Page 813 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

ACT II IT

Scene I IT

A march. Enter Edward [Earl of March], Richard, [with Drum and
Soldiers].

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;
Had he been slain, we should have heard the news: [5]
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
Where our right valiant father is become. [10]
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 heard of neat,
Or as a bear encompassed round with dogs, [15]
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;
Methinks ’tis prize enough to be his son. [20]
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!

[Three suns appear in the air.]