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History of Henry VI, Part III
 
   
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King Edward IV complete text pdf version
 
King Edward IV. Brother of Gloucester, at Saint Alban's field3.2.1
        This lady's husband, Sir Richard Grey, was slain,3.2.2
        His lands then seized on by the conqueror:3.2.3
        Her suit is now to repossess those lands;3.2.4
        Which we in justice cannot well deny,3.2.5
        Because in quarrel of the house of York3.2.6
        The worthy gentleman did lose his life. 3.2.7
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King Edward IV. It were no less; but yet I'll make a pause. 3.2.10
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King Edward IV. Widow, we will consider of your suit;3.2.17
        And come some other time to know our mind. 3.2.18
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King Edward IV. How many children hast thou, widow? tell me. 3.2.30
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King Edward IV. 'Twere pity they should lose their father's lands. 3.2.38
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King Edward IV. Lords, give us leave: I'll try this widow's wit. 3.2.40
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King Edward IV. Now tell me, madam, do you love your children? 3.2.44
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King Edward IV. And would you not do much to do them good? 3.2.46
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King Edward IV. Then get your husband's lands, to do them good. 3.2.48
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King Edward IV. I'll tell you how these lands are to be got. 3.2.50
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King Edward IV. What service wilt thou do me, if I give them? 3.2.52
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King Edward IV. But you will take exceptions to my boon. 3.2.54
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King Edward IV. Ay, but thou canst do what I mean to ask. 3.2.56
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King Edward IV. An easy task; 'tis but to love a king. 3.2.63
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King Edward IV. Why, then, thy husband's lands I freely give thee. 3.2.65
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King Edward IV. But stay thee, 'tis the fruits of love I mean. 3.2.69
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King Edward IV. Ay, but, I fear me, in another sense.3.2.71
        What love, think'st thou, I sue so much to get? 3.2.72
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King Edward IV. No, by my troth, I did not mean such love. 3.2.75
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King Edward IV. But now you partly may perceive my mind. 3.2.77
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King Edward IV. To tell thee plain, I aim to lie with thee. 3.2.80
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King Edward IV. Why, then thou shalt not have thy husband's lands. 3.2.82
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King Edward IV. Therein thou wrong'st thy children mightily. 3.2.85
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King Edward IV. Ay, if thou wilt say 'ay' to my request;3.2.90
        No if thou dost say 'no' to my demand. 3.2.91
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King Edward IV. [Aside] Her looks do argue her replete with modesty;3.2.97
        Her words do show her wit incomparable;3.2.98
        All her perfections challenge sovereignty:3.2.99
        One way or other, she is for a king;3.2.100
        And she shall be my love, or else my queen.--3.2.101
        Say that King Edward take thee for his queen? 3.2.102
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King Edward IV. Sweet widow, by my state I swear to thee3.2.106
        I speak no more than what my soul intends;3.2.107
        And that is, to enjoy thee for my love. 3.2.108
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King Edward IV. You cavil, widow: I did mean, my queen. 3.2.112
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King Edward IV. No more than when my daughters call thee mother.3.2.114
        Thou art a widow, and thou hast some children;3.2.115
        And, by God's mother, I, being but a bachelor,3.2.116
        Have other some: why, 'tis a happy thing3.2.117
        To be the father unto many sons.3.2.118
        Answer no more, for thou shalt be my queen. 3.2.119
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King Edward IV. Brothers, you muse what chat we two have had. 3.2.124
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King Edward IV. You'll think it strange if I should marry her. 3.2.126
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King Edward IV. Why, Clarence, to myself. 3.2.128
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King Edward IV. Well, jest on, brothers: I can tell you both3.2.132
        Her suit is granted for her husband's lands.3.2.133

Enter a Nobleman

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King Edward IV. See that he be convey'd unto the Tower:3.2.136
        And go we, brothers, to the man that took him,3.2.137
        To question of his apprehension.3.2.138
        Widow, go you along. Lords, use her honourably.3.2.139

