The argument of the third Act.

1.  IN the first Scene Cador and Howell incite and exhort Arthur vnto warre: Who mooued with Fatherly affection towards his sonne, notwithstanding their perswasions resolueth vpon peace.   2.  In the second Scene, an Herault is sent from Mordred to commaund Arthur to discharge his armies vnder paine of death, or otherwise if he dare, to trie it by Battaile.   3.  In the third Scene Arthur calleth his Assistants and Souldiers together, whom he exhorteth to pursue their foes.   4.  In the fourth Scene Arthur between griefe and despaire resolueth to warre. The Argument and manner of the third dumbe shewe. DVring the Musicke after the second Act. There came vppon the stage two gentlemen attyred in peaceable manner, which brought with them a Table, Carpet, and Cloth: and then hauing couered the Table they furnisht it with incense on the one ende, and banqueting dishes on the other ende: Next there came two gentlemen apparelled like Souldiers with two naked Swordes in their handes, the which they laide a crosse vpon the Table. Then there came two sumptuously attyred and warrelike, who, spying this preparation smelled the incense and tasted the banquet. During the which there came a Messenger and deliuered certaine letters to those two that fedde on the daineties: who, after they had well viewed and perused the letters, furiously flung the banquet vnder feete: and violently snatching the Swordes vnto them, they hastily went their way. By the first two that brought in the banquet was meant the seruaunts of Peace, by the second two were meant the seruaunts of Warre: By the two last were meant Arthur and Cador. By the Messenger and his Letters was meant the defiance from Mordred.

Preceding

Contents

Following