Page 889 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

Cousin of Exeter, what thinks your lordship?
Methinks the power Edward hath in field [35]
Should not be able to encounter mine.

EXET ER

The doubt is that he will seduce the rest.

KING HENRY

That’s not my fear; my meed hath got me fame:
I have not stopped mine ears to their demands
Nor posted off their suits with slow delays; [40]
My pity hath been balm to heal their wounds,
My mildness hath allayed their swelling griefs,
My mercy dried their water-flowing tears;
I have not been desirous of their wealth,
Nor much oppressed them with great subsidies, [45]
Nor forward of revenge - though they much erred.
Then why should they love Edward more than me?
No, Exeter, these graces challenge grace:
And when the lion fawns upon the lamb
The lamb will never cease to follow him. [50]

Shout within, ‘A Lancaster! A Lancaster!’.

EXET ER

Hark, hark, my lord! What shouts are these?

Enter [King] Edward and his Soldiers [, with Gloucester, and others].

KING EDWARD

Seize on the shame-faced Henry, bear him hence;
And once again proclaim us King of England. -
You are the fount that makes small brooks to flow:
Now stops thy spring, my sea shall suck them dry [55]
And swell so much the higher by their ebb. -
Hence with him to the Tower; let him not speak.

Exit [Exeter] with King Henry [guarded].
And, lords, towards Coventry bend we our course,
Where peremptory Warwick now remains.
The sun shines hot and, if we use delay, [60]
Cold biting winter mars our hoped-for hay.