Alarum. Retreat. Enter York, Edward, Richard,
Warwick, and Soldiers, all wearing the white rose,
with Drum and Colors. YORK
Of Salisbury, who can report of him,
That winter lion, who in rage forgets
Agèd contusions and all brush of time,
And, like a gallant in the brow of youth,
Repairs him with occasion? This happy day 5
Is not itself, nor have we won one foot,
If Salisbury be lost. RICHARD My noble father,
Three times today I holp him to his horse,
Three times bestrid him. Thrice I led him off, 10
Persuaded him from any further act;
But still, where danger was, still there I met him,
And, like rich hangings in a homely house,
So was his will in his old feeble body.
But, noble as he is, look where he comes. 15 | On the battlefield, York, his son Richard, and Warwick all agree they've had a good day at battle. They definitely won. |
Enter Salisbury, wearing the white rose. Now, by my sword, well hast thou fought today! SALISBURY
By th’ Mass, so did we all. I thank you, Richard.
God knows how long it is I have to live,
And it hath pleased Him that three times today
You have defended me from imminent death. 20
Well, lords, we have not got that which we have;
’Tis not enough our foes are this time fled,
Being opposites of such repairing nature. | As they're racking up their kills, Salisbury enters and thanks Richard for saving his life. |
YORK
I know our safety is to follow them;
For, as I hear, the King is fled to London 25
To call a present court of Parliament.
Let us pursue him ere the writs go forth.—
What says Lord Warwick? Shall we after them? WARWICK
After them? Nay, before them, if we can.
Now, by my hand, lords, ’twas a glorious day. 30
Saint Albans battle won by famous York
Shall be eternized in all age to come.—
Sound drum and trumpets, and to London all;
And more such days as these to us befall! Flourish. They exit. | York's heard on the grapevine that Henry has fled to London. He asks Warwick if they should go after him. No, says Warwick: they should go before Henry. They'll beat him to London, and everyone will know that York beat Henry on the battlefield—and that they beat Henry to London. We'll beat them to London. Warwick says everyone will remember this day. And with that, they're off—triumphant, but ready to fight again in London. |