Edmund Ironside - Acts 3, 4 & 5

Anonymous Plays: Edmund Ironside
Modern spelling.Transcribed by BF. copyright © 2002

CANTERBURY: Why bends not the presumptuous knee of York
when Canterbury speaks? Cannot the curse
of God and me, the metropolitan
under the Pope of all Dominions
within this realm of England, cause thee fear,
proud, irreligious prelate? Know my power
stretcheth beyond thy compass even as much
as Rome doth mine. Then quiver when I curse,
and like a child indeed prostrate thyself
before my feet, that thy humility ... [III.1.10]
may move me to absolve thy former sins
and set thee free from hell's damnation.

YORK: Traitor to God and to thy lawful king,
where thou dost bless I curse, where curse I bless.
As thou art bishop, my commission
stretcheth as far as thine, and let me say
unless thou leave thy contumelious threats --
further than mine? No, Canterbury, no,
I humble me to God and not to thee.
A traitor, a betrayer of his king, ... [III.1.20]
a rebel, a profane priest, a Pharisee,
a parasite, an enemy to peace,
a foe to truth and to religion:
I say I will not bend myself to him,
and such a one art thou, and therefore hear,
unless repentance bend thy stubborn heart,
I here pronounce the curse of God and man
upon thy soul, and so farewell and mend. [York offers to depart.]

CANTERBURY: Stay, York, and hear me speak. Thy puffy words,
thy windy threats, thy railing curses, light ... [III.1.30]
upon thy stubborn neck unless with speed
thou dost forsake the part of Ironside
and cleave unto Canutus; and more, submit thyself
to me thy head, and to our mother church.
Reply not, bishop, for I seal thy lips
with my irrevocable bitter curse
if one untoward word slip from thy tongue.

YORK: So heapest thou coal of fire upon thy head
and blessest me with cursing, impious priest.
Oh let me die whenas I leave my king, ... [III.1.40]
a true-born prince, for any foreigner.

CANTERBURY: Oh I could eat thee. Now my crozier staff
longs to be pelting that old hoary pate.
My hands do quake with rage.

YORK: You are a champion for the devil and Canutus;
I fly not from thy curses but thy strokes. [Exit York.]

Scene III.2
[Enter Canutus, Southampton, Edricus, Uskataulf, Swetho,
herald-at-arms and soldiers.]

CANUTUS: Go to yon city which we mean to sack:
new Troy, the state of Edmund Ironside;
command a parley at the city gates;
bid them choose whether they will let us in
or else withstand the utmost of our wrath
and be consumed to ashes and to coals
with flaming fire, which whilom did destroy
their mother city, quondam called Troy.
[The herald departeth from the king to the walls sounding
his trumpet. The bailiffs appear above.]

HERALD: Canutus, king of England, prince of Danes,
greets you by me, his trusty messenger, ... [III.2.10]
commanding you to serve him as your lord,
bidding you wait on him as on your king,
and you shall be entreated lovingly;
if not, he is prepared with fire and sword
to raze your city. Thus he sends you word.

1 BAILIFF: Go tell your master thus we answer him:
his ships that proudly ride upon the Thames
shall anchor on the ground where he abides,
borne by the bloodshed of our carcasses,
and we compelled by thirst to suck the stream ... [III.2.20]
of this fair river dry, so that his men
may dry-shod march over the floating deeps
ere we will let him enter in these gates
or ope our lips to call him sovereign.
Tell him we are resolved to keep him back;
tell him we are no traitors, but are sworn
to be King Edmund's liege-men while we live,
and if he stay, that shall he soon perceive.

HERALD: Advise you, bailiffs, what is best to do;
incur not danger with security. ... [III.2.30]
Canutus is your king, then him obey,
and to his gentle message say not nay.

BAILIFFS: We are resolved to put Canutus back.
He comes not here; his threats are spent in vain.

HERALD: I fear your wills will put your wits to pain
and you repent it when it is too late.

1 BAILIFF: You have your answers. Soldiers, guard the gate.
[Bailiffs depart; herald returneth.]

HERALD: Their answer, good my lord, is negative,
full of haughty courage and disdainful pride.
This little peace hath brought their stomachs up, ... [III.2.40]
which makes them to disdain your princely mercy.

CANUTUS: And dare they thus refuse my proffered grace?
Set they so light by my commandment?
Assault the city, batter down the walls,
scale all the turrets, rush the gates asunder --
why slack ye, soldiers? Who is foremost man
to give a valiant onset on the town?
[Assail the walls. Enter a messenger.]

MESSENGER: Worthy commander of these warlike troops,
Edmund your foe is coming hitherward
with a choice company of armed men, ... [III.2.50]
intending to surprise you suddenly.

CANUTUS: He is welcome, though I hope unto his cost.
We are beholding to his excellence
that he vouchsafe for safeguard of his town
to yield himself without compulsion.
We are as forward and as fit as he
to give his force an equal counterbuff,
though he suppose to take us unawares.
Now, noble lords, or never, show your might
to put his men to sword and him to flight. ... [III.2.60]

SOUTHAMPTON: He that gives back, let him be slain
by his next fellow that doth second him.
If Englishmen at first begin to fly,
Southampton willingly for them will die.

USKATAULF: This day shall manifestly be known
how Danes have better hearts than Englishmen
and bodies answerable to the same,
else let them lose their everlasting fame.

EDRICUS: The day is yours before the fight begins,
great and renowned prince, fair England's king, ... [III.2.70]
for emulation which doth sometime lose,
now doth assure you of the victory.
See you not how the English lords contend,
who should excel in feats of chivalry
and creep up farthest in your highness' grace?
On th' other side, behold brave-minded Danes,
scorning to o'er-match in feats of arms,
strive who should compass most by power or wit
to amplify your honorable fame.
The soldiers are not slothful in this stir ... [III.2.80]
but ready, forward prompt and fit to fight,
expecting gladly that delightsome hour
when they shall grapple with their enemies.
Then in assurance of this happy day,
arm to the fight; it is in vain to stay.

CANUTUS: I do presume on this to win the field,
but all my striving is to get the crown. [Sound drum within.]
Soft, what churlish drum doth ring so rude a peal
within the hearing of our armed troops?
[Enter Edmund with soldiers.]
'Tis Edmund! Strike up drums, and trumpets sound! ... [III.2.90]
I'll not delay my hopes with any parley.
[Alarum. They fight. Edmund drives Canutus off the stage.
The drum sounds afar off.]

