Page 872 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

WARWICK

Then, gentle Clarence, welcome unto Warwick -
And welcome, Somerset: I hold it cowardice
To rest mistrustful where a noble heart
Hath pawned an open hand in sign of love;
Else might I think that Clarence, Edward’s brother, [10]
Were but a feignèd friend to our proceedings.
But come, sweet Clarence, my daughter shall be thine.
And now what rests but in night’s coverture,
Thy brother being carelessly encamped,
His soldiers lurking in the towns about [15]
And but attended by a simple guard,
We may surprise and take him at our pleasure?
Our scouts have found the adventure very easy:
That as Ulysses and stout Diomede
With sleight and manhood stole to Rhesus’ tents [20]
And brought from thence the Thracian fatal steeds,
So we, well covered with the night’s black mantle,
At unawares may beat down Edward’s guard
And seize himself - I say not slaughter him
For I intend but only to surprise him. [25]
You that will follow me to this attempt,
Applaud the name of Henry with your leader.

They all cry, ‘Henry!’.
Why then, let’s on our way in silent sort:
For Warwick and his friends, God and Saint George!

Exeunt.

Scene III IT

Enter three Watchmen to guard [King Edward’s] tent.

FIRST WATCHMAN

Come on, my masters, each man take his stand:
The king by this is set him down to sleep.

SECOND WATCHMAN

What, will he not to bed?

FIRST WATCHMAN