[Enter GLOUCESTER, HASTINGS, and STANLEY]
- Richard III (Duke of Gloucester). Now, my Lord Hastings and Sir William Stanley,
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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,
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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,
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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.
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Now, brother of Gloucester, Lord Hastings, and the rest,
Stand you thus close, to steal the bishop's deer?
- Richard III (Duke of Gloucester). Brother, the time and case requireth haste:
Your horse stands ready at the park-corner.
- King Edward IV (Plantagenet). But whither shall we then?
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- Lord Hastings. To Lynn, my lord,
And ship from thence to Flanders.
- Richard III (Duke of Gloucester). Well guess'd, believe me; for that was my meaning.
- King Edward IV (Plantagenet). Stanley, I will requite thy forwardness.
- Richard III (Duke of Gloucester). But wherefore stay we? 'tis no time to talk.
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- 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 (Duke of Gloucester). 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.
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[Exeunt]
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