CHORUS: The fight is hot, but Canutus is o'ercome,
and Edmund hunts him out from place to place.
He flies to Worcester; Edmund follows him.
The way is long, and I am waxen faint.
I fain would have you understand the truth
and see the battles acted on the stage
but that their length will be too tedious;
then in dumb shows I will explain at large
their fights, their flights and Edmund's victory,
for as they strived to conquer and to kill, ... [III.3.10]
even so we strive to purchase your good will.
[Alarums. Enter Canutus flying, Edmund following.
They fight. The two kings parley, sound a retreat and part.]
CHORUS: Canutus is beholding to the gracious sun,
who, grieved to see such heaps of carcasses
lie mangled and besmeared in their gore,
made haste and went to rest before his time
so that the kings for want of light agreed
to part until Aurora raise the lark,
and now 'tis morning and they join to fight.
[Alarum. Enter Canutus at one door and Edmund at the other.
They fight. Canutus gives back and flies. Enter the soldiers of Edmund
pursuing Canutus and his lords. Edricus takes a dead man's head
upon his sword's point, holding it up to Edmund's soldiers. They fly.
Enter Edmund again, cheering them up, and makes Canutus fly.]
CHORUS: Edricus, perceiving Canutus to have the worst,
and Edmund like to triumph in their fall, ... [III.3.20]
out of the bowels of a traitorous heart,
brought forth this subtle dangerous stratagem.
Whilst the two battles dealt the dole of death
and Edmund in the forefront stoutly fought
with words encouraging his soldiers
and with rude strokes discouraging the Danes,
Edricus took up an English dead man's head,
and sticking it upon his bloody sword
unto the vanward of King Edmund's troops,
held his despiteful and most speedy course, ... [III.3.30]
telling the soldiers Edmund Ironside
was slain, bidding the soldiers yield
or fly the field and trust unto their heels.
The soldiers in amaze began to fly;
then Edmund, hearing of this stratagem,
amongst the thickest of his enemies,
gave notice that he lived a conqueror.
His soldiers, taking heart, returned and fought.
His enemies, despairing, run away.
Edmund returns in triumph on the stage, ... [III.3.40]
but Canutus returns in passion and in rage.
What after happens, with your patience,
the entering actors gives intelligence. [Exit.]

EDMUND: Praised be the eternal bulwark of this land,
the fortress of my crown, in Whom I trust,
that hath thus discomfited my foes
by His omnipotent all-conquering arm.
And worthy lords, triumphant warriors
whose valors echo through the mouth of fame
and writes you worthies in the book of life
maugre the envy of detraction,
we render hearty thanks to each of you
for fighting in our rights with such bold spirits. ... [III.4.40]
Continue to be valiant, and if God
make us once happy in a peaceful reign,
I'll guerdon every soldier bounteously
that lifts a weapon to defend our right.
Let us not loiter opportunity,
but follow Danish Canute and force him fly.
On, march afore, sound trumpets, strike up drums,
let shrieking fifes tell Canute that Edmund comes!
[The soldiers shout and exeunt.]

CANUTUS: A plague upon you all for arrant cowards!
Look how a dunghill cock, not rightly bred,
doth come into the pit with greater grace,
brustling his feathers, setting up his plumes,
clapping his wings and crowing louder out
than doth a cock of game that means to fight;
yet after when he feels the spurs to prick,
crakes like a craven and bewrays himself;
even so my big-boned Danes, addressed to fight
as thought they meant to scale the cope of heaven ... [III.5.10]
and like the giants grapple with the gods,
at first encounter rush upon their foes
but straight retire -- retire? Nay, run away
as men distraught with lightning from above
or dastards feared with a sudden fray.

EDRICUS: Renowned sovereign, do not fret yourself.
Fortune in turning will exalt your state
and change the countenance of her cloudy brow.
Now you must hope for better still and better,
and Edmund must expect still worse and worse. ... [III.5.20]
A low'ring morning proves a fairer day.
Fortune's ill-favored frown shows she will smile
on you and frown on Ironside.

CANUTUS: What tellst thou me of Fortune and her frowns,
of her sour visage and her rolling stone?
Thy tongue rolls headlong into flattery.
Now by these heavens above our wretched heads,
ye are but cowards, every one of you.
Edmund is blessed. Oh had I but his men,
I would not doubt to conquer all the world ... [III.5.30]
in shorter time than Alexander did;
but all my Danes are Braggadocios
and I accursed to be the general
of such a flock of fearful runaways.

SOUTHAMPTON: Remember you have lost ten thousand men,
all English-born except a thousand Danes.
Your pensive looks will kill them that survive
if thus to choler you give liberty.

CANUTUS: It were no matter if they all were slain;
then they should never run away again. ... [III.5.40]

USKATAULF: My noble lord, our countrymen are safe.
In all these broils English 'gainst English fight.
The Danes or none or very few are slain.

CANUTUS: [Turns towards Uskataulf.]
It was a sign ye fled and did not fight.
Is't not a dishonor unto you
to see a foreign nation fight for me,
whenas my home-bred countrymen do run,
leaving their king amongst his enemies?

EDRICUS: Give not such scope to humorous discontent: ... [III.5.50]
we are all partners of your private griefs;
kings are the heads, and if the head but ache,
the little finger is distempered;
we grieve to see you grieved, which hurteth us
and yet avails not to assuage your grief.
You are the sun, my lord, we marigolds,
whenas you shine we spread ourselves abroad
and take our glory from your influence,
but when you hide your face or darken it
with th' least encounter of a cloudy look, ... [III.5.60]
we close our eyes as partners of your woes,
drooping our heads as grass down-weighed with dew.
Then clear ye up, my lord, and cheer up us;
for now our valors are extinguished
and all our force lies drowned in brinish tears
as jewels in the bottom of the sea.
I do beseech your grace to hear me speak. [Edricus talks to him.]

SOUTHAMPTON: I do not like this humor in my son;
'twill quite discourage all his followers.

USKATAULF: He stops his ears to all persuasions; ... [III.5.70]
his council cannot be admitted speech:
his father Sveyn was much more patient
and could as well brook loss as victory.

EDRICUS: Praise the event, my lord: the end is all.
In the meantime I'll go write to Ironside
craving forgiveness, and insinuate
his yielding favor. He is pitiful,
and I am rare in moving passion.
I know the prince will quickly credit me ... [III.5.80]
and put affiance in my smooth pretense,
but whatsoe'er he doth or minds to do,
you shall be sure to have intelligence;
but, good my lord, leave me a little while
to private contemplation, for my head
swims full of plots and other stratagems
of great avail, and I must empty it.

