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100

And Buckingham, back'd with the hardy Welshmen,

Is in the field, and still his power increaseth.

K. Rich. Ely with Richmond troubles me more near

Than Buckingham and his rash-levied strength.

Come; I have learn'd that fearful commenting

Is leaden servitor to dull delay.

Delay leads impotent and snail-pac'd beggary:

Then fiery expedition be my wing,

Jove's Mercury, and herald for a king!

Go, muster men: my counsel is my shield;

We must be brief when traitors brave the field.

Exeunt.

Q. Mar. So, now prosperity begins to mellow

And drop into the rotten mouth of death.

Here in these confines slily have I lurk'd

To watch the waning of mine enemies.

A dire induction am I witness to,

And will to France, hoping the consequence

Will prove as bitter, black, and tragical.

Withdraw thee, wretched Margaret: who comes here?

Q. Eliz. Ah! my poor princes! ah, my tender babes,

My unblown flowers, new-appearing sweets,

 48 power: body of troops; cf. n.

49 near: closely

50 rash-levied: hastily raised

51 fearful commenting: timorous discussion

52 leaden: figuratively for 'slow'

54 expedition: haste

55 Jove's Mercury; cf. n.

57 brave: boastfully dispute  3 confines: regions, territories

6 to France; cf. n.

10 unblown: unblossomed, budding

