And Buckingham, back'd with the hardy Welshmen,
Is in the field, and still his power increaseth. 48
K. Rich. Ely with Richmond troubles me more near
Than Buckingham and his rash-levied strength.
Come; I have learn'd that fearful commenting
Is leaden servitor to dull delay. 52
Delay leads impotent and snail-pac'd beggary:
Then fiery expedition be my wing,
Jove's Mercury, and herald for a king!
Go, muster men: my counsel is my shield; 56
We must be brief when traitors brave the field.
Exeunt.
Scene Four
[The Same. Before the Palace]
Enter old Queen Margaret.
Q. Mar. So, now prosperity begins to mellow
And drop into the rotten mouth of death.
Here in these confines slily have I lurk'd
To watch the waning of mine enemies. 4
A dire induction am I witness to,
And will to France, hoping the consequence
Will prove as bitter, black, and tragical.
Withdraw thee, wretched Margaret: who comes here? 8
Enter Duchess [of York] and Queen [Elizabeth].
Q. Eliz. Ah! my poor princes! ah, my tender babes,
My unblown flowers, new-appearing sweets,
48 power: body of troops; cf. n.
49 near: closely
50 rash-levied: hastily raised
51 fearful commenting: timorous discussion
52 leaden: figuratively for 'slow'
54 expedition: haste
55 Jove's Mercury; cf. n.
57 brave: boastfully dispute
3 confines: regions, territories
6 to France; cf. n.
10 unblown: unblossomed, budding
