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Enter YORK, wearing the white rose, and his army of Irish, with ATTENDANTS, Drum and Colors.
Enter YORK, wearing the white rose, and his army of Irish, with ATTENDANTS, Drum and Colors.
YORK
From Ireland thus comes York to claim his right
And pluck the crown from feeble Henry’s head.
Ring, bells, aloud! Burn, bonfires, clear and bright
To entertain great England’s lawful king!
5
Ah, sancta maiestas, who would not buy thee dear?
Let them obey that knows not how to rule.
This hand was made to handle naught but gold.
I cannot give due action to my words
Except a sword or scepter balance it.
10
A scepter shall it have, have I a soul,
On which I’ll toss the fleur-de-luce of France.
Enter BUCKINGHAM, wearing the red rose.
Aside. Whom have we here? Buckingham, to
disturb me?
The King hath sent him, sure. I must dissemble.
YORK
From Ireland thus comes York to claim his right
And pluck the crown from feeble Henry’s head.
Ring, bells, aloud! Burn, bonfires, clear and bright
To entertain great England’s lawful king!
5
Ah, sancta maiestas, who would not buy thee dear?
Let them obey that knows not how to rule.
This hand was made to handle naught but gold.
I cannot give due action to my words
Except a sword or scepter balance it.
10
A scepter shall it have, have I a soul,
On which I’ll toss the fleur-de-luce of France.
Enter BUCKINGHAM, wearing the red rose.
Aside. Whom have we here? Buckingham, to
disturb me?
The King hath sent him, sure. I must dissemble.
BUCKINGHAM
15
York, if thou meanest well, I greet thee well.
BUCKINGHAM
15
York, if thou meanest well, I greet thee well.
YORK
Humphrey of Buckingham, I accept thy greeting.
Art thou a messenger, or come of pleasure?
YORK
Humphrey of Buckingham, I accept thy greeting.
Art thou a messenger, or come of pleasure?
BUCKINGHAM
A messenger from Henry, our dread liege,
To know the reason of these arms in peace;
20
Or why thou, being a subject as I am,
Against thy oath and true allegiance sworn,
Should raise so great a power without his leave,
Or dare to bring thy force so near the court.
BUCKINGHAM
A messenger from Henry, our dread liege,
To know the reason of these arms in peace;
20
Or why thou, being a subject as I am,
Against thy oath and true allegiance sworn,
Should raise so great a power without his leave,
Or dare to bring thy force so near the court.
YORK , aside
Scarce can I speak, my choler is so great.
25
O, I could hew up rocks and fight with flint,
I am so angry at these abject terms!
And now, like Ajax Telamonius,
On sheep or oxen could I spend my fury.
I am far better born than is the King,
30
More like a king, more kingly in my thoughts.
But I must make fair weather yet awhile,
Till Henry be more weak and I more strong.—
Buckingham, I prithee, pardon me,
That I have given no answer all this while.
35
My mind was troubled with deep melancholy.
The cause why I have brought this army hither
Is to remove proud Somerset from the King,
Seditious to his Grace and to the state.
YORK , aside
Scarce can I speak, my choler is so great.
25
O, I could hew up rocks and fight with flint,
I am so angry at these abject terms!
And now, like Ajax Telamonius,
On sheep or oxen could I spend my fury.
I am far better born than is the King,
30
More like a king, more kingly in my thoughts.
But I must make fair weather yet awhile,
Till Henry be more weak and I more strong.—
Buckingham, I prithee, pardon me,
That I have given no answer all this while.
35
My mind was troubled with deep melancholy.
The cause why I have brought this army hither
Is to remove proud Somerset from the King,
Seditious to his Grace and to the state.
BUCKINGHAM
That is too much presumption on thy part.
40
But if thy arms be to no other end,
The King hath yielded unto thy demand:
The Duke of Somerset is in the Tower.
BUCKINGHAM
That is too much presumption on thy part.
40
But if thy arms be to no other end,
The King hath yielded unto thy demand:
The Duke of Somerset is in the Tower.
YORK
Upon thine honor, is he prisoner?
YORK
Upon thine honor, is he prisoner?
BUCKINGHAM
Upon mine honor, he is prisoner.
BUCKINGHAM
Upon mine honor, he is prisoner.
YORK
45
Then, Buckingham, I do dismiss my powers.—
Soldiers, I thank you all. Disperse yourselves.
Meet me tomorrow in Saint George’s field;
You shall have pay and everything you wish.
SOLDIERS exit.
And let my sovereign, virtuous Henry,
50
Command my eldest son, nay, all my sons,
As pledges of my fealty and love;
I’ll send them all as willing as I live.
Lands, goods, horse, armor, anything I have
Is his to use, so Somerset may die.
YORK
45
Then, Buckingham, I do dismiss my powers.—
Soldiers, I thank you all. Disperse yourselves.
Meet me tomorrow in Saint George’s field;
You shall have pay and everything you wish.
SOLDIERS exit.
And let my sovereign, virtuous Henry,
50
Command my eldest son, nay, all my sons,
As pledges of my fealty and love;
I’ll send them all as willing as I live.
Lands, goods, horse, armor, anything I have
Is his to use, so Somerset may die.
BUCKINGHAM
55
York, I commend this kind submission.
We twain will go into his Highness’ tent.
BUCKINGHAM
55
York, I commend this kind submission.
We twain will go into his Highness’ tent.
They walk arm in arm.
They walk arm in arm.
Enter KING HENRY and ATTENDANTS.
Enter KING HENRY and ATTENDANTS.
KING HENRY
Buckingham, doth York intend no harm to us
That thus he marcheth with thee arm in arm?
