ference from its original
setting.

The scene ensuing winds up the first part of this composite (or rather,
in one sense of the word, incomposite) poem. It may, on the whole, be
classed as something more than passably good: it is elegant, lively, even
spirited in style; showing at all events a marked advance upon the scene
which I have already stigmatised as a failure--that which attempts to
render the interview between Warwick and the King. It is hardly,
however, I should say, above the highest reach of Greene or Peele at the
smoothest and straightest of his flight. At its opening, indeed, we come
upon a line which inevitably recalls one of the finest touches in a much
later and deservedly more popular historical drama. On being informed by
Derby that

The king is in his closet, malcontent,
For what I know not, but he gave in charge,
Till after dinner, none should interrupt him;
The Countess Salisbury, and her father Warwick.
Artois, and all, look underneath the brows;

on receiving, I say, this ominous intimation, the prompt and
statesmanlike sagacity of Audley leads him at once as by intuition to the
inference thus eloquently expressed in a strain of thrilling and exalted
poetry;

Undoubtedly, then something is amiss.

Who can read this without a reminiscence of Sir Christopher Hatton's
characteristically cautious conclusion at sight of the military
preparations arrayed against the immediate advent of the Armada?

I cannot but surmise--forgive, my friend,
If the conjecture's rash--I cannot but
Surmise the state some danger apprehends!

With the entrance of the King the tone of this scene naturally rises--"in
good time," as most readers will say. His brief interview with the two
nobles has at least the merit of ease and animation.

_Derby_. Befall my sovereign all my sovereign's wish!

_Edward_. Ah, that thou wert a witch, to make it so!

_Derby_. The emperor greeteth you.

_Edward_. Would it were the countess!

_Derby_. And hath accorded to your highness' suit.

_Edward_. Thou liest, she hath not: But I would she had!

_Audley_. All love and duty to my lord the king!

Edward. _Well, all but one is none_:--What news with you?

_Audley_. I have, my liege, levied those horse and foot,
According to your charge, and brought them hither.

_Edward_. Then let those foot trudge hence upon those horse
According to th