all aloof and bark at him;
So fared our father with his enemies;
So fled his enemies my warlike father.
20
Methinks ’tis prize enough to be his son.
See how the morning opes her golden gates
And takes her farewell of the glorious sun.
How well resembles it the prime of youth,
Trimmed like a younker, prancing to his love!
RICHARD
I can’t be happy until I know where our brave father has gone. I saw him moving around during the battle, and I watched him go after Clifford. Our father prowled among a dense swarm of enemy soldiers, like a lion in a herd of cattle. He was like a bear surrounded by dogs: he bit a few, they yelped, and the rest stood back and barked at him.

Richard is referring to “bear-baiting,” a sport in which dogs are forced to fight with a bear chained to a pole.

 That’s how he was with his enemies, and so they fled from our warlike father. I think it’s enough of a reward to be his son. Look at how the morning is opening its golden gates, wishing the glorious sun a good day. It looks like the prime of youth, dressed up like a youngster, prancing about because he’s in love!
EDWARD
25
Dazzle mine eyes, or do I see three suns?
EDWARD
25
Dazzle mine eyes, or do I see three suns?
RICHARD
Three glorious suns, each one a perfect sun,
Not separated with the racking clouds
But severed in a pale clear-shining sky.
See, see, they join, embrace, and seem to kiss,
30
As if they vowed some league inviolable.
Now are they but one lamp, one light, one sun;
In this, the heaven figures some event.
RICHARD
Three glorious suns, each one a perfect sun,
Not separated with the racking clouds
But severed in a pale clear-shining sky.
See, see, they join, embrace, and seem to kiss,
30
As if they vowed some league inviolable.
Now are they but one lamp, one light, one sun;
In this, the heaven figures some event.
EDWARD
’Tis wondrous strange, the like yet never heard of.
I think it cites us, brother, to the field,
35
That we, the sons of brave Plantagenet,
Each one already blazing by our meeds,
Should notwithstanding join our lights together
And overshine the earth, as this the world.
Whate’er it bodes, henceforward will I bear
40
Upon my target three fair shining suns.
EDWARD
’Tis wondrous strange, the like yet never heard of.
I think it cites us, brother, to the field,
35
That we, the sons of brave Plantagenet,
Each one already blazing by our meeds,
Should notwithstanding join our lights together
And overshine the earth, as this the world.
Whate’er it bodes, henceforward will I bear
40
Upon my target three fair shining suns.
RICHARD
Nay, bear three daughters: by your leave I speak it,
You love the breeder better than the male.
Enter a MESSENGER, blowing.
But what art thou whose heavy looks foretell
Some dreadful story hanging on thy tongue?
RICHARD
Nay, bear three daughters: by your leave I speak it,
You love the breeder better than the male.
Enter a MESSENGER, blowing.
But what art thou whose heavy looks foretell
Some dreadful story hanging on thy tongue?
MESSENGER
45
Ah, one that was a woeful looker-on
Whenas the noble Duke of York was slain,
Your princely father and my loving lord.
MESSENGER
45
Ah, one that was a woeful looker-on
Whenas the noble Duke of York was slain,
Your princely father and my loving lord.
EDWARD
O, speak no more, for I have heard too much!
EDWARD
O, speak no more, for I have heard too much!
RICHARD
Say how he died, for I will hear it all.
RICHARD
Say how he died, for I will hear it all.
MESSENGER
50
Environèd he was with many foes,
And stood against them, as the hope of Troy
Against the Greeks that would have entered Troy.
But Hercules himself must yield to odds;
And many strokes, though with a little axe,
55
Hews down and fells the hardest-timbered oak.
By many hands your father was subdued,
But only slaughtered by the ireful arm
Of unrelenting Clifford and the Queen,
Who crowned the gracious duke in high despite,
60
Laughed in his face; and when with grief he wept,
The ruthless queen gave him to dry his cheeks
A napkin steepèd in the harmless blood
Of sweet young Rutland, by rough Clifford slain.
And after many scorns, many foul taunts,
65
They took his head and on the gates of York
They set the same, and there it doth remain,
The saddest spectacle that e’er I viewed.
He exits.
MESSENGER
50
Environèd he was with many foes,
And stood against them, as the hope of Troy
Against the Greeks that would have entered Troy.
But Hercules himself must yield to odds;
And many strokes, though with a little axe,
55
Hews down and fells the hardest-timbered oak.
