SECOND MESSENGER.
In Kent, my liege, the Guilfords are in arms,
And every hour more competitors
Flock to the rebels, and their power grows strong.
Enter another Messenger.
THIRD MESSENGER.
My lord, the army of great Buckingham—
KING RICHARD.
Out on you, owls! Nothing but songs of death?
[He strikes him.]
There, take thou that till thou bring better news.
THIRD MESSENGER.
The news I have to tell your Majesty
Is, that by sudden floods and fall of waters,
Buckingham’s army is dispersed and scattered,
And he himself wandered away alone,
No man knows whither.
KING RICHARD.
I cry thee mercy.
There is my purse to cure that blow of thine.
Hath any well-advised friend proclaimed
Reward to him that brings the traitor in?
THIRD MESSENGER.
Such proclamation hath been made, my lord.
Enter another Messenger.