KING HENRY
Buckingham, doth York intend no harm to us
That thus he marcheth with thee arm in arm?
YORK
In all submission and humility
60
York doth present himself unto your Highness.
YORK
In all submission and humility
60
York doth present himself unto your Highness.
KING HENRY
Then what intends these forces thou dost bring?
KING HENRY
Then what intends these forces thou dost bring?
YORK
To heave the traitor Somerset from hence
And fight against that monstrous rebel Cade,
Who since I heard to be discomfited.
YORK
To heave the traitor Somerset from hence
And fight against that monstrous rebel Cade,
Who since I heard to be discomfited.
Enter IDEN, with CADE’S head.
Enter IDEN, with CADE’S head.
IDEN
65
If one so rude and of so mean condition
May pass into the presence of a king,
Lo, I present your Grace a traitor’s head,
The head of Cade, whom I in combat slew.
IDEN
65
If one so rude and of so mean condition
May pass into the presence of a king,
Lo, I present your Grace a traitor’s head,
The head of Cade, whom I in combat slew.
KING HENRY
The head of Cade? Great God, how just art Thou!
70
O, let me view his visage, being dead,
That living wrought me such exceeding trouble.
Tell me, my friend, art thou the man that slew him?
KING HENRY
The head of Cade? Great God, how just art Thou!
70
O, let me view his visage, being dead,
That living wrought me such exceeding trouble.
Tell me, my friend, art thou the man that slew him?
IDEN
I was, an ’t like your Majesty.
IDEN
I was, an ’t like your Majesty.
KING HENRY
How art thou called? And what is thy degree?
KING HENRY
How art thou called? And what is thy degree?
IDEN
75
Alexander Iden, that’s my name,
A poor esquire of Kent that loves his king.
IDEN
75
Alexander Iden, that’s my name,
A poor esquire of Kent that loves his king.
BUCKINGHAM
So please it you, my lord, ’twere not amiss
He were created knight for his good service.
BUCKINGHAM
So please it you, my lord, ’twere not amiss
He were created knight for his good service.
KING HENRY
Iden, kneel down. He kneels. Rise up a knight. He
rises.
80
We give thee for reward a thousand marks,
And will that thou henceforth attend on us.
KING HENRY
Iden, kneel down. He kneels. Rise up a knight. He
rises.
80
We give thee for reward a thousand marks,
And will that thou henceforth attend on us.
IDEN
May Iden live to merit such a bounty,
And never live but true unto his liege!
IDEN
May Iden live to merit such a bounty,
And never live but true unto his liege!
Enter QUEEN MARGARET and SOMERSET, wearing the red rose.
Enter QUEEN MARGARET and SOMERSET, wearing the red rose.
KING HENRY , aside to BUCKINGHAM
See, Buckingham, Somerset comes with th’ Queen.
85
Go bid her hide him quickly from the Duke.
KING HENRY , aside to BUCKINGHAM
See, Buckingham, Somerset comes with th’ Queen.
85
Go bid her hide him quickly from the Duke.
BUCKINGHAM whispers to the QUEEN.
BUCKINGHAM whispers to the QUEEN.
QUEEN MARGARET
For thousand Yorks he shall not hide his head,
But boldly stand and front him to his face.
QUEEN MARGARET
For thousand Yorks he shall not hide his head,
But boldly stand and front him to his face.
YORK , aside
How now? Is Somerset at liberty?
Then, York, unloose thy long-imprisoned thoughts,
90
And let thy tongue be equal with thy heart.
Shall I endure the sight of Somerset?—
False king, why hast thou broken faith with me,
Knowing how hardly I can brook abuse?
“King” did I call thee? No, thou art not king,
95
Not fit to govern and rule multitudes,
Which dar’st not—no, nor canst not—rule a traitor.
That head of thine doth not become a crown;
Thy hand is made to grasp a palmer’s staff,
And not to grace an awful princely scepter.
100
That gold must round engirt these brows of mine,
Whose smile and frown, like to Achilles’ spear,
Is able with the change to kill and cure.
Here is a hand to hold a scepter up
And with the same to act controlling laws.
105
Give place. By heaven, thou shalt rule no more
O’er him whom heaven created for thy ruler.
YORK , aside
How now? Is Somerset at liberty?
Then, York, unloose thy long-imprisoned thoughts,
90
And let thy tongue be equal with thy heart.
Shall I endure the sight of Somerset?—
False king, why hast thou broken faith with me,
Knowing how hardly I can brook abuse?
“King” did I call thee? No, thou art not king,
95
Not fit to govern and rule multitudes,
Which dar’st not—no, nor canst not—rule a traitor.
That head of thine doth not become a crown;
Thy hand is made to grasp a palmer’s staff,
And not to grace an awful princely scepter.
100
That gold must round engirt these brows of mine,
Whose smile and frown, like to Achilles’ spear,
Is able with the change to kill and cure.
Here is a hand to hold a scepter up
And with the same to act controlling laws.
105
Give place. By heaven, thou shalt rule no more
O’er him whom heaven created for thy ruler.
SOMERSET
O monstrous traitor! I arrest thee, York,
Of capital treason ’gainst the King and crown.
Obey, audacious traitor. Kneel for grace.
SOMERSET
O monstrous traitor! I arrest thee, York,
Of capital treason ’gainst the King and crown.
Obey, audacious traitor. Kneel for grace.
YORK
110
Wouldst have me kneel? First let me ask of these
If they can brook I bow a knee to man.
To an ATTENDANT. Sirrah, call in my sons to be my
bail. ATTENDANT exits.
I know, ere they will have me go to ward,
115
They’ll pawn their swords for my enfranchisement.
