Page:Henry VI Part 2 (1923) Yale.djvu/144

132  Then, noble York, take thou this task in hand. These lines introduce York's Lieutenancy in Ireland (1448–1450), which in the first scene of the play is alluded to as already past. See note on I. i. 195.

 Now, York, or never, steel thy fearful thoughts, And change misdoubt to resolution. In the original (Contention) version these lines have a very different spirit:

'Now, York, bethink thyself and rouse thee vp,

Take time whilst it is offered thee so fair.'

The speech as a whole, which has been expanded from twenty-four to fifty-three lines, is a very good example of the change Shakespeare's revision has wrought in York's character. The fearless, positive, and unscrupulous figure of the Contention is in the present play half concealed by an addition of sentimental, imaginative, and irresolute fancy.

 I have seduc'd a headstrong Kentishman, John Cade of Ashford, To make commotion, as full well he can, Under the title of John Mortimer. 'A certeine yoong man, of a goodlie stature and right pregnant of wit, was intised to take vpon him the name of Iohn Mortimer, coosine to the duke of Yorke; (although his name was Iohn Cade, or, of some, Iohn Mend-all, an Irishman, as Polychronicon saith).' (Holinshed.) The chroniclers do not assert that York was privy to Cade's rebellion. Lines 360-370, reciting Cade's performances in Ireland under the eye of York, are all new with the reviser of the play. They were probably inspired by Holinshed's remark that some authorities called Cade an Irishman.

 In the Folio text Suffolk enters with the King, Queen, and the rest, having gone out previously with the Murderers. Thus a new scene should properly begin at this point; and this would be logical since Gloucester's death took place at a