Page 902 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

I thought no less; it is his policy
To haste thus fast to find us unprovided.

SOMERSET

But he’s deceived; we are in readiness.

MARGARET

This cheers my heart to see your forwardness. [65]

OXFORD

Here pitch our battle; hence we will not budge.

Flourish, and march. Enter [King] Edward, Gloucester, Clarence, and
Soldiers.

KING EDWARD

Brave followers, yonder stands the thorny wood
Which by the heavens’ assistance and your strength
Must by the roots be hewn up yet ere night.
I need not add more fuel to your fire, [70]
For well I wot ye blaze to burn them out:
Give signal to the fight, and to it, lords!

MARGARET

Lords, knights, and gentlemen, what I should say
My tears gainsay: for every word I speak
Ye see I drink the water of my eye. [75]
Therefore, no more but this: Henry, your sovereign,
Is prisoner to the foe, his state usurped,
His realm a slaughter-house, his subjects slain,
His statutes cancelled, and his treasure spent;
And yonder is the wolf that makes this spoil. [80]
You fight in justice: then, in God’s name, lords,
Be valiant, and give signal to the fight.

[Alarums to the battle. The Yorkists fly, then the chambers be
discharged. Then enter King Edward, Clarence, and the rest, and make a
great shout and cry, ‘For York! For York!’. And then the queen is taken, and

the prince, and Oxford and Somerset.] Exeunt.

Scene V IT