RICHARD.
[Aside.] Not I. My thoughts aim at a further matter;
I stay not for the love of Edward, but the crown.
KING EDWARD.
Clarence and Somerset both gone to Warwick!
Yet am I armed against the worst can happen,
And haste is needful in this desperate case.
Pembroke and Stafford, you in our behalf
Go levy men and make prepare for war;
They are already, or quickly will be, landed.
Myself in person will straight follow you.
[Exeunt Pembroke and Stafford.]
But, ere I go, Hastings and Montague,
Resolve my doubt. You twain, of all the rest,
Are near to Warwick by blood and by alliance.
Tell me if you love Warwick more than me.
If it be so, then both depart to him.
I rather wish you foes than hollow friends.
But if you mind to hold your true obedience,
Give me assurance with some friendly vow,
That I may never have you in suspect.
MONTAGUE.
So God help Montague as he proves true!
HASTINGS.
And Hastings as he favours Edward’s cause!
KING EDWARD.
Now, brother Richard, will you stand by us?
RICHARD.
Ay, in despite of all that shall withstand you.
KING EDWARD.
Why, so! Then am I sure of victory.
Now, therefore, let us hence, and lose no hour
Till we meet Warwick with his foreign power.
[Exeunt.]