KING EDWARD.
Welcome, Sir John! But why come you in arms?
MONTGOMERY.
To help King Edward in his time of storm,
As every loyal subject ought to do.
KING EDWARD.
Thanks, good Montgomery; but we now forget
Our title to the crown, and only claim
Our dukedom till God please to send the rest.
MONTGOMERY.
Then fare you well, for I will hence again.
I came to serve a king, and not a duke.
Drummer, strike up, and let us march away.
[The drum begins to march.]
KING EDWARD.
Nay, stay, Sir John, a while, and we’ll debate
By what safe means the crown may be recovered.
MONTGOMERY.
What talk you of debating? In few words,
If you’ll not here proclaim yourself our king,
I’ll leave you to your fortune and be gone
To keep them back that come to succour you.
Why shall we fight if you pretend no title?
RICHARD.
Why, brother, wherefore stand you on nice points?
KING EDWARD.
When we grow stronger, then we’ll make our claim.
Till then ’tis wisdom to conceal our meaning.
HASTINGS.
Away with scrupulous wit! Now arms must rule.