Act IV, Scene 5

A park near Middleham Castle In Yorkshire.

[Enter GLOUCESTER, HASTINGS, and STANLEY]

• Richard III. Now, my Lord Hastings and Sir William Stanley, 2280
  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, 2285
  And, often but attended with weak guard,
  Comes hunting this way to disport himself.
  I have advertised him by secret means
  That if about this hour he make his way
  Under the colour of his usual game, 2290
  He shall here find his friends with horse and men
  To set him free from his captivity.

[Enter KING EDWARD IV and a Huntsman with him]

• Huntsman. This way, my lord; for this way lies the game.

• King Edward IV (Plantagenet). Nay, this way, man: see where the huntsmen stand. 2295
  Now, brother of Gloucester, Lord Hastings, and the rest,
  Stand you thus close, to steal the bishop's deer?

• Richard III. Brother, the time and case requireth haste:
  Your horse stands ready at the park-corner.

• King Edward IV (Plantagenet). But whither shall we then? 2300

• Lord Hastings. To Lynn, my lord,
  And ship from thence to Flanders.

• Richard III. Well guess'd, believe me; for that was my meaning.

• King Edward IV (Plantagenet). Stanley, I will requite thy forwardness.

• Richard III. But wherefore stay we? 'tis no time to talk. 2305

• King Edward IV (Plantagenet). Huntsman, what say'st thou? wilt thou go along?

• Huntsman. Better do so than tarry and be hang'd.

• Richard III. Come then, away; let's ha' no more ado.

• King Edward IV (Plantagenet). Bishop, farewell: shield thee from Warwick's frown;
  And pray that I may repossess the crown. 2310

[Exeunt]