Exeunt all but GLOUCESTER

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King Edward IV. Now, brother of Clarence, how like you our choice,4.1.9
        That you stand pensive, as half malcontent? 4.1.10
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King Edward IV. Suppose they take offence without a cause,4.1.14
        They are but Lewis and Warwick: I am Edward,4.1.15
        Your king and Warwick's, and must have my will. 4.1.16
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King Edward IV. Yea, brother Richard, are you offended too? 4.1.19
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King Edward IV. Setting your scorns and your mislike aside,4.1.24
        Tell me some reason why the Lady Grey4.1.25
        Should not become my wife and England's queen.4.1.26
        And you too, Somerset and Montague,4.1.27
        Speak freely what you think. 4.1.28
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King Edward IV. What if both Lewis and Warwick be appeased4.1.34
        By such invention as I can devise? 4.1.35
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King Edward IV. Ay, what of that? it was my will and grant;4.1.49
        And for this once my will shall stand for law. 4.1.50
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King Edward IV. Alas, poor Clarence! is it for a wife4.1.59
        That thou art malcontent? I will provide thee. 4.1.60
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King Edward IV. Leave me, or tarry, Edward will be king,4.1.65
        And not be tied unto his brother's will. 4.1.66
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King Edward IV. My love, forbear to fawn upon their frowns:4.1.75
        What danger or what sorrow can befall thee,4.1.76
        So long as Edward is thy constant friend,4.1.77
        And their true sovereign, whom they must obey?4.1.78
        Nay, whom they shall obey, and love thee too,4.1.79
        Unless they seek for hatred at my hands;4.1.80
        Which if they do, yet will I keep thee safe,4.1.81
        And they shall feel the vengeance of my wrath. 4.1.82
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King Edward IV. Now, messenger, what letters or what news4.1.84
        From France? 4.1.85
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King Edward IV. Go to, we pardon thee: therefore, in brief,4.1.89
        Tell me their words as near as thou canst guess them.4.1.90
        What answer makes King Lewis unto our letters? 4.1.91
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King Edward IV. Is Lewis so brave? belike he thinks me Henry.4.1.96
        But what said Lady Bona to my marriage? 4.1.97
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King Edward IV. I blame not her, she could say little less;4.1.101
        She had the wrong. But what said Henry's queen?4.1.102
        For I have heard that she was there in place. 4.1.103
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King Edward IV. Belike she minds to play the Amazon.4.1.106
        But what said Warwick to these injuries? 4.1.107
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King Edward IV. Ha! durst the traitor breathe out so proud words?4.1.112
        Well I will arm me, being thus forewarn'd:4.1.113
        They shall have wars and pay for their presumption.4.1.114
        But say, is Warwick friends with Margaret? 4.1.115
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King Edward IV. Clarence and Somerset both gone to Warwick!4.1.128
        Yet am I arm'd against the worst can happen;4.1.129
        And haste is needful in this desperate case.4.1.130
        Pembroke and Stafford, you in our behalf4.1.131
        Go levy men, and make prepare for war;4.1.132
        They are already, or quickly will be landed:4.1.133
        Myself in person will straight follow you.4.1.134

Exeunt PEMBROKE and STAFFORD

        But, ere I go, Hastings and Montague,4.1.135
        Resolve my doubt. You twain, of all the rest,4.1.136
        Are near to Warwick by blood and by alliance:4.1.137
        Tell me if you love Warwick more than me?4.1.138
        If it be so, then both depart to him;4.1.139
        I rather wish you foes than hollow friends:4.1.140
        But if you mind to hold your true obedience,4.1.141
        Give me assurance with some friendly vow,4.1.142
        That I may never have you in suspect. 4.1.143
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King Edward IV. Now, brother Richard, will you stand by us? 4.1.146
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King Edward IV. Why, so! then am I sure of victory.4.1.148
        Now therefore let us hence; and lose no hour,4.1.149
        Till we meet Warwick with his foreign power.4.1.150

