Page 820 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

The Duke of Norfolk sends you word by me
The queen is coming with a puissant host;
And craves your company for speedy counsel.

WARWICK

Why then, it sorts: brave warriors, let’s away.

Exeunt.

Scene II IT

Flourish. Enter the King, the Queen [Margaret], Clifford,
Northumberland, and young Prince [Edward], with Drum and Trumpets

[and Soldiers].

MARGARET

Welcome, my lord, to this brave town of York.
Yonder’s the head of that arch-enemy
That sought to be encompassed with your crown.
Doth not the object cheer your heart, my lord?

KING HENRY

Ay, as the rocks cheer them that fear their wrack: [5]
To see this sight it irks my very soul.
Withhold revenge, dear God! ’Tis not my fault
Nor wittingly have I infringed my vow.

CLIFFORD

My gracious liege, this too much lenity
And harmful pity must be laid aside. [10]
To whom do lions cast their gentle looks?
Not to the beast that would usurp their den.
Whose hand is that the forest bear doth lick?
Not his that spoils her young before her face.
Who scapes the lurking serpent’s mortal sting? [15]
Not he that sets his foot upon her back.
The smallest worm will turn, being trodden on,
And doves will peck in safeguard of their brood.
Ambitious York did level at thy crown:
Thou smiling while he knit his angry brows. [20]
He, but a duke, would have his son a king