The Complete Works of William Shakespeare · William Shakespeare
SCENE IX. Kenilworth Castle
Sound trumpets. Enter King, Queen and Somerset on the terrace, aloft. KING HENRY. Was ever king that joyed an earthly throne And could command no more content than I? No sooner was I crept out of my cradle But I was made a king at nine months old. Was never subject longed to be a king As I do long and wish to be a subject. Enter Buckingham and old Clifford. BUCKINGHAM. Health and glad tidings to your majesty! KING HENRY. Why, Buckingham, is the traitor Cade surprised? Or is he but retired to make him strong? Enter below multitudes with halters about their necks. CLIFFORD. He is fled, my lord, and all his powers do yield, And humbly thus, with halters on their necks, Expect your highness’ doom of life or death. KING HENRY. Then, heaven, set ope thy everlasting gates To entertain my vows of thanks and praise! Soldiers, this day have you redeemed your lives And showed how well you love your prince and country. Continue still in this so good a mind, And Henry, though he be infortunate, Assure yourselves, will never be unkind. And so, with thanks and pardon to you all, I do dismiss you to your several countries. ALL. God save the King! God save the King! Enter a Messenger. MESSENGER. Please it your grace to be advertised The Duke of York is newly come from Ireland, And with a puissant and a mighty power Of gallowglasses and stout kerns Is marching hitherward in proud array, And still proclaimeth, as he comes along, His arms are only to remove from thee The Duke of Somerset, whom he terms a traitor.
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