Exeunt

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King Edward IV. The duke! Why, Warwick, when we parted,4.3.30
        Thou call'dst me king. 4.3.31
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King Edward IV. Yea, brother of Clarence, are thou here too?4.3.42
        Nay, then I see that Edward needs must down.4.3.43
        Yet, Warwick, in despite of all mischance,4.3.44
        Of thee thyself and all thy complices,4.3.45
        Edward will always bear himself as king:4.3.46
        Though fortune's malice overthrow my state,4.3.47
        My mind exceeds the compass of her wheel. 4.3.48
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King Edward IV. What fates impose, that men must needs abide;4.3.59
        It boots not to resist both wind and tide.4.3.60

Exit, guarded

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King Edward IV. Nay, this way, man: see where the huntsmen stand.4.5.15
        Now, brother of Gloucester, Lord Hastings, and the rest,4.5.16
        Stand you thus close, to steal the bishop's deer? 4.5.17
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King Edward IV. But whither shall we then? 4.5.20
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King Edward IV. Stanley, I will requite thy forwardness. 4.5.24
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King Edward IV. Huntsman, what say'st thou? wilt thou go along? 4.5.26
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King Edward IV. Bishop, farewell: shield thee from Warwick's frown;4.5.29
        And pray that I may repossess the crown.4.5.30

Exeunt

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King Edward IV. Now, brother Richard, Lord Hastings, and the rest,4.7.1
        Yet thus far fortune maketh us amends,4.7.2
        And says that once more I shall interchange4.7.3
        My waned state for Henry's regal crown.4.7.4
        Well have we pass'd and now repass'd the seas4.7.5
        And brought desired help from Burgundy:4.7.6
        What then remains, we being thus arrived4.7.7
        From Ravenspurgh haven before the gates of York,4.7.8
        But that we enter, as into our dukedom? 4.7.9
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King Edward IV. Tush, man, abodements must not now affright us:4.7.13
        By fair or foul means we must enter in,4.7.14
        For hither will our friends repair to us. 4.7.15
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King Edward IV. But, master mayor, if Henry be your king,4.7.20
        Yet Edward at the least is Duke of York. 4.7.21
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King Edward IV. Why, and I challenge nothing but my dukedom,4.7.23
        As being well content with that alone. 4.7.24
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King Edward IV. So, master mayor: these gates must not be shut4.7.35
        But in the night or in the time of war.4.7.36
        What! fear not, man, but yield me up the keys;4.7.37

Takes his keys

        For Edward will defend the town and thee,4.7.38
        And all those friends that deign to follow me.4.7.39

March. Enter MONTGOMERY, with drum and soldiers

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King Edward IV. Welcome, Sir John! But why come you in arms? 4.7.42
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King Edward IV. Thanks, good Montgomery; but we now forget4.7.45
        Our title to the crown and only claim4.7.46
        Our dukedom till God please to send the rest. 4.7.47
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King Edward IV. Nay, stay, Sir John, awhi le, and we'll debate4.7.51
        By what safe means the crown may be recover'd. 4.7.52
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King Edward IV. When we grow stronger, then we'll make our claim:4.7.59
        Till then, 'tis wisdom to conceal our meaning. 4.7.60
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King Edward IV. Then be it as you will; for 'tis my right,4.7.65
        And Henry but usurps the diadem. 4.7.66
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King Edward IV. Thanks, brave Montgomery; and thanks unto you all:4.7.76
        If fortune serve me, I'll requite this kindness.4.7.77
        Now, for this night, let's harbour here in York;4.7.78
        And when the morning sun shall raise his car4.7.79
        Above the border of this horizon,4.7.80
        We'll forward towards Warwick and his mates;4.7.81
        For well I wot that Henry is no soldier.4.7.82
        Ah, froward Clarence! how evil it beseems thee4.7.83
        To flatter Henry and forsake thy brother!4.7.84
        Yet, as we may, we'll meet both thee and Warwick.4.7.85
        Come on, brave soldiers: doubt not of the day,4.7.86
        And, that once gotten, doubt not of large pay.4.7.87

