Act 4, Scene 5

RICHARD

Now, my Lord Hastings and Sir William Stanley,
Leave off to wonder why I drew you hither
Into this chiefest thicket of the park.
Thus stands the case: you know our King, my brother,
Is prisoner to the Bishop here, at whose hands
He hath good usage and great liberty,
And often but attended with weak guard,
Comes hunting this way to disport himself.
I have advertised him by secret means
That if about this hour he make this way,
Under the colour of his usual game,
He shall here find his friends with horse and men
To set him free from his captivity.

HUNTSMAN

This way, my lord, for this way lies the game.

KING EDWARD

Nay, this way, man. See where the huntsmen stand.
Now, brother of Gloucester, Lord Hastings, and the rest,
Stand you thus close to steal the Bishop’s deer?

RICHARD

Brother, the time and case requireth haste;
Your horse stands ready at the park corner.

KING EDWARD

But whither shall we then?

HASTINGS

To Lynn, my lord, and shipped from thence to Flanders.

RICHARD

Well guessed, believe me, for that was my meaning.

KING EDWARD

Stanley, I will requite thy forwardness.

RICHARD

But wherefore stay we? ’Tis no time to talk.

KING EDWARD

Huntsman, what sayst thou? Wilt thou go along?

HUNTSMAN

Better do so than tarry and be hanged.

RICHARD

Come then, away! Let’s ha’ no more ado.

KING EDWARD

Bishop, farewell; shield thee from Warwick’s frown,
And pray that I may repossess the crown.