EDRICUS: Pray to the devil: God is not my friend.
[Exeunt (Canutus). Manet Edricus.]
Stitch, what, Stitch, call in Stitch! [Enter Stitch.] ... [III.5.90]

STITCH: Here's a stitching indeed, you have made Stitch have a
stitch in his side with coming so hastily after dinner.

STITCH: Dare I eat meat? Aye, and eat Time, be he never so
troublesome. My lord, were Mars himself
made of beef and brewis I durst in
this choleric stomach devour him quick.

STITCH: You mean well, sir. A blackhorn, you have dipped your
pen in many a man's inkhorn besides your own. [Exit Stitch.]

EDRICUS: My state may be compared unto his
that ventures all his credit and his wealth
upon the fickle hazard of a die.
The crown I level at, I venture life,
the dearest jewel and of greatest price
that any mortal hath possession of. ... [III.5.110]
My life is sweet, yet will I venture it
at all or nothing. Trust a mother-wit.
[Enter Stitch with paper and an inkhorn.]

STITCH: Here, sir. I would never have men that are unmarried
~~~ so unprovided as they should be
compelled to borrow horns of young men,
nor would I have young men to borrow inkhorns of
married men. Oh, it is perilous when their foreheads
proves blushing papers to bewray young buds.

EDRICUS: Sirrah, be gone, but be not far from hence.
I presently shall have occasion ... [III.5.120]
to employ you in some serious business.

STITCH: I will be absent when you call, I warrant you.
[Exit Stitch. Edricus sits down, writeth and blotteth.]

EDRICUS: Nay, try thy wits, thou writest for a wager;
'tis not for gold but grace and for thy life,
a thing that would put spirit in a block
and be a whetstone to a blunter head.
With what exordion shall I win his heart?
How shall I tie his ears to my discourse?
A schoolboy hath a readier wit than I.
I never tried my barren sconce till now, ... [III.5.130]
and now I see I am not Edricus,
but a most blockish and dull-pated hind,
graveled at such an easy enterprise.
What standest thou trifling and delaying time?
Fetch fire from heaven and mix it with thy ink,
gather Parnassus' dew and write with that,
pluck Cyllen's feathers and make pens with them,
borrow the Muses' aid and let them breathe
some dulcet and melodious harmony,
some never-heard-of words into thy pate. ... [III.5.140]
[He writeth and blotteth.]
Ah, fool, how hard it is to write for life!
Had I now written for my mistress' love,
I could have filled my pen and raised my speech
unto the highest step of flattery.
Had I now written for another man,
to save his life or get him into grace,
why all the world might have given place to me
for sugared lines and phrases past compare.
Had I been now in favor with the king
and had endeavored to flatter him, ... [III.5.150]
my pen would have distilled golden drops
and varied terms enchanting Cerberus.
But now I know not how or what to write.
To flatter were to aggravate my fault,
for anger would sift out my vild intent.
Plainly to write were to accuse myself
and be a witness 'gainst my guilty soul.
Yet write I will and in the plainest sort,
for that is cousin-german unto truth,
Truth needs no colors. Though I mean to lie, ... [III.5.160]
my simple writing shall deceive his eye. [He writeth and sayeth.]
Aye, so. Oh rare-conceited piece of work,
how cunningly thou canst convert thy shape
into an angel when thou dost intend
to flatter the plain honest-meaning king. [He folds it up.]
Now for a swift wing-footed messenger
to fly in post that I might follow him.
It more behooves me to be circumspect
and with my life to trust none but myself.
Swifter than sure is no good messenger, ... [III.5.170]
and now I think on't -- oh 'tis excellent --
I'll for this once deliver it myself,
but in disguisement of my man's attire,
so I may safely go and understand
how Edmund is addicted unto me
and how all matters now are managed.
Stitch! Stitch! [Enter Stitch.]

STITCH: Marry, sir, when I see some boot coming roundly from
you, for I promise you I will not change without boot.

STITCH: Well sir, since there is shift but I must change shifts,
~~~ I am contented.
By my troth, sir, methinks y'are a properer man by odds
in those that ye were in these. I would I could persuade
him to believe me, then it should be known by his
apparel what a fool I have made of him. Sir, shall we
change living and lordship and name and all? ... [III.5.190]

EDRICUS: Aye, Stitch, for this once thou shalt be Lord Edricus
and I Stitch. Look you keep in till I come home, I advise you,
and behave yourself like a lord.

STITCH: I warrant you, good Stitch, I'll be lordly enough.
Farewell, honest Stitch; farewell, fool. [Exit Stitch.]

EDRICUS: Now am I Edricus and Edricus' man,
the secretary and the messenger,
all to effect with counterfeiting guile
experiments of matchless policy.
Well, this plain suit doth now contain more wit
than for so mean a piece of cloth is fit. [Exit Edricus.]

Scene III.6
[Enter Stitch in his lord's attire, with blue-coats after him.]

STITCH: Come on, ye blue-coated slaves, you that wear
satin doublets never but at good times, and
wear a blue coat but once in a year; come on,
I say, ye trencher-scraping cutters, ye cloak-bag
carriers, ye sword and buckler carriers,
ye rubbers of horse-heels, ye devourers
of fat oxen, ye swillers of March beer; come after
me, I say, take example after my virtue how
to mount. I proceeding from the loins of a
man very little better than a gentleman, am ... [III.6.10]
now by my virtue and good education to be
your master, your upholders, the staff of your
lives and maintainer of your masterships.
Uncover, ye rogues! So. Cover! So. Sirrah,
take my cloak, bear you my rapier! So. I
am somewhat humorous, and it becomes me
well. Follow me, follow! How I can play
the lords part! Oh what a fool is my master
to change his nobility for my worship.

ROGER: 'Blood, sir, or Sir Stitch, you must go in; ... [III.6.20]
here's a following! We must wait on you, must we?

STITCH: ''Blood, sir, you must go in' -- oh hold me,
hold me, I am choleric. Why, ye shake-rag,
had ye never a lord under your girdle? Plain
Sir Stitch without welt or guard: why, how
now, you malapert knave, have ye forgot all
good manners?

STITCH: Why, this 'tis to keep familiar serving-man.
As I am a Lord, by my honor I will ... [III.6.30]
revenge it with putting you out of my house.
You fellows, take example by his punishment.
Follow me just three foot behind, not above
or beneath, and Roger Rakehell, for your
sauciness, come you last. [Exeunt.]