YORK
110
Wouldst have me kneel? First let me ask of these
If they can brook I bow a knee to man.
To an ATTENDANT. Sirrah, call in my sons to be my
bail. ATTENDANT exits.
I know, ere they will have me go to ward,
115
They’ll pawn their swords for my enfranchisement.
QUEEN MARGARET , to BUCKINGHAM
Call hither Clifford; bid him come amain,
To say if that the bastard boys of York
Shall be the surety for their traitor father.
QUEEN MARGARET , to BUCKINGHAM
Call hither Clifford; bid him come amain,
To say if that the bastard boys of York
Shall be the surety for their traitor father.
BUCKINGHAM exits.
BUCKINGHAM exits.
YORK , to QUEEN MARGARET
O, blood-bespotted Neapolitan,
120
Outcast of Naples, England’s bloody scourge!
The sons of York, thy betters in their birth,
Shall be their father’s bail, and bane to those
That for my surety will refuse the boys.
Enter York’s sons EDWARD and RICHARD, wearing the white rose.
See where they come; I’ll warrant they’ll make it
125
good.
YORK , to QUEEN MARGARET
O, blood-bespotted Neapolitan,
120
Outcast of Naples, England’s bloody scourge!
The sons of York, thy betters in their birth,
Shall be their father’s bail, and bane to those
That for my surety will refuse the boys.
Enter York’s sons EDWARD and RICHARD, wearing the white rose.
See where they come; I’ll warrant they’ll make it
125
good.
Enter old CLIFFORD and his SON, wearing the red rose.
Enter old CLIFFORD and his SON, wearing the red rose.
QUEEN MARGARET
And here comes Clifford to deny their bail.
QUEEN MARGARET
And here comes Clifford to deny their bail.
CLIFFORD , kneeling before KING HENRY
Health and all happiness to my lord the King.
CLIFFORD , kneeling before KING HENRY
Health and all happiness to my lord the King.
He rises.
He rises.
YORK
I thank thee, Clifford. Say, what news with thee?
Nay, do not fright us with an angry look.
130
We are thy sovereign, Clifford; kneel again.
For thy mistaking so, we pardon thee.
YORK
I thank thee, Clifford. Say, what news with thee?
Nay, do not fright us with an angry look.
130
We are thy sovereign, Clifford; kneel again.
For thy mistaking so, we pardon thee.
CLIFFORD
This is my king, York; I do not mistake,
But thou mistakes me much to think I do.—
To Bedlam with him! Is the man grown mad?
CLIFFORD
This is my king, York; I do not mistake,
But thou mistakes me much to think I do.—
To Bedlam with him! Is the man grown mad?
KING HENRY
135
Ay, Clifford, a bedlam and ambitious humor
Makes him oppose himself against his king.
KING HENRY
135
Ay, Clifford, a bedlam and ambitious humor
Makes him oppose himself against his king.
CLIFFORD
He is a traitor. Let him to the Tower,
And chop away that factious pate of his.
CLIFFORD
He is a traitor. Let him to the Tower,
And chop away that factious pate of his.
QUEEN MARGARET
He is arrested, but will not obey.
140
His sons, he says, shall give their words for him.
QUEEN MARGARET
He is arrested, but will not obey.
140
His sons, he says, shall give their words for him.
YORK
Will you not, sons?
YORK
Will you not, sons?
EDWARD
Ay, noble father, if our words will serve.
EDWARD
Ay, noble father, if our words will serve.
RICHARD
And if words will not, then our weapons shall.
RICHARD
And if words will not, then our weapons shall.
CLIFFORD
Why, what a brood of traitors have we here!
CLIFFORD
Why, what a brood of traitors have we here!
YORK
145
Look in a glass, and call thy image so.
I am thy king and thou a false-heart traitor.
Call hither to the stake my two brave bears,
That, with the very shaking of their chains,
They may astonish these fell-lurking curs.
150 To an ATTENDANT.
Bid Salisbury and Warwick come
to me. ATTENDANT exits.
YORK
145
Look in a glass, and call thy image so.
I am thy king and thou a false-heart traitor.
Call hither to the stake my two brave bears,
That, with the very shaking of their chains,
They may astonish these fell-lurking curs.
150 To an ATTENDANT.
Bid Salisbury and Warwick come
to me. ATTENDANT exits.
Enter the EARLS OF WARWICK and SALISBURY, wearing the white rose.
Enter the EARLS OF WARWICK and SALISBURY, wearing the white rose.
CLIFFORD
Are these thy bears? We’ll bait thy bears to death
And manacle the bearherd in their chains,
If thou dar’st bring them to the baiting place.
CLIFFORD
Are these thy bears? We’ll bait thy bears to death
And manacle the bearherd in their chains,
If thou dar’st bring them to the baiting place.
RICHARD
155
Oft have I seen a hot o’erweening cur
Run back and bite because he was withheld,
Who, being suffered with the bear’s fell paw,
Hath clapped his tail between his legs and cried;
And such a piece of service will you do
160
If you oppose yourselves to match Lord Warwick.
RICHARD
155
Oft have I seen a hot o’erweening cur
Run back and bite because he was withheld,
Who, being suffered with the bear’s fell paw,
Hath clapped his tail between his legs and cried;
And such a piece of service will you do
160
If you oppose yourselves to match Lord Warwick.
CLIFFORD
Hence, heap of wrath, foul indigested lump,
As crooked in thy manners as thy shape!
CLIFFORD
Hence, heap of wrath, foul indigested lump,
As crooked in thy manners as thy shape!
YORK
Nay, we shall heat you thoroughly anon.
YORK
Nay, we shall heat you thoroughly anon.
CLIFFORD
Take heed, lest by your heat you burn yourselves.
