2. In the second scene an herald is sent from Mordred to command Arthur to discharge his armies under pain of death, or otherwise, if he dare, to try it by battle.
3. In the third scene Arthur calleth his assistants and soldiers together, whom he exhorteth to pursue their foes.
4. In the fourth scene Arthur, between grief and despair, resolveth to war.
The Argument and Manner of the Third Dumb-Show.
During the music after the second act, there came upon the stage two gentlemen attired in a peaceable manner, which brought with them a table, carpet and cloth: and then having covered the table they furnish it with incense on the one end and banquetting dishes on the other end. Next there came two gentlemen apparelled like
soldiers, with two naked swords in their hands, the which they laid across upon the table. Then there came two sumptuously attired and warlike who, spying this preparation, smelled the incense and tasted the banquet. During the which there came a messenger and delivered certain letters to those that fed on the dainties: who, after they had well viewed and perused the letters, furiously flung the banquet under feet, and violently snatching the swords unto them, they hastily went their way. By the two first that brought in the banquet was meant the servants of peace: by the second two were meant the servants of war: by the two last were meant Arthur and Cador. By the Messenger and his letters was meant the defiance from Mordred.
THE THIRD ACT AND FIRST[270] SCENE.
Arthur, Cador, Howell.
Arthur. Is this the welcome that my realm prepares?
Be these the thanks I win for all my wars?