Reference > William Shakespeare > The Oxford Shakespeare > The Third Part of King Henry the Sixth > Act IV. Scene II.
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William Shakespeare (1564–1616).  The Oxford Shakespeare.  1914.

The Third Part of King Henry the Sixth

Act IV. Scene II.


A Plain in Warwickshire.
 
  
Enter WARWICK and OXFORD, with French and other Forces.
 
  War.  Trust me, my lord, all hitherto goes well; 
The common people by numbers swarm to us.   4
  
Enter CLARENCE and SOMERSET.
 
But see where Somerset and Clarence come! 
Speak suddenly, my lords, are we all friends? 
  Clar.  Fear not that, my lord.   8
  War.  Then, gentle Clarence, welcome unto Warwick; 
And welcome Somerset: I hold it cowardice, 
To rest mistrustful where a noble heart 
Hath pawn’d an open hand in sign of love;  12
Else might I think that Clarence, Edward’s brother, 
Were but a feigned friend to our proceedings: 
But welcome, sweet Clarence; my daughter shall be thine. 
And now what rests, but in night’s coverture,  16
Thy brother being carelessly encamp’d, 
His soldiers lurking in the towns about, 
And but attended by a simple guard, 
We may surprise and take him at our pleasure?  20
Our scouts have found the adventure very easy: 
That as Ulysses, and stout Diomede, 
With sleight and manhood stole to Rhesus’ tents, 
And brought from thence the Thracian fatal steeds;  24
So we, well cover’d 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.  28
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.  32

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