Scene IV.I
[Enter Edmund Ironside, Alfric, Godwin, Aylward with Edricus, disguised.]

EDMUND: What wind doth cause your master write to us?
All is not well, I doubt. Give me the letter.
[The letter]
Prepare Perillus' bull to punish me
or some new never-heard-of torturing pain
to scourge me for my foul ingratitude.
Rumor did raise suspicion in my heart,
as it hath lately done within your breast
by some who envied my prosperity,
my love and zeal unto your majesty,
that you were doubtful of my spotless truth ... [IV.1.10]
and meant to cut me off by cutting short
my headless body with a bloody axe.
This on a sudden coming to my ear,
it pared my heart and struck me to the quick,
causing me flee the court to save my life
as sadly as the late-espoused man
grieves to depart from his new-married wife.
How many sighs I fetched at my depart,
how many times I turned to come again,
how oft I plained, how often I did weep, ... [IV.1.20]
were too too long to write or you to read.
But having now considered with myself
my over-light belief too credulous,
I come again like to a strayed sheep
tainted, God wot, with naught but ignorance.
Oh take me to your mercy, or if not so,
kill me yourself! Death is the end of woe.
[Finis letter.]

EDMUND: Hear ye, my lords, this humble supplication?
Your master is become an orator, ... [IV.1.30]
but tell him Edmund is not lunatic,
so like a woman to be won with words.

EDRICUS: This cottons [not] according to my mind.
The king is angry. See, he faceth me;
his color comes and goes. I hold my life
he knows me. Would I were well away.

EDMUND: Hark ye, my lords, what would you say
if yon plain fellow should be Edricus?

EDMUND: ~~~ I'll quickly know. ... [IV.1.40]
Come hither, fellow. Tell thy master thus --
[He pulls the velvet patch off his face.]
what, Edricus, is't you? I thought no less.
You meant some good, no doubt. Tell me the truth:
what was the reason you came thus disguised?

EDRICUS: Now wit, or never, help. Poor naked truth
hath ta'en away suspicion of deceit.
I need no art; art cannot help me now.
Then plainly thus. Renowned sovereign,
I came thus plainly to your majesty
disguised in clown's attire to sound the truth -- ... [IV.1.50]
what opinion, if good or bad,
you had of me; and if I found it good,
I had determined to bewray myself;
if otherwise, I meant with secret speed
to leave my native country and to exile
myself from England, sailing into Spain,
whereas I meant in contemplation,
in pilgrimage and prayers for your grace
to end my life. [Enter a messenger, running.]

MESSENGER: Haste, haste, King Edmund, to relieve thy land, ... [IV.1.60]
which is oppressed by multitudes of Danes.
They swarm along thy coasts like little gnats
over a river in a summer's night,
or like to bees when they begin to flight:
so comes these Danes prepared fit to fight.
Their battle-main of three-score thousand men
with bristle-pointed spears which upright stand
shows like a new-shred grove of ashes tall
or else a wood of pines and cedars small.
Their flags and banners, yellow, blue and red, ... [IV.1.70]
resembles much the weeds in ripened corn.
Their drums and trumpets, with a dreadful sound
of clashing armor and fire-breathing steeds,
sounds like the fearful thunder sent from heaven,
mixed with Aeolus' boist'rous northern breath.
They prey upon thy subjects cruelly,
like hungry tigers upon silly kids,
sparing not ancient men for reverence,
nor women for [their] imbecility,
nor guiltless babes for their unspotted life, ... [IV.1.80]
nor holy men, their madness is so rife.

EDMUND: A sunshine day is quickly overcast.
A springing bud is killed with a blast.
I see my state is fickle and unsure;
there is nothing in this world can firmly dure.
Yet courage, lords, we were and are the same;
our hearts are sound, our bodies are not lame;
then let not fear dismay your warlike might.
God fights for us, God will defend the right.
Base Edricus, thou wert the fatal crow ... [IV.1.90]
that by thy horrid voice this news did show
thou cam'st to gain with cursed treachery
the surname of vild nickname -- 'Policy'.
Right did I think whenas the fox did preach,
he meant to get a goose within his reach;
right did I guess, when with thy oily speech,
thou did'st my pardon and my grace beseech,
some mischief was abroach. But God above
doth always at a pinch my patron prove,
and we have now learned, though to our bale, ... [IV.1.100]
not to believe each smooth-face forged tale.

EDRICUS: Now, my most gracious lord, as God shall help me,
my coming was only for this intent:
to unfold Canutus' coming and bewray
matters of secret to your majesty,
counsels of great avail, rare stratagems
plotted by Canutus, which now shall die with me
if you seem any whit suspicious.

EDMUND: I prithee hark, let me hear some of them.
[Edricus talketh with Edmund secretly. Alfric pulls him back.]

ALFRIC: Traitor, darst thou presume ... [IV.1.110]
to speak unto thy sovereign? Good my lord,
as God shall help me, you will be entrapped.

EDMUND: Alfric, you are to blame: you do forget yourself.
Age makes ye dote, know I not what to do
without your telling? Go to, hold your peace.

AYLWARD: Alfric, your comb is cut, yet will I speak.
King, I am sworn to counsel thee aright;
and though I die, I will not hold my tongue.
Remember he hath often broke his faith ... [IV.1.120]
and fled away from you; remember too
he comes from Canutus, thy utter enemy;
remember he is a traitorous flatterer,
a villain, and a damned hypocrite.

EDMUND: Peace, Aylward, hold your tongue:
my youth in some things overruns your age;
'tis policy to grant him audience,
nay further, grace, may further, if he craves
perhaps the leading [of] our army too.
For thus I think it stands: he hath promised Canutus, ... [IV.1.130]
having the leading of our forces
to yield to him, seeming as though compelled,
having first given an onset on the foe
for color's sake. But we will over-match him,
for whilst the force of Canute, on policy
retires by Edric's drift, then we will take
the opportunity and rush with speed
upon his troops, who unprepared to fight
and trusting upon Edric's policy, ... [IV.1.140]
shall all come prey unto our soldiers.
How like you this?