By many hands your father was subdued,
But only slaughtered by the ireful arm
Of unrelenting Clifford and the Queen,
Who crowned the gracious duke in high despite,
60
Laughed in his face; and when with grief he wept,
The ruthless queen gave him to dry his cheeks
A napkin steepèd in the harmless blood
Of sweet young Rutland, by rough Clifford slain.
And after many scorns, many foul taunts,
65
They took his head and on the gates of York
They set the same, and there it doth remain,
The saddest spectacle that e’er I viewed.
He exits.
EDWARD
Sweet Duke of York, our prop to lean upon,
Now thou art gone, we have no staff, no stay.
70
O Clifford, boist’rous Clifford, thou hast slain            
The flower of Europe for his chivalry;
And treacherously hast thou vanquished him,
For hand to hand he would have vanquished thee.
Now my soul’s palace is become a prison;
75
Ah, would she break from hence, that this my body
Might in the ground be closèd up in rest,
For never henceforth shall I joy again.
Never, O never, shall I see more joy!
He weeps.
EDWARD
Sweet Duke of York, our prop to lean upon,
Now thou art gone, we have no staff, no stay.
70
O Clifford, boist’rous Clifford, thou hast slain            
The flower of Europe for his chivalry;
And treacherously hast thou vanquished him,
For hand to hand he would have vanquished thee.
Now my soul’s palace is become a prison;
75
Ah, would she break from hence, that this my body
Might in the ground be closèd up in rest,
For never henceforth shall I joy again.
Never, O never, shall I see more joy!
He weeps.
RICHARD
I cannot weep, for all my body’s moisture
80
Scarce serves to quench my furnace-burning heart;
Nor can my tongue unload my heart’s great burden,
For selfsame wind that I should speak withal
Is kindling coals that fires all my breast
And burns me up with flames that tears would
85
quench.
To weep is to make less the depth of grief:
Tears, then, for babes; blows and revenge for me.
Richard, I bear thy name. I’ll venge thy death
Or die renownèd by attempting it.
RICHARD
I cannot weep, for all my body’s moisture
80
Scarce serves to quench my furnace-burning heart;
Nor can my tongue unload my heart’s great burden,
For selfsame wind that I should speak withal
Is kindling coals that fires all my breast
And burns me up with flames that tears would
85
quench.
To weep is to make less the depth of grief:
Tears, then, for babes; blows and revenge for me.
Richard, I bear thy name. I’ll venge thy death
Or die renownèd by attempting it.
EDWARD
90
His name that valiant duke hath left with thee;
His dukedom and his chair with me is left.
EDWARD
90
His name that valiant duke hath left with thee;
His dukedom and his chair with me is left.
RICHARD
Nay, if thou be that princely eagle’s bird,
Show thy descent by gazing ’gainst the sun;
For “chair” and “dukedom,” “throne” and
95
“kingdom” say;
Either that is thine or else thou wert not his.
RICHARD
Nay, if thou be that princely eagle’s bird,
Show thy descent by gazing ’gainst the sun;
For “chair” and “dukedom,” “throne” and
95
“kingdom” say;
Either that is thine or else thou wert not his.
March. Enter WARWICK, MARQUESS MONTAGUE, and their ARMY, all wearing the white rose.
March. Enter WARWICK, MARQUESS MONTAGUE, and their ARMY, all wearing the white rose.
WARWICK
How now, fair lords? What fare, what news abroad?
WARWICK
How now, fair lords? What fare, what news abroad?
RICHARD
Great lord of Warwick, if we should recount
Our baleful news, and at each word’s deliverance
100
Stab poniards in our flesh till all were told,
The words would add more anguish than the wounds.
O valiant lord, the Duke of York is slain.
RICHARD
Great lord of Warwick, if we should recount
Our baleful news, and at each word’s deliverance
100
Stab poniards in our flesh till all were told,
The words would add more anguish than the wounds.
O valiant lord, the Duke of York is slain.
EDWARD
O Warwick, Warwick, that Plantagenet
Which held thee dearly as his soul’s redemption
105
Is by the stern Lord Clifford done to death.
EDWARD
O Warwick, Warwick, that Plantagenet
Which held thee dearly as his soul’s redemption
105
Is by the stern Lord Clifford done to death.
WARWICK
Ten days ago I drowned these news in tears.
And now to add more measure to your woes,
I come to tell you things sith then befall’n.
After the bloody fray at Wakefield fought,
110
Where your brave father breathed his latest gasp,
Tidings, as swiftly as the posts could run,
Were brought me of your loss and his depart.
