SCENE IV.
The Field.
Enter La Varenne, followed by the Fool.
La Var. Death and shame!
Are these the rough, and hardy northern men,
That were to back my Normans? Why, they fly,
Like skimming shadows, o'er a mountain's side,
Chased by the sun.
Fool. True; the heat of the battle is too strong for their cold constitutions.
La Var. Here, sirrah, take this token to the King:—
Go with your utmost speed: entreat him, quickly,
To bring his forces in reserve. This effort
Restores, or kills, our hope.—Yet I'll fight all out;
I'll shake these pillars of the White-rose House
Till the whole building totters, tho' its fall
Should crush me in the ruins. [Exit.
Fool. Well said, Sampson—that's a bold fellow, and I'm on his side. Red roses for ever!
Enter a Soldier, of the White Rose Party.
Soldier. Now, fellow, speak! tell me who you fight for.
Fool. Marry, will I, very willingly. Pray canst tell who has the best of the battle?
Soldier. The White Rose, to be sure: we are the strongest.
Fool. Thank you, friend: pass on—I'm on your side. [Exit Soldier.] A low clown, now, might stagger at this shifting; but your true, court-bred fool, always cuts the cloth of his conscience to the fashion of the times. [Exit.
Enter Gregory and Adeline, hastily.
Gregory. Run, run, madam! follow a blockhead's advice, and run, or 'tis all over with us.
Adeline. Whither shall I fly! Fatigue and despair so wear and press me, I scarcely know what course to take.
Gregory. Take to your legs, madam! Get on now, or we shall never be able to get off. Come, my dear, good, Lady Adeline! Lord! Lord! only to see now, what little resolution people have, that they can't run away when there's danger. [Shout.] Plague on your shouting! Since they must make soldiers of us—the light troops against the field, say I!
[Exit, running, followed by Adeline.
Alarm—Shout—and Retreat sounded.