CLIFFORD
Take heed, lest by your heat you burn yourselves.
KING HENRY
165
Why, Warwick, hath thy knee forgot to bow?—
Old Salisbury, shame to thy silver hair,
Thou mad misleader of thy brainsick son!
What, wilt thou on thy deathbed play the ruffian
And seek for sorrow with thy spectacles?
170
O, where is faith? O, where is loyalty?
If it be banished from the frosty head,
Where shall it find a harbor in the earth?
Wilt thou go dig a grave to find out war,
And shame thine honorable age with blood?
175
Why art thou old and want’st experience?
Or wherefore dost abuse it, if thou hast it?
For shame! In duty bend thy knee to me
That bows unto the grave with mickle age.
KING HENRY
165
Why, Warwick, hath thy knee forgot to bow?—
Old Salisbury, shame to thy silver hair,
Thou mad misleader of thy brainsick son!
What, wilt thou on thy deathbed play the ruffian
And seek for sorrow with thy spectacles?
170
O, where is faith? O, where is loyalty?
If it be banished from the frosty head,
Where shall it find a harbor in the earth?
Wilt thou go dig a grave to find out war,
And shame thine honorable age with blood?
175
Why art thou old and want’st experience?
Or wherefore dost abuse it, if thou hast it?
For shame! In duty bend thy knee to me
That bows unto the grave with mickle age.
SALISBURY
My lord, I have considered with myself
180
The title of this most renownèd duke,
And in my conscience do repute his Grace
The rightful heir to England’s royal seat.
SALISBURY
My lord, I have considered with myself
180
The title of this most renownèd duke,
And in my conscience do repute his Grace
The rightful heir to England’s royal seat.
KING HENRY
Hast thou not sworn allegiance unto me?
KING HENRY
Hast thou not sworn allegiance unto me?
SALISBURY
I have.
SALISBURY
I have.
KING HENRY
185
Canst thou dispense with heaven for such an oath?
KING HENRY
185
Canst thou dispense with heaven for such an oath?
SALISBURY
It is great sin to swear unto a sin,
But greater sin to keep a sinful oath.
Who can be bound by any solemn vow
To do a murd’rous deed, to rob a man,
190
To force a spotless virgin’s chastity,
To reave the orphan of his patrimony,
To wring the widow from her customed right,
And have no other reason for this wrong
But that he was bound by a solemn oath?
SALISBURY
It is great sin to swear unto a sin,
But greater sin to keep a sinful oath.
Who can be bound by any solemn vow
To do a murd’rous deed, to rob a man,
190
To force a spotless virgin’s chastity,
To reave the orphan of his patrimony,
To wring the widow from her customed right,
And have no other reason for this wrong
But that he was bound by a solemn oath?
QUEEN MARGARET
195
A subtle traitor needs no sophister.
QUEEN MARGARET
195
A subtle traitor needs no sophister.
KING HENRY , to an ATTENDANT
Call Buckingham, and bid him arm himself.
KING HENRY , to an ATTENDANT
Call Buckingham, and bid him arm himself.
ATTENDANT exits.
ATTENDANT exits.
YORK , to KING HENRY
Call Buckingham and all the friends thou hast,
I am resolved for death or dignity.
YORK , to KING HENRY
Call Buckingham and all the friends thou hast,
I am resolved for death or dignity.
CLIFFORD
The first, I warrant thee, if dreams prove true.
CLIFFORD
The first, I warrant thee, if dreams prove true.
WARWICK
200
You were best to go to bed and dream again,
To keep thee from the tempest of the field.
WARWICK
200
You were best to go to bed and dream again,
To keep thee from the tempest of the field.
CLIFFORD
I am resolved to bear a greater storm
Than any thou canst conjure up today;
And that I’ll write upon thy burgonet,
205
Might I but know thee by thy house’s badge.
CLIFFORD
I am resolved to bear a greater storm
Than any thou canst conjure up today;
And that I’ll write upon thy burgonet,
205
Might I but know thee by thy house’s badge.
WARWICK
Now, by my father’s badge, old Neville’s crest,
The rampant bear chained to the ragged staff,
This day I’ll wear aloft my burgonet—
As on a mountaintop the cedar shows
210
That keeps his leaves in spite of any storm—
Even to affright thee with the view thereof.
WARWICK
Now, by my father’s badge, old Neville’s crest,
The rampant bear chained to the ragged staff,
This day I’ll wear aloft my burgonet—
As on a mountaintop the cedar shows
210
That keeps his leaves in spite of any storm—
Even to affright thee with the view thereof.
CLIFFORD
And from thy burgonet I’ll rend thy bear
And tread it under foot with all contempt,
Despite the bearherd that protects the bear.
CLIFFORD
And from thy burgonet I’ll rend thy bear
And tread it under foot with all contempt,
Despite the bearherd that protects the bear.
YOUNG CLIFFORD
215
And so to arms, victorious father,
To quell the rebels and their complices.
YOUNG CLIFFORD
215
And so to arms, victorious father,
To quell the rebels and their complices.
RICHARD
Fie! Charity, for shame! Speak not in spite,
For you shall sup with Jesu Christ tonight.
RICHARD
Fie! Charity, for shame! Speak not in spite,
For you shall sup with Jesu Christ tonight.
YOUNG CLIFFORD
Foul stigmatic, that’s more than thou canst tell!
YOUNG CLIFFORD
Foul stigmatic, that’s more than thou canst tell!
RICHARD
220
If not in heaven, you’ll surely sup in hell.
RICHARD
220
If not in heaven, you’ll surely sup in hell.
They exit separately.
They exit separately.

