William Shakespeare: King Henry VI, Third Part

ACT IV. 7. SCENE VII. Before York (continued)

HASTINGS.
The good old man would fain that all were well,
So 't were not long of him; but, being enter'd,
I doubt not, I, but we shall soon persuade
Both him and all his brothers unto reason.

[Enter the Mayor and two Aldermen, below.]

KING EDWARD.
So, master mayor; these gates must not be shut
But in the night or in the time of war.
What! fear not, man, but yield me up the keys;

[Takes his keys.]

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

[March. Enter MONTGOMERY and Forces.]

GLOSTER.
Brother, this is Sir John Montgomery,
Our trusty friend unless I be deceiv'd.

KING EDWARD.
Welcome, Sir John; but why come you in arms?

MONTGOMERY.
To help King Edward in his time of storm,
As every loyal subject ought to do.

KING EDWARD.
Thanks, good Montgomery; but we now forget
Our title to the crown, and only claim
Our dukedom till God please to send the rest.

MONTGOMERY.
Then fare you well, for I will hence again;
I came to serve a king, and not a duke.--
Drummer, strike up, and let us march away.

[A march begun.]

KING EDWARD.
Nay, stay, Sir John, awhile, and we'll debate
By what safe means the crown may be recover'd.

MONTGOMERY.
What talk you of debating? in few words,
If you'll not here proclaim yourself our king,
I'll leave you to your fortune and begone
To keep them back that come to succour you.
Why shall we fight if you pretend no title?

GLOSTER.
Why, brother, wherefore stand you on nice points?

KING EDWARD.
When we grow stronger, then we'll make our claim;
Till then 't is wisdom to conceal our meaning.