Act IV, Scene x

KING HENRY.:

Here at the palace will I rest a while.—

Cousin of Exeter, what thinks your lordship?

Methinks the power that Edward hath in field

Should not be able to encounter mine.

EXETER.:

The doubt is that he will seduce the rest.

KING HENRY.:

That's not my fear; my meed hath got me fame.

I have not stopp'd mine ears to their demands,

Nor posted off their suits with slow delays;

My pity hath been balm to heal their wounds,

My mildness hath allay'd their swelling griefs,

My mercy dried their water-flowing tears.

I have not been desirous of their wealth

Nor much oppress'd them with great subsidies,

Nor forward of revenge, though they much err'd;

Then, why should they love Edward more than me?

No, Exeter, these graces challenge grace;

And when the lion fawns upon the lamb

The lamb will never cease to follow him.

[Shout within 'A Lancaster! A Lancaster!']

EXETER.:

Hark, hark, my lord! what shouts are these?

[Enter KING EDWARD, GLOSTER, and Soldiers.]

KING EDWARD.:

Seize on the shame-fac'd Henry! bear him hence,

And once again proclaim us king of England.—

You are the fount that makes small brooks to flow.

Now stops thy spring; my sea shall suck them dry

And swell so much the higher by their ebb.—

Hence with him to the Tower! let him not speak.—

[Exeunt some with King Henry.]

And, lords, towards Coventry bend we our course,

Where peremptory Warwick now remains.

The sun shines hot, and, if we use delay,

Cold biting winter mars our hop'd-for hay.

GLOSTER.:

Away betimes, before his forces join,

And take the great-grown traitor unawares.

Brave warriors, march amain towards Coventry.

[Exeunt.]