Original Text

Modern Text

Enter YORK, wearing the white rose, and his army of Irish, with ATTENDANTS, Drum and Colors.
Enter YORK, wearing the white rose, and his army of Irish, with ATTENDANTS, Drum and Colors.
YORK
From Ireland thus comes York to claim his right
And pluck the crown from feeble Henry’s head.
Ring, bells, aloud! Burn, bonfires, clear and bright
To entertain great England’s lawful king!
5
Ah, sancta maiestas, who would not buy thee dear?
Let them obey that knows not how to rule.
This hand was made to handle naught but gold.
I cannot give due action to my words
Except a sword or scepter balance it.
10
A scepter shall it have, have I a soul,
On which I’ll toss the fleur-de-luce of France.
Enter BUCKINGHAM, wearing the red rose.
Aside. Whom have we here? Buckingham, to
disturb me?
The King hath sent him, sure. I must dissemble.
YORK
From Ireland thus comes York to claim his right
And pluck the crown from feeble Henry’s head.
Ring, bells, aloud! Burn, bonfires, clear and bright
To entertain great England’s lawful king!
5
Ah, sancta maiestas, who would not buy thee dear?
Let them obey that knows not how to rule.
This hand was made to handle naught but gold.
I cannot give due action to my words
Except a sword or scepter balance it.
10
A scepter shall it have, have I a soul,
On which I’ll toss the fleur-de-luce of France.
Enter BUCKINGHAM, wearing the red rose.
Aside. Whom have we here? Buckingham, to
disturb me?
The King hath sent him, sure. I must dissemble.
BUCKINGHAM
15
York, if thou meanest well, I greet thee well.
BUCKINGHAM
15
York, if thou meanest well, I greet thee well.
YORK
Humphrey of Buckingham, I accept thy greeting.
Art thou a messenger, or come of pleasure?
YORK
Humphrey of Buckingham, I accept thy greeting.
Art thou a messenger, or come of pleasure?
BUCKINGHAM
A messenger from Henry, our dread liege,
To know the reason of these arms in peace;
20
Or why thou, being a subject as I am,
Against thy oath and true allegiance sworn,
Should raise so great a power without his leave,
Or dare to bring thy force so near the court.
BUCKINGHAM
A messenger from Henry, our dread liege,
To know the reason of these arms in peace;
20
Or why thou, being a subject as I am,
Against thy oath and true allegiance sworn,
Should raise so great a power without his leave,
Or dare to bring thy force so near the court.
YORK , aside
Scarce can I speak, my choler is so great.
25
O, I could hew up rocks and fight with flint,
I am so angry at these abject terms!
And now, like Ajax Telamonius,
On sheep or oxen could I spend my fury.
I am far better born than is the King,
30
More like a king, more kingly in my thoughts.
But I must make fair weather yet awhile,
Till Henry be more weak and I more strong.—
Buckingham, I prithee, pardon me,
That I have given no answer all this while.
35
My mind was troubled with deep melancholy.
The cause why I have brought this army hither
Is to remove proud Somerset from the King,
Seditious to his Grace and to the state.
YORK , aside
Scarce can I speak, my choler is so great.
25
O, I could hew up rocks and fight with flint,
I am so angry at these abject terms!
And now, like Ajax Telamonius,
On sheep or oxen could I spend my fury.
I am far better born than is the King,
30
More like a king, more kingly in my thoughts.
But I must make fair weather yet awhile,
Till Henry be more weak and I more strong.—
Buckingham, I prithee, pardon me,
That I have given no answer all this while.
35
My mind was troubled with deep melancholy.
The cause why I have brought this army hither
Is to remove proud Somerset from the King,
Seditious to his Grace and to the state.
BUCKINGHAM
That is too much presumption on thy part.
40
But if thy arms be to no other end,
The King hath yielded unto thy demand:
The Duke of Somerset is in the Tower.
BUCKINGHAM
That is too much presumption on thy part.
40
But if thy arms be to no other end,
The King hath yielded unto thy demand:
The Duke of Somerset is in the Tower.
YORK
Upon thine honor, is he prisoner?
YORK
Upon thine honor, is he prisoner?
BUCKINGHAM
Upon mine honor, he is prisoner.
BUCKINGHAM
Upon mine honor, he is prisoner.
YORK
45
Then, Buckingham, I do dismiss my powers.—
Soldiers, I thank you all. Disperse yourselves.
Meet me tomorrow in Saint George’s field;
You shall have pay and everything you wish.
SOLDIERS exit.
And let my sovereign, virtuous Henry,
50
Command my eldest son, nay, all my sons,
As pledges of my fealty and love;
I’ll send them all as willing as I live.
Lands, goods, horse, armor, anything I have
Is his to use, so Somerset may die.
YORK
45
Then, Buckingham, I do dismiss my powers.—
Soldiers, I thank you all. Disperse yourselves.
Meet me tomorrow in Saint George’s field;
You shall have pay and everything you wish.
SOLDIERS exit.
And let my sovereign, virtuous Henry,
50
Command my eldest son, nay, all my sons,
As pledges of my fealty and love;
I’ll send them all as willing as I live.
Lands, goods, horse, armor, anything I have
Is his to use, so Somerset may die.
BUCKINGHAM
55
York, I commend this kind submission.
We twain will go into his Highness’ tent.
BUCKINGHAM
55
York, I commend this kind submission.
We twain will go into his Highness’ tent.
They walk arm in arm.
They walk arm in arm.
Enter KING HENRY and ATTENDANTS.
Enter KING HENRY and ATTENDANTS.
KING HENRY
Buckingham, doth York intend no harm to us
That thus he marcheth with thee arm in arm?
