Henry VI, Pt. 3
Act IV, Scene 2
A plain in Warwickshire.
That as Ulysses and stout Diomede with sleight and manhood stole to Rhesus’ tents and brought from thence the Thracian fatal steeds
Diomed and Ulysses returning with the spoils of Rhesus
John Flaxman, Alfred John Church, 1895
- Enter Warwick and Oxford in England, with French Soldiers.
Earl of Warwick
1 - 4- Trust me, my lord, all hitherto goes well,
- The common people by numbers swarm to us.
- Enter Clarence and Somerset.
- But see where Somerset and Clarence comes!
- Speak suddenly, my lords, are we all friends?
Duke of Clarence
5- Fear not that, my lord.
Earl of Warwick
6 - 29- 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;
- 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,
- Thy brother being carelessly encamp’d,
- His soldiers lurking in the town about,
- 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
- And brought from thence the Thracian fatal steeds,
- 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.
- 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.