The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 5 of 9] · William Shakespeare
SCENE II. _A plain in Warwickshire_.
_Enter_ WARWICK _and_ OXFORD, _with French soldiers_. _War._ Trust me, my lord, all hitherto goes well; [cdb001] The common people by numbers swarm to us. [cdb002] But see where Somerset and Clarence comes! [cdb003] Speak suddenly, my lords, are we all friends? _Enter_ CLARENCE _and_ SOMERSET. _Clar._ Fear not that, my lord. [cdb005] _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; Else might I think that Clarence, Edward’s brother, ·cdb010· Were but a feigned friend to our proceedings: But welcome, sweet Clarence; my daughter shall be thine. [cdb012] And now what rests but, in night’s coverture, [cdb013] Thy brother being carelessly encamp’d, His soldiers lurking in the towns about, [cdb015] 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, [cdb020] 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. ·cdb025· You that will follow me to this attempt, [cdb026] 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._
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