Exeunt

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King Edward IV. Seize on the shame-faced Henry, bear him hence;4.8.52
        And once again proclaim us King of England.4.8.53
        You are the fount that makes small brooks to flow:4.8.54
        Now stops thy spring; my sea sha$l suck them dry,4.8.55
        And swell so much the higher by their ebb.4.8.56
        Hence with him to the Tower; let him not speak.4.8.57

Exeunt some with KING HENRY VI

        And, lords, towards Coventry bend we our course4.8.58
        Where peremptory Warwick now remains:4.8.59
        The sun shines hot; and, if we use delay,4.8.60
        Cold biting winter mars our hoped-for hay. 4.8.61
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King Edward IV. Go, trumpet, to the walls, and sound a parle. 5.1.16
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King Edward IV. Now, Warwick, wilt thou ope the city gates,5.1.21
        Speak gentle words and humbly bend thy knee,5.1.22
        Call Edward king and at his hands beg mercy?5.1.23
        And he shall pardon thee these outrages. 5.1.24
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King Edward IV. Why then 'tis mine, if but by Warwick's gift. 5.1.35
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King Edward IV. But Warwick's king is Edward's prisoner:5.1.39
        And, gallant Warwick, do but answer this:5.1.40
        What is the body when the head is off? 5.1.41
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King Edward IV. Sail how thou canst, have wind and tide thy friend,5.1.53
        This hand, fast wound about thy coal-black hair5.1.54
        Shall, whiles thy head is warm and new cut off,5.1.55
        Write in the dust this sentence with thy blood,5.1.56
        'Wind-changing Warwick now can change no more.'5.1.57

Enter OXFORD, with drum and colours

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King Edward IV. So other foes may set upon our backs.5.1.61
        Stand we in good array; for they no doubt5.1.62
        Will issue out again and bid us battle:5.1.63
        If not, the city being but of small defence,5.1.64
        We'll quickly rouse the traitors in the same. 5.1.65
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King Edward IV. The harder match'd, the greater victory:5.1.70
        My mind presageth happy gain and conquest.5.1.71

Enter SOMERSET, with drum and colours

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King Edward IV. Now welcome more, and ten times more beloved,5.1.103
        Than if thou never hadst deserved our hate. 5.1.104
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King Edward IV. What, Warwick, wilt thou leave the town and fight?5.1.107
        Or shall we beat the stones about thine ears? 5.1.108
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King Edward IV. Yes, Warwick, Edward dares, and leads the way.5.1.112
        Lords, to the field; Saint George and victory!5.1.113

Exeunt King Edward and his company. March. Warwick and his company follow

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King Edward IV. So, lie thou there: die thou, and die our fear;5.2.1
        For Warwick was a bug that fear'd us all.5.2.2
        Now, Montague, sit fast; I seek for thee,5.2.3
        That Warwick's bones may keep thine company.5.2.4

Exit

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King Edward IV. Thus far our fortune keeps an upward course,5.3.1
        And we are graced with wreaths of victory.5.3.2
        But, in the midst of this bright-shining day,5.3.3
        I spy a black, suspicious, threatening cloud,5.3.4
        That will encounter with our glorious sun,5.3.5
        Ere he attain his easeful western bed:5.3.6
        I mean, my lords, those powers that the queen5.3.7
        Hath raised in Gallia have arrived our coast5.3.8
        And, as we hear, march on to fight with us. 5.3.9
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King Edward IV. We are advertised by our loving friends5.3.18
        That they do hold their course toward Tewksbury:5.3.19
        We, having now the best at Barnet field,5.3.20
        Will thither straight, for willingness rids way;5.3.21
        And, as we march, our strength will be augmented5.3.22
        In every county as we go along.5.3.23
        Strike up the drum; cry 'Courage!' and away.5.3.24