KING HENRY
Buckingham, doth York intend no harm to us
That thus he marcheth with thee arm in arm?
YORK
In all submission and humility
60
York doth present himself unto your Highness.
YORK
In all submission and humility
60
York doth present himself unto your Highness.
KING HENRY
Then what intends these forces thou dost bring?
KING HENRY
Then what intends these forces thou dost bring?
YORK
To heave the traitor Somerset from hence
And fight against that monstrous rebel Cade,
Who since I heard to be discomfited.
YORK
To heave the traitor Somerset from hence
And fight against that monstrous rebel Cade,
Who since I heard to be discomfited.
Enter IDEN, with CADE’S head.
Enter IDEN, with CADE’S head.
IDEN
65
If one so rude and of so mean condition
May pass into the presence of a king,
Lo, I present your Grace a traitor’s head,
The head of Cade, whom I in combat slew.
IDEN
65
If one so rude and of so mean condition
May pass into the presence of a king,
Lo, I present your Grace a traitor’s head,
The head of Cade, whom I in combat slew.
KING HENRY
The head of Cade? Great God, how just art Thou!
70
O, let me view his visage, being dead,
That living wrought me such exceeding trouble.
Tell me, my friend, art thou the man that slew him?
KING HENRY
The head of Cade? Great God, how just art Thou!
70
O, let me view his visage, being dead,
That living wrought me such exceeding trouble.
Tell me, my friend, art thou the man that slew him?
IDEN
I was, an ’t like your Majesty.
IDEN
I was, an ’t like your Majesty.
KING HENRY
How art thou called? And what is thy degree?
KING HENRY
How art thou called? And what is thy degree?
IDEN
75
Alexander Iden, that’s my name,
A poor esquire of Kent that loves his king.
IDEN
75
Alexander Iden, that’s my name,
A poor esquire of Kent that loves his king.
BUCKINGHAM
So please it you, my lord, ’twere not amiss
He were created knight for his good service.
BUCKINGHAM
So please it you, my lord, ’twere not amiss
He were created knight for his good service.
KING HENRY
Iden, kneel down. He kneels. Rise up a knight. He
rises.
80
We give thee for reward a thousand marks,
And will that thou henceforth attend on us.
KING HENRY
Iden, kneel down. He kneels. Rise up a knight. He
rises.
80
We give thee for reward a thousand marks,
And will that thou henceforth attend on us.
IDEN
May Iden live to merit such a bounty,
And never live but true unto his liege!
IDEN
May Iden live to merit such a bounty,
And never live but true unto his liege!
Enter QUEEN MARGARET and SOMERSET, wearing the red rose.
Enter QUEEN MARGARET and SOMERSET, wearing the red rose.
KING HENRY , aside to BUCKINGHAM
See, Buckingham, Somerset comes with th’ Queen.
85
Go bid her hide him quickly from the Duke.
KING HENRY , aside to BUCKINGHAM
See, Buckingham, Somerset comes with th’ Queen.
85
Go bid her hide him quickly from the Duke.
BUCKINGHAM whispers to the QUEEN.
BUCKINGHAM whispers to the QUEEN.
QUEEN MARGARET
For thousand Yorks he shall not hide his head,
But boldly stand and front him to his face.
QUEEN MARGARET
For thousand Yorks he shall not hide his head,
But boldly stand and front him to his face.
YORK , aside
How now? Is Somerset at liberty?
Then, York, unloose thy long-imprisoned thoughts,
90
And let thy tongue be equal with thy heart.
Shall I endure the sight of Somerset?—
False king, why hast thou broken faith with me,
Knowing how hardly I can brook abuse?
“King” did I call thee? No, thou art not king,
95
Not fit to govern and rule multitudes,
Which dar’st not—no, nor canst not—rule a traitor.
That head of thine doth not become a crown;
Thy hand is made to grasp a palmer’s staff,
And not to grace an awful princely scepter.
100
That gold must round engirt these brows of mine,
Whose smile and frown, like to Achilles’ spear,
Is able with the change to kill and cure.
Here is a hand to hold a scepter up
And with the same to act controlling laws.
105
Give place. By heaven, thou shalt rule no more
O’er him whom heaven created for thy ruler.
YORK , aside
How now? Is Somerset at liberty?
Then, York, unloose thy long-imprisoned thoughts,
90
And let thy tongue be equal with thy heart.
Shall I endure the sight of Somerset?—
False king, why hast thou broken faith with me,
Knowing how hardly I can brook abuse?
“King” did I call thee? No, thou art not king,
95
Not fit to govern and rule multitudes,
Which dar’st not—no, nor canst not—rule a traitor.
That head of thine doth not become a crown;
Thy hand is made to grasp a palmer’s staff,
And not to grace an awful princely scepter.
100
That gold must round engirt these brows of mine,
Whose smile and frown, like to Achilles’ spear,
Is able with the change to kill and cure.
Here is a hand to hold a scepter up
And with the same to act controlling laws.
105
Give place. By heaven, thou shalt rule no more
O’er him whom heaven created for thy ruler.
SOMERSET
O monstrous traitor! I arrest thee, York,
Of capital treason ’gainst the King and crown.
Obey, audacious traitor. Kneel for grace.
SOMERSET
O monstrous traitor! I arrest thee, York,
Of capital treason ’gainst the King and crown.
Obey, audacious traitor. Kneel for grace.
YORK
110
Wouldst have me kneel? First let me ask of these
If they can brook I bow a knee to man.
To an ATTENDANT. Sirrah, call in my sons to be my
bail. ATTENDANT exits.
I know, ere they will have me go to ward,
115
They’ll pawn their swords for my enfranchisement.
