_Marg._ Then he shall find us ready. Now, my lords! Remember, half our hopes rest on this onset.-- Some one prepare the King. [_A KNIGHT enters the Tent._ If on the border Of England, here, we cut but boldly through The troops opposed to intercept our passage, The afterwork is easy:-- Where's my young son!--then, like a rolling flood, That once has broke its mound, we'll pour upon The affrighted country, sweeping all before Our flood of power, till we penetrate The very heart on't.---- Go, bring the Prince of Wales!--Now, gallant soldiers, Fight lustily to-day, and all the rest Is sport and holiday. _Enter an OFFICER with the young PRINCE._ My son!--my boy. Come to thy mother's bosom! Heaven, who sees The anxious workings of a parent's heart, Knows what I feel for thee! Alas! alas! It grieves me sore to have thee here, my child! The rough, unkindly blasts of pitiless war Suit not thy tender years. _Prince._ Why, mother, Mustn't I be a soldier? And 'tis time I should begin my exercise--by and bye 'Twill be too late to learn--and yet I wish That I were bigger now, for your sake, mother. _Marg._ Why, boy? _Prince._ Oh! you know well enough, for all your asking. Do you think, if I were strong enough to fight, I'd let these raw-boned fellows plague you so? _Marg._ My sweet, brave boy!--Come, lords, and gentlemen; Let us go cheerily to work! If woman, In whose weak, yielding breast, nature puts forth Her softest composition, can shake off Her idle fears,--what may not you perform? And you shall see me now, steel'd by th' occasion, So far unsex myself, that tho' grim death (Breaking the pale of time) shall stride the field, With slaught'rous step,--and, prematurely, plunge His dart in vigorous bosoms, till the earth Is purple-dyed in gore--still will I stand Fix'd as the oak, when tempests sweep the forest. But, still, one woman's fear--one touch of nature, Tugs at my heartstrings--'tis for thee, my child! --Oh! may the white-robed angel, That watches over baby innocence, Hear a fond mother's prayer, and in the battle Cast his protecting mantle round thee!--On-- Away. [_Exit._