Messenger. "Tell him," said she, "my mourning "weeds are o'er,

"And I shall soon resume my royal robes."

Edward. But what said Warwick to these injuries? Messenger. He, more incens'd against your Majesty Than all the rest, discharg'd me with these words: "Tell him from me, that he has wrong'd his friend, "And therefore I'll uncrown him ere 'tis long."

Edward. Ha! durst the traitor breathe such haughty words!

He shall have war and pay for his presumption.
Is Warwick reconcil'd with Margaret?

Messenger. Ay, gracious Sov'reign, they're so link'd in friendship,

That young Prince Edward marries Warwick's daughter.

Edward. Ah! then, I see the storm is gathering

fast;

Yet I am arm'd against the worst event.

My Lord of Hastings, quickly raise our forces,
And pitch my tent; for in the field this night
I mean to rest, and early in the morning
I'll march to meet proud Warwick, ere he land
Those straggling troops, that he has rais'd in France.
[Exit HASTINGS.

Now Clarence, Richard, will you leave me too?

Or bury discontent in loyalty,

And be the firmest pillars of the state?

Richard. Well you deserve to suffer. If this blow Were only aim'd at you, I'd not repel it.

D

But when I see France arm'd against my country,
My patriot heart beats high in honor's cause.
Sooner shall Henry share the crown with York,
And the white rose be with the red entwin'd,
Than France shall plant her lilies in our fields.
So God help Richard, as he faithful proves.
Clarence. This throne of patriot kings, this scep-
ter'd isle,

This scene of Majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, earthly paradise,

This fortress, built by Nature for herself,
Against the blast of elemental wars;

This precious stone set in the silver sea,
This blessed spot, this teeming womb of heroes
Fear'd for their deeds, and famous for their valor,
For Christian virtues, and fair chivalry;
England shall never stoop to foreign pow'r,
"Till by dissention she enslave herself.-
Edward, command my service, and my life.
Edward. O my dear brothers, strengthen'd by
your love,

I fear not Warwick, and his rash invasion.
Prepare our forces: to my tent I'll hie.

[Exeunt.

SCENE II. Warwickshire.

Enter WARWICK, OXFORD, and SOLDIERS.

Oxford. Trust me, my Lord, all hitherto goes well. The people flock by thousands to our standard. Warwick. We must strike quickly the decisive blow. Soon as night spreads her mantle o'er the skies, We shall attempt to seize on Edward's person. Our spies already have explor'd the ground, And found that he lies carelessly encamp'd, His soldiers lurking in the neighbouring towns: While he, attended by a simple guard, May be surpris'd, and taken at our pleasure. As once Ulysses, and brave Diomede

With silent valor stole to Rhesus' tents,

And brought from thence the Thracian fatal steeds;
So we, embosom'd in the night's dark veil,
May unperceiv'd beat down th' unwary guard,
And seize the faithless Edward:-but my friends,
While stedfast we pursue our just revenge,
To tear the crown from his unworthy brow,
Preserve his life. O let the rays of justice
Be temper'd by the gentle dew of mercy!
Humanity is valor's dearest badge.
But come-the night her sable curtain draws:
With silent speed we'll steal to Edward's camp.

[Exeunt.

SCENE III. Edward's Camp.

Enter Two SENTINELS.

First Sentinel. The night is clos'd: come, let us

take our stand.

The King ere this has set him down to sleep.

Second Sentinel. What! will he not to bed?

First Sentinel.

He's made a vow

Ne'er to lie down, to take his natʼral rest,

"Till Warwick or himself shall sleep in death. Second Sentinel. Tomorrow then, belike, shall be the day,

If Warwick be so near as 'tis reported.

But tell me, wherefore should the King command,
That his chief followers lodge in towns about him,
While he himself remains in the cold field?

First Sentinel. There is more honor, for there is more danger.

Second Sentinel. It may be so,-but give me quiet safety,

I like it better than a dang'rous honor.

If Warwick knew how Edward is encamp'd,

This post of honor would soon be a prison.

First Sentinel. But wherefore else guard we his royal tent,

But to defend him from his nightly foes?

Enter WARWICK, OXFORD, and SOLDIERS,

Warwick. This is his tent, and see, where stands his guard.

Come, fellow soldiers honor now or never!
But follow me, and Edward shall be ours.
First Sentinel. Who's there-who goes there?
Second Sentinel. Stay, or else thou diest!

[All Warwick's party cry out "Warwick,"
and set upon the sentinels, who fly, crying :
arm, arm, Warwick!"-Warwick, &c,
enter Edward's tent.]

Drums. Trumpets.-Enter WARWICK, OXFORd,

Warwick. Let the rest go in safety.—Here's the Duke.

Edward. The Duke! ah Warwick, when we parted last,

Thou call'dst me King.

Warwick. The case is alter'd now;

When you disgrac'd me in my embassy,

I swore I would degrade you from your kingdom,
And come to new-create you Duke of York.-
Alas! how should you govern such a kingdom,
Who know not how to use ambassadors,
Or how to be contented with one wife,
Or how to study for your people's good!