EDMUND: Come hither, Edricus. [They whisper. Edmund saith]
~~~~~~ I'faith, you lie. [They whisper again.]
Tut, tut, it cannot be. [They whisper again.]
If this be true, I pardon thee for all
and will reward thee with deserved grace.
I will not doubt it, faith, I think 'tis true
though it were not, in hope thou wilt amend.
Go, let us in and let all quarrels end, ... [IV.1.150]
for now I mean indeed to credit thee
by being captain-general of my army.

EDRICUS: Duty and thanks I give, 'tis all I have.
[Aside.] See what dissimulation brings to pass,
how quickly I can make the king an ass. [Exeunt.]

Scene IV.2
[Enter Emma, her two sons Alfred and Edward in each hand,
Gunthranus going before.]

EMMA: Sweet boys, born to be crossed before your time,
oh let me kiss you ere you go away.
Cursed be the cause of your departing thus,
the persecution of these bloody Danes,
whose unrelenting eyes delight to see
the full conclusion of our tragedy.

ALFRED: Good mother, sorrow not though we depart:
we shall be welcome to our uncle Richard
and safer there than in this troubled isle,
which like the reeling sea is tossed with war. ... [IV.2.10]
Here we are ever in continual broils;
there in tranquility, in peace and rest;
here in the midst of unknown enemies;
there in the arms of true-approved friends;
here danger imminent doth compass us;
there friends and friendly counsel shall defend us;
therefore rejoice we are escaped the Danes,
whose greedy maws devours the Saxons' blood
like hungry lions, void of any good.

EMMA: Good boy, in whom thy father's feature lives, ... [IV.2.20]
though death hath seized him in his wasteful arms.
If I could moderate my grieved mind
without remembrance whatere now I was,
then should my grief diminish with my tears;
but memory, the afflicter of the soul,
bids me remember how I was a Queen,
how Ethelredus was my lawful lord,
how Normand's Duke was my renowned sire,
how England was my pleasure's paradise,
and how time was when time did wait on me. ... [IV.2.30]
All these are but bellows to the fire
to burn my heart, consumed afore with sighths.
Alfred, Ned, is a child: thou art of age
to take example by my misery
not to believe foul fortune's flattery.

EMMA: Ah, my pretty heart,
hast thou a feeling of my passion?
Then I will weep the more to ease my heart;
I'll mourn for thee, for him, and for myself, ... [IV.2.40]
for England and for Edmund Ironside,
whose part God prosper, heaven defend the right.

GUNTHRANUS: Madam, your helpless tears are but a means
to draw more tears from us to drown our hearts.

EMMA: Why, man, I weep to ease and not to load.
I trow the more I shed, the less I have;
and as my tears waste, so my cares consume.
To dam my eyes were but to drown my heart
like Hecuba, the woeful Queen of Troy,
who having no avoidance for her grief, ... [IV.2.50]
ran mad for sorrow 'cause she could not weep;
but, good Gunthranus, to omit vain talk,
since I have heretofore approved thy faith,
I make a choice of thee amongst the rest
of many friends to guide my little boys
and to conduct them into Normandy.
Entreat my brother for to entreat them well;
they are his nephews and his sister's joy.
If anything amiss should light on them,
the same on me should be redoubled. ... [IV.2.60]

GUNTHRANUS: Madam, even by the living God I vow
I will attend and watch them as my soul,
knowing Duke Richard will accompt of them
as nigh of blood unto his royal self.

EMMA: Then farewell, boys, the comfort of my life.
[They offer to depart.]
Yet come again, ye shall not so depart.
If that we die, we'll choose to die together:
dying or living, we will be together.
Fond woman, bless them and then let them go;
that is the safest way to keep them safe: ... [IV.2.70]
then farewell again. God bless you both. [They offer to depart.]
But soft awhile, I have not said my mind.
First let me wash your face in mother's tears,
then sob out sighths to overload the earth
and cast a misty fog upon the air, [She embraceth them.]
that no inquiring foe may find you out.
Oh let your sanctuary be my lap,
[She sits down, setting Edward on her knee and Alfred on her arm]
your refuge, your sepulchers and your graves.
A cradle fits you better than a ship.

GUNTHRANUS: See, see Dame Nature's operation, ... [IV.2.80]
what force it breeds within a mother's mind.
None feels a mother's sorrow but a mother.
This Queen hath not her peer upon the earth
for wisdom, suffering, and for patience,
for cloaking sorrow and dissembling grief
and bearing all things with a constant mind;
yet can she not conceal affection so,
but that it breaketh forth like hidden fire. [Emma riseth.]

EMMA: Fie, fie, hide Nature's fond indulgency.
Depart, sweet boys. God keep you in your way. [They offer to depart.]
Come hither, Alfred. Ned, I prithee, stay. ... [IV.2.90]
I will go with you to the foaming haven
and take my farewell of my darlings there. [Exeunt omnes.]

Scene IV.3
[Enter Canutus with a letter in his hand, with him Uskataulf,
Swetho, Southampton, Archbishop of Canterbury, Egina, with soldiers.]

CANUTUS: Courage, brave captains, conquest is at hand.
This letter comes from trusty Edricus
and certifies me that he is in grace
with Edmund Ironside, and how he leads
the vantguard of the prince's army.
Now he assures me of the victory
without the loss of many soldiers,
for he will disappoint the warlike youth
and flee to us, leaving him desolate;
wherefore, brave soldiers, put forth all your might ... [IV.3.10]
to quail their stomachs at the first approach.
He that doth take the prince in fight or flight
shall have his ransom and [be] dubbed a knight.

1 SOLDIER: Mass, if I had steel sides as he hath Ironsides,
I would gore him then, that I would.

4 SOLDIER: What if [I] miss the king, I'll have a duke,
an earl, a lord, a knight or gentleman.

SOUTHAMPTON: Or nobody, and then you'll hit it. ... [IV.3.20]
Tell not your chickens, sirs, ere they be hatched,
perchance the eggs are rotten in the nest;
then all your brooding hopes is cast away,
and you remain as rich as new-shorn sheep.
I never loved to gain by treachery,
for that again was lost by treachery.
I do remember hardy Hannibal
did use these words at won Tarentum's loss:
Eadem arte qua prius coepimus
Tarentum omisumus ... [IV.3.30]
Fraud won Tarentum, fraud Tarentum lost,
so Hannibal reaps his labor for his cost.
[The drums sound afar off.]

CANUTUS: So, Edmund, so thou comst unto thy cost.
Thy roaring drum presageth thy mishap,
ringing thy soul's knell with a hollow voice.
As thine doth mourn, so let our drum rejoice.
[The drums sound. Enter Edmund with Edricus, other
