Flourish. Enter KING EDWARD IV, sick, QUEEN ELIZABETH, Lord Marquess DORSET, RIVERS, HASTINGS, BUCKINGHAM, GREY, and others
Trumpets sound. KING EDWARD IV enters, sick, accompanied by QUEEN ELIZABETH, DORSET, RIVERS, HASTINGS, BUCKINGHAM, GREY, and others.
KING EDWARD IV
Why, so. Now have I done a good day's work.
You peers, continue this united league.
I every day expect an embassage
From my Redeemer to redeem me hence,
5
And more in peace my soul shall part to heaven
Since I have made my friends at peace on earth
Rivers and Hastings, take each other's hand.
Dissemble not your hatred. Swear your love.
KING EDWARD IV
Well. Now I've done a good day's work. You must all keep up this united front. Every day I expect a message from God to bring me away from here. Now my soul can depart for heaven peacefully, since my friends have made peace here on earth. Rivers and Hastings, take each other's hand. Don't simply hide your hatred. Swear your love for each other.
RIVERS
(taking HASTINGS's hand) By heaven, my soul is purged
10
from grudging hate, And with my hand I seal my true heart's
love.
RIVERS
(taking HASTINGS's hand) I swear I have cleansed my heart of all hate. With this handshake, I guarantee my love.
HASTINGS
So thrive I as I truly swear the like.
HASTINGS
On my honor, I feel the same.
KING EDWARD IV
Take heed you dally not before your king,
Lest He that is the supreme King of kings
15
Confound your hidden falsehood, and award
Either of you to be the other's end.
KING EDWARD IV
Make sure you mean what you say. Otherwise God, the ultimate King, will uncover your lies and cause you to be the death of each other.
HASTINGS
So prosper I as I swear perfect love.
HASTINGS
On my honor, I swear I love Rivers with all my heart.
