King Henry VI Part III

ACT IV
Scene V.

A park near Middleham Castle in Yorkshire

Enter GLOUCESTER, LORD HASTINGS, SIR WILLIAM STANLEY, and others

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

Enter KING EDWARD and a HUNTSMAN with him

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

KING EDWARD
Nay, this way, man. See where the huntsmen stand.
Now, brother of Gloucester, Lord Hastings, and the rest,
Stand you thus close to steal the Bishop's deer?

GLOUCESTER
Brother, the time and case requireth haste;
Your horse stands ready at the park corner.

KING EDWARD
But whither shall we then?

HASTINGS
To Lynn, my lord; and shipt from thence to Flanders.

GLOUCESTER
Well guess'd, believe me; for that was my meaning.

KING EDWARD
Stanley, I will requite thy forwardness.

GLOUCESTER
But wherefore stay we? 'Tis no time to talk.

KING EDWARD
Huntsman, what say'st thou? Wilt thou go along?

HUNTSMAN
Better do so than tarry and be hang'd.

GLOUCESTER
Come then, away; let's ha' no more ado.

KING EDWARD
Bishop, farewell. Shield thee from Warwick's frown,
And pray that I may repossess the crown.

Exeunt