lords and soldiers. They fight, Canutus gives et exeunt.]

EDRICUS: My lord! Hie, cheer your flying troops
and bid them stay a while for victory.
Whenas you see me lead my men aloof,
then take occasion and assail the prince;
and I'll be absent when he needs me most
and present for your best avail. Make haste.

CANUTUS: How much I love thee, Edricus, heavens do know,
and I with gifts one day will manifest. [Exit Canute.]

EDRICUS: So, Edric, now thy plotform is afoot, ... [IV.4.10]
and one shall die; it skills no matter which.
If Edmund, Canute shall quickly follow him;
If Canute, then Edmund shall not stay behind.
Whilst they with eager blows assail each other,
I here remain a neuter, free from fear,
not taking part with Canute, not Ironside,
before I see who gets the victory.
Yet had I rather have Canutus conquer
and privily will aid him with supplies
rather than Edmund should escape the field. ... [IV.4.20]
[Alarm. Enter Edmund chasing off Canutus. Edricus backs Canutus.
Edmund flies. Exeunt and return, Canutus with Edricus.]

CANUTUS: Thanks, worthy Edric, for this victory.
This day had made an end of me and mine,
hadst thou not backed us with thy warlike troops.
Know ye Edmund be escaped or no?

EDRICUS: Edmund is gone, and I must after him.
To stay long here would breed suspicion.
Then mighty Canute, live long a conqueror;
and when thou hast the crown, remember me.

CANUTUS: If I forget thee, God forget my suit
when like a sinner I do humbly pray. ... [IV.4.30]
Forget thee, Edric? God above doth see
how good a heart I ever bore to thee.

EDRICUS: Then, noble Canutus, I pawn a soldier's faith.
By my best blood and by my after-hopes,
I will remain to thee and to thy heirs
as true, as false to Edmund Ironside.
Let us not linger here. Muster your men
and make them ready for a new assault.
I will to Edmund and excuse myself,
and how I served him now I'll serve him then. [Exeunt.]

EDMUND: Vild Edricus, all this proceeds from him;
I saved his life, and he doth thirst for mine.
Ungrateful wretch, hellish incarnate devil!
For sure no man was ever so unkind
unto his king and loving countrymen.
Disloyal and unfaithful sycophant,
it grieves my vexed soul to think on thee.

ALFRIC: Let it not grieve you, rather joy to think
you are escaped from the hands of him
that sought like Judas to betray his lord ... [V.1.10]
into the hands of bloodthirsty Danes.

ULFKETTLE: Surely, my lord, you are highly favored
of God, who sees each human action,
that he hath given you warning with small loss
of the contagious mind of Edricus.
[Enter Edricus with his hand in a scarf, halting, with him Stitch.]

STITCH: Marry, sir, you know Alfric is a cripple and
the proverb is 'tis ill halting before a cripple.
He'll perceive it. ... [V.1.20]

EDRICUS: Had he as many [eyes] as Juno's bird,
or could pierce millstones with his searching sight,
he (by his leave) should not my halting find.
I halt not in the thigh but in the mind.
-- All hail unto my gracious sovereign!

STITCH: Master, you'll bewray yourself, do you say
'all hail' and yet bear your arm in a scarf? That's hale indeed.

EDMUND: Judas, thy next part is to kiss my cheek
and then commit me unto Caiaphas. ... [V.1.30]

EDMUND: On thee? Hence, graceless wretch, grace me no more.
Is there none here that will lay hold on him?
His sight, his breath, his fell infectious tongue
is venomer than is the Basilisk's.

EDRICUS: Is this a guerdon for my scars and hurts,
for all my bruises and my broken joints?
Is this a hire for my hardiness ... [V.1.40]
and valiant onset on the enemies?
Are these my wages which I won with blood,
blood of myself and proudest Dane that fought?
Doth Edmund thus reward his followers
that pawn their lives for him and in his cause?
Then bootless have I skirmished so long
and sent so many Danes unto their graves;
in vain have I lift up my wasting arm
and brandished my falchion o'er thy foes;
in vain this curtle-axe was reared aloft, ... [V.1.50]
which made a lane throughout thy foemen's troops;
in vain my lance did overthrow and spoil;
in vain I live, to be requited thus.

EDRICUS: Thus forward friends are quitted with suspect;
thus envy blasts the well-deserving wight;
thus the unskillful blames the warrior; ... [V.1.60]
thus, thus, detraction hinders virtuous course.
Fled I, my lord? Canutus can report
'twas he that should have fled had succor come.
Fled I, my lord? Your eyes were witnesses
how far my heart was free from dastard flight;
but this it is to be a man-at-arms
when his desert is recompensed with hate
and resolution wronged with ignorance.
For shame, my lords, spurn not against the truth;
thirst not to drink the blood of innocents. ... [V.1.70]

EDRICUS: No, gracious lord, I must confess I fled,
forced from Canutus, not to him, for aid;
and that 'tis true, I by your grace's leave
will prove on him that dares affirm a no.

EDRICUS: Seeing your grace so forward to the fight,
viewing the Dane to march so bravely on,
pricked forth with shame, I as the foremost man
(not suffering the Dane to set on us
or to approach your grace without a blow)
stepped forth intending to encounter them
and to assail the rearward with my band
till you upon the forefront held them play;
but see how good intents are ever thwarted. ... [V.1.90]
Ere I could get the wind to compass them,
your drums' retreat did cause your forces flee;
yet fled not I a foot until such time
as quite bereft of hope I was compelled.
Witness this arm, this serviceable arm,
that in despite of death did save my life:
witness these scars, which if your grace will see,
they'll tell my foes unto their face they lie.

STITCH: Oh horrible scars, scars like blazing stars,
well counterfeited, master. ... [V.1.100]

EDRICUS: If it be true, my lord? Assure yourself
your grace was misinformed if otherwise,
and that my man can verify.

STITCH: Take heed what ye say, master: I can verify
nothing. Marry, I can verify anything. If you'll say so,
I'll swear to it, that 'tis false, I mean.

EDMUND: Then, Edricus, 'twas I that wronged thee
and I that will in all things make amends.
Bury unkindness in oblivion ... [V.1.110]
and ne'er remember our suspicion.

EDRICUS: 'Twas not your highness but some fawning mate
that put mistrust into your grace's head,
hoping by my downfall to raise himself;
but heavens defend the wronged innocent.

EDMUND: Let this suffice, thou hast confirmed our love,
and Edricus, we mind to honor thee
with public notice of thy loyalty.

EDRICUS: See, see, what wit and will can bring about.
Canutus pays me for my villainy, ... [V.1.120]
