Page 1054 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

Figuring the nature of the times deceased,
The which observed, a man may prophesy,
With a near aim, of the main chance of things
As yet not come to life, who in their seeds

And weak beginning[s] lie intreasurèd. [85]
Such things become the hatch and brood of time,
And by the necessary form of this
King Richard might create a perfect guess

That great Northumberland, then false to him,
Would of that seed grow to a greater falseness, [90]
Which should not find a ground to root upon,
Unless on you.

KING
Are these things then necessities?

Then let us meet them like necessities.
And that same word even now cries out on us.
They say the bishop and Northumberland [95]

Are fifty thousand strong.

WARWICK

It cannot be, my lord.
Rumour doth double, like the voice and echo,
The numbers of the feared. Please it your grace
To go to bed. Upon my soul, my lord,

The powers that you already have sent forth [100]
Shall bring this prize in very easily.
To comfort you the more, I have received
A certain instance that Glendower is dead.

Your majesty hath been this fortnight ill,
And these unseasoned hours perforce must add [105]
Unto your sickness.

KING
I will take your counsel.
And were these inward wars once out of hand,

We would, dear lords, unto the Holy Land.
Exeunt.