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Act 4, Scene 3
Henry VI, Part 3 Translation Act 4, Scene 4
Enter QUEEN ELIZABETH and RIVERS
RIVERS
Madam, what makes you in this sudden change?
RIVERS
Madam, what's caused your sudden change of mood?
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Why brother Rivers, are you yet to learnWhat late misfortune is befall'n King Edward?
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Rivers, my brother, haven't you heard about the recent catastrophe that has happened to King Edward?
RIVERS
What! Loss of some pitch'd battle against Warwick?
RIVERS
What happened? Did he lose some battle against Warwick?
QUEEN ELIZABETH
No, but the loss of his own royal person.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
No, but he's lost his power.
RIVERS
Then is my sovereign slain?
RIVERS
You mean my king's been killed?
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Ay, almost slain, for he is taken prisoner, Either betray'd by falsehood of his guard Or by his foe surprised at unawares: And, as I further have to understand, Is new committed to the Bishop of York, Fell Warwick's brother and by that our foe.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Yes, almost killed, since he has been captured and taken prisoner. He was either betrayed by the treachery of his guards or else his enemy ambushed him unexpectedly. And, as I also understand, he is now in the custody of the Archbishop of York, cruel Warwick's brother and, therefore, our enemy.
RIVERS
These news I must confess are full of grief;Yet, gracious madam, bear it as you may:Warwick may lose, that now hath won the day.
RIVERS
I must admit this is miserable news. Yet, dear lady, deal with your grief as best you can. Warwick may still lose the war even though he won the battle.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Till then fair hope must hinder life's decay. And I the rather wean me from despair For love of Edward's offspring in my womb: This is it that makes me bridle passion And bear with mildness my misfortune's cross; Ay, ay, for this I draw in many a tear And stop the rising of blood-sucking sighs, Lest with my sighs or tears I blast or drown King Edward's fruit, true heir to the English crown.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Until then, I'll hold on to hope to delay my life falling apart. And I especially want to avoid despair because I so love Edward's child that's growing inside of me. This is what makes me hold back my emotions and bear my bad luck calmly. Yes, yes, it's because of this that I will prevent myself again and again from crying a lot and I'll stop myself from sighing too. I'm afraid my sighs and tears could blow away or drown King Edward's unborn baby, the true heir to the English crown.
RIVERS
But, madam, where is Warwick then become?
RIVERS
But, madam, where has Warwick now gone?
QUEEN ELIZABETH
I am inform'd that he comes towards London, To set the crown once more on Henry's head: Guess thou the rest; King Edward's friends must down, But, to prevent the tyrant's violence,— For trust not him that hath once broken faith,— I'll hence forthwith unto the sanctuary, To save at least the heir of Edward's right: There shall I rest secure from force and fraud. Come, therefore, let us fly while we may fly: If Warwick take us we are sure to die.
QUEEN ELIZABETH
I was told that he is coming to London to crown Henry as king again. You can guess the rest. King Edward's friends must be defeated. But, to avoid the tyrant Edward's violence—because you should never trust someone who has once already broken a vow—I'll hide in safety, to protect Edward's rightful heir at least. In a safe place, I can rest easy and not have to worry about violence or treachery. Come, then, and let us flee while we still can. If Warwick captures us, we will surely die.
Exeunt
