Act IV, Scene 2

A plain in Warwickshire.

[Enter WARWICK and OXFORD, with French soldiers]

• Earl of Warwick. Trust me, my lord, all hitherto goes well;
  The common people by numbers swarm to us.
  [Enter CLARENCE and SOMERSET]
  But see where Somerset and Clarence come!
  Speak suddenly, my lords, are we all friends? 2135

• George Plantagenet (Duke of Clarence). Fear not that, my lord.

• Earl of Warwick. 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; 2140
  Else might I think that Clarence, Edward's brother,
  Were but a feigned friend to our proceedings:
  But welcome, sweet Clarence; my daughter shall be thine.
  And now what rests but, in night's coverture,
  Thy brother being carelessly encamp'd, 2145
  His soldiers lurking in the towns about,
  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 2150
  With sleight and manhood stole to Rhesus' tents,
  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, 2155
  For I intend but only to surprise him.
  You that will follow me to this attempt,
  Applaud the name of Henry with your leader.
  [They all cry, 'Henry!']
  Why, then, let's on our way in silent sort: 2160
  For Warwick and his friends, God and Saint George!

[Exeunt]