The Third part of King Henry the Sixth — Act 5, Scene 3: Another part of the field.

After his victory at Barnet, King Edward IV enters in triumph with Gloucester, Clarence, and the rest of his followers. He says his fortunes are still rising, but he sees danger in the queen’s French-backed army, which is now landing and marching toward them. Clarence tries to dismiss the threat, while Gloucester warns that the queen’s force under Somerset and Oxford is large and could grow stronger if given time. Edward says loyal allies have told him the enemy is moving toward Tewkesbury, and he decides to march there at once. Confident that more men will join him along the way, he orders the drums beaten and leads his company off.

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Thus far our fortune keeps an upward course,

And we are graced with wreaths of victory.

But, in the midst of this bright-shining day,

I spy a black, suspicious, threatening cloud,

That will encounter with our glorious sun,

Ere he attain his easeful western bed:

I mean, my lords, those powers that the queen

Hath raised in Gallia have arrived our coast

And, as we hear, march on to fight with us.

A little gale will soon disperse that cloud

And blow it to the source from whence it came:

The very beams will dry those vapours up,

For every cloud engenders not a storm.

The queen is valued thirty thousand strong,

And Somerset, with Oxford fled to her:

If she have time to breathe be well assured

Her faction will be full as strong as ours.

We are advertised by our loving friends

That they do hold their course toward Tewksbury:

We, having now the best at Barnet field,

Will thither straight, for willingness rids way;

And, as we march, our strength will be augmented

In every county as we go along.

Strike up the drum; cry 'Courage!' and away.