Exeunt

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King Edward IV. Brave followers, yonder stands the thorny wood,5.4.67
        Which, by the heavens' assistance and your strength,5.4.68
        Must by the roots be hewn up yet ere night.5.4.69
        I need not add more fuel to your fire,5.4.70
        For well I wot ye blaze to burn them out5.4.71
        Give signal to the fight, and to it, lords! 5.4.72
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King Edward IV. Now here a period of tumultuous broils.5.5.1
        Away with Oxford to Hames Castle straight:5.5.2
        For Somerset, off with his guilty head.5.5.3
        Go, bear them hence; I will not hear them speak. 5.5.4
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King Edward IV. Is proclamation made, that who finds Edward5.5.9
        Shall have a high reward, and he his life? 5.5.10
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King Edward IV. Bring forth the gallant, let us hear him speak.5.5.12
        What! can so young a thorn begin to prick?5.5.13
        Edward, what satisfaction canst thou make5.5.14
        For bearing arms, for stirring up my subjects,5.5.15
        And all the trouble thou hast turn'd me to? 5.5.16
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King Edward IV. Peace, wilful boy, or I will charm your tongue. 5.5.31
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King Edward IV. Take that, thou likeness of this railer here.5.5.38

Stabs him

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King Edward IV. Hold, Richard, hold; for we have done too much. 5.5.43
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King Edward IV. What, doth she swoon? use means for her recovery. 5.5.45
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King Edward IV. Away with her; go, bear her hence perforce. 5.5.68
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King Edward IV. Away, I say; I charge ye, bear her hence. 5.5.81
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King Edward IV. Where's Richard gone? 5.5.83
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King Edward IV. He's sudden, if a thing comes in his head.5.5.86
        Now march we hence: discharge the common sort5.5.87
        With pay and thanks, and let's away to London5.5.88
        And see our gentle queen how well she fares:5.5.89
        By this, I hope, she hath a son for me.5.5.90

Exeunt

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King Edward IV. Once more we sit in England's royal throne,5.7.1
        Re-purchased with the blood of enemies.5.7.2
        What valiant foemen, like to autumn's corn,5.7.3
        Have we mow'd down, in tops of all their pride!5.7.4
        Three Dukes of Somerset, threefold renown'd5.7.5
        For hardy and undoubted champions;5.7.6
        Two Cliffords, as the father and the son,5.7.7
        And two Northumberlands; two braver men5.7.8
        Ne'er spurr'd their coursers at the trumpet's sound;5.7.9
        With them, the two brave bears, Warwick and Montague,5.7.10
        That in their chains fetter'd the kingly lion5.7.11
        And made the forest tremble when they roar'd.5.7.12
        Thus have we swept suspicion from our seat5.7.13
        And made our footstool of security.5.7.14
        Come hither, Bess, and let me kiss my boy.5.7.15
        Young Ned, for thee, thine uncles and myself5.7.16
        Have in our armours watch'd the winter's night,5.7.17
        Went all afoot in summer's scalding heat,5.7.18
        That thou mightst repossess the crown in peace;5.7.19
        And of our labours thou shalt reap the gain. 5.7.20
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King Edward IV. Clarence and Gloucester, love my lovely queen;5.7.26
        And kiss your princely nephew, brothers both. 5.7.27
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King Edward IV. Now am I seated as my soul delights,5.7.34
        Having my country's peace and brothers' loves. 5.7.35
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King Edward IV. Away with her, and waft her hence to France.5.7.40
        And now what rests but that we spend the time5.7.41
        With stately triumphs, mirthful comic shows,5.7.42
        Such as befits the pleasure of the court?5.7.43
        Sound drums and trumpets! farewell sour annoy!5.7.44
        For here, I hope, begins our lasting joy.5.7.45

Exeunt

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