I, then in London, keeper of the King,
Mustered my soldiers, gathered flocks of friends,
115
Marched toward Saint Albans to intercept the
Queen,
Bearing the King in my behalf along;
For by my scouts I was advertisèd
That she was coming with a full intent
120
To dash our late decree in Parliament
Touching King Henry’s oath and your succession.
Short tale to make, we at Saint Albans met,
Our battles joined, and both sides fiercely fought.
But whether ’twas the coldness of the King,
125
Who looked full gently on his warlike queen,  
That robbed my soldiers of their heated spleen,
Or whether ’twas report of her success
Or more than common fear of Clifford’s rigor,
Who thunders to his captives blood and death,
130
I cannot judge; but to conclude with truth,
Their weapons like to lightning came and went;
Our soldiers’, like the night owl’s lazy flight
Or like an idle thresher with a flail,
Fell gently down, as if they struck their friends.
135
I cheered them up with justice of our cause,
With promise of high pay and great rewards,
But all in vain; they had no heart to fight,
And we, in them, no hope to win the day,
So that we fled: the King unto the Queen;
140
Lord George your brother, Norfolk, and myself
In haste, posthaste, are come to join with you;
For in the Marches here we heard you were,
Making another head to fight again.
WARWICK
Ten days ago I drowned these news in tears.
And now to add more measure to your woes,
I come to tell you things sith then befall’n.
After the bloody fray at Wakefield fought,
110
Where your brave father breathed his latest gasp,
Tidings, as swiftly as the posts could run,
Were brought me of your loss and his depart.
I, then in London, keeper of the King,
Mustered my soldiers, gathered flocks of friends,
115
Marched toward Saint Albans to intercept the
Queen,
Bearing the King in my behalf along;
For by my scouts I was advertisèd
That she was coming with a full intent
120
To dash our late decree in Parliament
Touching King Henry’s oath and your succession.
Short tale to make, we at Saint Albans met,
Our battles joined, and both sides fiercely fought.
But whether ’twas the coldness of the King,
125
Who looked full gently on his warlike queen,  
That robbed my soldiers of their heated spleen,
Or whether ’twas report of her success
Or more than common fear of Clifford’s rigor,
Who thunders to his captives blood and death,
130
I cannot judge; but to conclude with truth,
Their weapons like to lightning came and went;
Our soldiers’, like the night owl’s lazy flight
Or like an idle thresher with a flail,
Fell gently down, as if they struck their friends.
135
I cheered them up with justice of our cause,
With promise of high pay and great rewards,
But all in vain; they had no heart to fight,
And we, in them, no hope to win the day,
So that we fled: the King unto the Queen;
140
Lord George your brother, Norfolk, and myself
In haste, posthaste, are come to join with you;
For in the Marches here we heard you were,
Making another head to fight again.
EDWARD
Where is the Duke of Norfolk, gentle Warwick?
145
And when came George from Burgundy to England?
EDWARD
Where is the Duke of Norfolk, gentle Warwick?
145
And when came George from Burgundy to England?
WARWICK
Some six miles off the Duke is with the soldiers,
And, for your brother, he was lately sent
From your kind aunt, Duchess of Burgundy,
With aid of soldiers to this needful war.
WARWICK
Some six miles off the Duke is with the soldiers,
And, for your brother, he was lately sent
From your kind aunt, Duchess of Burgundy,
With aid of soldiers to this needful war.
RICHARD
150
’Twas odds, belike, when valiant Warwick fled.
Oft have I heard his praises in pursuit,
But ne’er till now his scandal of retire.
RICHARD
150
’Twas odds, belike, when valiant Warwick fled.
Oft have I heard his praises in pursuit,
But ne’er till now his scandal of retire.
WARWICK
Nor now my scandal, Richard, dost thou hear?
For thou shalt know this strong right hand of mine
155
Can pluck the diadem from faint Henry’s head
And wring the awful scepter from his fist,
Were he as famous and as bold in war
As he is famed for mildness, peace, and prayer.
WARWICK
Nor now my scandal, Richard, dost thou hear?
For thou shalt know this strong right hand of mine
155
Can pluck the diadem from faint Henry’s head
And wring the awful scepter from his fist,
Were he as famous and as bold in war
As he is famed for mildness, peace, and prayer.
RICHARD
I know it well, Lord Warwick; blame me not.
160
’Tis love I bear thy glories make me speak.
But in this troublous time, what’s to be done?
Shall we go throw away our coats of steel
And wrap our bodies in black mourning gowns,
Numb’ring our Ave Marys with our beads?
165
Or shall we on the helmets of our foes
Tell our devotion with revengeful arms?
