Mayor. I am ready as thou canst desire. On then, a God's name! [They fight. The rebels drive them back. Then enter Falconbridge and Spicing. Fal. This was well fought. Now, Spicing, list to me. The citizens thus having given us ground, And therefore somewhat daunted, take a band Spi. Oh, brave Tom Neville, gallant Falconbridge, I aim at thy intended policy; This is thy meaning; while thou art employ'd [After some excursions, enter Lord Mayor. We have recover'd what before we lost, Trust in thy valour and thy loyalty, Draw forth three hundred bowmen and some pikes, And presently encounter their assault. Shore. I have your meaning; and effect, my lord, I trust shall disappoint them of their hope. [Exit. {After an alarum, enter Spicing with a Drum, and certain Soldiers. Spi. Come on, my hearts, we will be kings to-night, Carouse in gold, and sleep with merchants' wives, While their poor husbands lose their lives abroad: We are now quite behind our enemies' backs, [As he marches, thinking to enter the Gates, Shore and his Soldiers issue forth and repulse him. After excursions, wherein the Rebels are dispersed, enter Mayor, Recorder, Shore, Josselin, and a Messenger talking with the Mayor. Mayor. Ay, my good friend, so certify his Grace, The rebels are dispersed all and fled, And now his Highness meets with victory. [Exit Messenger. Marshal yourselves, and keep in good array. Who always helps true subjects in their need! [The trumpets sound, and then enter King Edward, Lord Howard, Sellinger, and the train. King. Where is my Lord Mayor? Mayor. I hold no lordship nor no dignity Here, dread Sovereign. In presence of my gracious lord the King. King. You have not ta'en the bastard Falconbridge, Or is he slain? Mayor. Neither, my gracious lord. Although we labour'd to our uttermost. Yet all our care came over-short For apprehending him or Spicing either: But some are taken; others on proffer'd grace King. Thanks, good lord Mayor. You may condemn us Of too much slackness in such urgent need; But we assure you on our royal word, So soon as we had gather'd us a power, We dallied not, but made all haste we could. Mayor. Under your leave, my liege, we have proclaim'd Well have ye done; King. That have so well deserv'd in these affairs, [Draws his sword and knights them. Arise Sir John Crosby, Lord Mayor of London and Knight. Arise up Sir Ralph Josselin, Knight. Arise Sir Thomas Urswick, our Recorder of London and Knight. Now tell me which is Master Shore. Mayor. This same, my lord; And hand to hand he fought with Falconbridge. King. Shore, kneel thou down. What call ye else his name? Rec. His name is Matthew Shore, my lord. King. Shore ! Why kneel'st thou not, and at thy Sovereign's hand Shore. Pardon me, gracious lord. I do not stand contemptuous, or despising But to acknowledge mine unworthiness. Far be it from the thought of Matthew Shore That he should be advanc'd with Aldermen, With our Lord Mayor, and our right grave Recorder. If any thing hath been perform'd by me, That may deserve your Highness' mean'st respect, Then let me crave that I may have no more. We will devise to 'quittance thy deserts, Now let me tell ye, all my friends at once, D And bring your King a little on his way. Mayor. Now God forbid but that my lord the King Should always have his subjects at command! Jos. Forbid, quotha! Ay, in good sadness: your majesty shall find us always ready, and so forth. King. Why, then, set forward, gentlemen; And come, lord Mayor, I must confer with you. [Exeunt. SCENE III.—The same. Enter Falconbridge and Spicing, with their weapons in their hands. Spi. Art thou the man whose victories drawn at sea Is this the greatest comfort thou can'st give? And now dost bid us shift and save ourselves! No, craven! were I sure I should be ta'en, I would not stir my feet, until this hand Fal. Opprobrious villain! stable excrement! |