Act 4 — Scene IV. York. The Archbishop's palace.
Reading edition
Enter the Archbishop of York and Sir Michael.[3012]
Arch. Hie, good Sir Michael; bear this sealed brief[3013] With winged haste to the lord marshal;[3014] This to my cousin Scroop, and all the rest To whom they are directed. If you knew[3015] How much they do import, you would make haste.[3015]5 Sir M. My good lord,[3016][3017] I guess their tenour.[3017] Arch. Like enough you do.[3018] To-morrow, good Sir Michael, is a day Wherein the fortune of ten thousand men Must bide the touch; for, sir, at Shrewsbury,10 As I am truly given to understand, The king with mighty and quick-raised power Meets with Lord Harry: and, I fear, Sir Michael, What with the sickness of Northumberland, Whose power was in the first proportion,15 And what with Owen Glendower's absence thence,[3019] Who with them was a rated sinew too[3020] And comes not in, o'er-ruled by prophecies,[3021] I fear the power of Percy is too weak To wage an instant trial with the king.20 Sir M. Why, my good lord, you need not fear;[3022][3023] There is Douglas and Lord Mortimer.[3022][3024][3025] Arch. No, Mortimer is not there.[3025] Sir M. But there is Mordake, Vernon, Lord Harry Percy,[3026] And there is my Lord of Worcester and a head[3027][3028]25 Of gallant warriors, noble gentlemen.[3027] Arch. And so there is: but yet the king hath drawn The special head of all the land together: The Prince of Wales, Lord John of Lancaster, The noble Westmoreland and warlike Blunt;30 And many moe corrivals and dear men[3029] Of estimation and command in arms. Sir M. Doubt not, my lord, they shall be well opposed.[3030] Arch. I hope no less, yet needful 'tis to fear; And, to prevent the worst, Sir Michael, speed:35 For if Lord Percy thrive not, ere the king[3031] Dismiss his power, he means to visit us, For he hath heard of our confederacy,[3032] And 'tis but wisdom to make strong against him: Therefore make haste. I must go write again40 To other friends; and so farewell, Sir Michael. [Exeunt.