and Edmund loves me for my treachery.

Scene V.II
[Enter Canutus reading of letter. With him Southampton, Archbishop
of Canterbury, Egina, Uskataulf and Swetho with soldiers.]

CANUTUS: My lord, my heart is firmly bound to you,
and I am pressed to do you any service;
but Edmund is grown strange to me of late,
and I am not familiar with his thoughts.
When I have once regained opinion,
I will not fail to be your faithful agent;
in meantime make ye strong to hold him play,
for he is coming with a mighty power.
By'r lady, this goes hard, these news are naught.
Is Edmund now grown wary? Then I doubt ... [V.2.10]
I ne'er shall see the day I long have sought;
but I must bear a semblance of good news,
lest these perceive our hopes to falter;
and that would clean discourage all their hearts,
for all presume on Edric's policy.

CANUTUS: ~~~ Not for all the world.
I dare not trust myself with reading it ... [V.2.20]
lest I, o'er-cloyed with joy, should play the blab.
Let this suffice: I am now confident
upon sure-grounded confirmations
that Edmund is my own. He writes to me
that he is coming with a mighty host,
but [saith he] be not you discomfited,
for were they millions, half should fight for you
and turn their weapons upon Ironside.

SOUTHAMPTON: 'Tis strange the prince should be so credulous.
[The drum sounds far off.]

CANUTUS: Yon drum doth tell us Edmund Ironside, ... [V.2.30]
unwitting of his overthrow at hand,
comes gallantly attended on by troops
of horse and footmen to his funeral.
Oh that thou knewst thy dying day so nigh,
That thou mightest make thee fit to go to God.
In faith it grieves [me] at the very heart
to see him come so unprepared for death.
[Enter Edmund, Emma, Archbishop of York, Edricus, Alfric,
Godwin, Aylward, Ulfkettle, Leofric and Turkillus.]

EDMUND: Behold where Canute comes marching bravely on.
Methinks yon sight would make a sick man sound. ... [V.2.41]
[They march along the stage, one after another.]
Canutus!

CANUTUS: The ground I stand on, Edmund, is mine own,
fallen to me not successively indeed,
but by forfeiture as copyhold,
rent-run and wanting reparations,
falls to the lord. Even so thy father's land,
for want of tribute-paying long since due,
I seize upon as lord to thee and that.

EDMUND: But for thou shalt perceive that Edmund can ... [V.2.50]
temper the unruly stomach of his rage
and moderate his lusty youthful blood,
which springs through every vein to fly at thee,
not half these words without controlling strokes
should from thy lips have vomited their spleen.
Oh, how my heart beats! Much ado I have
to make it quiet till I answer thee.
Art thou the lord of me and of my land?
Uncivil Canutus, knowest thou to whom thou speakest?
This heart scorns all subjection, ... [V.2.60]
and this head looks o'er the world; these feet
were made to tread o'er kings, Canutus, over thee.
Nay, storm not, Canutus. Learn how to mix thy speech
with more beseeming terms, and govern thou
thy surly terms with reason, not with rage.
I say I am a king: so art not thou;
therefore I am thy better. I say more --
I have a kingdom: this I stand upon
is mine. Thou standst upon my ground.
I say this land is mine, Canutus, it is mine. ... [V.2.70]

CANUTUS: By usurpation thine, by conquest mine.
Who knows not conquest is inheritage?

CANUTUS: It seems indeed possession is of force,
for by possession you withhold my crown.

EDMUND: Nay, you and Sveyn your gripple-minded dad,
by treason, not by force of valiant arms,
against all justice, law and equity,
did first intrude yourselves and then extrude ... [V.2.80]
our woeful subjects from their native home,
and that I come to prove, and therefore thus -- [He draweth.]

CANUTUS: Then to confute thy forged argument,
thus argue I; my sword is reason's proof. [He draweth.]

EDMUND: That is, of force to put back reason's proof,
which proves you, like your sword, unreasonable.
[They train their soldiers (about) the stage. Edricus speaketh.]

EDRICUS: Edmund is strong, Canutus is weak in [part],
Edmund gracious in the people's eyes;
Canutus is not so, what had I best to do?
Fain would I have Canutus win, and he is weak; ... [V.2.90]
I would have Edmund lose, and he is strong.
Oh gracious stars, inspire my nimble wit
with some device, and as I ever have,
I will employ it to some villainy.
Soft, let me see -- oh, it is excellent!
Fountain of wit, the spring of policy,
the flower of treason and of villainy.
How much undecent is it that this cap,
this homely cape should overload this crow
when thou deservest a crown of beaten gold. ... [V.2.100]
But to the matter. So it needs must fadge,
for can I bring them to a single fight,
whosoever hath the better, yet shall I
be gracious in his eye, as who should say
I was the causer of his victory.
Besides, I shall insinuate myself
into the bosom of opinion
and be esteemed my country's buckler.
Well, I'll about it, meaning no man good
but that my speech may shed king Edmund's blood. ... [V.2.110]
[The armies make towards one another when Edricus standing
between sayeth]

EDRICUS: Renowned Edmund, first I speak to thee.
Let these my words, proceeding from true zeal,
beg at thy ears a little audience;
and worthy Canutus, sheathe up thy slaught'ring sword
till I have spoke my mind, that all may see
my words proceed from perfect piety.

EDRICUS: What strive you for, imperious Ironside? ... [V.2.120]
Renowned Canutus, what do you level at?
We daily to appease your mortal wars
offer our slaughtered bodies to the sword,
yet neither of you have the upper hand.
Today he that was foiled tomorrow foils;
he that even now did faintly sound retreat
renews again the fight with double force:
thus in quandaries hangs the victory
and wavering fortune frowns and smiles on both.
Canutus is not to be overcome ... [V.2.130]
because his brother Sveyn doth succor him;
and Edmund likewise is invincible,
for force and valor hews him through his foes.
What then is the' end of this your endless grudge?
None other but when all your men be slain,
you then must fight alone or else accord,
and he that then is king shall rule no men
nor govern nations, for consuming war
will quite devour this solitary isle,
not leaving any over whom to rule ... [V.2.140]
nor to resist foreign invasions.
If love of kingdoms be the cause of this,
suppress the boiling of your haughty minds;
you have approved your soldiers' forwardness,
then now at last shake hands and join in league;
agree like noble kings and part the land;
have now compassion of this little isle,
whose soil is manured with carcasses
and made a sea with blood of innocents;