YORK
110
Wouldst have me kneel? First let me ask of these
If they can brook I bow a knee to man.
To an ATTENDANT. Sirrah, call in my sons to be my
bail. ATTENDANT exits.
I know, ere they will have me go to ward,
115
They’ll pawn their swords for my enfranchisement.
QUEEN MARGARET , to BUCKINGHAM
Call hither Clifford; bid him come amain,
To say if that the bastard boys of York
Shall be the surety for their traitor father.
QUEEN MARGARET , to BUCKINGHAM
Call hither Clifford; bid him come amain,
To say if that the bastard boys of York
Shall be the surety for their traitor father.
BUCKINGHAM exits.
BUCKINGHAM exits.
YORK , to QUEEN MARGARET
O, blood-bespotted Neapolitan,
120
Outcast of Naples, England’s bloody scourge!
The sons of York, thy betters in their birth,
Shall be their father’s bail, and bane to those
That for my surety will refuse the boys.
Enter York’s sons EDWARD and RICHARD, wearing the white rose.
See where they come; I’ll warrant they’ll make it
125
good.
YORK , to QUEEN MARGARET
O, blood-bespotted Neapolitan,
120
Outcast of Naples, England’s bloody scourge!
The sons of York, thy betters in their birth,
Shall be their father’s bail, and bane to those
That for my surety will refuse the boys.
Enter York’s sons EDWARD and RICHARD, wearing the white rose.
See where they come; I’ll warrant they’ll make it
125
good.
Enter old CLIFFORD and his SON, wearing the red rose.
Enter old CLIFFORD and his SON, wearing the red rose.
QUEEN MARGARET
And here comes Clifford to deny their bail.
QUEEN MARGARET
And here comes Clifford to deny their bail.
CLIFFORD , kneeling before KING HENRY
Health and all happiness to my lord the King.
CLIFFORD , kneeling before KING HENRY
Health and all happiness to my lord the King.
He rises.
He rises.
YORK
I thank thee, Clifford. Say, what news with thee?
Nay, do not fright us with an angry look.
130
We are thy sovereign, Clifford; kneel again.
For thy mistaking so, we pardon thee.
YORK
I thank thee, Clifford. Say, what news with thee?
Nay, do not fright us with an angry look.
130
We are thy sovereign, Clifford; kneel again.
For thy mistaking so, we pardon thee.
CLIFFORD
This is my king, York; I do not mistake,
But thou mistakes me much to think I do.—
To Bedlam with him! Is the man grown mad?
CLIFFORD
This is my king, York; I do not mistake,
But thou mistakes me much to think I do.—
To Bedlam with him! Is the man grown mad?
KING HENRY
135
Ay, Clifford, a bedlam and ambitious humor
Makes him oppose himself against his king.
KING HENRY
135
Ay, Clifford, a bedlam and ambitious humor
Makes him oppose himself against his king.
CLIFFORD
He is a traitor. Let him to the Tower,
And chop away that factious pate of his.
CLIFFORD
He is a traitor. Let him to the Tower,
And chop away that factious pate of his.
QUEEN MARGARET
He is arrested, but will not obey.
140
His sons, he says, shall give their words for him.
QUEEN MARGARET
He is arrested, but will not obey.
140
His sons, he says, shall give their words for him.
YORK
Will you not, sons?
YORK
Will you not, sons?
EDWARD
Ay, noble father, if our words will serve.
EDWARD
Ay, noble father, if our words will serve.
RICHARD
And if words will not, then our weapons shall.
RICHARD
And if words will not, then our weapons shall.
CLIFFORD
Why, what a brood of traitors have we here!
CLIFFORD
Why, what a brood of traitors have we here!
YORK
145
Look in a glass, and call thy image so.
I am thy king and thou a false-heart traitor.
Call hither to the stake my two brave bears,
That, with the very shaking of their chains,
They may astonish these fell-lurking curs.
150 To an ATTENDANT.
Bid Salisbury and Warwick come
to me. ATTENDANT exits.
YORK
145
Look in a glass, and call thy image so.
I am thy king and thou a false-heart traitor.
Call hither to the stake my two brave bears,
That, with the very shaking of their chains,
They may astonish these fell-lurking curs.
150 To an ATTENDANT.
Bid Salisbury and Warwick come
to me. ATTENDANT exits.
Enter the EARLS OF WARWICK and SALISBURY, wearing the white rose.
Enter the EARLS OF WARWICK and SALISBURY, wearing the white rose.
CLIFFORD
Are these thy bears? We’ll bait thy bears to death
And manacle the bearherd in their chains,
If thou dar’st bring them to the baiting place.
CLIFFORD
Are these thy bears? We’ll bait thy bears to death
And manacle the bearherd in their chains,
If thou dar’st bring them to the baiting place.
RICHARD
155
Oft have I seen a hot o’erweening cur
Run back and bite because he was withheld,
Who, being suffered with the bear’s fell paw,
Hath clapped his tail between his legs and cried;
And such a piece of service will you do
160
If you oppose yourselves to match Lord Warwick.
RICHARD
155
Oft have I seen a hot o’erweening cur
Run back and bite because he was withheld,
Who, being suffered with the bear’s fell paw,
Hath clapped his tail between his legs and cried;
And such a piece of service will you do
160
If you oppose yourselves to match Lord Warwick.
CLIFFORD
Hence, heap of wrath, foul indigested lump,
As crooked in thy manners as thy shape!
CLIFFORD
Hence, heap of wrath, foul indigested lump,
As crooked in thy manners as thy shape!
YORK
Nay, we shall heat you thoroughly anon.
YORK
Nay, we shall heat you thoroughly anon.
CLIFFORD
Take heed, lest by your heat you burn yourselves.
