ACT SECOND
Scene One
[Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire]
A March. Enter Edward, Richard, and their power.
Edw. I wonder how our princely father 'scap'd,
Or whether he be 'scap'd away or no
From Clifford's and Northumberland's pursuit.
Had he been ta'en, we should have heard the news; 4
Had he been slain, we should have heard the news;
Or had he 'scap'd, methinks we should have heard
The happy tidings of his good escape.
How fares my brother? why is he so sad? 8
Rich. I cannot joy until I be resolv'd
Where our right valiant father is become.
I saw him in the battle range about,
And watch'd him how he singled Clifford forth. 12
Methought he bore him in the thickest troop
As doth a lion in a herd of neat;
Or as a bear, encompass'd round with dogs,
Who having pinch'd a few and made them cry, 16
The rest stand all aloof and bark at him.
So far'd our father with his enemies;
So fled his enemies my warlike father:
Methinks 'tis prize enough to be his son. 20
See how the morning opes her golden gates,
And takes her farewell of the glorious sun;
How well resembles it the prime of youth,
Trimm'd like a younker prancing to his love. 24
9 resolv'd: informed
10 Where . . . is become: what has become of
13 bore him: behaved himself
14 neat: cattle
20 prize; cf. n.
22 Takes leaves of the sun as it sets out on its daily course
23 prime: springtime
24 younker: stripling