but if your emulation be so great ... [V.2.150]
that either scorns to have competitors
and brook not equals in your dignities,
fight then alone that would be kings alone:
let not all perish for the wills of two,
but let your swords decide whose title's best.

EDMUND: Edric, thou hitst the mark I level at.
Thy counsel, coming from a zealous heart,
fits in all points our expectation.
Know I accept thereof and offer here
to prove even hand in single fight ... [V.2.160]
which of us two shall wear the diadem.

CANUTUS: Edmund, Report shall never whet her tongue
upon Canutus to eternize thee.
I scorn to stain my reputation
with abject titles of pale cowardice
to make thee famous in opinion's mouth.
I here accept thy challenge and his speech,
glad of so fit a time to be revenged
for all those foul dishonors thou hast done
and glad for sparing of that guiltless blood ... [V.2.170]
which in our quarrels this day had been shed.
Oh, had this day been but a year ago,
many a tall man had been now alive,
many a salt tear had been now unshed
by father's for their son's unhappy deaths,
by mothers for their children's wretched ends
and widows for their husbands' timeless want;
but I am glad this long-expected hour
at last is come.

CANUTUS: My lady, but I will. Will you fight for me?
Give her my sword and shield.
[Edmund and Emma talks together. Edmund turns away.]

EMMA: Yet hear me, good my lord.
Will you on whom the state doth sole depend
our welfare, all the realm's, your friends, and kinsfolk,
hazard the loss of all upon the chance
of fickle fortune, since the better man
is sooner killed by over-hardiness
than an advised coward? Good my lord,
it is undecent you should fight with him, ... [V.2.190]
being no king nor having aught to lose.

EDMUND: Madam, his life is even to him as dear
as mine to me. Besides, he is a prince
of noble blood and high-resolved spirit;
and if he were not, yet my cause being good
and justice on my side, I would not fear --
nay, could not with my honor but accept
the speech of Edric and in single fight
approve my title lawful, good and right.
Then madam, be content, and you shall see ... [V.2.200]
the God in whom I trust will succor me.
Were he Golias, I the little king,
I would not fear, him on his knees to bring;
but he hath rather cause to doubt of me,
I being big and far more strong than he.
[Egina talks with Canutus, Canutus turns away.]

CANUTUS: Then, sweeting, you must learn your tongue to hold.
Nay, now you'll blubber. Go to, take this kiss
and pray for me. Why stay you, Ironside? ... [V.2.210]

EDMUND: Because I think thou art not fit to die,
but rather with Egina fit to cry.
My lords, I do command you, for your lives,
None be so hardy as to succor me
or to approach us ere the fight be done;
but if I die to make my sepulcher
even in the place whereas I took my death,
setting my crown upon Canutus' head
and do to him as to your sovereign.

CANUTUS: Even so, brave followers, I will you do ... [V.2.220]
to Edmund here if Edmund conquer me.
Sound drums and trumpets with your warlike noise!
Either begin my joy or end my joys.
[The trumpets sound. The armies do compass the two
kings in the midst. They fight.]
Stay, hold thy hand, I prithee, breathe awhile.

CANUTUS: Stay, Edmund,
'tis not for I fear thy fortitude
that thus I crave thee stay, but that I want
the use of breath to prosecute the fight.

EDRICUS: I fear Canutus will be overcome;
then shall I wish my tongue, the cause thereof
had been cut out when it began to speak,
for I desire to drink king Edmund's blood
because he ever sought to do me good.

CANUTUS: ~~~ Aye, to be thy death. ... [V.2.240]
[They fight again. Edmund drives Canutus back about the stage.]
Stay, Edmund, stay, Canutus yields to thee.

CANUTUS: Take which of these thou wilt, my hand or sword:
my hand brings friendship firm, immovable;
my sword brings enmity irrevocable.

EDMUND: Brave Canutus, in yielding thou hast won.
That which thy sword could never do,
thy tongue hath brought to pass by gentle speech.
Canutus, take my hand; here lies my sword.
Edmund is thine, his thine, himself and all; ... [V.2.250]
now let us strive who shall demerit best
by mutual kindness who shall be termed a friend.

CANUTUS: How pleasant are these speeches to my ears,
Aeolian music to my dancing heart,
Ambrosian dainties to my starved maw,
sweet-passing Nectar to my thirsty throat,
rare cullises to my sick-glutted mind,
refreshing ointments to my wearied limbs,
and heavenly physic to my earth-sick soul,
which erst was surfeited with woe and war. ... [V.2.260]

EDMUND: Let me embrace thee, war-begotten friend. [They embrace.]
God grant as brothers we may long embrace
and, sweet Egina, for thy husband's sake,
in sigh of love, this kiss from Edmund take. [Edmund kisses Egina.]
But, lords, why stand you still, grieve you to see
Canutus and your king so well agree?

ALFRIC: The inward solace which our hearts conceive
to see peace grow where foul debate was sown,
to see sweet concord spring from discord's womb,
to see war bring forth love and amity, ... [V.2.270]
to see two mortal foes prove faithful friends,
and Mars drink milk instead of purple blood,
doth force our tongues, our hearts' chief orators,
to show with silence joy unspeakable.
Yet, lords, behold, even as you do embrace,
so in dumb shows we all unite our hearts. [The lords embrace.]

LEOFRIC: Turkillus, I do, and must serve the time
and wait upon occasion for revenge.
A day of mirth begins a woeful year, ... [V.2.280]
as sudden storms do follow sunshine clear.

EDMUND: Now, noble lords, let us like friends consult
upon partition of this noble isle.
Yourself shall choose which part you think is best:
the east or west, the right hand or the left.
My court is yours, my counselors are yours,
my friends your friends, thy foe my enemy,
my people yours, my treasure and myself
all are your own, for you shall all command.

CANUTUS: Thanks, noble brother and my second self. ... [V.2.290]
In all thy acts thou dost excel thyself.
Foul shame on them that are thy enemies,
and vengeance light on them that think thee ill.

EDMUND: Go [we] unto our coasts and feast us there,
and there conclude an everlasting peace.
Sound drums and trumpets! Here ends [woeful war].
Thus hand in hand and heart in heart we go.

EDRICUS: And I for one. 'Tis meet it should be so.
[Aside.] Thus wise men can dissemble what they think,
and till occasion fits them, sleeping wink. ... [V.2.300]
But I have sworn and I will keep my vow,
By heaven Ill be revenged on both of you.

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