CLIFFORD
Take heed, lest by your heat you burn yourselves.
KING HENRY
165
Why, Warwick, hath thy knee forgot to bow?—
Old Salisbury, shame to thy silver hair,
Thou mad misleader of thy brainsick son!
What, wilt thou on thy deathbed play the ruffian
And seek for sorrow with thy spectacles?
170
O, where is faith? O, where is loyalty?
If it be banished from the frosty head,
Where shall it find a harbor in the earth?
Wilt thou go dig a grave to find out war,
And shame thine honorable age with blood?
175
Why art thou old and want’st experience?
Or wherefore dost abuse it, if thou hast it?
For shame! In duty bend thy knee to me
That bows unto the grave with mickle age.
KING HENRY
165
Why, Warwick, hath thy knee forgot to bow?—
Old Salisbury, shame to thy silver hair,
Thou mad misleader of thy brainsick son!
What, wilt thou on thy deathbed play the ruffian
And seek for sorrow with thy spectacles?
170
O, where is faith? O, where is loyalty?
If it be banished from the frosty head,
Where shall it find a harbor in the earth?
Wilt thou go dig a grave to find out war,
And shame thine honorable age with blood?
175
Why art thou old and want’st experience?
Or wherefore dost abuse it, if thou hast it?
For shame! In duty bend thy knee to me
That bows unto the grave with mickle age.
SALISBURY
My lord, I have considered with myself
180
The title of this most renownèd duke,
And in my conscience do repute his Grace
The rightful heir to England’s royal seat.
SALISBURY
My lord, I have considered with myself
180
The title of this most renownèd duke,
And in my conscience do repute his Grace
The rightful heir to England’s royal seat.
KING HENRY
Hast thou not sworn allegiance unto me?
KING HENRY
Hast thou not sworn allegiance unto me?
SALISBURY
I have.
SALISBURY
I have.
KING HENRY
185
Canst thou dispense with heaven for such an oath?
KING HENRY
185
Canst thou dispense with heaven for such an oath?
SALISBURY
It is great sin to swear unto a sin,
But greater sin to keep a sinful oath.
Who can be bound by any solemn vow
To do a murd’rous deed, to rob a man,
190
To force a spotless virgin’s chastity,
To reave the orphan of his patrimony,
To wring the widow from her customed right,
And have no other reason for this wrong
But that he was bound by a solemn oath?
SALISBURY
It is great sin to swear unto a sin,
But greater sin to keep a sinful oath.
Who can be bound by any solemn vow
To do a murd’rous deed, to rob a man,
190
To force a spotless virgin’s chastity,
To reave the orphan of his patrimony,
To wring the widow from her customed right,
And have no other reason for this wrong
But that he was bound by a solemn oath?
QUEEN MARGARET
195
A subtle traitor needs no sophister.
QUEEN MARGARET
195
A subtle traitor needs no sophister.
KING HENRY , to an ATTENDANT
Call Buckingham, and bid him arm himself.
KING HENRY , to an ATTENDANT
Call Buckingham, and bid him arm himself.
ATTENDANT exits.
ATTENDANT exits.
YORK , to KING HENRY
Call Buckingham and all the friends thou hast,
I am resolved for death or dignity.
YORK , to KING HENRY
Call Buckingham and all the friends thou hast,
I am resolved for death or dignity.
CLIFFORD
The first, I warrant thee, if dreams prove true.
CLIFFORD
The first, I warrant thee, if dreams prove true.
WARWICK
200
You were best to go to bed and dream again,
To keep thee from the tempest of the field.
WARWICK
200
You were best to go to bed and dream again,
To keep thee from the tempest of the field.
CLIFFORD
I am resolved to bear a greater storm
Than any thou canst conjure up today;
And that I’ll write upon thy burgonet,
205
Might I but know thee by thy house’s badge.
CLIFFORD
I am resolved to bear a greater storm
Than any thou canst conjure up today;
And that I’ll write upon thy burgonet,
205
Might I but know thee by thy house’s badge.
WARWICK
Now, by my father’s badge, old Neville’s crest,
The rampant bear chained to the ragged staff,
This day I’ll wear aloft my burgonet—
As on a mountaintop the cedar shows
210
That keeps his leaves in spite of any storm—
Even to affright thee with the view thereof.
WARWICK
Now, by my father’s badge, old Neville’s crest,
The rampant bear chained to the ragged staff,
This day I’ll wear aloft my burgonet—
As on a mountaintop the cedar shows
210
That keeps his leaves in spite of any storm—
Even to affright thee with the view thereof.
CLIFFORD
And from thy burgonet I’ll rend thy bear
And tread it under foot with all contempt,
Despite the bearherd that protects the bear.
CLIFFORD
And from thy burgonet I’ll rend thy bear
And tread it under foot with all contempt,
Despite the bearherd that protects the bear.
YOUNG CLIFFORD
215
And so to arms, victorious father,
To quell the rebels and their complices.
YOUNG CLIFFORD
215
And so to arms, victorious father,
To quell the rebels and their complices.
RICHARD
Fie! Charity, for shame! Speak not in spite,
For you shall sup with Jesu Christ tonight.
RICHARD
Fie! Charity, for shame! Speak not in spite,
For you shall sup with Jesu Christ tonight.
YOUNG CLIFFORD
Foul stigmatic, that’s more than thou canst tell!
YOUNG CLIFFORD
Foul stigmatic, that’s more than thou canst tell!
RICHARD
220
If not in heaven, you’ll surely sup in hell.
RICHARD
220
If not in heaven, you’ll surely sup in hell.
They exit separately.
They exit separately.

Popular pages: Henry VI, Part 2