If case some one of you would fly from us, [ced034] That there’s no hoped-for mercy with the brothers [ced035] More than with ruthless waves, with sands and rocks. Why, courage then! what cannot be avoided ’Twere childish weakness to lament or fear. _Prince._ Methinks a woman of this valiant spirit Should, if a coward heard her speak these words, ·ced040· Infuse his breast with magnanimity And make him, naked, foil a man at arms. I speak not this as doubting any here; For did I but suspect a fearful man, He should have leave to go away betimes, ·ced045· Lest in our need he might infect another And make him of like spirit to himself. If any such be here--as God forbid!-- Let him depart before we need his help. _Oxf._ Women and children of so high a courage, ·ced050· And warriors faint! why, ’twere perpetual shame. O brave young prince! thy famous grandfather Doth live again in thee: long mayst thou live To bear his image and renew his glories! _Som._ And he that will not fight for such a hope, ·ced055· Go home to bed, and like the owl by day, If he arise, be mock’d and wonder’d at. _Q. Mar._ Thanks, gentle Somerset; sweet Oxford, thanks. _Prince._ And take his thanks that yet hath nothing else. _Enter a_ Messenger. _Mess._ Prepare you, lords, for Edward is at hand, ·ced060· Ready to fight; therefore be resolute. _Oxf._ I thought no less: it is his policy To haste thus fast, to find us unprovided. _Som._ But he’s deceived; we are in readiness. _Q. Mar._ This cheers my heart, to see your forwardness. ·ced065· _Oxf._ Here pitch our battle; hence we will not budge. [ced066] _Flourish and March. Enter_ KING EDWARD, GLOUCESTER, CLARENCE, _and soldiers_. _K. Edw._ Brave followers, yonder stands the thorny wood, [ced067] Which, by the heavens’ assistance and your strength, Must by the roots be hewn up yet ere night. I need not add more fuel to your fire, ·ced070· For well I wot ye blaze to burn them out: Give signal to the fight, and to it, lords! [ced072] _Q. Mar._ Lords, knights, and gentlemen, what I should say My tears gainsay; for every word I speak, Ye see, I drink the water of mine eyes. [ced075] Therefore, no more but this: Henry, your sovereign, Is prisoner to the foe; his state usurp’d, His realm a slaughter-house, his subjects slain, His statutes cancell’d and his treasure spent; And yonder is the wolf that makes this spoil. ·ced080· You fight in justice: then, in God’s name, lords, Be valiant, and give signal to the fight. [ced082] [_Alarum: Retreat: Excursions. Exeunt._ SCENE V. _Another part of the field_. _Flourish. Enter_ KING EDWARD, GLOUCESTER, CLARENCE, _and soldiers; with_ QUEEN MARGARET, OXFORD, _and_ SOMERSET, _prisoners_.