Henry VI, Part 3: Act 4, Scene 5

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    A park near Middleham Castle In Yorkshire.

    Scene Summary

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    Edward escapes from the Archbishop's custody, assisted by loyalists including Lord Hastings.

    Enter GLOUCESTER, HASTINGS, and STANLEY
    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 advertised him by secret means
    That if about this hour he make his 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 IV and a Huntsman with him
    Huntsman
    This way, my lord; for this way lies the game.
    KING EDWARD IV
    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 IV
    But whither shall we then?
    HASTINGS
    To Lynn, my lord,
    And ship from thence to Flanders.
    GLOUCESTER
    Well guess'd, believe me; for that was my meaning.
    KING EDWARD IV
    Stanley, I will requite thy forwardness.
    GLOUCESTER
    But wherefore stay we? 'tis no time to talk.
    KING EDWARD IV
    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 IV
    Bishop, farewell: shield thee from Warwick's frown;
    And pray that I may repossess the crown.
    Exeunt