If for the last, say “Ay,” and to it, lords.
RICHARD
I know it well, Lord Warwick; blame me not.
160
’Tis love I bear thy glories make me speak.
But in this troublous time, what’s to be done?
Shall we go throw away our coats of steel
And wrap our bodies in black mourning gowns,
Numb’ring our Ave Marys with our beads?
165
Or shall we on the helmets of our foes
Tell our devotion with revengeful arms?
If for the last, say “Ay,” and to it, lords.
WARWICK
Why, therefore Warwick came to seek you out,
And therefore comes my brother Montague.
170
Attend me, lords: the proud insulting queen,  
With Clifford and the haught Northumberland
And of their feather many more proud birds,
Have wrought the easy-melting king like wax.
He swore consent to your succession,
175
His oath enrollèd in the Parliament.
And now to London all the crew are gone
To frustrate both his oath and what beside
May make against the house of Lancaster.
Their power, I think, is thirty thousand strong.
180
Now, if the help of Norfolk and myself,
With all the friends that thou, brave Earl of March,
Amongst the loving Welshmen canst procure,
Will but amount to five and twenty thousand,
Why, via, to London will we march,
185
And once again bestride our foaming steeds,
And once again cry “Charge!” upon our foes,
But never once again turn back and fly.
WARWICK
Why, therefore Warwick came to seek you out,
And therefore comes my brother Montague.
170
Attend me, lords: the proud insulting queen,  
With Clifford and the haught Northumberland
And of their feather many more proud birds,
Have wrought the easy-melting king like wax.
He swore consent to your succession,
175
His oath enrollèd in the Parliament.
And now to London all the crew are gone
To frustrate both his oath and what beside
May make against the house of Lancaster.
Their power, I think, is thirty thousand strong.
180
Now, if the help of Norfolk and myself,
With all the friends that thou, brave Earl of March,
Amongst the loving Welshmen canst procure,
Will but amount to five and twenty thousand,
Why, via, to London will we march,
185
And once again bestride our foaming steeds,
And once again cry “Charge!” upon our foes,
But never once again turn back and fly.
RICHARD
Ay, now methinks I hear great Warwick speak.
Ne’er may he live to see a sunshine day
190
That cries “Retire!” if Warwick bid him stay.
RICHARD
Ay, now methinks I hear great Warwick speak.
Ne’er may he live to see a sunshine day
190
That cries “Retire!” if Warwick bid him stay.
EDWARD
Lord Warwick, on thy shoulder will I lean,
And when thou fail’st—as God forbid the hour!—
Must Edward fall, which peril heaven forfend.
EDWARD
Lord Warwick, on thy shoulder will I lean,
And when thou fail’st—as God forbid the hour!—
Must Edward fall, which peril heaven forfend.
WARWICK
No longer Earl of March, but Duke of York;
195
The next degree is England’s royal throne:
For King of England shalt thou be proclaimed
In every borough as we pass along,
And he that throws not up his cap for joy
Shall for the fault make forfeit of his head.
200
King Edward, valiant Richard, Montague,
Stay we no longer dreaming of renown,
But sound the trumpets and about our task.
WARWICK
No longer Earl of March, but Duke of York;
195
The next degree is England’s royal throne:
For King of England shalt thou be proclaimed
In every borough as we pass along,
And he that throws not up his cap for joy
Shall for the fault make forfeit of his head.
200
King Edward, valiant Richard, Montague,
Stay we no longer dreaming of renown,
But sound the trumpets and about our task.
RICHARD
Then, Clifford, were thy heart as hard as steel,
As thou hast shown it flinty by thy deeds,
205
I come to pierce it or to give thee mine.
RICHARD
Then, Clifford, were thy heart as hard as steel,
As thou hast shown it flinty by thy deeds,
205
I come to pierce it or to give thee mine.
EDWARD
Then strike up drums! God and Saint George for us!
EDWARD
Then strike up drums! God and Saint George for us!
Enter a MESSENGER.
Enter a MESSENGER.
WARWICK
How now, what news?
WARWICK
How now, what news?
MESSENGER
The Duke of Norfolk sends you word by me,
The Queen is coming with a puissant host,
210
And craves your company for speedy counsel.
MESSENGER
The Duke of Norfolk sends you word by me,
The Queen is coming with a puissant host,
210
And craves your company for speedy counsel.
WARWICK
Why, then it sorts. Brave warriors, let’s away!
They all exit.
WARWICK
Why, then it sorts. Brave warriors, let’s away!
They all exit.
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