The Third Part of Henry the Sixth: ACT IV , SCENE IV. London. The palace.

The Third Part of Henry the Sixth: ACT IV


	Introduction

	ACT I

	ACT II

	ACT III

	ACT IV

		SCENE I. London. The palace.

		SCENE II. A plain in Warwickshire.

		SCENE III. Edward's camp, near Warwick.

		SCENE IV. London. The palace.

		SCENE V. A park near Middleham Castle In Yorkshire.

		SCENE VI. London. The Tower.

		SCENE VII. Before York.

		SCENE VIII. London. The palace.

	ACT V

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SCENE IV. London. The palace.

Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH and RIVERS

RIVERS

Madam, what makes you in this sudden change?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

Why brother Rivers, are you yet to learn
What late misfortune is befall'n King Edward?

RIVERS

What! loss of some pitch'd battle against Warwick?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

5 No, but the loss of his own royal person.

RIVERS

Then is my sovereign slain?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

      Ay, almost slain, for he is taken prisoner,
      Either betray'd by falsehood of his guard
      Or by his foe surprised at unawares:
10    And, as I further have to understand,
      Is new committed to the Bishop of York,
      Fell Warwick's brother and by that our foe.

RIVERS

      These news I must confess are full of grief;
      Yet, gracious madam, bear it as you may:
15    Warwick may lose, that now hath won the day.

QUEEN ELIZABETH

      Till then fair hope must hinder life's decay.
      And I the rather wean me from despair
      For love of Edward's offspring in my womb:
      This is it that makes me bridle passion
20    And bear with mildness my misfortune's cross;
      Ay, ay, for this I draw in many a tear
      And stop the rising of blood-sucking sighs,
      Lest with my sighs or tears I blast or drown
      King Edward's fruit, true heir to the English crown.

RIVERS

25 But, madam, where is Warwick then become?

QUEEN ELIZABETH

      I am inform'd that he comes towards London,
      To set the crown once more on Henry's head:
      Guess thou the rest; King Edward's friends must down,
      But, to prevent the tyrant's violence,--
30    For trust not him that hath once broken faith,--
      I'll hence forthwith unto the sanctuary,
      To save at least the heir of Edward's right:
      There shall I rest secure from force and fraud.
      Come, therefore, let us fly while we may fly:
35    If Warwick take us we are sure to die.

Exeunt

3 KING HENRY VI

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