Henry VI, Pt. 3
Act IV, Scene 5
Yorkshire. A park near Middleham Castle.
Now, my Lord Hastings and Sir William Stanley, leave off to wonder why I drew you hither into this chiefest thicket of the park.
John Boydell; John & Josiah Boydell, printmakers; 1803
- Enter Richard of Gloucester, Lord Hastings, and Sir William
- Stanley.
Duke of Gloucester
1 - 13- Now, my Lord Hastings and Sir William Stanley,
- Leave off to wonder why I drew you hither
- Into this chiefest thicket of the park.
- Thus stands the case: you know our king, my brother,
- Is prisoner to the Bishop here, at whose hands
- He hath good usage and great liberty,
- And often but attended with weak guard,
- Comes hunting this way to disport himself.
- I have advertis’d him by secret means
- That if about this hour he make this way,
- Under the color of his usual game,
- He shall here find his friends with horse and men
- To set him free from his captivity.
- Enter King Edward, and a Huntsman with him.
Huntsman
14- This way, my lord, for this way lies the game.
King Edward
15 - 17- Nay, this way, man, see where the huntsmen stand.
- Now, brother of Gloucester, Lord Hastings, and the rest,
- Stand you thus close to steal the Bishop’s deer?
Duke of Gloucester
18 - 19- Brother, the time and case requireth haste,
- Your horse stands ready at the park-corner.
King Edward
20- But whither shall we then?
Lord Hastings
21 - 22- To Lynn, my lord—
- To Gloucester.
- And shipp’d from thence to Flanders?
Duke of Gloucester
23- Well guess’d, believe me, for that was my meaning.
King Edward
24- Stanley, I will requite thy forwardness.
Duke of Gloucester
25- But wherefore stay we? ’Tis no time to talk.
King Edward
26- Huntsman, what say’st thou? Wilt thou go along?
Huntsman
27- Better do so than tarry and be hang’d.
Duke of Gloucester
28- Come then away, let’s ha’ no more ado.
King Edward
29 - 30- Bishop, farewell! Shield thee from Warwick’s frown,
- And pray that I may repossess the crown.
- Exeunt.